League of American Theatre Announces 2005 Apple Awards

The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc., the national trade organization for the commercial theatre industry, announced today the 2005 recipients of the "League Educator Apple Award."

Now in its third year, this awards program is administered by the League's Education Committee. It recognizes educators, administrators, and school district heads 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 ongoing development of theatre education programs around the country.

This year's two award recipients have been recognized for their leadership and creativity, as well as their dedication, in bringing arts education into the classroom. The 2005 recipients are Lorie Dewey from the Rochester City School District's School of the Arts of Rochester, New York (nominated by the Rochester Broadway Theatre League) and J.P. Royer III from Midway Elementary School of Tampa, Florida (nominated by the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center).

"In honoring these two educators with the League Educator Apple Award, we wish to recognize teachers who provide a vital link between young people and live theater," says League President Jed Bernstein. "By working to incorporate education into the classroom, these committed professionals have enriched the lives of their students and helped to develop a future audience of theatergoers."

Lorie Dewey, Rochester City School District's School of the Arts, Rochester, New York, NY

Ms. Dewey's dedication to the Master Class program has made it possible for participating high school students to learn about live theatrical production by attending touring Broadway productions at a reduced rate, and to study theatre with her and with company and cast members. Ms. Dewey is directly responsible for coordinating and making sure that all drama majors attend at least one master class during the academic year. For each show this season, The King and I (vocal), Mamma Mia! (dance), The Producers (acting), Thoroughly Modern Millie (acting), Chicago (dance), and Movin' Out (dance), 13-15 students of Rochester City School District's School of the Arts will attend a master class and the performance. A total of 90 students participate under her direction.

J.P. Royer III, Midway Elementary School, Tampa, Florida

Mr. Royer's dedication to the arts made it possible for students at Midway Elementary School in Tampa, Florida to see The Phantom of the Opera and study the play in all its various incarnations. Students read Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera and then watched the silent film and filmed stage version. They wrote comparative essays on the novel and the film and also drafted and asked questions of cast members. Following their show, students wrote thank you letters and were assigned post-show essays describing their experiences with Phantom.

To continue to develop this generation and future generations of theatergoers, the League engages in various audience development and marketing activities. Among these programs are "Kids' Night on Broadway," a program in which parents take their children for free to the theatre, and "Family First Nights," a national program providing underserved families with the opportunity to attend theater on a regular basis.

The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc., founded in 1930 as the League of New York Theatres and operating under the "Live Broadway" trademark, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League's 500-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in 140 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 25 million people in New York and across the U.S. and Canada.

For further information on the League Educator Apple Award, call Rachel Reiner at (212) 703-0215.