The 78th Annual Tony Awards paid tribute to those who dare to dream big even outside of the Great White Way.
In New York City on June 8, Gary Edwin Robinson, head of the Theatre Arts Program at Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn was bestowed with he Excellence in Theatre Education Award. Co-founded by Carnegie Mellon University, the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, the award was presented moments before the telecast began.
“Keep your dream alive. Stick with it. Stay with it. No matter what happens keep believing in yourself,” Robinson proudly proclaimed to reporters who asked him what inspires him and his work.
The Excellence in Theatre Education Award recognizes a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who has demonstrated exemplary impact on the lives of students and who embodies the highest standards of the profession. Robinson will receive $10,000 for the Theatre Arts Program at Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn and tickets to The Tony Awards and Gala. Robinson’s students will also receive a visiting Master Class taught by CMU Drama professors.
Robinson has been a champion for expanding access to an education in the arts for all students, often bridging the gap for underserved communities. He has inspired his students to set goals beyond the stage and to imagine greater possibilities for their futures by highlighting the value of higher education.
He has developed programming opportunities to expose students to real-world opportunities and art. Through the Career and Technical Education pathway, students can shadow Broadway professionals, gaining technical and soft skills and confidence to pursue careers in theatre or whatever industry their passions lead. He has also collaborated with other programs to take students to see on and off-Broadway shows, feature films and even college tours.
“Edwin’s dedication to empowering the next generation of artists, both on and off the stage, is both profound and inspiring,” said CMU President Farnam Jahanian. “Carnegie Mellon University is thrilled to help recognize his impact in arts education and to celebrate his record of equipping students with the skills, confidence and community needed for lifelong success.”
For more information about CMU and The Tony Awards, visit cmu.edu/tony-awards.
