ATAC judges play an important role in recognizing and celebrating the talent, creativity, and dedication of San Antonio’s theatre community. Each season, a panel of community members evaluates eligible productions and performances for the ATAC Globe Awards.
Judging is a volunteer commitment that requires consistency, fairness, confidentiality, and a genuine interest in supporting local theatre.
Sept. 1 – Aug. 31 Annual judging term
10+ Productions judges must evaluate
June/July Annual judge recruitment
Required Judge training
Who Can Be an ATAC Judge?
ATAC seeks a diverse group of individuals with knowledge of, experience in, or a strong connection to the performing arts. Judges may come from a variety of theatrical backgrounds, including performers, directors, designers, technicians, educators, arts professionals, and dedicated theatre supporters.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the ATAC judging panel, individuals must:
- Be a full-time resident of the San Antonio Metro Area
- Have access to a computer and personal email account
- Be available to attend mandatory judge training
- Agree to and follow the ATAC Judge Code of Ethics
- Be able to commit the time necessary to attend and evaluate productions throughout the season
What We Look For
Strong candidates typically:
- Are actively involved in or supportive of the San Antonio theatre community
- Have formal training or substantial theatrical experience, either onstage or behind the scenes
- Can evaluate a production thoughtfully and objectively
- Can distinguish personal preferences from the quality and effectiveness of the work being evaluated
- Are dependable, observant, and open to a wide range of theatrical styles and productions
Judge Responsibilities
Serving as an ATAC judge is both an honor and a commitment. Judges are expected to:
Attend & Evaluate- Attend and evaluate at least 10 eligible productions during the awards season
- Submit judging ballots accurately and within established deadlines
Judge Fairly- Evaluate productions consistently, fairly, and independently
- Consider the criteria established for each award category
Maintain Confidentiality- Maintain confidentiality regarding judging discussions, scores, and deliberations
- Disclose potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves when appropriate
Follow ATAC Standards- Follow ATAC’s judging procedures and Judge Code of Ethics
- Complete required judge training and participate in communications throughout the season
Participation Matters
Judges are expected to participate consistently throughout the season. Each judge must evaluate 10 or more eligible productions between September 1 and August 31.
ATAC monitors judging participation throughout the season to help maintain a fair, consistent, and accountable awards process.
Conflicts of Interest & Ethics
Judges must remain impartial and avoid situations that could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest.
Personal Involvement Judges may not evaluate productions in which they are directly involved.
Personal Relationships Judges must recuse themselves when a production or individual being evaluated involves a family member, spouse, partner, relative, or current student.
When in Doubt Judges are expected to disclose potential conflicts and follow ATAC’s recusal procedures whenever necessary.
How Judges Are Selected
The ATAC Judging Affairs Subcommittee reviews individuals being considered for the judging panel. Selection is based on eligibility, theatrical knowledge and experience, availability, community involvement, and the overall balance of the judging panel.
ATAC seeks to maintain a panel representing a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and areas of theatrical knowledge. The goal is to create a judging body that can thoughtfully evaluate the diverse productions presented throughout the San Antonio theatre community.
Annual Judge Selection
June/July | Recruitment ATAC generally recruits and considers candidates for the upcoming awards season during June and July.
Selection | Panel Formation The Judging Affairs Subcommittee reviews candidates and establishes the judging panel for the upcoming season.
September 1 | Judging Term Begins The annual judging term begins on September 1.
Season | Judging Judges attend eligible productions, submit ballots, follow judging procedures, and maintain the standards of the program throughout the season.
August 31 | Judging Term Ends The annual judging term concludes on August 31.
Judge Training
All selected judges are required to participate in ATAC judge training before beginning their judging responsibilities.
Training provides judges with information about the awards program, judging criteria, scoring procedures, conflicts of interest, the Code of Ethics, and expectations for professional conduct.
Thank You for Supporting San Antonio Theatre
ATAC judges contribute their time and expertise to help recognize excellence across our local theatre community. Their commitment helps ensure that the ATAC Globe Awards remain a meaningful and respected celebration of San Antonio theatre artists.
