Teachers Take Center Stage! Inspirational Theater Educators Eligible for New Annual Tony Award

There's a great teacher behind every great artist! As you can see in the video below, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris and so many more big stars have thanked their teachers in their Tony acceptance speeches, and now inspirational theater educators have a chance to win their very own Tony! The Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) have announced that nominations are now open for the inaugural “Excellence in Theatre Education Award.”

Now through March 31, nominations are being accepted online for K-12 theater educators. Anyone—from students and school administrators, to friends, neighbors and family—can submit a worthy teacher for consideration. Nominees must be current teachers at an accredited K-12 institution or recognized community theatre organization anywhere in the United States. He or she must be a teacher whose position is dedicated to and/or includes aspects of theater education. A panel of judges comprised of the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon University and other leaders from the theater industry will select the finalists and winner.

“This new award underscores our longstanding commitment to theater education,” said Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing, and Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League. “Innumerable Tony Award winners have thanked their teachers during acceptance speeches. Starting this year, we’re putting educators and their essential roles at center stage.”