Lucy Jordan Award

“The Gypsy Robe represents the history of musical theatre and I'm so honored to be a part of it. I've been to many Robe ceremonies, both for shows I was in and as a Councilor representing Equity. It's often touching and emotional to attend, but that’s nothing compared to actually receiving it yourself. Hearing my name called (and it was a surprise as others in my show had the same number of credits) was a thrilling moment. It's something that will always be mine. It makes me truly feel a part of the Broadway community, like I've truly arrived after 35 years in the business! Also, as a Chorus Councilor, it feels like the cherry on top of the sundae. The cheering and stomping of my company as I circled the stage and their love and support and happiness for me all night long is a memory I'll keep with me always.”

“After putting the robe on, I began the journey of circling the stage, or rather, the stair maze at the Imperial. What was most thrilling to me was the opportunity to really look into the eyes of each person, cast and crew, as I passed them, celebrating the strong ensemble piece of theatre we've created in *The Great Comet*. For me, receiving the robe is an honor that is not taken lightly. It's given to someone who represents the spirit of commitment and perseverance in the world of theatre. I'm very proud to be that person for this brilliant production and to join the ranks of those before me who've celebrated their successes with this great tradition. I feel emotional writing this!”

“I am simply thankful every day to be a part of the Broadway community. The traditions of the theatre are truly what make it such a remarkable place to be. From the tradition of the Stage Manager announcing 'It's Saturday night on Broadway' to signing up for the Broadway show softball league in the Spring, each are special and unique. And the Gypsy Robe is chief among those very special traditions. I am so proud to be among the legacy of ensemble actors that have come before me and that will certainly come after me. Walking into a Broadway stage door will never be lost on me, so a tradition like this one that honors the 'gypsy' in me means so very much.”

“The Gypsy Robe ceremony always makes me think of how strong and connected our community is. Past honorees come to welcome new shows to Broadway, and I really feel our unity. And, I always shed a tear when the people making their Broadway debuts stand in a group to be celebrated. I remember how emotional it was for me the day I made mine.”

“The Gypsy Robe tradition symbolizes a great wealth of theatre history and rite of passage. It reminds me of the many people who have come before me and what they did to further our community; it’s a wonderful honor to have. During the ceremony I was excited and proud, and what I remember most are the happy faces of all of our Broadway newbies making their debuts.”

“When I heard my name I almost fainted – not really, but my heart did skip a beat. Seeing this tradition being passed down for the past six years, and to now be a part of it is an awesome feeling. I remember seeing all of my colleagues smiling and screaming as I ran around the circle; it was like I was crowned the prom king!”

Actors' Equity Association named Bill Rauch, Artistic Director of Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) as recipient of the Ivy Bethune Award at an award ceremony on January 23, 2018 in OSF’s Thomas Theatre.

The Rosetta LeNoire Award, named for the noted actor and theatrical producer Rosetta LeNoire, is given in recognition of outstanding artistic contributions made by either an individual or institution to the universality of the human experience in the American theatre.

Actors’ Equity Association has named Lin-Manuel Miranda the recipient of the 2018 Rosetta LeNoire Award. The award, established in 1988, is given for outstanding artistic contributions to the universality of human experience in American theatre.

Joseph Haj & The Guthrie Theater and Ten Thousand Things Theater Named Co-Recipients of 2017 Rosetta LeNoire Award Equity award recognizes outstanding artistic contributions to the universality of the human experience in American Theatre.

The 2016 Rosetta LeNoire Award goes to Equity's own E. Faye Butler.

Vermont’s Weston Playhouse Theatre Company earns the 2015 Rosetta LeNoire Award.

Ralph Remington, Mary McColl; San Francisco Mime Troupe members: Keiko Shimosato, Lisa Hori-Garcia, Velina Brown, Michael Gene Sullivan, Councilor Doug Carfae

Christine Toy Johnson, a highly-respected actor/writer/producer, Equity Council member and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, has been named the recipient of AEA's prestigious 2013 Rosetta LeNoire Award. The Award will be presented at Association's Eastern Regional Membership meeting on Friday April 12, 2013 in New York City.

InterAct Theatre Company, an Actors' Equity Small Professional Theatre in Philadelphia, PA, has been named the recipient of AEA's prestigious 2012 Rosetta LeNoire Award. The Award will be presented to InterAct's Founding/Producing Director Seth Rozin at Association's Eastern Regional Membership meeting on Friday April 13, 2013 in New York City.

On Friday April 8, 2011, the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles (SCLA) received Actors' Equity Association's 2011 Rosetta LeNoire Award. The Award was presented in a special ceremony to SCLA Founder and Artistic Director, Ben Donenberg, during the Western Membership meeting in Los Angeles.

Jackie Taylor, the Founder and Executive Director of Chicago's Black Ensemble Theater, has been named the recipient of Actors' Equity Association's (Equity) 2010 Rosetta LeNoire Award. The Award will be presented on May 3, 2010 as part of Equity's Central Regional Board Meeting at the Union's Chicago office.

Actors' Equity Association will present its 2009 Rosetta LeNoire Award to Bethune Theatredanse, on Friday, April 3, 2009 at the Equity Membership Meeting in Hollywood, CA. Named for famed actress/producer and civil rights activist Rosetta LeNoire, the Award is given annually by Equity's combined regional Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Committees to recognize outstanding contributions made to the "universality of the human experience in the American Theatre" through either non-traditional or affirmative casting. Past recipients include Detroit Repertory Theatre, the National Asian-American Theatre Company, Milwaukee Rep, Deaf West and La Mama ETC.

Actors' Equity's Central Regional Board and EEO Committee presented the 2008 Rosetta LeNoire Award to Detroit Repertory Theatre on Monday, May 5, 2008 at Equity's Chicago offices. Named for the famed and beloved Actress and Producer, the Rosetta LeNoire Award recognizes outstanding contributions made to the "universality of the human experience in the American Theatre" through either non-traditional or affirmative casting.

Willie Boston, Equity's Equal Employment Opportunity Business Representative from 1991 to 2007, received three standing ovations when he returned to accept the Rosetta LeNoire Award at the Eastern Regional Membership Meeting on Friday, April 13, 2007.