Shaun Taylor-Corbett to be Honored by Association on American Indian Affairs

Broadway's Shaun Taylor- Corbett (currently starring as Frankie Valli in the Jersey Boys National Tour) will be recognized by the Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA) for his outstanding contributions to the arts and his community. Taylor-Corbett, a member of the Blackfeet tribe, will be presented his award by celebrated choreographer Sergio Trujillo and will join Ernie Stevens, Jr. (Oneida, Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association) and Martha Redbone (Cherokee/Choctaw, Award Winning Native Recording Artist and Activist) at a ceremony during a fundraising cocktail reception on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 6:00 PM. Immediately following the reception will be an evening of theatre, song and film beginning with a screening of three Native American short films, with performances by honorees Martha Redbone and Shaun Taylor-Corbett with special guest Marisa Quinn (Twilight) concluding with a screening of the documentary film PLAYGROUND OF THE NATIVE SON which tells the story of the Hominy Indian football team who played and defeated the World Champion NY Giants in the 1920's. The film will be introduced by filmmaker Celia Xavier. Doors to the performances and screenings open at 7PM (start time 7:30) and is FREE to the Public at Walter Reade Theater (144 West 65 Street) at Lincoln Center. Seating is first come, first served.

Before becoming an actor, Shaun Taylor- Corbett earned his BA in International Relations as a Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Delaware. Shaun surprised his professors (but not his parents) by continuing his studies in acting at RADA in London, and the NY Public Theater. He played the role of Sonny in the hit Broadway musical, In the Heights, and was also seen in that role when the show opened at the Pantages in 2010. Before that, Shaun enjoyed four memorable years on the hit kids TV series "Hi-5" (Discovery Kids/TLC), and played the role of Juan in Altar Boys Off-Broadway in NY. Shaun is currently touring as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, recently playing LA's Pantages Theater and can be seen in Supremacy, starring Danny Glover, set to be released this year. In addition to living and acting in LA, he is continuing work on his Native American-inspired musical, Distant Thunder which is currently in development and eyeing a NY run. For more, visit shauntaylor-corbett.com.

"Being honored by the Association on American Indian Affairs is one of the many great highlights of my career," Taylor-Corbett said. "The work they do on behalf of Native Americans throughout the country is not only commendable but necessary. I am excited to share this honor with two remarkable people, and am proud and excited to accept this honor on behalf of all of those who have supported me on my journey, both professionally and personally."

The Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA) is the oldest Native American service and advocacy organization in the United States, started in New York in 1922. Our mission is to promote the well being of American Indians and Alaska Natives through our programs that focus upon youth/education (scholarships, child welfare, summer camps, juvenile justice), cultural preservation (sacred lands protection, international repatriation) and sovereignty (federal acknowledgment reform, access to direct federal funding for tribal programs). More information can be found on our website at www.indian-affairs.org.