The League of American Theatres and Producers have announced the first annual "National Broadway Theatre Awards" — informally nicknamed "The Star Awards" — which honor eligible Broadway touring shows. Unlike the Tonys (and, in fact, almost all other theatre awards), the NBTA winners are chosen by audience vote, rather than by critics and theatre insiders.

The League of American Theatres and Producers has announced that Sherie Rene Scott (“Amneris” in Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida) will co host the first National Broadway Theatre Awards (NBTA) along with Alan Cumming (Cabaret, Design for Living). The awards take place at the Supper Club in New York City on May 21.

The League of American Theatres and Producers confirms that it has named actor Alan Cumming (Cabaret, Design for Living) as host for the National Broadway Theatre Awards (NBTA). The awards will take place at the Supper Club in New York City on May 21.

High level meetings continue to take place between Actors’ Equity and the League of American Theatres and Producers over the “non-union” tours that may or may not remain eligible for the League’s new annual National Broadway Theatre Awards. While early meetings were conducted exclusively between Equity executive director Alan Eisenberg and League president Jed Bernstein, a select handful of Broadway Series producers have reportedly joined the discussions.

What is it that the Tony, Pulitzer, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics Circle, OBIE, Drama League and Lucille Lortel Awards don't do? For all their various rules and fiefdoms, none of these organizational awards recognize national touring shows.