Alliance Theatre's Susan Booth Among Recipients of Governor's Honor for Arts & Humanities

Susan V. Booth was honored today at the Georgia State Capitol as a recipient of Gov. Nathan Deal's Award for the Arts and Humanities. These awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Georgia's civic and cultural vitality.

Thirteen members of Georgia's arts and humanities community were chosen from nominations from around the state. These recipients represent a diverse group of individuals and organizations that have laid the groundwork for Georgia's growing creative industry through innovative programs, community collaboration and long-term financial commitment.

Susan was honored specifically as an invaluable leader in Atlanta's theater and arts community. As Artistic Director of the Alliance Theatre, Susan elevates the work of local artists to the national level, including work on several productions that originated in Atlanta and went on to have runs on Broadway. Susan has also launched many programs that nurture and develop new plays, playwrights and artists, including the Collision Project for Teens, the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, and the Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab. Under her leadership, the Alliance has grown into the largest producing theater in the southeast and one of the leading theaters for developing new American musicals. In 2007, the Alliance received the Regional Theatre Tony Award® in recognition of sustained excellence in programming, education, and community engagement, bringing tourism and national attention to Atlanta theater.

Susan also launched the Alliance's first capital and endowment campaign in an effort to grow the theater's endowment and to provide funds to renovate the theater for the first time in the facility's 47 year history. The renovation will include its main stage, rehearsal spaces, education spaces, and artist support spaces, making significant improvements to technology, infrastructure, and patron experience. It will also make the theater more attractive to potential national commercial partners, bringing more jobs and tourism to the city. The renovation is scheduled to be completed by the 2018/19 season.

The Awards Ceremony at the Capitol also featured a special performance by Sarah Charles Lewis from the Broadway production TUCK EVERLASTING. Lewis will reprise her role as Winnie Foster in the 2016 Broadway production of TUCK EVERLASTING, which had its world premiere at the Alliance in January, 2015.

"The individuals that make up Georgia's arts and humanities communities cultivate, grow and sustain our state's vibrant cultural offerings, making Georgia a great place to live, visit and do business," said Deal. "Sandra and I have always been supporters of the arts and humanities and we are proud to celebrate the individuals and institutions being honored today."

The recipients of the 2015 Governor's Award for the Arts and Humanities are:

Dr. Elizabeth "Libby" Bailey, Macon
Susan V. Booth, Atlanta
Brenda Bynum, Atlanta
Jerry and Kathy Chappelle, Watkinsville
Dr. James C. Cobb, Athens
Dale Dyer, Blue Ridge
Joyce Perdue-Smith, Rome
Mausiki Scales, Atlanta
Robert Webb, Dalton
Foxfire, Mountain City
Pasaquan Preservation Society, Buena Vista
Slow Exposures, Zebulon
Telfair Museums, Savannah

Detailed information about the recipients is available at www.gaarts.org.

About the award - The 2015 Governor's Award for the Arts and Humanities was handcrafted by Matt Janke (M.F.A. in Glass from Kent State University). Janke's work can be seen at locations such as Watershed on Peachtree, The Optimist, One Midtown Plaza, Bloc Lofts as well as his signature chandelier at Sweetwater Brewery. In 2000, Janke Studios made its permanent home at Studioplex on Auburn Avenue in the historic Old Fourth Ward. Recognizing that Atlanta would require a certain amount of glass community education to succeed, the Janke's established a mission: "To expose and promote the art of glassblowing throughout the southeast."

About the award partners - The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) is a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development that works to cultivate the growth of vibrant, thriving Georgia communities through the arts. GCA provides grant funding and statewide programs and services that support the vital arts industry, preserve the state's cultural heritage, increase tourism and nurture strong communities. Funding for GCA is provided by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit www.gaarts.org.

Georgia Humanities promotes and preserves the stories and cultural legacies of the state's people - from the past, present and future - to enrich their lives and strengthen their communities. An informed and educated Georgia understands historical and cultural trends, respects the life of the mind, utilizes critical thinking in decision-making, and promotes mutual respect and civility. Funding for Georgia Humanities is provided by the state of Georgia, the National Endowment for the Humanities, foundations, donors and our partners. Visit www.georgiahumanities.org.

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