Forget the groundhog and his shadow, the real sign that spring is on the way is when regional theatre awards start sprouting up like crocuses.

Early in the game, nominations for the 15th annual Helen Hayes Awards, which honor achievement in Washington, DC theatres, will be announced at the Canadian Embassy March 1 at 6:45 PM. Canada's Ambassador to the U.S., Raymond Chretien, and his wife will serve as this year's Honorary Patrons. The prizes will be handed out May 3 at the Kennedy Center.

Last year the Shakespeare Theatre's production of Eugene O'Neill's Mourning Becomes Electra was the most-honored production, taking four of the awards, including Outstanding Resident Play. The national touring production of Chicago was named Outstanding Non-Resident Production.

Major names among the winners were actors Anna Deavere Smith, Liz Larsen, Robert Prosky, L. Scott Caldwell and designer Jane Greenwood.

-- By Diane Snyder