The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia is pleased to announce that Philadelphia Theatre Company was the recipient of the 2008 Barrymore Award for Excellence in Theatre Education and Community Service for its PASSPORT Theater Residency Program. The winner of the award was announced at the 2008 Barrymore Awards Ceremony on Monday, October 6 at the Crystal Tea Room.

The PASSPORT Program, part of PTC's Drama Contact education programming, is a full-year drama curriculum designed to provide artistic enrichment for students using a menu of multi-visit in-school workshops, residency programs, deeply discounted and free student matinees, and performance opportunities. The goal of the program is to introduce students to theater as a vibrant and living art form in which they can participate in a personal and creative manner, and the activities of the program impact students' reading and writing skills. The performance elements encourage creative writing; and in crafting monologues into a single class production, students learn cooperation and build community within the school setting.

"We were very inspired by Philadelphia Theatre Company's PASSPORT Program which connects young people to the stage and at the same time links closely with their classroom learning," said Sharon Tucker, Deputy Education Officer for the City of Philadelphia and a member of the Theatre Alliance's Education Review Panel. "This is the kind of collaboration we encourage, and which benefits Philadelphia as a whole."

"Teachers consistently tell us that participating in the PASSPORT program increases their students' participation and enthusiasm in class," said Maureen Sweeney, Director of Education at Philadelphia Theatre Company. "Participating in theatre projects uncovers their talents, improves their attendance, increases their sense of pride and ownership in the work they contribute, and fosters positive changes in the classroom culture. "We are very honored that our work in the schools has been recognized by the Barrymore Awards program."

In selecting the award recipient, attention is paid to the project that best demonstrates a significant and lasting impact on the program's participants; interaction with the participants; the teaching of new skills and/or enhancement of cultural awareness; inclusion and representation of diverse cultures and/or socio-economic levels; action as a vehicle for betterment in the community; and accessibility to the community.

The Award for Excellence in Theatre Education and Community Service promotes the participation of theatres and theatre artists who provide innovative theatre and educational experiences as a vehicle for betterment within the community. Cash prizes of $1,500 to the awarded theatre company, and $500 to a teaching artist of the company's choice, are sponsored by the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Arts Education Fund.

The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia strengthens and leads the region's richly diverse theatre community, with more than 120 member organizations and 330 individuals, by promoting positive awareness and serving as a resource for information, professional development and advocacy.

To request interviews, photos, and more information, please contact: Debbie Fleischman, Fleischman Gerber & Associates, (215) 735-7356, debbie@fleischmangerber.com