Last year, American Theatre Wing and Carnegie Mellon University announced the creation of the Excellence in Theatre Education Award. Nominations are now open for the inaugural recognition.

Matt Bomer and Zachary Quinto, Carnegie Mellon University alumna, made the announcement during the TONY® Awards broadcast on June 8, 2014. The award is the first new Tony since 2009.

This annual award recognizes a K-12 theatre educator in the U.S. who embodies the highest standards of the profession: demonstrating a positive impact on the lives of students, advancing the theatre profession, and a commitment to excellence.

Through March 31, anyone can nominate a teacher for the new Excellence in Theater Education Award. Nominees must be current teachers at an accredited elementary, middle or high school or community theater organization in the United States. (College professors and retired teachers are not eligible.)