Theatre Tulsa Announces “Champion Of The Arts” Award Winners

A collection of Tulsa Public School theatre / drama teachers will be honored as Theatre Tulsa's 2018 "Champion of the Arts" at the theatre company's annual Broadway Ball.

The award highlights individuals or organizations from the Tulsa area who have been a strong advocate for local arts over the previous year.

The recipients honored will be: Mike Buckendorf of East Central High School, Amber Harrington of Edison High School, Jennifer Lawrence of Rogers High School, Sean Rooney of Booker T. Washington High School, Jason Shores of Memorial High School and Kristina Vassella of Hale High School.

"For many children, a great drama program is a home away from home where they feel accepted and supported," said Sara Phoenix, Artistic Director of Theatre Tulsa. "That's what makes a high school theatre program so valuable to our community. Theatre education creates a safe place that nurtures our community's next generation."

The representative TPS teachers were selected this year because of their commitment to teaching and training future artists in the face of continuing budget cuts in education. That commitment even included a massive statewide walkout in which teachers protested at the Oklahoma state capitol for more education funding.

"When faced with education budget cuts, it is usually the arts that are first on the chopping block," Phoenix sad. "These teachers are the ones who have to deal with those cuts and continually deliver exceptional arts education despite having fewer and fewer resources."

Broadway Ball is Theatre Tulsa's annual fall gala. The event, this year featuring a "Cirque" theme, will feature "Cirque du Soleil"-inspired performances and atmosphere, along with live entertainment from Theatre Tulsa performers. The 2018 Broadway Ball will be held Friday, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at The Mansion at Woodward Park.

This year's event is chaired by Pat Hobbs and honorary chairs Brent and Lucia Laughlin.

General admission tickets will be $125 in advance, and $150 the week of the event. Tickets and more information about the event are available online at theatretulsa.org/broadwayball.


For questions or more information about Theatre Tulsa and its upcoming shows and programs, visit theatretulsa.org, call 918-587-8402 or email info@theatretulsa.org