Ted and Stevie Wolf Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award At Barrymore Awards

The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia announces that Ted and Stevie Wolf will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th Annual Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre on Monday, October 4 at 7:00 PM at the Walnut Street Theatre.

The Barrymore Lifetime Achievement Award is given in recognition of an artist or patron who has devoted his or her time, talent and energy to making a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Greater Philadelphia.

"Ted and Stevie Wolf's years of leadership and extraordinary vision are exemplary of their indefatigable dedication and passionate commitment to the theatre in Philadelphia," said Theatre Alliance Executive Director, Margie Salvante. As visionary advocates for the theatre community, they have fostered creativity and excellence through their presence, their ambassadorship and their extraordinary generosity."

Ted and Stevie Wolf's involvement in the arts is extensive. With their emphasis on big- picture thinking and positive collaboration, they established the Barrymore's Ted and Stevie Wolf Award for New Approaches to Collaborations. The founder and retired chairman of Checkpoint Systems, Ted served for two years as the Chairman of the Board at both The Wilma Theater, where he is still an active board member, and at the National Constitution Center in its infant stage, pushing the project to the top of Philadelphia's civic agenda. He has also been on the boards of the University of the Arts and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The recipient of the Wilma Star Award, Ted was also honored with the Philadelphia Arts and Business Council's Individual Leadership Award. Stevie has served as chair of the Wyck Association's Board of Directors during an important period of growth, as well as on the board of the Atwater Kent Museum. Together their influence extends up and down the Avenue of the Arts, having played a major role in bringing The Wilma Theater to the Avenue while also contributing significantly to the construction of the Kimmel Center and the Suzanne Roberts Theatre.

A fierce proponent of Philadelphia's cultural vitality, Ted Wolf has often encouraged members of the theatre community to consider that "New York is ninety miles from us, not that we are ninety miles from New York," he said. "Theatre is a mirror to life. It is what makes Philadelphia an interesting city. It's what makes this community good for companies to have their headquarters. It's what helps them to attract well-educated, quality workers. It's what enables them to enjoy a full life."
"We have to put ourselves in the context of a bigger picture," continued Stevie. "I think the more you get people excited about culture in general, the more they want transcend their normal day-to-day existence, to conceptualize a little bit about why we are here."

Major support for the Barrymore Awards is provided by Actors' Equity Association, The Charlotte Cushman Foundation, The CHG Charitable Trust, Clear Sound, CRW Graphics, Drucker & Scaccetti, P.C., Earl Girls Theatrical Equipment, Garfield Refining Company, Independence Foundation, PECO, The Virginia Brown Martin Fund, William Penn Foundation, 88.5 WXPN, The Wyncote Foundation, and Ted & Stevie Wolf.

The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia strengthens and leads the region's richly diverse theatre community, by promoting awareness and serving as a resource for information, professional development and advocacy. Tickets for the Barrymore Awards Ceremony and more information are available online at www.phillytheatretix.com or by calling (215) 413-7150.

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