Goodman Theater Receives 2009 SPIRIT RECOGNITION AWARD For Diversity On Stage

On behalf of Goodman Theatre and Artistic Director Robert Falls, Executive Director Roche Schulfer proudly accepted Actors Equity Association (AEA)'s "Spirit Recognition Award," honoring individuals and institutions that have made non-traditional casting a way of life. The award was presented at AEA's Central Region Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Committee's "Spirit 2009 - A Celebration of Diversity" event held on Monday, March 30 at the Goodman, recognizing Central Region Members of Color and minority-focused theaters and producers.

"It has been my privilege to collaborate with Robert Falls and our artists, trustees and staff in making the Goodman a theater for all-a place where a large and diverse audience can experience extraordinary productions onstage, and an institution that is devoted to serving our community," said Roche Schulfer. "We have been committed to making cultural diversity the fabric of our theater since the late 1970s, the heart of which has been the production of culturally specific work on our stages. It is an honor for Bob, myself and the Goodman to be recognized by Actors Equity Association in this distinct way."

The Goodman's commitment to diversity as a core value is reflected in the fact that one-third of its productions over the past two decades-including 23 world premieres-have featured artists of color. A 20-year collaboration with August Wilson allowed the Goodman to become the first theater to produce all ten plays in his 20th century cycle, along with notable productions by Resident Director Chuck Smith and Artistic Associate ReGina Taylor. The biennial Latino Theatre Festival, curated by Resident Artistic Associate Henry Godinez, has brought an array of local, national and international productions to Goodman stages. The Goodman was a pioneer in color blind casting, including the annual holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol and frequently collaborates with local culturally specific companies including Silk Road Theatre Project, Teatro Vista, Congo Square Theatre and many others.

A unique aspect of the Goodman's artistic leadership is its Artistic Collective-a group of resident artists from a range of cultural and artistic backgrounds whose combined talents and visions form the core of the Goodman's annual season. Led by artistic director Robert Falls, the Artistic Collective includes Brian Dennehy, Frank Galati, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, ReGina Taylor and Mary Zimmerman.

In addition to Robert Falls and Roche Schulfer of Goodman Theatre, AEA 2009 Spirit Awards were presented to Charles Newell (Court Theatre, Chicago), Dennis Zacek (Victory Gardens, Chicago) and Jack Reuler (Mixed Blood Theatre, Minneapolis). The event was hosted by EEO co-chairs Cheryl Lynn Bruce and E. Faye Butler.