Last week, Wakulla High School Theatre Teacher Krissy Sanchez was awarded one of two State of Florida Jan McArt Director’s Chair Awards. This is a prestigious award in the world of theatre and is awarded annually to two educators across the State of Florida. The award is named for Jan McArt, a beloved figure in the South Florida theatre community, who formed several theatres and programs throughout the state. This award keeps her memory alive by celebrating and supporting educators who inspire and cultivate the next generation of theatre artists.
Sanchez was nominated for the award by others in the industry and was reviewed and selected by the committee as one of just two winners from the State of Florida based on the impact she is making with the Wakulla High School Theatre Program.
The Director of Education and Operations at the Florida Theatrical Society said that “this is a great honor that shows that your impact and dedication to your students and their theatrical education is to be applauded, and your hard work is evident in the investment of not only their education, but the lives of your students as well.”
The award was announced by WHS administration Michele Falk, Kerry Prosser and Jessica Mapes and the Florida Theatrical Association Director of Operations, David Atwood on Thursday. Sanchez will be recognized onstage at the Florida Thespian Festival in March which is attended by over 8,000 theatre students each year. In addition, Sanchez will be awarded a monetary award of $5,000 in recognition of this prestigious award.
Last year, The Wakulla High School Theatre Program was named a School of Excellence in Theatre and given the designation as a Gold Level Honor Troupe for the State of Florida, the highest level of recognition for a school by the Florida Thespian Society. If you would like to see the big things WHS is doing in the theatre department, plan to join them April 30-May3 for their spring production, The Drowsy Chaperone, which will feature 40 students on stage and 20 students making the magic come to life behind the scenes!