Teacher Wins Special Tony Award for Theatre Education
A teacher at Bedsti Theater recently received a unique honor during last Sunday’s Tony Awards, celebrating his contribution to bringing the joy of Broadway to countless students over the years.
Gary Edwin Robinson was awarded the 2025 Theatre Education Award for his efforts in making theater more accessible to high school students across boys and girls’ schools.
“What a lift. What a joy. It feels like riding on a magical carpet!” exclaimed Robinson, who is based in Fort Green, after receiving the prestigious award.
He admitted to being “shocked” by the news, and even three days later, the thrill hadn’t worn off.
Reflecting on his childhood dreams, he shared, “I always said to myself, ‘One day, I’m going to the Tony Awards. I’m going to win a Tony.’ And getting this award—it truly feels like a pinnacle.”
Recognized for his unwavering commitment to his students, Robinson leads the school’s theater program with passion.
Through the Arthur Miller Foundation Fellow Program and the Broadway Bridges initiative, he prepares for a busy academic year, showcasing productions like “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Gypsy,” “The Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical,” and “John Proctor is Vilinet.”
For a decade now, Robinson has been at Boys and Girls High School, where he teaches five drama classes a day and manages a three-year curriculum covering acting, playwriting, production, and directing.
Many of his students have launched successful careers in the arts. For instance, one is currently touring with “Moulin Rouge,” while another manages a famous theater, and yet another has completed work on a TV show.
However, Robinson emphasizes the importance of personal growth, regardless of whether students choose to pursue careers related to theater.
He often tells aspiring athletes, “You’ll be selected for the team, and in sports, it’s crucial to back that up. Theater is similar—you need to market yourself, which is why this class matters.”
“I have students who aspire to be nurses,” he added. “Even in that profession, you might find yourself singing or performing to help lift the spirits of your patients.”
Robinson sees theater as a crucial part of life, saying, “I’m the bridge to help you get where you want to go.”
After teaching at Boys and Girls High School for a decade, he was presented the award during the 78th Tony ceremony by Farnham Jahanian, the president of Carnegie Mellon University.
This was a significant moment, marking the first time educators from New York State received such recognition, particularly given that New York City is often hailed as the “theater capital.”
“I’ll continue to work with my students, creating and performing. To be honored for what I love—yes, I’ll take it!” Robinson expressed enthusiastically.
This award also provides a $10,000 grant for the school’s theater arts program, which Robinson appreciates, noting that it will also give students a chance to learn from a visiting masterclass from Carnegie Mellon’s drama faculty.
He hopes his achievement will inspire his students to pursue their dreams diligently. “Invest everything you can into your aspirations, and make them a reality. Dreams do come true. Just stay committed and follow them,” Robinson encouraged.
