Theater News

Tony Awards Open Submissions for Excellence in Theatre Education Award

The Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University team up to honor theater educators.

Marilyn McCormick, the 2016 recipient of the Excellence in Theatre Education Award.
Marilyn McCormick, the 2016 recipient of the Excellence in Theatre Education Award.
(© The Tony Awards/screenshot from YouTube)

The Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University have opened submissions for the third annual Excellence in Theatre Education Award.

Now through February 10, 2017, submissions will be accepted online for K-12 theater educators at an accredited institution or recognized community theater organization. Anyone — from students and school administrators, to friends, neighbors, and family — can submit a worthy teacher for consideration. He or she must be a teacher whose position includes aspects of theater education. Submissions can be made at here.

The panel of judges comprise members of the American Theatre Wing, the Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon University, and other leaders from the theater industry. The winner will receive a cash grant prize for his or her school, flights to New York City, hotel accommodations, and a pair of tickets to the 2017 Tony Awards ceremony and gala. Last year’s honor was presented to Marilyn McCormick, a drama teacher at Cass Technical High School in Detroit.

"We are thrilled to be able to continue to shine a light on some incredible teachers – whose influence we see on our stages every night," said Heather Hitchens, president of the American Theatre Wing, and Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League. "Oftentimes, teachers are the first ones thanked in Tony Awards acceptance speeches. And we look forward to hearing more inspiring stories from around the country for this year’s Excellence in Theatre Education Award."

The 2017 Tony Awards, presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, will air live on CBS on Sunday, June 11.