Dr. LaMar Bagley, of the SEED Falcon Theatre in Washington, D.C., has been named this year's Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year. The honor was announced June 24 at the Theatre Education Conference at the International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, Indiana. He will receive a $5,000 cash prize from The ASCAP Foundation and the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).
Dr. Bagley has served as producing artistic director at the SEED School's theatre for more than 20 years, centering creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and community in his curriculum and programming. Under his leadership, the program has presented The Lion King JR. and Moana JR., the latter via a Disney on Broadway School of Excellence designation. Both are part of Dr. Bagley's commitment to inclusivity, which has seen him create a program where all students are encouraged to audition and receive personalized instruction.
He is a former Freddie G Fellow from Music Theatre International and iTheatrics, and was recognized as a national top drama program by the American High School Theater Festival. In 2023, he was honored by President Biden and First Lady Dr. Biden at the White House, and was named a Trailblazer by the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative the same year.
鈥淒r. LaMar Bagley is a true champion of the arts. His steadfast commitment to his students and the craft of musical theatre nurtures not only talent, but also confidence, creativity, and connection,鈥� says ASCAP Foundation Executive Director Nicole George-Middleton in a statement. 鈥淗is impact reaches far beyond the stage, helping shape the future of musical theatre through every young creator he mentors.鈥�
鈥淒r. LaMar Bagley exemplifies the spirit of this award through his unwavering dedication to student success, artistic excellence, and inclusive education,鈥� adds EdTA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Katona. 鈥淗is work exemplifies the role of the arts in building and supporting not only the individual student, but also the collective community.鈥�
The award was established in 2020. Theatre educators at the middle and high school levels are eligible for nomination by their administrator, students, peers, or others who know their work. Nominations are evaluated by a panel of EdTA teachers and leaders, industry professionals, and ASCAP representatives on the quality of work in their program, career accomplishments, and their impact outside the school.
