A: Is for art awards

In order for theatre to survive and thrive, it needs to be nurture, honored and recognized. Last night at New World Stages the Innovative Theatre Awards, other wise known as the IT Awards were held. Julie Halston MC'd the event and was hysterically funny. Best known for playing Bitsy Von Muffin, the women who destroys Charlotte's marriage in "Sex and the City," to new York theatre goers she is known as a wonderful comedian and stage actress. Her stories of Liza Minilli in the bathroom at the Barbara Sriesand concert, were riotous. Charles Busch, Andrew Lippa, John Patrick Shanley, Kevin Chamberlain, Austin Pendleton, Elizabeth Swados and Jackie Hoffman all presented awards. Keep these names and theatre company's in mind when choosing your next show: The Amoralist Theatre, Here Arts Centre, The Apple Sisters, Austin Mcormick, The Gallery Players, NOVA Arts Festival, Julian Eifer, The Brick Theatre, Material for the Arts, Elyse Mirto, Suzi Takahashi and New York Neo-Futurists. They were some of the big winners last night. The winners, however were the creators of this award. In attending, you realized the need for off off Broadway and what it brings to society. Without it's contribution we would not have plays that speak out, that are un-afraid to challenge society and artists that have a place to grow. Bravo to the IT Awards and all the nominees and winners. You keep us thinking and that is a F.A.C.T.