Off-Broadway's monthly Encore Magazine announced the winners of its third annual "Taking Off" Awards, which will be bestowed at a May 5 ceremony, 3:30-5:30 PM, at the Cherry Lane Theatre.

Given for "artistic excellence Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway," this year's awards were chosen by awards chairman Leonard Jacobs, publisher Tom Holmes, editor Brian Scott Lipton, and contributing writers Leslie (Hoban) Blake, Randy Gener and Pamela Renner.

Here's the list of winners:
THEATRE COMPANY: Drama Dept.
PLAYWRIGHT: Kenneth Lonergan (This Is Our Youth)
DIRECTOR: Mark Brokaw (The New Group's This Is Our Youth, Vineyard Theatre's How I Learned To Drive)
MALE PERFORMANCE: Christopher Evan Welch (Scapin) and Zach Grenier (A Question of Mercy)
FEMALE PERFORMANCE: Lisa Louise Langford (Stonewall Jackson's House)
MUSICAL THEATRE: Violet (a special designation for the show's entire creative team)
SPECIAL CITATION: David & Amy Sedaris (in recognition of the unique quality of their work and increased visibility in the theatre community).
Guests and presenters are still being lined up for the May 5 ceremony, with Stephen Spinella (A Question Of Mercy) the first definite attendee. Serving as emcee will be actress Camryn Manheim, who won a "Taking Off Award" during its first year.

(Please note that Encore magazine is not connected to City Center's Encores! Musicals in concert series.)

--By David Lefkowitz