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Bernstein Award |
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As a part of the ongoing celebration
honoring the theatre’s 40th Anniversary, the Wayside Theatre has
created a new award to recognize those individuals who have contributed
so selflessly to benefit the theatre.
Appropriately this new honor was named
after the theatre’s founder, Mr. Leo M. Bernstein. Even more
appropriately, Mr. Bernstein received the first award at the Gala
Opening of the 40th Anniversary Season during a pre-show ceremony held
at the Wayside Inn.
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2008 LEO AWARDS
Wayside Theatre 2008 LEO Awards recipients
Barbara Swink, Warner Crocker (Artistic Director), Claire White
(Posthumously for Herbert White), and John Norton. Photography by
Westervelt.
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2006 LEO AWARDS
Presented Sunday, June 4, 2006
Barbara Scarlett. Ms.
Scarlett is the current chairperson of P.R.O.P.S., Wayside Theatre's
volunteer guild, and has been instrumental in supporting the theatre
through her efforts with that distinguished group of theatre lovers.
Each year P.R.O.P.S sponsors events and fundraisers to assist Wayside
Theatre and enhance the Curtain Call such as: with new lighting, wiring,
air conditioning, coolers, new vaucuum cleaners, new linens in the
visiting actor houses, repairs, lap blankets, even to purchase a piano,
the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and the July picnic and provides the
many volunteer ushers who escort our patrons to their seats for each
performance. Barbara is the mother of 3 and the grandmother of two. She
is also a Red Cross volunteer and an avid golf player. Barbara recently
received the Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitor's Bureau
2006 Outstanding Industry Volunteer Award at their Annual Industry
Luncheon in May.
Joy Costello. Ms. Costello has
been a key supporter of Wayside Theatre throughout its history,
including fixing a meal or two for Wayside's new General Manager, Mr.
Jeff Stern, when he worked at the theatre years ago. After graduating
JMU she began a career in teaching which she followed until the birth of
the fourth of her five children, at which time she became a full-time
domestic engineer. She has nine grandchildren. She has also served as a
volunteer with Belle Grove, the Board of United Methodist's Children's
services in Virginia, and she is an ardent supporter of children being
involved in the performing arts. Ms.Costello is also one Wayside
Theatre's key supporters who has stepped forward in our Comprehensive
Campaign to support the theatre's expansion effort.
David Blount. Mr. Blount has been
instrumental in helping Wayside Theatre meet its early goals for its
Comprehensive Campaign. He was one of the first contributors to the
effort seeking to expand the theatre, and in the last year put forth an
anonymous, at the time, one-to-one challenge of $75,000 that spurred
others to support the effort.
Mr. Blount is the Vice-President of
American Woodmark Corporation, an organization that began as a cabinet
making company, where he has worked for 28 years in many leadership
capacities, including overseeing the company's expansion to 16 plants in
the US.
He and his wife, Suzanne and their three daughters serve on the board of
the Windcrest Foundation. In addition to his deep commitment to
education and the arts, Mr. Blount also devotes time to health issues
having served on the board of Northwester Community Mental Health and
currently on the Hospital Board for Warren County.
Betsy Blauvelt. Until this year,
Ms. Blauvelt, served for six years as Wayside Theatre's General Manager.
Before joining Wayside Theatre, Ms. Blauvelt had been a teacher in
Clarke, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties. She has served on the Warren
County School Board, and as the President of the Virginia State School
Board Association. She has also taught piano and music served as a
church choir director for 35 years. She co-founded the Blue Ridge Arts
Council and she and her family joined the Wayside Theatre family in
2000. As Wayside Theatre's General Manager, Ms. Blauvelt gave new
meaning to the term "barter economy" as she tirelessly worked
to further the theatres' goals and mission. Her many contributions have
helped build a new direction for Wayside Theatre's future.
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2005 LEO AWARDS
Presented Sunday June 5, 2005
Individuals
Gerald Slavet, former Artistic
Director of Wayside Theatre 1967-1975, developing and promoting the
talent of youth in the Arts. There are two tenets of the arts that he
lived by while at Wayside Theatre and made him the person he is today:
"Quality arts produced will always draw an artist and an
audience" and "community building - of primary importance in
the growth of theatre." Currently Gerald Slavet has a radio show
FROM THE TOP on area stations WVPT, WGMS and WVA Public Radio. Gerald
could not be here tonight due to prior commitments. His award will be
presented to him at a later date.
