The Stage Managers' Association Announces 2022 Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management

On Monday October 24th, 2022, the Stage Managers' Association (SMA) will present its annual Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management, at the National Opera Center's Marc A. Scorca Hall in NYC. The distinguished 2022 honorees are corporate, event and theatrical stage manager Andrew Feigin, opera stage manager Raymond Menard, and theatrical stage manager Bernita Robinson. In addition to these Lifetime Achievement Awards, the SMA will honor Marguerite Price with The Founders Award and Narda E. Alcorn and Lisa Porter with a Special Recognition Award.

The Del Hughes honour is awarded to those who represent the finest qualities and artistic achievement in stage management throughout their lifelong career. Instituted in 1986, the award was named for Del Hughes, who had an illustrious career as a Broadway and television stage manager as well as a TV director from 1933 to the 1970s. Honourees are chosen each February from nominations submitted by industry members.

Adrienne Wells, Chair of the Stage Managers' Association, states "as the entertainment industry has come roaring back after pandemic closures, Stage Managers, production staff, designers, directors, playwrights, choreographers, performers, administrators, support staff and so many more professionals, have returned together in person to present live entertainment, across the country. The SMA is grateful to take a moment to pause during this busy season to celebrate and recognize this year's award recipients. They have brought a wealth of skill and years of experience to the art of stage management. Without their presence, our industry would not be where it is today."

Honoree Raymond Menard feels "As someone who has spent most of his time in opera quietly making magic backstage, I am gratified that we have the Del Hughes Award to provide an opportunity for Stage Managers to stand in the spotlight for a moment to share in the applause that is usually reserved for our onstage colleagues. This award, coming as it does from my Stage Management colleagues, is truly something special."

In reflecting on this moment, honoree Andrew Feigin shares "The art and craft of Stage Management has always been, for me, a higher calling. The people, places, joys and sorrows that stage managers share have shaped my life. ​ I consider myself so fortunate to have found a career that I could be passionate about. I am deeply honored to be joining the remarkable group of Del Hughes Award recipients who have come before me."

In speaking personally about the meaning of this award, Honoree Bernita Robinson expressed "This award is the apex of my childhood dream of working as a stage manager in theater. I am thrilled beyond belief."

Marguerite Price, being honored with The Founders Award for her service to the SMA affirms that "the Stage Managers of the SMA continue to establish and illuminate paths forward, and create opportunities for better representation, collaboration and understanding among their colleagues nationally and internationally.

Narda E. Alcorn and Lisa Porter want to thank the Stage Managers' Association for the Special Recognition Award, "honoring our research, writing, and public appearances that have prompted many explorations and conversations about how stage managers can engage in truly anti-racist stage management practices. We are grateful to be part of this meaningful community of stage managers and included in an event that recognizes how instrumental stage managers are in the production process."

Cheryl Mintz and Matthew Stern, Chairs of the Del Hughes Event and Directors-at-Large of the Stage Managers' Association, are pleased to announce the guest speakers at the event, which include Broadway Actor and Singer George Dvorsky, The Metropolitan Opera Production Stage Manager Terry Ganley, corporate, theatrical and event Production Stage Manager Andy Bryant, and Philadelphia based Stage Manager Tom Helmer. Joining them are SMA officers and committee members Bill Hare, Elynmarie Kazle, Joel Veenstra, and Adrienne Wells. The hosts of the event are Cheryl Mintz, and past Del Hughes Honoree Arthur E. Lewis. The SMA thanks Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids for their leading sponsorship of the event.

The event is available virtually on Monday, October 24th, 2022 at 6:30pm ET/3:30pm PT. Registration is required and the event is free. Go to https://SMADH2022.eventbrite.com to register.

To join the SMA go to www.stagemanagers.org

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