Attention, thespians, drama queens, and other stage junkies: This is your official reminder that the 2008 B. Iden Payne Awards will be held this Sunday at the Long Center. The Austin Circle of Theaters hands out its annual honors for excellence in comedy, drama, musical theatre, theatre for youth, design, and improv starting at 7pm in the intimate Rollins Studio Theatre, but the fun begins at 5:30pm with a preshow reception and silent auction. The three dozen awards on tap include one for lighting designer extraordinaire Jason Amato’s outstanding contributions to local theatre, but if that has you fearing a ceremony longer than a Eugene O’Neill angst-fest, rest assured that Lowell Bartholomee, who returns as producer of this year’s show, is committed to an evening that’s short on time and long on laughs. And based on what he told me is in the works, these Payne Awards shouldn’t be missed.

The 34th annual B. Iden Payne Awards will be held Sunday, Oct. 26, 7pm in the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center, 701 W. Riverside. For reservations or more information, call 474-8497.

This article appears in October 24 • 2008.

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