Kevin Spacey to Receive Helen Hayes Tribute Tonight

Oscar and Tony Award winning actor and arts advocate Kevin Spacey will receive the Helen Hayes Tribute at the 28th Helen Hayes Awards ceremony tonight, April 23, 2012.

The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by JayLee Mead, annually recognizes theatre artists who exemplify excellence and great commitment to their craft.

For 28 years, the Helen Hayes Awards, a program of theatreWashington, has recognized excellence in Washington theatre. theatreWashington is the only organization that promotes, supports, and represents Washington area theatres, artists, and diverse audiences of all ages.

"Kevin Spacey is a master performer," said Victor Shargai, Chairman of the theatreWashington Board of Directors. "But, even more, he is a man who understands that theatre is a transforming experience."

"Washington is one of the largest and most successful theatre towns in the nation," said Linda Levy, President and CEO of theatreWashington. "As an artist and advocate for the arts, Kevin Spacey makes us realize the tragedy we would face if there were no theatre."

In a career that spans some thirty years on both stage and screen, Spacey has earned the reputation as one of the hardest working and respected actors of his generation. He has worked as a director, screenwriter, producer, and singer and is Artistic Director at the Old Vic, one of the oldest theaters in London. He is the winner of two Oscars, a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award as well as the London Critics Circle, London Evening Standard and Laurence Olivier Theatre award for best Actor. He also has a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Imagination, innovation and uncompromising commitment are the hallmarks of the careers of previous Tribute recipients. Past honorees have included Anne Jackson and Eli Wallach, Derek Jacobi, James Earl Jones, Mary Martin, Angela Lansbury, Jason Robards, Stephen Sondheim, Chita Rivera, Lynn Redgrave, August Wilson and, of course, Helen Hayes.

With nearly 80 professional theatre companies, Greater Washington is second only to New York for the number of productions produced each year. The 2012 Helen Hayes Awards will celebrate Washington's vibrant theatre scene. During the 2011 season, 53 theatres produced 192 productions that met eligibility requirements in the January 1 - December 31 judging cycle. From these shows, 153 artists, ensembles and productions from 26 theatres were nominated for the Helen Hayes Awards.

theatreWashington will announce awards at the 28th Helen Hayes Awards ceremony at the Warner Theatre, immediately followed by the Ovation Gala at the JW Marriott Hotel tonight, April 23, 2012.

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