The Richmond Theatre Critics Circle was established in 2008 with the sole purpose of recognizing excellence in Richmond-area professional theater through the nomination and presentation of annual awards. It’s the hope of the RTCC that this public recognition and celebration will bring more attention to the high caliber of live performance in central Virginia.
With the gradual decline in local professional criticism, the RTCC changed its name to the Richmond Theatre Community Circle to reflect the greater role the Theatre Alliance Panel plays in the process of selecting award nominee and winners.
The annual black-tie event where the RTCC awards — or Artsies — are presented was organized not just as a celebration, but as a charitable event with all proceeds benefiting the Theatre Artists Fund of Greater Richmond. This Fund provides emergency assistance to theater professionals who find themselves in dire financial circumstances, often because of a medical condition. The annual Artsies events have resulted in tens of thousands of dollars being contributed to the Fund.