Theater critic recognizes best and brightest
local talent at Patte Awards for Theater Excellence

By Matt Liebowitz

Hershell Price, Pam Slater-Price and Pat Launer

When Emmy Award-winning theater critic Pat Launer decided 12 years ago that she wanted to honor her favorite local theater performances and actors of the past year, there was no opulent awards show, no statuettes.
To recognize the shows of that year that inspired her, Launer printed up certificates on her computer and sent them out to those she deemed worthy. The awards, called “Patte” awards — a play on her name as well as a confirmation to the recipients that, in her words, “You ain’t chopped liver” — became a hit. With 25 years of experience as a theater critic, Launer’s awards were held in high regard from the very start.
The next year, KPBS, where Launer worked for 20 years as a critic, held a small awards show. Now, 11 years later, Launer’s awards show, like the people it recognizes, is getting the star treatment.
On Monday, Jan. 19, 400 people will attend the 12th Annual Patte Awards for Theater Excellence at the Westin Gaslamp Quarter, where they’ll enjoy a pate and champagne welcome reception, followed by dinner, the awards show — hosted by Launer — and dessert. The whole show will air Feb. 6, at 8 p.m. on Channel 4 San Diego.
“It gets bigger and bigger every year,” said Launer, who who now works for KSDS Jazz 88.3 FM, where she gives weekly theater reviews. She also appears monthly on KUSI’s “Good Morning San Diego” program, and is the theater critic on sdtheatrescene.com.
“It’s a huge community event,” she added. “It’s for theater makers, theatergoers, and theater lovers.”
This year’s event will feature a live house band and performances from some of the best musical theater productions to hit San Diego this year, including “Nine” and “The Princes and the Black-Eyed Pea.”
Behind the glitz and glamour, an aspect of the The Patte awards Launer is especially proud of is its hometown focus.
“We celebrate San Diegans making theater for San Diego,” she explained. “Even though we have wonderful talent from other places, this is to celebrate local talent.”
The Patte Awards doesn’t just praise the theater companies in the public spotlight; Launer gives awards to many small repertory groups making a name for themselves under the radar.
“There’s tremendous diversity in San Diego theater” said Launer, who cited the San Diego Asian American Repertory Theater, San Diego Black Ensemble Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company, and Moxie Theatre as a few of the niche theater ensembles producing quality work.
“The Patte Awards celebrates all levels of theater, from 49-seat theaters all the way up,” she said.
While many might be unaware of these smaller repertory companies, Launer, who saw 220 shows in 2008, isn’t trying to raise awareness just for these groups, but for the whole San Diego theater scene, from the smallest groups to the Old Globe Theatre and the La Jolla Playhouse.
“San Diego is the number one exporter of theater to Broadway,” she said. “It’s the number five theater market in the country. This is a major theater town, people don’t know that. It’s a big surprise to people.”
“There’s a lot of creative energy here,” added Launer. “There’s a tremendous amount of variety and people doing a wide range of work.”
Whereas theater in Los Angeles, according to Launer, is geared toward the movies, she said, “Here it’s theater for theater’s sake. People are so devoted and committed. They put their blood, sweat, and tears into their work and get so little money. I want to acknowledge them, and give them some recognition.”
In addition to handing out 30 awards in eight categories, Launer will also name the recipient of the Dea and Osborn Hurston Scholarship for a Promising Young Theatermaker. The lucky winner will receive $500.
Other special awards include the Shiley Lifetime Achievement Award, and the John Guth Award for Behind-the-Scenes Brilliance, named for a longtime friend of the theater and Launer’s award show.
Even in the dress she’ll wear, Launer has her sights set on the stage.
This year, she created a “Project Runway”-style competition at Fashion Careers College to choose the designer for her dress. The winner, Jose Maria Ybarra, is a local resident and aspiring costume designer.
The Patte Awards takes place at the Westin Gaslamp Quarter, located at 910 Broadway Circle, adjacent to Horton Plaza. Tickets are $75; VIP tickets, which include preferential seating and valet parking, are $150. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.thepattefoundation.org.