Harold "Hal" Herman &
Lynde Hayen Herman, Hal & Lynde as actors came to Wayside
Theatre in 1964-1975 under Owen Phillips and Gerald Slavet years…honing
their skills and bringing acclaim not only to them but also to Wayside
Theatre. In 1975 Hal and Lynde took their skills to Shenandoah
University, where Hal founded the Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT)
where Hal is the first and remains the Artistic Director. A wealth of
theatre knowledge and ability they gave to Wayside Theatre and
Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. And we are so glad they
"started" their Valley experience at Wayside Theatre.
Corporate Award
RT 11 Potato Chips & Sarah Cohen
has created a wonderful business relationship with Wayside Theatre and
support. Sarah Cohen has been very active at Wayside Theatre. She has
served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Wayside Foundation for
the Arts, three years as Secretary, offering business insightfulness and
support for the Wayside Theatre, as well as, being a show sponsor
yearly. This year RT 11 Potato Chips sponsored the production of
"The Complete History of America, Abridged."
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2004 LEO AWARDS
Presented Sunday June 4, 2004
Individuals
Rolf Mielzarek, former board member who has served several board
terms, a gracious benefactor of the theatre and to the hearing impaired
signer program at Wayside, lover of the theatre, and very interesting
person! Rolf could not be here tonight due to the wedding of his
daughter. His award will be presented to him at a later date.
Mr. Harry Smith, Harry has been a
long time fan of Wayside theatre, serving on the board for many years,
as President and adjunct advisor. His company, First Bank, as been a
show sponsor. Harry has even done manual labor on more than one occasion
. . . Harry and the late Jim Stutzman Sr., grew to be great friends
while working to renovate the lobby and restrooms in the front of the
building - Harry even left his mark in the form of a nail that just
wouldn’t quit!
Leo Award for 2004 is the Corporate
Award
Winchester Printers, Inc. has
created a wonderful relationship that the business and the Hottle family
began so many years ago with Wayside Theatre. Accepting the Awards for
the family owned business - Ron Hottle, Gary Hottle, and for their
parents, Irving and Frances Hottle - Winchester Printers Inc. has been a
fixture in the business community of Winchester/Frederick County area
for a long, long time. As with so many other local businesses,
Winchester Printers through the years has worked with Wayside Theatre on
a number of projects. Since 2000, Winchester Printers, Inc. has not only
printed the thousands of programs (over 35,000 per year), but has been a
show sponsor as well. This year Winchester Printers, Inc. will be the
official show sponsor of Wayside Theatre’s inaugural production of
Robert E. Lee and John Brown; Lighting the Fuse.
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2003 LEO AWARD WINNERS
Presented on June 1, 2003
Opening Night - THE ODD COUPLE
Mrs. Pam DeBergh: Member of the
Board of Directors 1995-2001. President of the Board 1998-1999. Mrs.
DeBergh has been a faithful and generous supporter and friend of Wayside
Theatre, prior to, during and since her tenure on the board. She has
opened her home to house visiting actors, she arranged for the theatre
to use her husband's office phones for the annual "phonathons."
And of course, no "haunted House" is complete without at least
one DeBergh either in the cast or helping in some capacity. Wayside
Theatre is fortunate to have the DeBergh family as friends - both on the
stage and behind the scenes.
Mr. Nicholas "Nick" Nerangis:
Member of the Board 1980-1982 & 1990-1993. President of The Board.
Our own local "Renaissance Man," writer, show sponsor,
director, and ACTOR! A truly multitalented "Man of all
Trades." And a dear addition to the Wayside family who brings and
shares, his personal talents but his wisdom, humor, and ability at
bringing people together. His family too like Mrs. DeBergh's, has shared
him with us all these years. Mr. Nerangis continues to share his talents
in the Education in Action program - his one-man show tours regularly to
schools and community centers. Wayside audiences will remember him
fondly in the CHRISTMAS CAROL productions.
Power Warner Communications Mrs. Faith
Powers
Power Warner Communications under the leadership of Faith Powers has
been instrumental in helping Wayside Theatre expand its audiences for a
number of years by providing marketing and public relations assistance.
Perhaps the most visible example of this support is the annual
subscription brochure that is designed by the Power Warner Staff. Power
Warner Communications was the first Season Sponsor in the history of
Wayside Theatre providing invaluable assistance in the theatre's 40th
Anniversary season and redesigning the theatre's logo. Wayside Theatre
considers itself lucky to have Faith and Power Warner as an important
business ally in its ongoing efforts to expand its reach.
