New Tony Award Given to Teachers Who Display "Excellence in Theatre Education"

The Tony Awards aren’t only for Broadway stars anymore. Now your favorite teacher has the chance to win the coveted theatre award. The Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University have teamed up to present a new award to be given annually to a theater teacher who has made a monumental impact in the lives of their students.

The “Excellence in Theatre Education” award will recognize educators who demonstrate a significant impact in the lives of their students, advancing the theatre profession and a commitment to excellence, according to the Carnegie Mellon website. The nomination is open to teachers from kindergarten through high school and is intended to reflect how drama teachers have influenced Tony award winners and the appreciation that they have for them.

This is the first new Tony since 2009 and the recipient will be presented the award onstage at the 2015 Tony Awards. The winner also will also receive the trip to New York City as well as a financial contribution to the theatre arts program at their school. A panel of judges comprised of the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon University and other leaders from the theatre industry will select the finalists and winner based how closely they match the criteria described. Nominees must be current teachers at an accredited elementary, middle or high school or community theater organization in the United States.

So, if you think your teacher is the most deserving, click here to nominate them for this prestigious award. Finalist will be announced in the spring and each will receive an honorarium. A singer winner will be selected to received the award during the ceremony on June 7.