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BMO Financial Group today announced that Toronto Set and Costume Designer, Dany Lyne was named the 2006 recipient of the Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, Canada's largest annual theatre award.   Ms. Lyne was chosen from a short-list of five finalists the jury selected from 36 of Canada's top lighting, sound, costume and set designers who received nominations. The announcement was made during a ceremony this evening at University of Toronto's historic Hart House Theatre.

According to the jury citation, “In selecting Ms. Lyne as the recipient of the 2006 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, the jury was particularly impressed by the evolution of her work. While sensitive to the metaphors of words and music, Ms. Lyne's work sustains the narrative logic of the piece. She rises to the demands of working in the realm of opera, while also being able to deftly apply her creative vision to productions for both small and large theatres. Each project is a laboratory in which she collaborates with her fellow artists, while exploring and applying her vision. Poised to fully realize her creative powers, Ms. Lyne is an artist who establishes a visible and highly unique creative signature in Canadian theatre and beyond.”

Ms. Lyne has been involved in 72 productions in Canada, the United States and Europe, from new plays, to opera, from small independent theatres to large international theatres.  Her work has been seen at the Stratford Festival of Canada, the Canadian Opera Company, Necessary Angel Theatre Company, National Arts Centre, Soulpepper,Tarragon Theatre, Elgin Theatre, Tapestry New Opera Works, Pacific Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Central City Opera - Denver, Nationale Reisopera – Netherlands, Opera North – England, De Vlaamse Opera – Belgium, Theatre Fran�ais de Toronto, among others.

The Siminovitch Prize jury was chaired by Leonard McHardy, co-owner and co-founder of TheatreBooks in Toronto. Joining Mr. McHardy were Luc Boulanger, author and well-known journalist in Montreal's media community; Mary Kerr, a distinguished production designer whose work has been seen on stages across Canada and throughout the world; Diana Leblanc, an actress and director who has received acclaim in French and English throughout the country; and Keith Turnbull, a director, dramaturge and producer committed to contemporary and new work in both theatre and opera.

“The jury had a strong field of theatre artists to consider this year with five outstanding designers on the short-list. All five designers are remarkably gifted in their own unique ways, contributing immensely to the experience of theatregoing,” said Mr. McHardy. “We found Dany's sensibility, while being distinctly Canadian, has been honed by international experience. She has become a designer of great Canadian significance. We look forward to the work and direction her designs will take in years to come.”

Tony Comper, President and CEO of BMO Financial Group, the founding sponsor of the Siminovitch Prize, applauded the selection. “On behalf of BMO Financial Group, a long-time supporter of the arts in Canada, I am pleased to congratulate Ms. Lyne on this outstanding achievement. I hope the Siminovitch Prize will enable her to further pursue the impulse toward curiosity and research that has fuelled her career thus far."

Ms. Lyne was awarded a cheque for $75,000 and she chose two local set and costume designers, Camellia Koo and April Anne Viczko, as her prot�g�s, who each received half of the remaining $25,000. In addition, Ms. Lyne singled out a new young designer, Jung-Hye Kim with an honourable mention. The prize founders have structured the Siminovitch Prize in this way to underscore the importance of mentorship in Canadian theatre.

“I chose to honour two designers whose work and commitment I admire very much - April Anne Viczko, a discerning, architectural and poetic creator and Camellia Koo, a meticulous, sculptural and symbolic interpreter. I also wish to encourage a young graduate, Jung-Hye Kim, whose talent and determination to become a designer are remarkable,” said Ms. Lyne.

The other finalists placed on the short list for the 2006 Siminovitch Prize were: Judith Bowden, Set and Costume Designer, Niagara on the Lake, ON; Bretta Gerecke, Set and Lighting Designer, Edmonton, AB; Anick La Bissonni�re, Set Designer, Montr�al, QC; and Dani�le L�vesque, Set Designer, Montr�al, QC.

All biographies are available at www.siminovitchprize.com.

The Siminovitch Prize in Theatre was introduced in 2001 and dedicated to renowned scientist Lou Siminovitch and his late wife Elinore, a playwright.  Sponsored by BMO Financial Group, Canada's largest annual theatre arts award recognizes direction, playwriting and design in three-year cycles, beginning with the 2001 award to Toronto director Daniel Brooks; the 2002 award to Montreal playwright Carole Fr�chette; the 2003 award to Montreal designer Louise Campeau; the 2004 award to St. John's director Jillian Keiley and the 2005 award to Toronto playwright John Mighton.

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$100,000 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre awarded to Toronto Set and Costume Designer Dany Lyne at a gala award ceremony in Toronto October 24, 2006.  From left to right, Tony Comper, President and CEO, BMO Financial Group, Founding Sponsor, Ms. Lyne, Elizabeth Comper, chair of the founders committee and Dr. Lou Siminovitch.