The OnComm Performance Awards
What they are
The OnComms (Online Commendations) are a new type of award for theatre presented online. The OnComms are being launched by OffWestEnd, the London-based hub for independent, alternative and fringe theatre – www.offwestend.com.
How it works
You can invite the OnComm assessors to view your online production or event. If they decide it is award-worthy and it receives sufficient recommendations, it will then be put forward for an OnComm. Once approved, the OnComm will be announced online and via social media.
Eligibility criteria
OnComms will be awarded in a number of categories, including:
- filmed versions of shows presented prior to 1 January 2020
- filmed versions of shows first presented after 1 January 2020
- filmed shows for young people
- new shows or events presented using online tools such as Zoom or Slack.
As the OnComm is an online award, the venue or company can be based anywhere. However, we can only assess English language performances.
How to apply
Register with Scenesaver and add your production: https://www.scenesaver.co.uk/add-production/
You will need this information:
- Name of show
- Producer(s)
- Type of show – e.g. drama, comedy, musical, etc.
- Some background and information about the show
- URL where people can see it
- Any relevant dates / times – e.g. available from / until, or a specific screening time
Then send an email with your Scenesaver show link to info@scenesaver.co.uk
Costs
There is no charge to be considered for an OnComm award.
Income to you
Scenesaver is committed to helping to generate funds for the creative sector in these difficult times. When you upload your footage, Scenesaver will encourages its users and subscribers to view your work and they will be invited to make a donation – perhaps equivalent to the cost of a ticket – and, at this time, 100% of these donations will be passed to the company or venue presenting that show or event.
About OffWestEnd
OffWestEnd supports and celebrates the work of over 100 independent, alternative and fringe theatres across London. Established over 10 years ago, it is now a well respected and popular hub for information on the work of all these theatres.
Each (normal) year, OffWestEnd assessors see over 400 shows across London and propose nominations in the various Offies awards categories, which include performance, design, technical areas, music and directing. The annual Offies awards ceremony is now the highlight of the “offwestend” calendar – attracting over 500 guests when it was last held in March 2020.
The talent and creativity of many well known names – including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Rufus Norris, Ardal O’Hanlon and Arinzé Kene – were first recognised with an Offie award or started their careers at an OffWestEnd venue.
