David Armstrong

Candide, 5th Avenue

From the nomination panel: You cannot deny the artistic vision that stemmed from having Mr. Armstrong at the helm. David Armstrong took a musical that was notably difficult to stage throughout the years and made of it one of the best pieces of theatre in Seattle for years. No one in this town loves musicals more than David, and nobody understands them better.

Kurt Beattie

Rock ‘n Roll, ACT

From the nomination panel: Luminous staging of this challenging, rewarding elegy for the political and cultural tumult of the 1960s. [Kurt] keeps the pace brisk through the ideological battles… This production is alive with interesting characters, real meaning, and – let’s face it – really awesome music.

Greg Carter

The Laramie Project, Strawberry Theatre Workshop

From the nomination panel: This was a fantastic, well acted, well-directed show. One of the best shows of the year.
Laramie was seamless in its transitions and the way each talented actor’s energy was focused into portraying their multiple characters with great sensitivity and honesty.

SHEILA DANIELS – RECIPIENT

*Members’ Voice Nominee

Electra and Much Ado About Nothing, Seattle Shakespeare Company; Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Intiman

From the nomination panel: She is a staple in the industry and is constantly creating new works and new ways to enjoy a performance. Easily one of the finest directors in the region – her shows are always strongly visionary and yet collaborative treats. Daniels always brings intelligence, expertise and insight to her productions. Daniels is one of Seattle’s best directors, and she did a phenomenal job with these shows, demonstrating both a higher intellectual commitment to the theatre, as well as the ability to find the humanity in complex socio-political drama.

Jane Jones

The Cider House Rules Part 1, Book-It

From the nomination panel: The show was tight, flowed beautifully, and leapt off the stage. It was clear to see the director embodied the show but also made it her own, with whimsical scene changes and a great sense of humor. Jane Jones is a master storyteller. She used the magic of the medium of the theatre as the genesis for most “effects” in the show, and the result was powerful and memorable.

Victor Pappas

The Trip to Bountiful, ACT; Two By Pinter, Shadow and Light Theatre; Follies in Concert, Showtunes Theatre Company

From the nomination panel: Just the right man for the The Trip to Bountiful, an actors’ director too long absent from Seattle.