2013 MAC AWARD
ELIGIBILITY RULES
AND CATEGORY DEFINITIONS
THE AWARDS PROCESS

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2013 MAC AWARD
ELIGIBILITY RULES
AND CATEGORY DEFINITIONS
THE AWARDS PROCESS

For an artist to be considered for a MAC Award, an application must be submitted documenting
his/her eligibility. The application can be submitted by:
• The artist him/herself (or by someone else with the artist's permission)
• A MAC member club in which the artist performed
• A member of the Eligibility Committee or one of the specialist committees (see below)

The MAC Awards Eligibility Committee will review all submissions to verify eligibility and ensure
that applicants have consented to being submitted for an Award.

For most categories, there will be two ballots submitted to all MAC members:
• The preliminary ballot, prepared by the Eligibility Committee, which will list all eligible applicants
in each category. The people appearing on this preliminary ballot are not nominees and may not be
advertised as such. Every MAC member may select up to three choices in each category and mail
the completed ballot to the designated independent accounting firm, where the results will be
tabulated.
• The final ballot listing the top vote-getters, with a maximum of five in each category (unless a tie
in the preliminary ballot voting requires that the number be expanded). The people appearing on
this ballot are MAC Award nominees and may be advertised as such in publicity or press materials.
Every MAC member may select one choice in each category and mail the completed ballot to the
independent accounting firm, where the results will be tabulated and MAC Award winners
determined.

For other categories, specialist committees will select the nominees, with a maximum of five in each
category. (In the Category Definitions below, those categories are indicated by an asterisk.) This
selection process will take place concurrently with the first round of membership voting described
above. Nominees in these categories will appear on the final ballots sent to the MAC members, to be
voted upon by the MAC members as described above.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
Only work performed in calendar year 2012 is eligible. Shows performed in 2012 that were first
performed in a prior year are eligible, providing that show did not receive a MAC nomination in a
prior year. Shows performed in 2012 that have substantially the same content as a show nominated in a
prior year are not eligible.
Either the candidate must have been a MAC member in good standing at the time of the application
process or the work to be considered for an award must have been performed in a MAC member club
in 2012. (MAC member clubs are listed on the MAC web site, www.macnyc.com. People who are not
MAC members or who did not work in a MAC member club can qualify by joining MAC no later than
the application submission deadline.)

For most performance categories, MAC members must have given at least four eligible performances
within the eligibility year (January 1 - December 31, 2012); those performances need not have been of
the same show. At least three of the eligible performances must have taken place in the greater New
York metropolitan area (within a 90-mile radius of New York City). Non-MAC members must have
had a total of at least four eligible performances in one or more MAC member clubs located in the
greater New York metropolitan area. See the category definitions, below, for rules and exceptions
specific to individual categories.

Guest spots in benefits, anniversary shows, variety shows and special events do not count towards
eligibility. However, complete shows that were presented as benefits are eligible for consideration.
Shows not open to the general public (e.g., performances with an invited guest list or shows open only
to members of a club) are not eligible.

No person may appear in more than one category in any given year for essentially the same work (e.g.,
Female Vocalist and Female Musical Comedy Performer). However, where categories are clearly
different, one person may be eligible in more than one category (e.g., vocalist and director). Performers
are not eligible in the Director category for directing their own shows, and vocalists who accompany
themselves are not eligible in the Musical Director category for those shows.

The MAC Awards Eligibility Committee will review the categories in which the artists have been submitted and will
adjust them if it deems appropriate. Artists will be given the opportunity to appeal category
reassignments with the Committee; the Committee’s ultimate decision will be final.
A separate application with full contact information must be submitted for each category in
which the artist is competing. All required supporting documentation must accompany the
application. The withholding of information that could affect eligibility or category placement, or
supplying information that proves to be materially false, may result in disqualification.

The timetable for application submission will be communicated to members well in advance of the
deadline.
Applications should be mailed to:
MAC AWARDS
P.O. Box 20113
West Village Station
New York, NY 10014

CATEGORY DEFINITIONS:
Following is a list of the requirements for eligibility in each award category. Unless otherwise
specified, the general eligibility requirements stated above apply. Note: Categories may be added,
combined or eliminated during a given eligibility year if the MAC Awards Eligibility Committee, in its
sole discretion, determines it appropriate to do so.
Categories in which nominees are selected by specialist committees are indicated by an asterisk.

