Monthly meeting of judges

Our judges have wide theatrical experience. They were selected for their intense interest and extensive experience in the performing arts, both as performers and especially as audience members.

Judges demonstrate this enthusiasm and support for the theatre by donating their time and skills, paying all travel costs and meals. Accommodation for regional visits is paid by the CAT Awards.

Our judges do not operate as critics, but it has been necessary to adopt one practice of critics: to not discuss performances with members of the companies visited.

After attending the show, judges make assessments of the production’s worthiness for nomination against each of the categories for which it is eligible, using as an aid a simple but effective points rating system. Where appropriate, judges make nominations of worthy performances. They also note any scenes or numbers that could be extracted for performance at the Nominations and Awards ceremonies.

Each month, the Judging Panel discusses the productions seen and documents any potential nominations.

At special meetings in December, selections of the best in each category are made from the nominations through a process of spirited debate, leading to consensus.