Children's Theatre Foundation of America recognizes First Stage and Rob Goodman

Xan Johnson, Ph.D. and Rob Goodman
Photo by Marilee and Bob Miller

First Stage and Rob Goodman, managing director, have been selected as recipients of the 2011 Orlin Corey Medallion Award by the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America.  The award honors significant achievements contributing to the cultural enrichment of children and youth through nurturing artistic work in theater.  Goodman and First Stage Board of Directors member Greg Schmeling accepted the award at the annual Medallion Luncheon held in Chicago on Friday, July 29.

Presenter Xan Johnson, Ph.D. and full professor in the Department of Theatre at the University of Utah said, “Rob Goodman and his co-collaborators met the challenge of starting a new theatre and grew First Stage into a magnificent national model of community engagement and artistic excellence.  A champion of new works, First Stage helps sustain the growing canon of dramatic literature that is our identity, including partnerships with schools and families that anchor seasons and build audiences.  Rob’s vision is clear, to genuinely transform young lives, it is essential to honestly represent the viewpoint of the child on stage.” 

The award is named for Orlin Corey, theatre visionary, acclaimed play publisher in the field of youth theatre, and past president of the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America.  The award is presented annually at the American Association of Theatre and Education conference. 
                                                                     



Rob Goodman said, “My heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude goes to the board of the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America for recognizing First Stage for these past 25 years of dedication to our mission of transforming lives through theater.  If I personally have accomplished anything in these 25 years it is due to two things:  passionately keeping the vision alive and hiring great people who not only share the vision but have the skill, talent, heart and perseverance to bring it to life.”
                                                                          
The Children’s Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA) was founded in 1958 to advance the artistic and professional interests of theater for the young in the USA.  First Stage was awarded a Founders Grant by CTFA in 2010 to support First Stage’s new play development efforts in its world premiere of THE MAGIC BICYCLE earlier this year.