VOCALIST (MALE and FEMALE)
A singer who has performed his/her own show, regardless of genre ("cabaret," jazz, R&B, pop, etc.): A
vocalist is not eligible in this category on the basis of having appeared as a guest in someone else’s
show. In a show that includes guest artists or back-up vocalists, only the headline performer qualifies
for this category.

MAJOR ARTIST (MALE and FEMALE)
Artists in this category should have achieved clearly recognized stature and prominence within the
MAC live performance community. In addition, they may have received reviews by major publications
and may have appeared in a major New York venue. This category encompasses all performing art
forms and genres: vocalist, instrumentalist, comic; jazz, "cabaret," pop, etc.
An artist is not eligible in this category if he/she appeared as a guest in someone else’s show. In a show
that includes guest artists or back-up vocalists, only the headline performer qualifies.

CELEBRITY ARTIST
Artists in this category should have achieved national or international stature and prominence, and
should be established names outside the performing arts community. They will have received reviews
by major publications. The category encompasses all performing art forms and genres.

INSTRUMENTALIST
An instrumentalist who has performed his/her own show or sets, either with or without singing. An
artist is not eligible in this category on the basis of having appeared as a guest in someone else’s show.
In a show that includes guest artists, only the headline performer qualifies for this category. For
purposes of this category, performances need not have fixed sets or starting times, but may be open
sets or performances throughout an evening.
Note: There is a special application form for this category.

COMEDY PERFORMER (MALE and FEMALE)
This category covers two types of comedy performers:
• A performer who entertains in his/her own show primarily through non-musical comedy, typically
in cabarets rather than in stand-up comedy clubs. An artist is not eligible in this category on the
basis of having appeared as a guest in someone else’s show. In a show that includes guest artists or
back-up vocalists, only the headline performer qualifies for this category. The four-performance
minimum applies to this type of comedy performance, as covered in the General Eligibility
section, above.
• A performer who has appeared regularly as a stand-up comic and who has been booked for those
engagements. Open mike or try-out/audition engagements are not eligible engagements. This subcategory
is designed for stand-up comics doing sets (as opposed to entire shows). To be eligible, a
stand-up comic must have made a minimum of eight such appearances during the current
eligibility year.
Note: There is a special application form for this category.

IMPERSONATION/CHARACTERIZATION
A male or female performer who entertains in his/her own show by impersonating a non-fictional
character or creating one of his/her own, either with or without music. A performer is not eligible in
this category on the basis of having appeared as a guest in someone else’s show. In a show that
includes guest artists or back-up vocalists, only the headline performer qualifies for this category.

NEW YORK DEBUT (MALE and FEMALE)
A performer who is presenting his/her own show in New York City for the first time. Performers must
be doing an entire act to qualify. Performers who may have previously appeared as opening acts or as a
performer in a revue or as part of a group are eligible for this category. In a show that includes guest
artists or back-up vocalists, only the headline performer qualifies for this category. Performers who
have achieved a high degree of success and visibility in another medium or in another city are not
eligible. To be eligible in these categories, performers must have given at least three performances in
the greater New York metropolitan area in the eligibility year.

MUSICAL COMEDY PERFORMER (MALE and FEMALE)
A performer whose act consists mostly of comic songs, parodies, novelty songs and/or other musical
comedy material. To be eligible, the performer must have done his/her own show; he/she is not eligible
in this category on the basis of having appeared as a guest in someone else’s show. In a show that
includes guest artists or back-up vocalists, only the headline performer qualifies for this category.

DUO/GROUP
Two or more performers (vocalists and/or instrumentalists) performing together as a group. The
category encompasses all musical performing arts and genres: vocal groups, musical comedy groups,
jazz ensembles, etc. An accompanist singing with a vocalist does not qualify as a duo/group unless this
is a considerable part of the act and the two are billed equally together. To be eligible, the duo or group
must have done its own show; they are not eligible in this category on the basis of having appeared as
guests in someone else’s show. In a show that includes guest artists or back-up vocalists, only the
headline performers qualify for this category. For purposes of this category, performances need not
have fixed sets or starting times, but may be open sets or performances throughout an evening.
Note: There is a special application form for this category.

