29th Annual Helen Hayes Awards

Actors' Equity Association Receives
Helen Hayes Tribute

On Monday, April 8, 2013, Actors' Equity Association received the prestigious Helen Hayes Tribute at the 29th Annual Helen Hayes Awards in Washington DC. The Helen Hayes Tribute recognizes distinguished theatre professionals who exemplify great commitment to the professional theatre. For the first time in the Award's history, the tribute was presented to an organization.

Nick Wyman and Ellen Burstyn

"Actors' Equity provides a vital service to so many of our nation's professional working actors, and so many of those who work and reside right here in the Washington area," said Linda Levy Grossman, President & CEO of theatreWashington. "As staunch advocates for the welfare and enduring success of theatre artists, Actors' Equity exhibits qualities of organizations that are vital to the continued cultural life of art and theatre."

Actors' Equity President Nick Wyman and former Equity President Ellen Burstyn jointly accepted the award, which was presented by TW's Board of Directors Chair Victor Shargai and Naomi Jacobson.

"On behalf of the 900 AEA actors and stage managers in the Greater Baltimore/Washington area, as well as 49,000 Equity members nationwide, I am deeply honored to accept the Helen Hayes Awards Tribute," said Wyman. "I would especially like to acknowledge the Washington DC area Equity theatres that enrich the lives of their audiences and contribute to the vibrant and diverse cultural fabric of our Nation's Capital.

'Theatre is collaborative effort - it's a family affair, and I would like to applaud all of the members of our Washington theatrical family: theatres, actors, directors, designers, writers, and composers - for their artistic aspirations and outstanding achievements. Let us celebrate this magnificent collaboration as we continue to entertain, educate and enlighten our audiences for the next 100 years."

Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn, who was Equity's first woman President, added that she has been a proud Equity member since 1956. "Congratulations to all of you who are winning tonight, all of you who were nominated tonight, and all you who are working!" she exclaimed. Referring to other nominee's comments about needing work, she quipped "I need a job too!"

She reminisced about Helen Hayes and remembered a comment by Charles MacArthur, who told someone looking for Helen that "she was out doing good." "Although Helen is no longer with us," said Ellen, "tonight proves that she is still doing good."

To view the Helen Hayes Tribute to Actors' Equity, and a list of the nominees and winners, visit www.theatrewashington.org

2013 Helen Hayes Tribute to AEA