East End TEENY AWARDS© Gains Applebee Support And Momentum Across Long Island
April 16, 2010
(Riverhead, N.Y.) In a time when budgets for education are tight, high school theatre arts programs are often at risk of seeing harsh cuts, but the East End Arts Council (EEAC) hopes to change that and vows to continue its work in bolstering the arts by maintaining its theatre recognition program. Now in its 8th year, the TEENY AWARDS© celebrates the talents of high school theatre students across the East End of Long Island and counts on the support of local businesses. Applebee’s, a strong sponsor of the program, recently held a celebratory luncheon on behalf of the Teeny Awards organizers, local dignitaries and other local advocates.
“Unlike high school sports programs which receive strong community and budgetary support, theatre arts programs are typically less fortunate,” says Mike Murnyack, General Manager of Applebee’s in Riverhead. “From our perspective, what’s being overlooked is the role these programs play in building self esteem, communication skills and teamwork. We’re proud to support EEAC’s efforts to keep the arts alive.”
Using the Tony Awards as its model, the Teeny Awards program relies on qualified volunteer judges to view performances at 14 area high schools and score performers in a variety of categories from Best Actor/Actress in a drama, musical and comedy to set design, choreography, lighting and poster design. The top scorers become the nominees with the highest scoring individuals in each category receiving trophy recognition and a scholarship.
Currently, EEAC’s Teeny Awards is sustained through the backing of area businesses like Suffolk County National Bank, Target, Panera Bread and Applebee’s.
And, like most good ideas, the concept is spreading and the program is being initiated elsewhere on Long Island. Last year, the Islip Arts Council launched its first annual Teeny Awards and, the Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts has it own ongoing program. EEAC invites other arts councils throughout Long Island to develop theatre recognition programs.
The 8th annual Teeny Awards will take place on Sunday, June 6th. For more information contact EEAC at 631-727-0900 or visit www.eastendarts.org.
Applebee’s Proud Supporter of the East End’s TEENY AWARDS© – Pat Snyder, Executive Director of the East End Arts Council and Toni Munna, Teeny Awards Coordinator (left), organizers of the Teeny Awards that annually recognize student theatre talent from 14 area high schools, celebrate the program’s 8th year. Here, Joe Cella, Daron Hosie, and Mike Murnyack (right) representing Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar in Riverhead, a financial supporter of the Teeny Awards, reveal the restaurant’s newest community memorabilia which will be displayed in the restaurant as a tribute to this landmark EEAC community accomplishment.
Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Business
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