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2002 LEO AWARD WINNERS
Mr. Jim Stutzman Sr. As
President, during his tenure, the Murder Mystery Tours were initiated,
the office of General Manager was firmly established, as well as a
Box-office Manager/Sales position developed and in place for the 1991
season., adopted the first Annual Giving Campaign, renovation of the
current Ladies Room off the lobby was greatly received by all patrons -
it was mentioned by several ladies that it must certainly have been a
man that did the planning for the doors as they were extremely tall! And
a most generous and welcome gift came in the form of four wheels with a
chassis - through his business, Mr. Stutzman has been most kind in
seeing that the theatre has had vehicles to transport the visiting
actors who during their stay, live out of walking distance from the
theatre. From counsel, to expert business advice, to manual labor, Jim
Stutzman Sr is truly a "Patron" of the arts, and a lasting
friend to Wayside Theatre.
Mrs. Evelyn "Eve" Newman
What a "classy" lady is she. . . a hard worker, a generous and
kind individual, and a really great organizer! From the seeds of the
"Beau Geste" volunteer group of the early years, Eve organized
and supervised PROPs - Providing Regular On-going Production Support - a
group that lives and thrives today as a mainstay the Wayside Theatre
family. Eve served on the Board of Directors, as did her late husband
Gene and their daughter Lee (will be in the audience). Another great
service that Eve has provided for the theatre is the use of "The
Chicken Coop" - and that's what it is literally - but it stores a
lot of theatre "Stuff ", and we are most grateful for that
space. Her home "Monte Vista" has served as wonderful retreat
for actors, the board and guests to enjoy after a long day of
rehearsing, or for a lovely party - just for fun. Thank you Eve for all
that you have been and continue to be for Wayside Theatre .
Mr. John Hull Morrison, III How
to begin to tell the story about this gentleman and his gifts, graces
and talents to and for Wayside Theatre! Over the last 25 years, John
Morrison has been a fixture at the theatre - not only as a member of the
board, as President, as chair of the nominating committee, as
development chair - and the list goes on, but also as a truly
"silent" partner to the theatre. A man of quiet but persistent
determination, he has seen the theatre through thick and thin and
continues his generous and kind spirit. He has even been so thoughtful
as to provide actors for the theatre - in the form of Laurie his wife
and Rebecca his daughter ( they are in the audience) ! What more can any
organization ask than that you give your family to them! His acts of
generosity are numerous from paper to philosophy to perspective to
printing - John has contributed all and has been and continues to wear
the mantle of a dear Wayside Theatre "Fellow"
Stutzman Chevrolet/Cadillac/Buick
Corporations and their leaders are a
mainstay for any non-profit organization. And what a marvelous and
generous corporation Stutzman Chevrolet/Cadillac/Buick has been to the
theatre in the last 20 years. As one may think cars have played a major
factor in this picture - from the donation of vehicles to the repair, to
the towing when one of them gives up the ghost - Stutzman vehicles have
been used and parked at the theatre for many years. . . what a wonderful
support! But that isn't all - when rehearsal space was not existent,
Stutzman Chevrolet stepped to the forefront and offered a grand space in
the building. Stutzman has also been a continuing show sponsor for many
years, giving their employees and clients the opportunity to enjoy the
theatre. It is a pleasure to present this award for the walls of
Stutzman Chevrolet/Cadillac/Buick - an award winning corporation!
Mrs. Marjorie S. Lewis
In order to properly introduce this lovely
lady, we would not have time for the performance tonight! A Lady for all
Seasons - Marjorie Lewis has extended her talents and time to numerous
organizations in this area, Wayside Theatre among them, and for this one
we honor her tonight. She has been it all at Wayside Theatre, from
actress, directing, building sets, organizing the Beau Geste volunteer
group, working on marketing and development for the theatre, teaching a
children's theatre workshop, and as a member - for 10 years, and
President of the Board of Directors. Whew - what a background, and
what's more she continues her theatre work with The Winchester Little
Theatre today. Marjorie began with Wayside in the early years, and
worked with most of the Artistic Directors through the middle '90's. She
and her family have been and continue to be friends of Wayside Theatre,
and through the family business, WINC, their sponsorship of the season
and the media support are a vital thread in the fabric of Wayside
Theatre
Jim Stutzman, Jr. Like
Father like SON! Another Stutzman continues the tradition begun by his
father in his dedication and generosity to Wayside Theatre. Though his
tenure on the board was cut short by an extended illness, Jim has
continued to support the theatre in every way asked as well as ways
given out of a good heart. The theatre continues to enjoy his company at
events and at performances, as well as his advice and concerns about
projects underway or in the future. In the future, the theatre hopes
that Jim will once again serve on the board of directors and perhaps
assume the leadership role that he is more than capable of handling. Our
thanks and continued appreciation for all that he is and has been to
Wayside Theatre.
