In 2003, Atlanta’s theatre industry struggled to attract a larger local audience and greater national attention. A group of theatre professionals organized annual Awards to improve visibility for theatres and artists. Having just lost one of Atlanta’s stars, Suzi Bass, to cancer at the height of her stage and screen career, we named the awards after her.  The first event in 2005 began with the Spirit of Suzi Award, given each year to a person or organization whose commitment embodies the qualities Suzi herself was known for. Performance awards were introduced in 2006 and now recognize 32 separate categories.  The Suzi Awards, dubbed “the best theatre party in Atlanta” by press and audiences, has always brought the theatre community together.