THE RUDY SEPPY VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

Webster's defines community as a unified body of individuals. So tell me, where would community theatre be were it not for those individuals? Where would it be if we did not have those volunteers who act, direct, build sets, sell tickets, run props or work the concessions? Simply put, it would not exist. It is to honor these individuals that we are pleased to announce the creation of the Rudy Seppy Volunteer Service Award.

Rudy Seppy was a corner stone of ICT MainStage. He exhibited dedication, loyalty and willingness to do whatever was needed whenever it was needed.

Theater was Rudy's second love after his wife Maria. Whenever there was a need for someone to either take a small role or work backstage in any capacity, Rudy could always be counted on to help. He was the "complete" theater person. His talents and willingness to be a part of any production included acting, producing, running concessions, stage crew, and directing. He also served and chaired a variety of committees including Play Selection, 4th of July Parade, Nominating, and Finance, as well as President. Rudy was a strong supporter of the ICT Children's Theater and Theater on the Edge.

When Rudy was not directly involved in a production he could be counted on to drop by just to say hi and see how things were going. His self-deprecating humor endeared him to everyone.

In addition to working with ICT MainStage, over the years, Rudy worked with Pocket Sandwich Theater, Metro Players & Theater Coppell. Though he would champion or be a part of productions for other theater groups, his loyalty and support remained with ICT.

Rudy always exhibited the highest level of commitment to ICT & worked above and beyond ICT's expectations and is certainly worthy of this prestigious honor.

Tragically, Rudy lost his life in an accident at the theatre, while running the spotlight during technical rehearsals for Nunsense in early 2006.

Every theatre in our community has a Rudy, and we honor them.

THE BEN BRETTELL AWARD

The Ben Brettel Award was created in memory of the shortened life and career of a promising young actor, Ben Brettel.  Mr. Brettel's life tragically ended in a car accident while visiting family on his vacation.  His love for theatre was evident to John Garcia when they first met and performed together in Theatre Arlington's production of ANYTHING GOES.  Their friendship remained solid up to the week of his untimely death. The week before his fatal car crash he came to watch John perform in DAMN YANKEES at ICT. This would be the final time they would see each other so, Mr. Garcia wanted to honor Ben with an award to other students who share that same passion and love for the theatre.

The award is presented to high school junior or seniors who show promise in the craft of Theatre Arts. The student should have been actively involved in the theatre arts high school department throughout the 2006 calendar year. The student should have a passion, drive and love for Theatre Arts, and plan to pursue this course of study in secondary education.

UNTEER SERVICE AWARD

THE KATHLEEN FREEMAN SPIRIT AWARD

The Kathleen Freeman Award was created in memory of the Broadway Actress for her dedication to her craft in her final year on this earth. Kathleen Freeman was battling cancer while still performing in the Broadway production of THE FULL MONTY. She never once missed a performance. She would go to chemo in the morning, and then head out to the Eugene O'Neill theater to perform in THE FULL MONTY. Talk about, "But the show must go on!"

This award is given to a male and female who, through tough circumstances continued on with the show. Through personal or physical issues/tragedies - they did not allow this to stop them from working on a theatrical production here in the DFW metroplex. He or She kept a smile and went on with the show, either in front or behind the curtain.