In a change from the past seven years, the ceremony will not be broadcast live on NY1 or rebroadcast on PBS' Channel 13. Instead, the event will be webcast by TheaterMania. Executive director Robert R. Blume said video highlights of the evening will be available on the web within 48 hours. Blume said the television networks dropped out "because of budgetary problems." Drama Desk Award nominations for the 2002-03 season will be announced 10 AM May 1 at the New York Friars Club.
In another recent change to the organization, longtime president David Sheward is now sharing the position with William Wolf of William Wolf Entertainment Guide. This year's nominating committee includes Sheward, Frank Scheck at The Hollywood Reporter, Robert Dominguez of The Daily News, David Finkle of TheatreMania.com, Susan Haskins of "Theater Talk," Edward Karam of Manchester Guardian and Barbara Siegel of Theatremania.com and Siegel Entertainment Syndicate.