Gotta sing! Gotta dance! Gotta vote!

While Hollywood celebs have their eyes on some little yellow orbs today, the local musical theatre community have theirs on the Ovation Awards, which celebrate musical theatre in the Lower Mainland.  But where the winners of those globes are chosen by a few foreigners, Vancouver area audiences have the opportunity to determine who walks away with these awards.

Produced as a celebration of the local musical theatre community by Vancouver’s Applause Musical Society, the Ovation Awards recognize outstanding achievement in eighteen different categories and includes both community and professional productions in 2011.

In addition to the statues given out in categories such as outstanding production, director and performances, financial awards are also given to outstanding newcomers and a locally written show.  A special long-term achievement award will also be handed out to an individual who has contributed more than ten years to the local musical theatre community.

As an Ovation Awards host, presenter and winner (and loser) in previous years, Fighting Chance Productions' Artistic Director Ryan Mooney says he realizes the value and importance of the awards on the Vancouver musical theatre scene.

"It's a night where professionals mix with amatuers and a night to celebrate the year we've had, and look forward to the year to come," said Mooney. "I can not imagine a year without the Ovation Awards. It's a night I look forward to full of catching up with old friends, meeting new friends and getting to see some great performances."

Voting for the awards opens online today to the general public through Thursday, January 26, 2012 with voters being allowed to cast a single ballot in each category.  An advance list of nominees was not available at press time.

The awards will be handed out at a live show on Sunday, January 29, 2012 and will feature musical numbers from over thirty of the musicals presented in 2011.

8th Annual Ovation Awards Voting

Public voting takes place January 15 - 26, 2012 online at http://www.applausemusical.com.

8th Annual Ovation Awards Show
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Vancouver Academy of Music

Pre-show reception at 6pm followed by show at 7pm. Tickets are $30.00 online at www.brownpapertickets.com or $40.00 at the door if there are any available.