After a year's hiatus, the 23rd Po'okela Awards — themed "Stars' Night Out" — is back for 2006, with some changes.

There will be a gala awards ceremony and dinner to celebrate select shows July 31 at the Ko'olau Ballrooms in Kane'ohe. However, there will not be an advance announcement on nominees.

The intent of the changes: to downplay the competitive aspect of the awards, while highlighting the celebration of local theater.

"While competition is inherent in awards, the message clearly received from HSTC's 2005 survey of local theater arts practitioners was that HSTC's Po'okela Awards should celebrate community theater, not create a climate of competition," said Tom Holo-wach, president of the sponsoring Hawai'i State Theatre Council, in a written release.

At the July 31 event, actors, actresses, directors and technicians — based on adjudicators' choices — will be named, then saluted.

Tickets for the event are available, at $40 for open seating, $50, or $500 per table of 10 for reserved tables.

Reservations are being taken at Diamond Head Theatre, 733-0277, ext. 306.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.