The Isabelle Stevenson Award is a non-competitive philanthropic award presented as part of the
Tony Award
The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ce ...
s to "recognize an individual from the theatre community who has made a substantial contribution of volunteered time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service or charitable organizations, regardless of whether such organizations relate to the theatre."
It is named for Isabelle Stevenson, a dancer who performed for audiences all round the world and was president and later chairperson of the board of the
American Theatre Wing
The American Theatre Wing (the Wing for short) is a New York City–based non-profit organization "dedicated to supporting excellence and education in theatre", according to its mission statement. Originally known as the Stage Women's War Relief ...
until her death in 2003.
A single recipient is chosen by the Tony Award Administration Committee and may not be presented at every ceremony.
[ The international press regards the Tony Awards as America's most prestigious theater awards.
The American Theatre Wing and ]The Broadway League
The Broadway League, formerly the League of American Theatres and Producers and League of New York Theatres and Producers, is the national trade association for the Broadway theatre industry based in New York City. Its members include theatre ow ...
present the winner with a copy of a circular brass and bronze medallion designed by art director Herman Rosse
Hermann Rosse (1 January 1887 – 13 April 1965) was a Dutch-American architect, illustrator, painter, theatrical designer, and art director. He won an Academy Awards, Academy Award for Best Art Direction for the film the ''King of Jazz''.
...
at an annual award ceremony in New York City
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...
.Phyllis Newman
Phyllis Newman (March 19, 1933 – September 15, 2019) was an American actress and singer. She won the 1962 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Martha Vail in the musical '' Subways Are for Sleeping'' on Broadway ...
was chosen as its inaugural recipient for her work in establishing the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative in 1995 and raising $3.5 million for the organization.[ Since then, another six women and eight men have received the award and no one has won it more than once.]
Recipients
See also
* Special Tony Award
* Society of London Theatre Special Award
References
External links
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{{featured list
Tony Awards
Awards established in 2009
2009 establishments in the United States
American humanitarian and service awards