Carnegie Mellon University
June 10, 2019

In Their Own Words: Theater Community Shares Why Arts Education Matters

Julie Mattera
  • Marketing and Communications
  • 412-268-2902
Pam Wigley
  • College of Fine Arts
  • 412-268-1047

Through the partnership with the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University, the Excellence in Theatre Education Award was created to help recognize a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who embodies the highest standards of the profession and demonstrates a positive impact on the lives of students, advancement of the theatre profession and a commitment to excellence. 

Since the Tony nominations were announced in May, CMU has spoken with many members of the Broadway community to learn why theatre education is important to them and how art can bring people together.

To learn more, follow CMU on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.


Two CMU alumni earned Tony Honors, another (Jamie deRoy) won a Tony for Best Play and CMU and the Tonys recognized high school teacher Madeline Michel with the 5th annual Excellence in Theatre Education Award.

Tonight, we celebrated the 5th winner of the Excellence in Theatre Education Award winner, Madeline Michel, at the Tony Awards. On the Red Carpet before the show, we asked Broadway's biggest stars why theater education matters. #ApplaudMyTeacher

Each year, Carnegie Mellon University and the Tony Awards recognize a K-12 theatre educator who embodies the highest standards of the profession and demonstrates a positive impact on the lives of students, advancement of the theatre profession and a commitment to excellence. Madeline Michel of Charlottesville, Virginia, is the 2019 recipient and talks on the red carpet prior to the 73rd Tony Awards.

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