When a theater educator succeeds, it’s usually the students who get the applause. But once a year the Cincinnati theater community gives a great big standing ovation to a few area teachers who inspire excellence on and off their school stages. Working long hours, out of the spotlight, these committed men and women foster collaborative creativity in all its forms, maintain vibrant educational theater programs in tough budgetary times, and produce graduates with a lifelong love of the performing arts — and the skills and values they’ll need to succeed in any field they choose.
CCM’s own Diane Kvapil received one of two Enquirer/Fifth Third Bank Theater Educator Awards presented this year; the other went to Lisa Bodollo of Mother of Mercy High School (Theater Educator Award Winner). The Acclaim Educator Winner, Kvapil has taught at CCM since 1977. Both Kvapil and Bodollo will receive a financial award for their schools’ theater programs.