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2001
Wayside
Theatre founder Mr. Leo Bernstein (pictured reading the program) and
guests attend the opening night gala for the 40th Anniversary Season
where he was honored as the first recipient of the Leo M. Bernstein
Award for Community Service, named in his honor.
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In addition to honoring Mr. Bernstein’s
original vision and ongoing support the Wayside Theatre also honored the
following individuals for their outstanding service:
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Mr. Frank Spurr, Jr. His most
generous support of the Wayside Theatre includes the purchase and
installation of a new sound system and a new lighting system for the
theatre. Not only did Mr. Spurr provide funds, but he spent many a long
hour working himself to install these systems.
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Board President Elizabeth Bagley greets Leo M. Bernstein Award recipient
Frank Spurr and his wife Helen at the gala opening of the 2001 Season.
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Mr. George Bagley participated with
Mr. Spurr in the purchase of the sound and lighting systems. As a small
sample of his many efforts, he has assisted in scenic construction and
design, numerous repairs to the building, outside painting, remodeling
the restrooms and the theatre lobby, virtually single handedly
renovating the new actor house following the fire, as well as other
homes used by the theatre for its talent, the purchase of the
computerized box office system and numerous other pieces of equipment
and supplies for the theatre, the renovation of the administrative
offices and even weed-whacking regularly throughout the season.
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PROPS Guild Member Diane Collis and Leo M. Bernstein Award winner Dr.
Byron Brill and his wife at the 40th Anniversary Season Opening Gala.
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Dr. Byron Brill. A former board
member and board president, Dr. Brill is one of the longest significant
contributors and benefactors of the theatre. His extraordinary service
while on the board has been matched by his continuing efforts as he has
channeled his many talents to other areas, most notably in his work to
help Wayside Theatre find an additional performance facility with the
planned Community Arts Center at Lord Fairfax Community College.
Rebecca Cintron. Often in our
community and at Wayside Theatre we think of volunteers as older adults.
This young lady personifies the “spirit of giving back.” She has
volunteered at Wayside Theatre for the past two seasons as a
concessionaire, backstage and even as a performer. Her efforts and
support can only be matched by the smile and charm that she brings to
each task.
Perry Judd’s. This local
business has provided outstanding service to Wayside Theatre for over
seven years, donating its printing services for Wayside Theatre’s
color brochure announcing each season. This generous donation and
continued support has enabled Wayside Theatre to reach its audiences in
ways that would not be possible without the support of Perry Judd’s.
Mrs. Donna Eagle accepted the award for Perry Judd’s. Two awards were
presented posthumously.
Mr. T. Carter Fussell. Carter
served Wayside Theatre, as he did so many valley organizations, with
distinction and finesse. As Board Treasurer his tireless efforts helped
Wayside Theatre work harder and smarter to begin to achieve financial
stability. His significant financial contributions and his wisdom were
only exceeded by his vision for the future by identifying rising young
theatrical artists and technicians and bringing them to the attention of
persons or groups that could benefit from them. Carter was truly a
guiding light for so many and Wayside Theatre is honored to have shared
his gifts for the brief time of his service. Mr. Fussell’s mother
Kitsy Fussell accepted the award on his behalf.
Eugene P. Newman. Gene served
Wayside Theatre in many capacities for many years encompassing the
tenure of three different artistic directors. His long time service
helped the theatre in many ways that are immeasurable and his gentle
grace and kind approach to all he served blessed the Theatre and all who
knew him. Accepting the award for Mr. Eugene P. Newman was his wife Mrs.
Eve Newman, herself a great and long time supporter of Wayside Theatre
in partnership with her late husband.
We congratulate and again thank all of
the honorees for their service in supporting Wayside Theatre.
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Wayside Theatre founder Mr. Leo Bernstein (pictured reading the program)
and guests attend the opening night gala for the 40th Anniversary Season
where he was honored as the first recipient of the Leo M. Bernstein
Award for Community Service, named in his honor.
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The Leo M. Bernstein Award for Community
Service will be presented annually at the season opening gala.
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info@waysidetheatre.org