The American Theatre Wing has administered the Tony Awards annually since 1947. Never in that time has The Wing acknowledged Wig & Hair Design or Makeup Design as Tony-Award-worthy categories.

For comparison, the Drama Desk Awards were first bestowed in 1955, and in 2016 the Wig & Hair category was added. The Oscars were first held in 1929, and in 1981 the competitive category for Best Makeup and Hairstyling was added. The Primetime Emmys were first awarded in 1949, and the first Makeup Emmy was awarded in 1965, while the first Hairstyling category was added in 1979. We are not trying to set a precedent here. The precedent has already been set.

Wig & Hair Designers and Makeup Designers work closely with Costume Designers to bring characters to life on stage. Similarly, Choreographers work closely with Directors to bring full productions to life on stage. The Wing recognizes Choreographers, Directors, and Costume Designers as being Tony-Award worthy. And we want The Wing to recognize Wig & Hair Designers and Makeup Designers in that same way.

We are asking The Wing to include a Best Wig and Hair Design category and a Best Makeup Design category to their roster of awards. We believe these awards are long overdue. Our contribution is unquestionable. Imagine Wicked without Glinda's blonde wig or Elphaba’s green makeup. Imagine The Little Mermaid without Ariel's mermaid wig. Imagine The Phantom of the Opera without the prosthetic makeup and mask.

Please support Wig and Hair Designers and Makeup Designers in their efforts to be recognized by The Wing at the Tony Awards by signing this petition. Then please send this along to everyone you know to sign as well. Together, we can show The Wing that we are relevant, we deserve a place at the table, and that our contribution matters.

#ItIsAboutTime