(September 25, 2008 – New York, NY) – The Celebrate Broadway Preservation Fund, Inc. sponsored by The Broadway League, announced today the recipients of its first Schoenfeld Vision for Arts in Education Award: Gerald Schoenfeld, Chairman of the Shubert Organization and Joel Klein, Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education.

The Broadway League is hosting its first-ever benefit to raise funds for the NYC Schools Blueprint for the Arts program and The Broadway League's educational initiatives at a Gala honoring Gerald Schoenfeld and Joel Klein on Monday, October 6th at the Waldorf Astoria. 

One of Gerald Schoenfeld’s greatest interests is arts education, which has culminated in the creation of the Blueprint of the Arts for the New York City schools. His passion for education inspired The Broadway League to introduce a new award in his name.

Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, said, “The Schoenfeld Vision for Arts in Education Award evolved as a tribute to recognize Jerry for his and the Shubert Organization’s involvement in arts education  programs. We’re thrilled to recognize and celebrate Joel Klein’s contributions towards enhancing arts-related programming in our city’s schools. Presenting the awards at The Broadway League’s first gala benefit is an exciting way to highlight our commitment to educational initiatives.”

In addition to planned surprises at the gala, a musical tribute to the honorees will be performed by Betty Buckley, Carolee Carmello, Marin Mazzie, Donna Murphy, Leslie Uggams, and students from New York City public schools.

The proceeds raised from this evening will jointly benefit implementation of the Blueprint for the Arts in the NYC public schools and The Broadway League’s educational initiatives.

The Blueprint for the Arts is a publication that defines a course of excellence in arts education that begins in early childhood and follows students up through the grades to a commencement level of achievement in art, music, dance and theatre. It is meant to provide a framework for teachers, suggested strategies that spur individual creativity, depth, and breadth in theatre teaching. Proceeds will be used towards the purchase of tickets to theatrical performances, as well as to enhance collaborations between community and cultural organizations and the New York City public schools.

The key areas of concentration for The Broadway League’s Education Committee include the following programs. Family First Nights® introduces families who would not otherwise have access to attend theatre the opportunity to attend Broadway shows and to learn about the making of a Broadway production. Broadway Speakers Bureau introduces high school and college students to non-performance career opportunities on Broadway. Educator Apple Awards and Education Grants recognize educators and administrators from around the country for their commitment to arts education and their work in collaboration with touring Broadway shows. Advocacy for the Arts is a new initiative intended to strengthen relationships with other arts, education, and government related organizations with similar goals.

Limited tickets available: call 212 744 1048 for information.

The Broadway League, founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry.  The League’s 600-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 240 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry.  Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. Visit www.BroadwayLeague.com.

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