Dean Mary Brabeck Presents Award to Frank McCourt at NYU
NYU Steinhardt School & APT Forge Partnership
Frank McCourt received the American Place Theatre’s (APT) Literature to Life Award April 29 at a benefit for the theatre. McCourt’s Teacher Man, (Scribner, 2005) was selected by APT for its latest adaptation into a dramatic presentation. Dean Mary Brabeck, of New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, presented the award to McCourt and also announced a partnership between NYU and APT to enhance teacher education. “We are proud of Frank McCourt’s contribution to the arts and his tie to the American Place Theater. NYU has a growing collaboration with American Place Theater to bring drama/education even more into the teacher education curriculum,” she said.
The American Place Theatre’s “Literature to Life” program presents an actor playing multiple roles, and delivers verbatim adaptations of the writers’ works. “As a cultural partner to schools, it is our charge to help teachers and students find their own voice, both in the classroom and din life,” said David Kener, APT executive director. “Frank McCourt found a remarkable and distinctive voice in both settings; he’s recognized the power of storytelling to motivate students and, as a writer, to influence millions of readers.
As part of the gala benefit, 200 teachers and pre-service teachers were invited to the event. In addition to the award for McCourt, APT actors presented excerpts from some of its adaptations, including Teacher Man, Secret Life of Bees, The Kite Runner, and an original work by poet Lemon Anderson called The Beautiful Struggle.
Proceeds from the event benefit APT’s Literature to Life program, which brings the written word to life for school groups, ranging from middle school through university, across the country. The APT also works with school districts providing staff development workshops, study guides, and artists-in residence. Presentations also include pre- and post performance discussions between students and actors.
For information about “Literature to Life”, go to www.literaturetolife.org #
