CHICAGO - eTradeWire -- Eight theatre professional and educators were honored on August 3, 2024 as the recipients of the Illinois Theatre Association's 2024 Award of Excellence. The awards presentation took place during the Awards Brunch as part of the Illinois Theatre Association's Annual Members Celebration - A United Front, A Celebration of Theatre in Illinois, at Two Brothers' Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora.

Each year the Illinois Theatre Association recognizes both individuals and organizations for their significant contributions of promoting quality theatre throughout the state of Illinois. The honorees were nominated by the Illinois theatre community and accepted by ITA's Board of Directors. We are thrilled to provide this much-deserved recognition.

2024 Awards of Excellence:

Creative Drama/Theatre for Young Audiences:

The Children's Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company

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Accepting the Award is Veronica Comings, President

Secondary School Theatre:

J.R. Willard-Rose (Homewood- Flossmoor HS)

College/University Theatre:

Kevin Long (Harper College, Chicago Shakespeare Theater)

Community Theatre:

Joseph Ennenbach (Stage 212, Morris Theater Guild, Streator Engle Lane, and Princeton's Festival 56)

Professional Theatre:

James Calitri (Artistic Director, Festival 56)

2024 Awards of Honor, ITA Non-Member:

John Collins (Executive Director, Goodman Theatre)

2024 Awards of Honor, ITA Member:

Richard Arnold, Jr. (Production Coordinator, College of DuPage)

Anne Thurman Mentorship Award:

Patricia Haynes, 1950-2024 (Mother McAuley HS, founder of 99th Street Summer Theatre)
Accepting the Award is Erin Fitzpatrick

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS THEATRE

Mission Statement: The Illinois Theatre Association is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advocate for the important values that theatre at all levels in the state of Illinois bring to individuals as we strive to expand hearts and minds through work both on the stage and off. Our work includes the important mission to inspire, engage, challenge, nurture, educate and empower artists and audiences in order to enhance the cultural landscape of Illinois, making our state a more conscious and compassionate community. Ultimately, we look to celebrate the essential power of the theatre to illuminate our common humanity.

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Vision Statement: As an organization devoted to the advocacy of theatre in the state of Illinois, we believe that embracing differences is essential for our theatres to not only survive, but thrive. The ITA strives to be an energizing force for collaboration and advocacy in the theatre community. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our organization.

For more information about the Illinois Theatre Association, visit www.illinoistheatre.org or call (773) 804-8975.