Got a Favorite Theatre Teacher? Nominations Are Now Open for the Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award!

Announced back in April, details have now been revealed as nominations have opened for the new, special Tony Award which will be presented to honor kindergarten through high-school (K-12) theatre educators.

A panel of judges comprised of the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, CMU and other leaders from the theatre industry will select the finalists and winner based on criteria set forth by the committee. Demonstrating a positive impact on the lives of students, advancing the theatre profession and a commitment to excellence will be among the qualifications.

The winning teacher will receive the "Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre Education presented by Carnegie Mellon University" on-stage at the 2015 Tony Awards. The trip to New York City will be included, plus a financial contribution will be made to the theatre arts program at the winner's school.

The Tony Awards® and Carnegie Mellon University are looking for the teachers who create the next generation of theatre artists. These are dedicated professionals who discover talented students, nurture them, inspire them, and set them off on a lifelong journey as theatre supporters and professionals. The winning teacher will receive the award at 2015 Tony Awards on June 7, and be featured on the CBS telecast!

The award includes a $10,000 cash prize for the teacher's school, a flight for two to New York City, hotel accommodations and a pair of tickets to the Tony Awards Ceremony and Gala. A select number of finalists will each receive $1,000 for their schools, a flight for one to New York City, hotel accommodations and one ticket to the Tony Awards Nominee Luncheon.

Nominations will be accepted online, screened and vetted by a panel of judges from The Broadway League, the American Theatre Wing and Carnegie Mellon University. The award finalists will be announced in the spring; each will receive an honorarium and attend the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 7, 2015.

Give the ultimate thank you to the teacher who inspired you by nominating him or her! The deadline for all materials (including required letters of recommendation) is11:59p.m. ET on March 31, 2015.

Click Here for Full Rules, Information and to Nominate!