The Broadway League (http://www.broadwayleague.com) is the national trade organization for the commercial theatre industry, and recently revealed its picks for the 2013 "League Educator Apple Awards" recipients. The awards were created in order to acknowledge the efforts of outstanding local teachers and administrators who support programs relating to Broadway or Touring Broadway shows, promoting further development of theatre education.
The League is committed to working with its members to develop new audiences and model projects by supporting education initiatives across the country. Now in its eleventh year, the League's Education and Community Engagement Committee's Educator Apple Awards have honored educators, administrators, and school district leaders from around the country for their commitment to arts education and their work in collaboration with League-member venues that present touring Broadway shows. Through its Educator Apple Awards, the League encourages the development of theatre education programs nationally while helping to build a future generation of theatregoers.
In the official announcement from The Broadway League, Executive Director Charlotte St. Martin commented, "This year's recipients are creating an invaluable partnership between schools and Broadway League member venues. Most importantly, their collaboration and outreach increases and fosters a lifelong appreciation of theatre in students."
2013 Recipients
The 2013 recipients are Scott Rudes, Principal of Orange Grove Middle Magnet School in Tampa, Florida (nominated by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida); Gene Arthur Hopkins, K-12 Teacher/Music and Drama Director at Lee Academy in Clarksdale, Mississippi (nominated by the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, Tennessee); and Mark Fetterly, Drama/Choral Music Director at Santaluces High School in Lantana, Florida (nominated by the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida).
Dr. Scott Rudes, Principal of Orange Grove Middle Magnet School in Tampa, FL
This year, the ongoing collaboration of Dr. Scott Rudes of Orange Grove Middle Magnet School of the Arts, The Straz Center and the Patel Conservatory gave students, through the Broadway Education Project, a chance to see and study Peter Pan. Students were provided with an opportunity to explore new experiences and study the fantastical implications and metaphors of the beloved musical. Dr. Rudes is a passionate educator dedicated to giving all students a chance to explore their love of theatre. His unceasing devotion to his school and community, as demonstrated by the Fine Arts Professional Learning Community he established, makes his love and dedication an example for all educators. His remarkable leadership is even more impressive considering his recent personal health issues.
Ms. Gene Arthur Hopkins, K-12 Teacher/ Music and Drama Director at Lee Academy in Clarksdale, MS
Through the collaboration of The Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, Tennessee, and The Lee Academy, students from rural Mississippi were given an opportunity to see Broadway shows, many for the first time, including shows like Les Misérables. This partnership has further provided students with an interactive theatre experience by being able to participate in Master Classes and post-show discussions. Ms. Gene Arthur Hopkins is a dedicated arts educator who founded the Lee Academy's theatre department and consistently incorporates her students' Broadway experience into her general teaching and her show choir. Moreover, Ms. Hopkins exhibits immense dedication to her students exemplified by personally driving them to see the Broadway shows, which makes her commitment to making theatre accessible for everyone all the more inspiring.
Mr. Mark Fetterly, Drama/Choral Music Director at Santaluces High School in Lantana, FL
Through the partnership of the Kravis Center and the Santaluces High School Drama and Music departments, underprivileged Musical Theatre students saw and studied Les Miserables. In conjunction, they envisioned and created their own musical showcase Lift Up Your Voice, inspired by their experience. Mr. Fetterly's passion for arts education is represented in his exemplary Performing Arts program and in his drive to direct and create Lift Up Your Voice. Moreover, the support his program receives from the local community is indicative of the unifying power of theatre.
Educational Efforts for The Broadway League
The Broadway League engages in various audience development activities, from "Kids' Night on Broadway®" (http://www.KidsNightOnBroadway.com), where parents take their children for free to the theatre, to "Family First Nights®," a national program providing economically underserved families with the opportunity to attend theatre on a regular basis.
For more information on The Broadway League and its League Educator Apple Awards, visit the organization's website at www.broadwayleague.com.