Schumacher to Receive Casting Society of America's 'New York Apple Award' at 2008 Artios Ceremony

The Casting Society of America has announced that producer Thomas Schumacher, President of Disney Theatrical Group,  will be this year’s recipient of the special ‘New York Apple Award’ at the 2008 Artios Awards for outstanding achievement in casting.  Nominees in 19 categories have been announced, including those in Broadway, Off-Broadway and Los Angeles theater.  The awards will be presented at coast-to-coast ceremonies on Monday, November 10th, including the New York event at Caroline’s on Broadway.

Derived from the Greek word “artios” meaning “perfectly fitted,” the Artios Awards were established in 1985 by the Casting Society of America to recognize the significance of casting to the success of a movie, television or theatrical production and are given on the criteria of originality, creativity and the contribution of casting to the overall quality of a project.

In a statement, Casting Director and NY Vice President of the CSA, Bernard Telsey said, “Tom Schumacher led the charge for, and is deeply committed to, non-traditional casting on the Broadway stage and beyond.  His work has had a deep impact on our industry.”  Past recipients of the New York Apple Award include Mike Nichols, Joe Mantello, Rosemarie Tischler, Jack O’Brien, Jane Rosenthal, Juliet Taylor, and Tom Fontana.

Thomas Schumacher is the producer of the Tony Award®-winning Best Musical The Lion King. Schumacher is also the producer of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, Tarzan, and current Broadway hits Mary Poppins (with producer Cameron Mackintosh) and The Little Mermaid.

Presenters for the New York event, and additional awards news, will be announced shortly.