The Broadway League, the national trade organization for the commercial theatre industry, announced the 2009 “League Educator Apple Awards” recipients. The awards acknowledge the efforts of local schools and community groups that 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 seventh year, the League’s Education Committee has 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 this award, the League encourages the development of theatre education programs around the country while helping to build a future generation of theatregoers.

“This year’s award recipients have been recognized for their leadership and creativity, as well as their dedication to bringing arts education into the classroom,” commented Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director, The Broadway League. “We recognize the importance of integrating arts education into school curriculums, and are thrilled to be able to honor star teachers who make it happen. Class trips to local theatres and anything else that strengthens the tie between our member venues and their local schools is encouraged and greatly appreciated.”

THE RECIPIENTS

The 2009 recipients are Mr. Donald Hicken, Theater Department Director of the Baltimore School for the Arts (nominated by the Hippodrome Foundation), and Dr. Janet Scaglione, professor at the University of South Florida (nominated by the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center).

Mr. Donald Hicken Theater Department Director, Baltimore School for the Arts Over the last four years, Mr. Hicken collaborated with the Hippodrome Foundation to develop an extensive program, which offered high school students the opportunity to participate in master classes, young critics programs and discussions with professional actors. Students saw multiple shows at the Hippodrome Theatre, including the Broadway touring productions of Camelot and Twelve Angry Men. As a director and thirty-year educator, Mr. Hicken has a great love of the theater and inspires with enthusiasm, wisdom and honesty. His students gain a greater understanding of the business side of theatre, personal critique by professionals in the industry, and honest insight into the challenges of arts related careers.

Dr. Janet Scaglione Professor, University of South Florida Dr. Scaglione has been inspirational in encouraging her undergraduate and graduate students to examine controversial issues through Broadway and examine their personal growth from these experiences. Her students have attended numerous touring Broadway productions including Wicked, Doubt and Avenue Q, and discussed such issues as racism, sexism and various forms of bias, prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination. Dr. Scaglione is passionate about developing a model to integrate performance arts with workforce education and training, and has been extremely successful with her own work at the University of South Florida.