The Drama Desk Award, presented since 1955, is the only award that recognizes excellence in shows produced in all sectors of New York theatre, including Broadway, off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway and legitimate not-for-profit theaters.McKinley, Jesse. "Modern Millie Leads Drama Desk Awards", The New York Times, May 20, 2002, accessed June 8, 2009 It is widely considered one of the top American theater awards."Baylor's Traveling Lady Production Receives Drama Desk Nomination", Baylor University, April 28, 2006, accessed June 8, 2009 The honor complements the Tony Awards, which focus solely on Broadway shows.

Background

Originally called the Vernon Rice Awards in honor of theater critic Vernon Rice of the New York Post, the name was changed in 1963. In its earliest years, a small number of prizes were awarded, but there now are as many categories as there are for the Tonys. In the first fifteen years of the award, Broadway shows were not eligible. In 1968, Broadway shows began to compete with other New York productions head-to-head in each category. Only winners were announced in the early years, but in 1975, the Drama Desk began to announce nominees in advance.Riedel, Michael. "Backstage brouhaha at the Drama Desk Awards", Los Angeles Times, April 18, 2009

The Drama Desk is composed of theatre critics, reporters and editors, more than 140 of whom vote on the awards."Utopia sweeps Drama Desk Awards", Variety, May 20, 2007, accessed June 8, 2009 The Drama Desk chairperson of the Nominating Committee is Barbara Siegel, and its president is William Wolf. The awards' executive producer is Robert R. Blume.Lefkowitz, David. "Honor Role(s)", Theatre News Online, accessed June 9, 2009