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Since 1975 UNIMA-USA
has awarded Citations of Excellence (the "UNI") that recognize
and reward the best of the puppetry arts in this country. In addition
to encouraging worthy puppeteers, the goal of the Citations program
is to provide credible recognition that will aid puppeteers as they
seek audiences in this country and abroad. The Citations are awarded
to shows that touch their audiences deeply; that totally engage, enchant
and enthrall. In meeting the criteria for excellent puppetry, Citation-worthy
shows must also stand as prime examples of excellent theatre.
(If you think you have a show that meets
these criteria, let us know.)
There are approximately 43 reviewers throughout the country who are
charged with seeing shows and nominating those that, in the opinion
of the reviewer, are the best of our art. A reviewer can make as many
nominations as he or she wants. Once a production has been nominated
it must receive a total of 3 votes to receive a citation. There is
no limit on the number of citations that can be awarded in a given
year and so no production is ever in competition with another.
(If you would like your work nominated,
fill out our online Request for Review Form.)
The 2008
Citations of Excellence were awarded during the Puppeteers of America
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Regional Festival- July 10-13 in College Park, MD The
winners are..
| The
Goal |
The UNIMA-USA
Citation recognizes excellence in the art of puppet theatre.
Citation-quality shows exalt-- and exemplify the best of-- the
art of puppetry in North America. Through these awards, UNIMA-USA
seeks to stimulate and reward excellent puppet theatre.
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| The
Review Panels |
The
UNIMA-USA Citations Committee includes 43 reviewer/members located
throughout the United States and Canada. A separate committee
of 18 film/video experts review Recorded Media applicants' works.
Reviewers are nominated to the committee by the UNIMA-USA Board
but, once nominated, their names are kept confidential. Only
the Committee Chair maintains contact with the reviewers.
(If you would like your
work nominated, fill out our online Request for Review Form.)
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| The
Process |
The
Criteria |
| Reviewers
are asked to view as many shows as possible throughout the year,
particularly shows that play in their local areas and shows
that have received a request for review. When reviewers see
a show they wish to nominate for a Citation, they complete a
Citation Recommendation Form and send it to the Committee Chair.
If possible, they send the chair information on future play
dates, so the information can be passed along to other reviewers
in time for them to view the show. At the end of the year, reviewers
are asked to send a brief report on shows viewed during the
year, as well as any recommendations not previously submitted.
Reviewers cannot nominate a production in which they are personally
involved. |
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Tastes
differ. Few shows will be acclaimed by all. Many reviewers nominate
at most one show a year, and very few nominate more than three.
Although many reviewers will see a show at a Festival and many
may like it, it is typical for few to recommend it. To award
a show with a recommendation, it must touch a reviewer deeply.
It must totally engage, enchant, and enthrall. |
| The
criteria generally used by reviewers include:
- Script
(plot, character development, dialog, structure)
- Direction
(blocking, pacing, tempo, flow mood, focus)
- Acting
(manipulation, emotional range, characterization)
- Design
(sets, costumes, puppets, lighting, props, special
effects)
- Sound
(music, voices, balance, effects)
-
Overall (dramatic effect, appropriateness,
originality)
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| Schedule |
The 2008
Citations were awarded at during the Puppeteers of America
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Regional Festival- July 10-13 in College Park, MD. Recommendations for next year's Citations
are due by April
1, 2009. Send
to: Marianne Tucker, Citations Committee Chair, 2026 Susquehanna Rd., Abington, PA 19001-4006
or e-mail: tucktale@aol.com.
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| Puppetry
in Film and Video |
Eligibility:
To be eligible for this category, a puppet show or documentary
must be produced for a recorded medium (primarily, but not exclusively,
film and video), rather than a live performance that is taped
for archival purposes -- or for purposes of qualifying in this
category. To the fullest extent possible, criteria of the existing
Citations in live theater apply, i.e.: Citation-quality shows
exalt--and exemplify the best of--the art of Puppetry in North
America. They must score high on script, direction, acting,
design and sound. Additionally, they should represent a superior
example of videography, cinematography or relevant recording
technology.
The live theater category excludes puppetry for other uses (therapy,
education, religion, etc.). Similarly, this category recognizes
recordings of puppetry intended as dramatic, artistic. documentary,
or theatrical entertainment (primarily, but not exclusively,
television and motion pictures.). As with the live theater category,
this category gives primary recognition to a production and
producing organization, but individual performers may be recognized
as well.
The theater category recognizes work in which puppetry is the
central, not peripheral, element -- although puppetry may mix
with other elements, such as human actors. Similarly, this category
recognizes recording of puppetry in which puppets are the central,
not peripheral, element. That excludes entries centering on
human actors or other non-puppets, with puppets used only for
isolated special effects.
Definition of Puppetry:
For the purposes of this Citations category, Puppetry is defined
as the manipulation and animation of an object to create the
illusion of life. This definition eliminates 2-D cel animation
and computer graphics, when those graphics do not originate
in the manipulation of an object, such as an "electronic
Waldo."
The Process:
Reviewers are asked to view as many candidates as possible throughout
the year. They can nominate any recorded performance they see
that meet the criteria. Puppeteers and producers can request
reviews of any work scheduled for presentation, and viewing
information can be sent to reviewers on a timely basis. Candidates
can also request that directors of regional and national festivals
schedule their video for viewing in video rooms at those festivals.
At least once per year, the Committee Chair will distribute
tapes submitted for consideration. (Note: A television series
-- regardless of the number of individual episodes – will
be considered as a single entry for nomination.)
Any production (meeting all other criteria) is eligible for
two years after its first public viewing, and has to receive
three nominations during that time. Citations will be awarded
coincident with the awarding of Citations in the live performance
category.
Review Panel Structure:
The Citations Committee Chair is authorized to recruit and maintain
an anonymous panel of at least 15 experts in the field of Puppetry
for film and/or video. The Chair will solicit nominations from
the panel at least once per year. |
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