Ivy Bethune Awards

"The legacy robe is an incredible symbol of our community because it represents us "Show People”. It represents all that we sacrifice to show up 8 times a week. It represents the aches and pains of our bodies and the discipline we need to have to show up fully for our audiences. It represents the swings, the understudies and the ensemble who work tirelessly to keep the backbones of Broadway shows strong so that theatre can thrive. It has been an incredibly challenging couple of years for our community, but the legacy robe is a symbol of our strength. We ARE resilient and we HAVE come back"

"Receiving the Robe was really overwhelming for me. As a kid, all I wanted to do is be on Broadway, but I was an awkward kid in Ohio. The idea that I’d ever get to set foot on a Broadway stage, let alone be recognized for a career with some longevity is incredible humbling and moving."

"The best part about this ceremony is recognizing the Broadway debuts!! Seeing them light up just makes my heart smile!"

"The ensemble is the backbone to a show... This Robe represents that community that works so hard."

"For me, the Legacy Robe represents the connection of a community of artists who choose to come together to tell stories, all with the hope that audiences might leave a little different from when they first entered the theater."

"I love the history of the Legacy Robe and how many incredible performers have received it over the years. It's also fun to be at an age and stage of my career where a lot of my peers are receiving it on their shows. It feels overwhelming, in a good way, being presented with the robe. It's one of my favorite traditions in our Broadway community."

"The Legacy Robe to me is a celebration of past and present members in the chorus of a Broadway show. I immediately felt the weight and history of the robe the moment it touched my body. It truly was a magical experience. I’m still speechless about the whole evening."

"To me the legacy robe reminds me that I am not just apart of a community, but a family. It gives me a sense of pride to be a part of this broadway community for so many years."

"To me the robe symbolizes Excellence and Persistence. It’s a great way to recognize something that is often overlooked – the ensemble of show. A group of people who nowadays often have to step out of their own track and into a main role at the drop of a hat. I felt a sense of joy and of shared history. And of course gratitude to be surround by our cast, staff and crew, feeling their love and support."

"To receive the robe is an incredible honor and truly means the world to me. My whole life I felt like a misfit and to feel such a sense of community and belonging is something I don't take lightly. It reminds me of how we are connected and there is room for everyone. Our culture and mere existence can feel lonely, but we are in this together!"

“Receiving the Legacy Robe is such an honor! I remember hearing about the robe ceremony when I was a little girl and I thought it sounded so magical. And now, getting to be a small slice of the legacy feels incredibly surreal and special. ”

“The Legacy Robe symbolizes persistence as a performer and it reminds me just how fortunate I am to be in this often fickle business.”

“The robe symbolizes a connection to people who have made theatre their life. People from the past, the future, in theatres down the street, actors waiting for their next job or just thinking about moving to NY. I’m so honored.”

"The Legacy Robe is simply my favorite of Broadway traditions. I love the idea that this special tradition has been celebrated and honored for so many decades from Broadway show to Broadway show from Broadway season to Broadway season. I will forever be in awe of this business and know how lucky I am to be a part of it."

"It has always been on my bucket list to win this honor of The Legacy Robe. I have been a Broadway actor in New York City for 20 years and I’m so excited that it finally happened with Ain’t Too Proud."

"The Legacy Robe to me represents our beautiful community and the hard work and perseverance of ensemble members. I love being a part of this community. It has become part of the fabric of my existence. After nine Broadway shows, I’m honored to put on the famous Legacy Robe that represents my people and all of those before me who stuck to their dream. I was truly overwhelmed while being presented the robe by my dear friend Ryan Worsing, who I did Finding Neverland with, in front of this amazing company of Kiss Me, Kate."

“Receiving the Legacy Robe is one of the most humbling honors of my career. All I’ve ever wanted is to be a part of the Broadway community, its fabric and its history. The Legacy Robe represents all of that. I’ve always looked up to the legends and heroes who have worn this robe before me, and to be connected in even a tiny way to that story is overwhelming. It takes a lot of tenacity, dedication and commitment to land on Broadway in the first place, let alone trying to sustain a life and career here. The Legacy Robe and the ceremony are a celebration and recognition of the blood, sweat and tears that goes into being in a Broadway chorus. I could not be more proud.”

<p>"The Robe ceremony always reminds me that I am not just a part of the show I am currently in, but a part of the Broadway community. I love to think about how many people came before me and opened doors, and how many people will come after me. I am a first generation dark-skinned black woman, and I'm on Broadway. I am indeed my ancestors’ wildest dream."</p>

"It was such an honor to put on that robe. I’ve seen so many castmates in past shows past receive it and to now share the same rite of passage feels incredible. As I was walking to put on the robe my brain filled with countless hours in rehearsal studios and time spent warming up onstage or throughout the theater. Every opening night I’ve ever experienced came rushing back to me. And I was filled with so much gratitude for all the people and events in my life that have created such amazing memories."

“This was truly a high point in my incredibly fortunate and humbling career. I never dreamed about being a ‘star’ on Broadway, but I was determined to be a part of the community, just to make a living as a Broadway performer. This honor is, for me, the symbolic culmination of having done just that, creating and sustaining a career at this level."