The 2011 Laurence Olivier Awards and The Society of London Theatre are searching for ten theatre-going members of the public to join the judging panels for the prestigious annual awards.

Can you judge a five star show?  Do you know your Shakespeare from your Rodgers and Hammerstein? If you think you have what it takes and can see yourself working alongside the professional judges, then this is a unique opportunity to see the very best of London's theatre, dance or opera for free for a whole year.

The Laurence Olivier Awards are the most celebrated awards in London theatre and are viewed by many as the highlight of the theatrical year. Recent recipients include Patrick Stewart (pictured), Sir Derek Jacobi, Dane Judi Dench, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lord Lloyd Webber and Sir Alan Ayckbourn.

Whatever age or profession, applicants must have a passion for theatre, opera or dance

Whatever age or profession, applicants must have a passion for theatre, opera or dance. They will be required to attend a vast array of productions staged throughout the year in London and consider each of these performances with perception and clarity.

President of the Society of London Theatre, Nica Burns, comments: “This is an amazing opportunity to be part of the Laurence Olivier Awards judging panel, and select the winners for the next round of awards. We're looking for dedicated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable people from all walks of life who are passionate about the performing arts.

“You'll see the best of what London theatre has to offer in 2010, and have to make some very difficult choices!”

In order to be considered for the panel, SOLT will ask each applicant, who must be over 18 and live within easy access of London, to write a detailed 150 word review of a production they have seen recently and list all the productions they have seen in the last 12 months.  Applicants may choose to join the judging panel for theatre, opera dance or SOLT affiliate members, such as The Soho, The Tricycle and Theatre Royal Stratford East.

We're looking for dedicated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable people from all walks of life

Anyone wishing to apply can pick up a leaflet from any West End theatre, apply online at www.olivierawards.co.uk, or request a form from SOLT via: awards@solttma.co.uk or send an SAE to Awards Office (P), 32 Rose Street, London WC2E 9ET.

The closing date for applications is Monday 30 November and interviews will take place in early December.  Successful applicants will judge productions running between 1 January and 31 December 2010 and will be invited to attend the 2011 Laurence Olivier Awards ceremony.