Helen Guditis Honored by the 2013 Theatre Museum Awards for Excellence

Among the various awards at this year’s Theatre Museum Awards for Excellence was a special tribute to the late Helen Guditis. Guditis was a performer and teacher who founded the Broadway Theatre Institute (later renamed the Theatre Museum) in 1986. She was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service to Theatre Award for her dedication and leadership of the organization, and her commitment to theater education in general. The touching award was presented by Stewart Lane, current Chairman of the Museum, to Helen’s brother Albert. The 2013 award ceremony was held on Monday, June 3, 2013, at the Players’ Club in New York City. Hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Tim Robbins, the event featured many musical and dramatic performances alongside the awards.

The Theatre Arts Education Award was presented to Emerson College for its continued commitment to theater education in a college setting. Emerson College owns more theater space than any other institution in Boston, and makes these spaces available to all students for educational purposes. These areas include two newly renovated theater, the Paramount Center which seats 600, and the Cutler Majestic Theater that can fit and audience of 1200. The award was accepted on behalf of the school by faculty member Malia Bensussen, an award winner in her own right having won an Obie.

The Theatre Museum also paid tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the Palace Theatre. Presenters, performances and appearances included, Joe Benincasa, Bonnie Comley, Joe Franklin, Will Jordon, Rod Kimball & Company, Leah Lane, Chris McDaniel, Ariela Pizza, Rebecca Joy Fletcher, Todd Robbins and Trav S.D. Vintage 1920s and 30s vaudeville film footage was provided by Ron Hutchinson and the Vitaphone Project.

For more information, visit www.thetheatremuseum.org