American Place Theatre Honors Teacher Man Frank McCourt

Despite the travails that exist in the American Education System, New York’s American Place Theatre (APT) steps outside of the box to celebrate education and literacy through the arts. Under the guidance and programming of Executive Director David Kener, APT hones the talent of performance artists through its residencies, teaching artists, and professional development programs; brings “literature to life” through stage performances, and holds the profession of teaching in high esteem by honoring and recognizing outstanding educators.

The 2008 Award Gala titled Celebrating A Night of a Hundred Teachers honored author and former New York City educator Frank McCourt. He is a quintessentially charming man with smooth wit and humor. When McCourt asked a relatively new 10th grade English Language Arts Teacher what she thought about teaching and she said it was “great and challenging”, McCourt replied with raised brow: “Oh, you think teaching 10th grade is challenging”.

McCourt is well aware of the challenges and rewards of teaching and provides heartfelt accounts of his experiences as a New York City Public School Teacher in his memoir, Teacher Man. The theatrical adaptation of Teacher Man was directed by APT’s co-founder and artistic director Wynn Handman.

The festive evening held at the New York Univerity Skirball Center for the Performing Arts opened with a performance from Black Violin - two classically trained violinists and a DJ; think classical music meets hip hop. Prior to the dinner, Mr. Kener set the tone with a simple and elegant opening remark, “We are here to celebrate the art of Teaching and learning and we want all of you to reflect back on great teachers that you have had.” Later, dinner attendees were charged with the task of creating a “recipe for teaching”.

Dinner and event attendees consisted of a delicious mix of educators, artists, publishers, and media professionals, all of whom had nothing but great things to say about the event and honoree Mr. McCourt. Erica Hood of MindVolt in Alabama commented on McCourt’s writing, “He is raw and honest in his writing and about his entire experience.” Marueen Donnelly, VP of Publicity for the Penguin Group added, “Frank [McCourt] is great and we believe in and support what David and APT is doing.” The event concluded with dynamic performances and of course, Mr. McCourt receiving his award.

 

The event was sponsored in part by Scribner a Division of Simon and Shuster, in partnership with New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development to Benefit The American Place Theatre's arts and literacy program

For information about forthcoming performances and opportunities with American Place Theatre check out www.americanplacetheatre.org.

words and photos by Una-Kariim A. Cross

 

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