Michael J. Bobbitt & ATMTC Receive 2015 Excel Award from the Center for Nonprofit Management

Michael J. Bobbitt and Adventure Theatre MTC were recognized today by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement as the 2015 winner of the Gelman Rosenberg and Freedman EXCEL Award. Michael and Adventure Theatre MTC will be awarded a $7,000 professional development grant; communication exposure through print and social media; and training and development opportunities for the staff and Executive Director through the Center's Learning & Leadership Institute.

Michael J. Bobbitt is the Producing Artistic Director of Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC). In his 8 years at ATMTC, Michael has transitioned the organization, including a merger with Musical Theater Center, from a volunteer run community theatre to a nationally recognized leading children's theatre and training academy, growing the company from 15000 patrons to nearly 100,000. He has lead the company to receiving the 2015 Harold Oaks Award from Theatre for Young Audiences, The Ann Flagg Multi-Cultural Award from The American Alliance for Theatre and Education, The 2014 Making a Difference Award from the Nonprofit Village and was named the 14th Best Place to Work in the State of Maryland. Michael has lead the company in receiving 37 Helen Hayes Award Nominations and 4 awards, 36 New works and world premieres, 3 National Tours, 2 off-Broadway transfers and 1 international co-production.

Michael says, "Everyday is a delight, when you are making thousands of people happy through theatre. It is what wakes me up everyday! I am thankful for this honor and share it with the staff, board, patrons, students, supporters and friends."

Michael has received the Montgomery County Executive's Award for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities. He has served on the board of theatreWashington, The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative and The League of Washington Theatrers. He has directed, choreographed and performed at many theatres in the DC region, including Arena Stage, Ford's Theatre Society, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, Metro Stage, Rorshach Theatre Company, Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Center Stage, Roundhouse Theatre, The Music Center at Strathmore, The Kennedy Center, The Helen Hayes Awards and the Washington National Opera. His national and international credits include the NY Musical Theatre Festival, Mel Tillis 2001, La Jolla Playhouse, Jefferson Performing Arts Center, and 1996 Olympics. He received his training from Harvard Business School's Strategic Perspective in Nonprofit Management, The National Arts Strategies - Chief Executive Program. He studied creative writing and music at Susquehanna University and theater and dance at The Washington Ballet, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and NY University's Tisch School of the Arts (Cap 21). Currently, he serves on the board of Rockville Chamber of Commerce, and the Nonprofit Village.

"We are excited to continue this important and rigorous competition in partnership with Gelman, Rosenberg and Freedman, said Center CEO Glen O'Gilvie. "Our executives lead an incredible amount of people and relationships in the best interest of their organizations and our communities. Accomplishing excellence is both amazing and inspiring. Congratulations to our winners and honorable mentions."

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement, in partnership with Gelman Rosenberg and Freedman launched the EXCEL Award in 2005 to recognize and spotlight outstanding leadership of Washington-area nonprofit organizations. The award recognizes leadership achievement in the areas of innovation, motivation, community building, ethical integrity and strategic leadership.

Finalists were selected through a three-step judging process including a comprehensive nomination form; in person interview with the executive director; and a site visit attended by staff, board members, the executive director and representatives from the community served.

The award Selection Committee, made up of distinguished members of the business, philanthropic and nonprofit community, searched for examples of outstanding leadership that have moved beyond the recommended best practices to bring new levels of engagement that deliver results for the organization.

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