REVUE
This category includes the following examples:
• a revue of original material written specifically for the show
• a revue of material written for another show or medium, linked together for the first time by a
theme
• a revue of material from multiple sources written by one songwriter/songwriting team
• a thematic revue of material by multiple writers
• a revue consisting primarily of parodies, novelty songs and other forms of musical comedy
material
A revue must have at least two performers and should be able to be recast without suffering artistically.
A revue should not rely on any specific performer's participation for its identity. The award will go to
the driving or creative force(s) behind the production, who must be identified in the application; this
might be, for example, the producer, the director, the developer or the writer(s). One of the
driving/creative forces must be a MAC member or the revue must have been performed four times in a
MAC member club in the greater New York metropolitan area during the eligibility year.

VARIETY PRODUCTION/RECURRING SERIES
A show or series with a standard format and a changing lineup of acts. The acts can consist of any
combination of musical performers, comedy performers, songwriters, and/or variety acts. The award
will go to the driving or creative force(s) behind the production/series, who must be identified in the
application; this might be, for example, the producer, the director, the host, the developer or the
writer(s). One of the driving/creative forces must be a MAC member or the production/series must
have been performed four times in a MAC member club in the greater New York metropolitan area
during the eligibility year.

OPEN MIC
A series in which the lineup of acts varies from show to show and the majority of performers are
selected from the people who happen to be in attendance that evening. The award will go to the driving
or creative force(s) behind the series, who must be identified in the application; this might be, for
example, the producer, the director, the host, the developer or the writer(s). One of the driving/creative
forces must be a MAC member or the series must have been performed four times in a MAC member
club in the greater New York metropolitan area during the eligibility year.

HOST – VARIETY SHOW/SERIES OR OPEN MIC
A person who hosts a variety show/series or open mic. This person must have served as host at least
four times during the eligibility year, and the shows hosted need not all be in the same series. Hosting
duties typically include introducing the acts, banter with the performers, and non-musical
entertainment of the audience. The host may or may not also be involved with the production of the
show and may or may not also perform in the shows. In a show with multiple hosts, only the primary
host(s) are eligible.

BENEFIT SERIES
A series that was presented as a benefit for charity. The series must have been conceived and produced
as a benefit; individual benefit performances within a regular run are not eligible. The name of the
charity must be identified in the application. Any type of show is eligible (vocalist, duo/group, variety,
etc.).. The award will go to the driving or creative force(s) behind the series, who must be identified in
the application; this might be, for example, the performer, the producer, the director, the developer or
the writer(s). One of the driving/creative forces must be a MAC member or four performances must
have taken place in a MAC member club in the greater New York metropolitan area during the
eligibility year.
MAC will make contributions to the charities for whose benefit the nominated series were produced.

SPECIAL PRODUCTION
A show that does not fit into any of the other categories. The award will go to the driving or creative
force(s) behind the production, who must be identified in the application; this might be, for example,
the producer, the director, the developer or the writer(s). One of the driving/creative forces must be a
MAC member or the production must have been performed four times in a MAC member club in the
greater New York metropolitan area during the eligibility year.

PIANO BAR/RESTAURANT SINGING ENTERTAINER
A singer engaged by a venue recognized as either a piano bar or restaurant, performing as an obligation
of employment as part of the entertainment package in such establishments without fixed set lists or
specific show times. Eligible singers must have other responsibilities, such as waiting tables or
bartending. There is an eight-performance minimum requirement, which refers to the number of
evenings/afternoons the person performed during the eligibility year.

PIANO BAR/RESTAURANT/HOTEL LOUNGE INSTRUMENTALIST
An instrumentalist (piano or other instrument), who may or may not sing, who entertains in a venue
recognized as a piano bar, restaurant, or hotel lounge. Performers eligible in this category are those
who are engaged by the venue and who may either do open sets without fixed set lists or appear at
designated times. In addition, they may provide accompaniment for other performers, and/or conduct
sing-alongs or other types of audience participation. There is an eight-performance minimum
requirement, which refers to the number of evenings/afternoons the person performed during the
eligibility year.

