CHICAGO HEIGHTS—(ENEWSPF)—September 2, 2015. On September 19, 2015The Drama Group, Chicago Heights, Illinois, will be honored as the recipient of the Illinois TheatreAssociation’s2015Award of Excellence in Community Theatre.The awards presentation will take as partof the Illinois TheatreAssociation’s42nd Annual Convention, Celebrating Our Theatre Community: Advocating, Connecting,and Supporting,which will be held at Illinois Central College and the Holiday Inn andSuites in East Peoria, Illinois.
Aimee-Lynn Newlan, Executive Director of the Illinois Theatre Association, states: Each year the Illinois Theatre Association recognizes both individualsand organizations for their significant contributions of promoting quality theatre throughout the state of Illinois. The Drama Group was nominated by the Illinois theatre community,approved by ITA’s divisional representatives, and accepted by ITA’s Board of Directors.We are thrilled to provide this much-deserved recognition.
ABOUT THE DRAMA GROUP
From the first production in 1931 to the upcoming 375th production, The Drama Group of Chicago Heights has offered varied programming. Drawing participation from the theatrical community throughout Chicago’s South Suburbs and beyond, they offer six fully mounted productions each season, with repertoire ranging from classic favorites to contemporary sensations. Community outreach and education includes Children’s Theatre, a summer “Kids Camp”, and a Reading Series offering expanded repertoire from world literature free of charge. An ongoing exchange program with The Stables Theatre in the U.K., saw their recent Cat on a Hot Tin Roof play to sell-out houses. The Drama Group remains a fully volunteer organization proud of its heritage and committed to a long future. www.dramagroup.org.
Other recipients include:
2015 Awards of Excellence
Creative Drama — Stacy Deemar
Theatre for Young Audiences — Chicago Kids Company
Secondary School Theatre — Patricia Haynes
College/University Theatre — ChrisGray, Illinois Central College
Community Theatre — The Drama Group
Professional Theatre — First FolioTheatre
AnneThurman MentorshipAward — TBA at9/19Convention – it’s a surprise!
2015 Awards of Honor
Non-ITA Member — Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, TheActorsGymnasium
ITA Member — TBA at 9/19Convention – it’s a surprise!
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS THEATRE ASSOCIATION
It is the MISSION of the Illinois Theatre Association to advocate for the art of quality theatre in Illinois by:
establishing an Illinois membership similar in purpose to and affiliated with national theatre organizations.
encouraging a closer understanding and communication between community, educational and professional theatre.
informing the general public of the diverse nature and extent of Illinois theatre (advocacy for the art of theatre throughout the state).
cooperating with appropriate state and federal agencies and with regional and national theatre organizations in promoting increased recognition and program development for Illinois theatre at all levels.
promoting and perpetuating the highest caliber of theatre production, teaching and research at all levels of theatre within the state of Illinois.
affirming the important value of theatre in the lives of individuals.
The ITA provides numerous services throughout Illinois (festivals, conferences, focus groups, professional development workshops, publications). In doing so, the ITA strives to become “the representative association for all things theatre in Illinois.” The ITA is comprised of six divisions:College/University Theatre, Community Theatre,Creative Drama, Professional Theatre, Secondary School Theatre, and Theatre for Young Audiences.
For more information about the Illinois Theatre Association, visit www.illinoistheatre.org or call 312-265-5922.
Source: www.dramagroup.org
