Participation Rules

This page provides the complete framework for the 202MAT Awards Season, which runs from . Here, participating theatres and individual artists can download the official Participation Rules to ensure their productions remain eligible for adjudication. This document serves as the definitive guide for everything from membership requirements and judge qualifications to the specific criteria for each of our award categories.

Key Highlights for the 2026-2027 Season

It is highly recommended that all Theatre Representatives and Judges review the full document, as new rule changes for this season are noted in red. Here are a few critical points to keep in mind:

• Adjudication Requirements: Every theatre must provide one Primary Judge and one Alternate Judge for each production category they enter. Failure to provide judges requires a membership fee of $100.00 per production.
• Production Eligibility: Submitted productions must perform at least four performances over a timeframe where no less than 50% of the dates fall within the 2027 season.
• Non-Union Standards: To maintain the integrity of our community and non-union professional categories, productions may use no more than two union-contracted actors, who must be hired under a "Special Appearance" agreement.
• Judge's Experience: All judges must possess acceptable theatrical experience in acting, directing, or technical roles and are required to sign in at the box office for every production they score.
• Deadlines: Applications and membership dues for the 2026-2027 season must be submitted by December 1, 2026.