SINGER/SONGWRITER
A songwriter who has performed a show comprising mainly his/her own songs. The songwriter may or
may not have accompanied him/herself. An artist is not eligible in this category on the basis of having
appeared as a guest in someone else’s show. In a show that includes guest artists or back-up vocalists,
only the headline performer qualifies for this category.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Must have provided musical direction for at least two different shows or performers in the greater
New York metropolitan area during the eligibility year; there is no minimum-number-ofperformances
requirement. Those performances must have taken place in MAC member clubs or the
candidate must be a MAC member.
Note: There is a special application form for this category.

DIRECTOR
Must have directed at least two different shows or performers in the greater New York
metropolitan area during the eligibility year; there is no minimum-number-of-performances
requirement. Those performances must have taken place in MAC member clubs or the candidate must
be a MAC member.
Note: There is a special application form for this category.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Must have provided lighting and/or sound design for at least three different shows or performers in
the greater New York metropolitan area during the eligibility year; there is no minimum-numberof-
performances requirement. The venues must be MAC member clubs or the candidate must be a
MAC member.
Note: There is a special application form for this category.

* SONG
A song whose predominant intent /tone is non-humorous.
• The song must have been performed publicly during the eligibility year; there is no minimumnumber-
of-performances requirement. If neither the composer nor the lyricist is a MAC
member, at least one performance during the eligibility year must have taken place in a MAC
member club or at a MAC/ASCAP Songwriters' Showcase.
• Songs that previously achieved prominence in any medium are not eligible.
• Parodies are not eligible.
• Songs that were submitted in a previous year are not eligible.
The award for Song will go to both the composer(s) and the lyricist(s).
Only one song in this category may be submitted by a writer or writing team, and the choice must be
made by the writer(s). The song must be submitted as an MP3 file (no other format) attached to an email,
and the lyrics must be included in the body of the e-mail, not as a PDF or Word attachment and
not as a link. The e-mail must also contain the submitter's name and a contact phone number, and the
Subject of the e-mail should be the writer's last name and the song title, e.g., "Sondheim – Send in the
Clowns".
Note: There is a special application form for this category, which must be submitted via regular mail
along with both pages of the MAC Award Applicant Information form; the address to which the e-mail
should be sent can be found on the special form.

* SPECIAL MUSICAL MATERIAL
A song whose predominant intent /tone is humorous.
• The song must have been performed publicly during the eligibility year; there is no minimumnumber-
of-performances requirement. If neither the composer nor the lyricist is a MAC
member, at least one performance during the eligibility year must have taken place in a MAC
member club or at a MAC/ASCAP Songwriters' Showcase.
• Songs that previously achieved prominence in any medium are not eligible.
• Parodies are not eligible.
• Songs that were submitted in a previous year are not eligible.
The award for Special Musical Material will go to both the composer(s) and the lyricist(s).
Only one song in this category may be submitted by a writer or writing team, and the choice must be
made by the writer(s). The song must be submitted as an MP3 file (no other format) attached to an email,
and the lyrics must be included in the body of the e-mail, not as a PDF or Word attachment and
not as a link. The e-mail must also contain the submitter's name and a contact phone number, and the
Subject of the e-mail should be the writer's last name and the song title, e.g., "Sondheim & Rodgers –
What Do We Do? We Fly!".
Note: There is a special application form for this category, which must be submitted via regular mail
along with both pages of the MAC Award Applicant Information form; the address to which the e-mail
should be sent can be found on the special form.

* RECORDING (LAMOTT FRIEDMAN RECORDING AWARD)

* MAJOR RECORDING
To be eligible in one of these categories, the recording must be a complete album released in 2012
either as a bar-coded compact disc or as a digital download, and made available for sale to the public in
such commercial retail outlets as amazon.com, CD Baby, iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, etc.
The artist, or at least one member of a group of artists, must be a MAC member or have performed at
least once in a MAC member club during the eligibility year. In the case of a compilation recording,
the creative force behind the recording must be a MAC member or have worked in a MAC member
club during the eligibility year.
Five copies of the CD or of a disc containing the complete digitally downloaded album must be
submitted with the application.
Note: There is a special application form for these categories.