The Joseph Jefferson Awards (The Jeff Awards) are given annually by a volunteer non-profit committee to acknowledge excellence in
theatre in the
Chicago area. Founded in 1968, the awards are given in tribute to actor
Joseph Jefferson. Two types of awards are given: "Jeff Awards" are for work done under an
Actors' Equity Association contract, while "Non-Equity Jeff Awards" are for non-union work. Award recipients are determined by a
secret ballot.