Washington, DC: The Anderson-Hopkins Award for Excellence in the Theater Arts presented six awards Monday night at Signature Theatre, October 8. The award was presented to actors Will Gartshore, Ted van Griethuysen, Bobby Smith, and Craig Wallace, choreographer Karma Camp, and lighting designer Nancy Schertler.
The $5000 award recognizes actors and other members of the DC theater community whose creative lives demonstrate great accomplishment to date and promise for the future. Last year the award was presented to actors Naomi Jacobson, Nancy Robinette, and Holly Twyford, set designer Daniel Conway, and musical director Jon Kalbfleisch.
The award is not intended to reward life achievement nor outstanding success in a single performance, although both may be considered in selection. It is to reward those artists who have been recognized for their success over time, and who have made a long-term commitment to creating theater in Washington.
The award is made annually to two or more recipients to individuals who have been performing in Washington for a minimum of ten years with at least two performances in the last two years. During their career, they have demonstrated excellence by critical acclaim in reviews, Helen Hayes nominations, or other tangible acknowledgments.
The award, established in 2017, is funded for the next twenty years from the Estate of Richard B. Anderson. Mr. Anderson and his long-time life partner, William L. Hopkins, who were avid theater-goers and supporters, and felt that their personal growth was fostered by Washington theater. This award is one way to give back to the theater community.
