the season). Exemptions from the entry criteria can be granted in exceptional circumstances by a committee consisting of the LPA president, chief executive and chair of the Helpmann Awards Administration Committee (HAAC). Nine nominating panels determine the nominees for their respective fields. These are: cabaret, children's presentation, comedy, contemporary music, dance and physical theatre, industry awards, musicals, opera and classical music, and theatre. The nominating panels comprises artists, creatives, arts administrators, writers, journalists, producers, promoters, venue managers and educators. The HAAC selects the chair of each panel, who in turn chooses the members of their respective fields. The nominations are then determined by each of them, who choose four per category. The winners are determined in a secret online ballot by the voters who are employees of LPA members, panelists and previous Helpmann winners and nominees. Award categories The award categories are currently: Theatre Best Play Best Direction of a Play Best Male Actor in a Play Best Female Actor in a Play Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role – Play Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role – Play Musicals Best Musical Best Direction of a Musical Best Choreography in a Musical Best Male Actor in a Musical Best Female Actor in a Musical Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role – Musical Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role – Musical Opera and classical music Best Opera Best Symphony Orchestra Concert Best Chamber and Instrumental Ensemble Concert Best Direction of an Opera Best Male Performer in an Opera Best Female Performer in an Opera Best Male Performer in a Supporting Role – Opera Best Female Performer in a Supporting Role – Opera Best Individual Classical Music Performance Dance and physical theatre Best Ballet Best Dance Production Best Visual or Physical Theatre Production Best Choreography in a Dance or Physical Theatre Production Best Male Dancer in a Dance or Physical Theatre Production Best Female Dancer in a Dance or Physical Theatre Production Contemporary music Best International Contemporary Concert Best Australian Contemporary Concert Best Contemporary Music Festival Other Best Regional Touring Production Best Comedy Performer Best Cabaret Performer Best Presentation for Children Industry Best New Australian Work Best Original Score Best Music Direction Best Costume Design Best Scenic Design Best Lighting Design Best Sound Design Special awards JC Williamson Award Sue Nattrass Award Brian Stacey Memorial Award Best Special Event Retired Best Ballet or Dance Work Best Classical Concert