Jeff Norton Awards 2012 Set for the Palladium Theater, 8/20

The Jeff Norton Awards celebrate the best of professional theatre in Tampa Bay.

The second annual Jeff Norton Awards will be held August 20, 2012 at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg. Awards will be presented to audience favorites in the categories of Outstanding Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Director, Lighting/Sound Designer, Costume Designer, and Set Designer.

The awards ceremony will begin at 8pm, with a pre-show mingle (with cash bar) from 7pm and an after-party and celebration (with cash bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and dancing) until 11pm.

Popular comedic actor Matt McGee will be the Master of Ceremonies for the event, and Karla Hartley directs. Additional entertainment – including musical numbers - will be provided by notable local artists.

Attendees are urged to “dress to impress” to have a chance of winning an award of their own: a prize for the Best Dressed Couple.

The Jeff Norton Awards are produced by Theatre Tampa Bay on behalf of the professional theatres in the Tampa Bay area. Theatre Tampa Bay is a professional theatre alliance whose purpose is to promote professional theatre in Tampa Bay.

Theatre Tampa Bay aims to deliver a fun-filled Jeff Norton Awards event that is the biggest theatre party in Tampa Bay.

Jeff Norton was a beloved member of the local theater community, and a portion of proceeds from the event will go to establish a grant in his name.

Palladium Theater is located 253 5th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Fla. Tickets are $25. For reservations, call the American Stage box office at (727) 823-7529 or visit www.americanstage.org.