Naturally, the Metropolitan Atlanta Theater Awards would love to just show up to every theater in Atlanta and review each and every production they have on their schedule. However, this is not a possible thing to accomplish given the number of community and non-union professional theaters there are that are established within the Atlanta area, as well as the limited number of judges willing to volunteer their time to review these shows. A method had to be established to keep the production submissions at a reasonable level so the judges would not feel overwhelmed.
Therefore, each metro area non-equity theater is required to fill out an application to be considered for the upcoming season. Applications are avaiable online or by contacting the President or Vice President of the MAT Awards. As long as a theater hasn't been dismissed from a previous season for misconduct or unethical behaviour, the application will automatically be accepted. Theaters are permitted to submit one musical, one play, and unlimited original works as long as the actual performance of that production (not rehearsal) falls within the season's timeframe. However, each show they submit must also include membership dues (established at the beginning of each season), per production submission. This covers the award plaques, the ceremony invitations, etc. that the MAT Awards incur (Note: The theater will get a 100% return on their investment if any single person is nominated from their production).
It is up to the theater to decide what the production submissions are, but the application must be submitted with the slate no later than June 1st. Some exceptions will be made depending on circumstances. However, a strict adherence to the rules is encouraged and enforced by the MAT Board. Any theater that is brought into question about either participating or being removed from the season will be voted on by the MAT Board. "Out of Area" Theaters will be considered on a case by case basis to participate each season.
