Asolo Rep's Prestigious Guilder Award to be Presented 5/2

Annually since 1994 the Asolo Rep Guild, a volunteer auxiliary of the theatre, has presented the prestigious Guilder Award to an area high school in recognition of theatrical project excellence. This year, five schools are in the running for the Guilder Award and Certificates of Excellence. The nominated schools will present excerpts of the finalist productions, followed by the awards ceremony and a reception. This event is free and open to the public, and takes place on Monday, May 2, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the Jane B. Cook Theatre (5555 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota).

The schools and production pieces to be performed in the showcase are: Out of Door Academy; Rebel Without a Cause; Director: Mark Lubas North Port High School; Into the Woods; Director: Dena Henderson Southeast High School; Picasso at the Lapin Agile; Director: Jason Schiessl Saint Stephen's Episcopal School; Oliver!; Director: Preston Boyd Out of Door Academy; Guys and Dolls; Director: L'Tanya Evans 

Schools must apply to participate in the Guilder Award program, and stage a production for the Guilder adjudicators to review and rate in nearly 20 production categories. Evaluations, along with background information about the schools' drama programs, guide award recipient selection. The productions with the highest ratings are among the finalists for the Guilder Award. During the 2010-2011 season, volunteer Asolo Rep Guild adjudicators attended and critiqued productions at high schools throughout Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties.

"The Asolo Rep Guild has for many years promoted and encouraged the growth, development and celebration of High School dramatic arts programs and student artists through the Guilder Awards," explains Guilder Award Committee Chair, Kathryn Chesley. "We live in a culturally rich region where the Arts significantly contribute to our economy and appeal. It is important on so many levels that we all do our part to support and honor young artists and the educational programs that develop their talents. They represent our future. As a community we must do everything we can to keep the arts alive in our schools."

High school students and dramatic arts educators are encouraged to attend the event, celebrate this year's participating schools and learn more about the program. For reservations or information, please call 941-351-9010 ext. 4714.

Asolo Rep Guild is a volunteer auxiliary of the theatre dedicated to sharing a passion for live theatre through community outreach programs, which develop present and future audiences and enrich lives.

The Guilder Award was established to:
Encourage the development of high school drama programs
Help direct high school drama programs toward educational excellence as reflected in performance
Recognize and honor innovative and creative theater activities
Call attention to high school drama programs as a legitimate and necessary academic activity
Build community awareness of high school drama programs of the value to students and the community
Foster the growth and expansion of high school drama programs

Asolo Repertory Theatre is Florida's premier professional theatre and one of the most important cultural forces in the Southeastern United States. As a center for theatrical excellence, Asolo Rep crafts the highest quality productions of classical, contemporary and newly commissioned work all performed in the rarest form of rotating repertory. Featuring an accomplished resident company - complemented by distinguished guest artists - Asolo Rep offers audiences a unique and dynamic theatre experience. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, this world-class institution has taken bold steps toward the future, building landmark partnerships and collaborations which will add to its success for generations to come.