ITA's Annual Awards of Excellence - 2009

Each year the Illinois Theatre Association recognizes both individuals and organizations for their significant contributions of promoting quality theatre throughout the state of Illinois.  This year's recipients have been nominated by the Illinois theatre community, approved by ITA's divisional representatives, and accepted by ITA's Board of Directors.  Congratulations to this year's winners:


Excellence in Youth Ensembles:  ALBANY PARK THEATER PROJECT

This year, the children’s theatre division of ITA would like to recognize that the term children’s theatre encompasses a wide range of theatre styles and organizations by honoring a company that is better labeled a youth ensemble.

Founded in 1997, Albany Park Theater Project, or APTP, is a multiethnic, youth theatre ensemble that creates original theater productions.  The company shares the real-life stories of Chicago youth, immigrants, and working-class Americans; humanizes and stimulates dialogue about pressing issues that impact real people; enhances the cultural vitality of Chicago and Albany Park, a neighborhood with no other arts organization; and creates a space where youth embark on lives as adventurous dreamers and accomplished achievers...
Click here to read more.


Pictured to the left are:  Monica Badlani, APTP Board of Directors and Betsy Driver, ITA Board of Directors (Children's Theatre)



Creative Dramatics:  DAVID KNEZZ

Drama is a form of recreation in the true sense of the word – “to re-create oneself.” As Professor Nellie McCaslin explains, “Of all the arts, drama involves the participant the most fully: intellectually, emotionally, physically, verbally, and socially. As players, children assume the roles of others, and they learn about and become sensitive to the problems and values of persons different from themselves. At the same time, they are learning to work cooperatively, for drama is a communal art; each person is necessary to the whole...”  Click here to read more.

Pictured above are David Knezz and Dinah Barthelmess (ITA Board of Directors, Creative Dramatics)


Community Theatre:  THEATRE NEBULA

Theatre Nebula, has been serving the community for the past 10 years.  Its three production season reaches a total audience base of 12,000.  Theatre Nebula is a non-profit, theatre company that promotes and nurtures the appreciation of theatre and the fine arts within the community, nurturing high school and college students interested in theatrical arts.  Through involving its participants in productions that explore diverse theatrical styles, with the interaction of professional theatre artists...Click here to read more.

Pictured above are Karen Fort (ITA Board of Directors, Community Theatre), J. Spencer Green (Artistic Director, Theatre Nebula), and Toni Higgins-Thrash (ITA Member)


Community Theatre:  UP AND COMING THEATRE
Up & Coming Theatre, established in 1993, will celebrate its 16^th year in 2009.  Up & Coming Theatre’s mission is to provide professional level performances with equal regard to music, voice, dancing, and acting.  They challenge themselves to raise the bar, and yet retain the communal aspects in terms of input by giving opportunities for aspiring professionals to obtain practical experience, grow as people, and expand their artistry.  In this way, they’re about mentoring and therefore, the rewards are mostly intrinsic.  They challenge everyone as artists through teamwork, cooperation, and constant support and encouragement...Click here to read more.

 

Professional Theatre:  DCA THEATER - CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Award to presented at a date and location TBA.  The speech of the awards presentation and photo will be posted soon.


Secondary Education:  MARK BEGOVICH, Maine West High School

(Singing)

“Who is this anyway?  Is this his resume?  (Holds up a resume.)  This is a picture of a person I don’t know!  (Holds up a headshot of Rod Blagojevich with the name “Mark Begovich” on the bottom.)  I need more time.  Oh Mark, I need info!”

 

(Speaking)

The following is the transcript of an e-mail conversation between Mark and me from just 2 days ago:

 

Judy:  “Mark, I need info so I can put together a fabulous speech about you for the awards presentation at the ITA Convention.  Aimee-Lynn said you never sent her an updated bio.  You need to send me something… ANYTHING, or I will start making stuff up.  And then you should be afraid.  You should be very afraid!  MU-waaahhhahahaha!”  Click here to read more.

Pictured to the left are Mark Begovich (Maine West High School), and Judy Klingner (ITA Board of Directors, Secondary Education)





University/College:  JOHN T. OERTLING, Eastern Illinois University

Thank you for this opportunity to visit Eastern Illinois University and your new Doudna Fine Arts Center and for this opportunity to present this award from the Illinois Theatre Association.  For those of you who are not familiar with the ITA, we are a statewide organization that brings together theatre professionals from all areas of theatre to advocate for the theatre arts.  We have divisions that include high school, elementary and middle schools, professional and community theatres, and college and university theatres.. Click here to read more.

Norm Engstrom (ITA President Elect - on right) presents the award to John T. Oertling (on left) on November 14, 2009 at EIU's production of Tempest.  



AWARD OF HONOR:  JOHN MUSZYNSKI, Maine South High School

As I look around the room, I see that we are blessed to have with us today several past recipients of the Illinois Theatre Association’s highest recognition: the Award of Honor to a Member,  I can think of no greater honor than to be counted among them.  Today’s recipient is most deserving of joining their ranks.  In his distinguished career, he has been involved in virtually every aspect of dramatic arts.  He has taught middle school, managed the Body Politic, a legendary Chicago theatre company, directed countless plays, and has recently added teaching college to his vitae.  For decades he has taught at Maine South High School, inspiring generations of young, aspiring theatre artists to hone their craft, dream of the future, and live life infused with the Arts.  His passion has become their passion.  That is the magic he makes.  Click here to read more.

Pictured to the left are John Muszynski (Maine South High School), and Timothy Ortmann (ITA Board President)