Zachary Quinto will serve as the ambassador for the Excellence in Theatre Education Award, a collaboration of the Tony Awards and the actor-producer’s alma mater, Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Quinto, of Green Tree, will take part in the selection committee as CMU and the Tonys recognize a K-12 theater educator June 10 at the 2018 Tony Awards ceremony.
With fellow CMU alumnus Matt Bomer, actor-producer Quinto presented the inaugural Excellence in Theatre Education Award during the 2014 Tonys telecast. In spring of next year, Mr. Quinto returns to Broadway to co-star with Mr. Bomer, Andrew Rannells and Jim Parsons in “The Boys in the Band.”
“The teacher who inspired me and supported my foray into theater arts was Jill Wadsworth from CLO Academy in Pittsburgh,” Mr. Quinto said in a press release. “Arts education is an essential part of both creative and personal development, giving young people an opportunity to know themselves on a deeper level and celebrate the limitless possibility of their uniqueness. Whether or not they end up pursuing a career in the arts, it is the foundation for a more integrated acceptance of self, and a springboard for a wide range of educational and professional opportunities as they mature.”
A panel of judges from the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon and other leaders from the theater industry select the winner, who will receive a cash grant for his or her school and a trip to New York City for the Tonys ceremony and gala.
Now through Feb. 6, submissions will be accepted at www.TonyAwards.com/EducationAward for theater teachers at accredited institutions or recognized community organizations. Anyone may submit a teacher for consideration, but nominees must be in a position dedicated to and/or including aspects of theater education. New this year, the person or persons who submit the winning entry also will receive recognition, including a master class presentation at their school from CMU professionals.
Sharon Eberson: seberson@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1960. Twitter: @SEberson_pg.
First Published: December 6, 2017, 5:50 p.m.
