News: Siminovitch Prize in Theatre announces new partnerships (Press release)

The Siminovitch Prize in Theatre announces new partnerships with University of Toronto and RBC Foundation

The Siminovitch Prize in Theatre to be awarded October 21, 2013

TORONTO, July 24, 2013 - Today the Siminovitch Prize in Theatre announced new partnerships with the University of Toronto and the RBC Foundation to support Canada's largest theatre award, the 2013 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre. The Siminovitch Prize will be awarded October 21, 2013 at Hart House Theatre at the University of Toronto, organizers announced today.

"Over the last few months, many individuals and organizations have rallied together to support the Siminovitch Prize and help ensure that its legacy and impact on Canadian theatre continues," said Dr. Lou Siminovitch. "We are delighted to partner with University of Toronto and RBC Foundation and proud to announce that we are accepting nominations for this year's prize which will be awarded in the fall."

The deadline for nominations is Monday, September 16, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. EST. For nomination guidelines and to download the nomination form visit siminovitchprize.com.

Created in 2001, the Siminovitch Prize in Theatre recognizes excellence in direction, playwriting and design on a three-year cycle and goes to an artist who is deemed to be in mid-career. Accordingly, the 2013 Siminovitch Prize will be awarded to a professional director. The $100,000 award allows the recipient to take his/her craft to the next level of accomplishment, while encouraging a next generation artist by allocating $25,000 of the prize money to a protégé of the recipient's choice. This year's Protégé Prize is generously supported by the RBC Emerging Artist Project.

"The RBC Emerging Artist Project is committed to helping identify and support artists in the early stages of their careers," said Shari Austin, vice-president, Corporate Citizenship, RBC and executive director, RBC Foundation. "We are excited to partner with the Siminovitch Prize to recognize the next generation of Canadian artists who have demonstrated potential but need some assistance." University of Toronto will host the prize announcement ceremony at historic Hart House on Monday, October 21, 2013.

About the Siminovitch Prize in Theatre
The Siminovitch Prize in Theatre honours professional directors, playwrights and designers by acknowledging excellence while encouraging even greater exploration and originality in Canadian theatre. The Siminovitch Prize was created in 2001 and is dedicated to distinguished scientist Lou Siminovitch and his late wife Elinore, a playwright. A jury awards the $100,000 prize annually. Previous recipients include director Daniel Brooks (2001), playwright Carole Fréchette (2002), director Jillian Keiley (2004), playwright Daniel MacIvor (2008), designer Ronnie Burkett (2009), and director Kim Collier (2010). For more information visit siminovitchprize.com.

About RBC and the Arts
RBC supports a wide-range of grassroots and local initiatives that contribute to the cultural fabric of our communities. Through the RBC Emerging Artist Project, RBC provides opportunities for up-and-coming artists through programs such as the RBC Canadian Painting Competition and the RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition. In 2012, RBC contributed more than $95 million to causes worldwide, including donations and community investments of more than $64 million and $31 million in sponsorships. For more information, please visit rbc.com.