About

About

Photo By: Siggi Ragnar

About the Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC)

Celebrating San Antonio Theater Since 1990

The Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC) has been a cornerstone of San Antonio’s performing arts community since its founding in September 1990.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, ATAC is proudly volunteer-driven, with all operations managed by its dedicated board of directors.

With no paid staff, the council’s mission is to recognize and celebrate excellence in local theater.

The Birth of ATAC

ATAC was established by a group of passionate theater advocates, including:

  • Jasmina Wellinghoff
  • Byrd Bonner
  • John Igo
  • Dan Goddard
  • Lisa Vance
  • Sherrie Shirky
  • Alan Craven
  • Brooks Hill
  • Barbara Moore
  • Louisa Kerry-Rubinstein
  • David Mangelsdorff.

In its early years, volunteer judges, including San Antonio’s leading theater critics, evaluated productions reviewed by the city’s major newspapers: the San Antonio Light, Express-News, and Times-Recorder.

A Historic Milestone in Leadership

In 2024, Isidro Medina III was elected as the first Latino Board President of ATAC, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history. This long-awaited achievement, 34 years in the making, underscores ATAC’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and representation within the San Antonio theater community.

The History of the ATAC Globe Awards

The Inaugural Globe Awards: A Milestone for San Antonio Theater

The first ATAC Globe Awards were held on September 15, 1991, at the San Antonio Little Theatre (now the San Pedro Playhouse).

Over 450 attendees gathered to celebrate the best in local theater, with awards presented across 17 categories, including Set Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, and more. Winners were honored with a custom trophy and a $100 cash prize.

Expanding the Globe Awards

ATAC continued to evolve by expanding categories in the 1991-1992 season, separating “Play” into Drama and Comedy, and adding more awards.

By 1993, the council included college and university theaters in its judging process, and in 1994, an independent tabulator began overseeing ballot results to ensure fairness and accuracy.

Evolution of the ATAC Awards System

A Shift to Recognizing Excellence

In 2000, ATAC introduced a new system inspired by the Village Voice’s Obie Awards. Instead of selecting a single winner for each category, the council began recognizing all performances, designs, and productions that achieved a high standard of excellence.

This change ensured a broader acknowledgment of San Antonio’s rich pool of theater talent.

Modern Updates to the Awards

In 2023, ATAC refined its awards process again. Each category now highlights the top five scoring nominees, with one recipient recognized (except in cases of ties or fewer eligible nominees).

Only productions formally submitted by producing theaters for evaluation are eligible for nominations. This updated system ensures fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in celebrating theatrical achievements.

Why ATAC Matters to San Antonio Theater

For over 30 years, the Alamo Theatre Arts Council has been at the heart of San Antonio’s performing arts scene, recognizing outstanding talent and fostering a supportive, creative community.

The ATAC Globe Awards continue to be a prestigious symbol of excellence in theater, honoring actors, designers, directors, and productions that inspire and captivate audiences.

Join the Celebration of Excellence in Theater

Discover more about ATAC and the Globe Awards, and see how we’re shaping the future of San Antonio theater. Explore our archives, get involved as a volunteer, or nominate your production for the next Globe Awards season.

Together, we can continue to celebrate the artistry and creativity that make our local theater community thrive.