The Helpmann Awards, named for Sir Robert Helpmann to commemorate his memory and achievements, were established in 2001. The honors recognize "distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the many disciplines of Australia's vibrant live performance sectors, including musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, dance and physical theatre."

The 2006 awards were presented July 31 at Star City, Sydney's Lyric Theatre. Below are the winners of the theatrical awards.

Best Play
Stuff Happens - a Company B Production (Sydney), Newtheatricals in association with Lunchbox Theatricals (Melbourne)

Best Direction of a Play
Marion Potts, Edward Albee's The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? - State Theatre Company of South Australia

Best Male Actor in a Play
Greg Stone, Stuff Happens Best Female Actor in a Play
Caroline O'Connor, End of the Rainbow - Ensemble Productions

Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play
Russell Dykstra, Stuff Happens

Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play
Alison Bell, Doubt - Sydney Theatre Company

Best Musical
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - Melbourne Theatre Company

Best Direction of a Musical
Simon Phillips, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Best Choreography in a Musical
Ross Coleman, Dusty: The Original Pop Diva - Dusty Productions

Best Male Actor in a Musical
David Campbell, Sunset Boulevard - The Production Company

Best Female Actor in a Musical
Tamsin Carroll, Dusty: The Original Pop Diva

Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Tyler Coppin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
Christen O'Leary, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

For more information on the Helpmann Awards, visit www.helpmannawards.com.au.