Awards and Honors
Each year NJ State Thespians honor individuals, schools,
and theatre programs that exemplify quality
theatre arts education. Nominations are open to
active members.
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Applications for the 2023-2024 Awards will close Dec. 15, 2023. Awards will be announced at the 2023 Thespian Festival Closing Ceremony at
Robbinsville High School on January 14, 2024.
Outstanding Theatre Educator Award
This recognition honors the hard work and dedication of a deserving High School Theatre Teacher who exemplifies the best qualities of an Educational Theatre Teacher. The nominee for this award will represent the best practices of Theatre Educators striving to bring quality theatre experiences to their building, district, and community. The nominee should dedicate themselves to the cause of theatre education and the promotion of the fine arts in their community.
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Qualifications:
- The nominee must be a current theatre teacher (performing or technical) or be an educator that is the troupe director or active leader/chaperone for an active EdTA recognized Thespian Troupe.
- Nominee can not be a past winner.
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At the end of this form, please submit a maximum of two recommendations for this nominee from colleagues, parents, students, and/or community leaders. Each letter of recommendation should be no longer than one page in length. You may use existing letters or excerpts.
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All Applications are due no later than 11:59pm on December 15th, 2023.
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Award will be presented at the NJ Thespian Festival Closing Ceremonies at Robbinsville High School on January 14, 2024.
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Letters of Recommendation Tips:
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A letter of recommendation should not exceed 1 page in length
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Consider having troupe members write letters about the nominee.
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Take the best comments that fit the award and use those in a Letter of Recommendation to send in.
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Combine all the kind comments into one card or small album to present to the Nominee whether or not they receive the award.
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Show them how appreciated they are.
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Outstanding Administrator Award
This honor is presented to an Outstanding Administrator or team of administrators who exemplify a dedication to Educational Theatre through their efforts, support, and participation in the theatrical process. This nominee promotes your productions by helping within the building, district, and community to bring theatre to as many people as possible.
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Qualifications:
-Must be an administrator at this time or just retired the previous school year
-Nominee can not have received this award before
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At the end of this form, please submit two recommendations for this nominee from colleagues, parents, students, and/or community leaders. Each letter of recommendation should be no longer than one page in length. You may use existing letters or excerpts
All Applications are due no later than 11:59pm on December 15th, 2023.
​
Award will be presented at the NJ Thespian Festival Closing Ceremonies at Robbinsville High School on January 14, 2024.
​
Letters of Recommendation Tips:
-
A letter of recommendation should not exceed 1 page in length
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In the letter, please consider….
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Why do you feel NJ Thespians should recognize the nominated administrator? Include examples of how the nominated administrator has gone “above and beyond” in support of theatre education in your school/district. Be sure to address how the nominated administrator improved theatre curriculum in your school, affected a positive change, and/or contributed and helped promote your theatre activities and productions.
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Consider having troupe members write letters about the nominee.
-
Take the best comments that fit the award and use those in a Letter of Recommendation to send in.
-
Combine all the kind comments into one card or small album to present to the Nominee whether or not they receive the award.
-
Show them how appreciated they are.
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Outstanding Service Award
This honor is given to an individual, a team of community members, or a group/business that demonstrates a love for Educational Theatre productions by volunteering their time, energy, knowledge, support, and compassion.
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The recipient of this award will have provided outstanding service to the school or New Jersey Thespians theatre community. The nominee will have exhibited a love for or dedication to educational theatre through their efforts to the school or Thespian community.
The winner should not have won in the past 5 years.
At the end of this form, Please submit two recommendations for this nominee from colleagues, parents, students, and/or community leaders. Each letter of recommendation should be no longer than one page in length. You may use existing letters or excerpts.
All Applications are due no later than 11:59pm on December 15th, 2023.
​
Award will be presented at the NJ Thespian Festival Closing Ceremonies at Robbinsville High School on January 14, 2024.
​
Letters of Recommendation Tips:
-
A letter of recommendation should not exceed 1 page in length
-
Consider having troupe members write letters about the nominee.
-
Take the best comments that fit the award and use those in a Letter of Recommendation to send in.
-
Combine all the kind comments into one card or small album to present to the Nominee whether or not they receive the award.
-
Show them how appreciated they are.
-
New Jersey Thespians
Hall of Fame
This honor is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a dedication to Educational Theatre. They have a history of promoting theatre in their community or school through their years of service. The individual should also have notable participation with New Jersey Thespians through participation at state events, teaching workshops, etc..
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Qualifications:
-Must have been involved in theatre through education, performance, production, or advocacy for at least 20 years
At the end of this form, please submit two recommendations for this nominee from colleagues, parents, students, and/or community leaders. Each letter of recommendation should be no longer than one page in length. You may use existing letters or excerpts.
All Applications are due no later than 11:59pm on December 15th, 2023.
​
Award will be presented at the NJ Thespian Festival Closing Ceremonies at Robbinsville High School on January 14, 2024.
Letters of Recommendation Tips:
-
A letter of recommendation should not exceed 1 page in length
-
Consider having troupe members write letters about the nominee.
-
Take the best comments that fit the award and use those in a Letter of Recommendation to send in.
-
Combine all the kind comments into one card or small album to present to the Nominee whether or not they receive the award.
-
Show them how appreciated they are.
-