Two Dallas theater educators receive honorable mentions at the Tony Awards.
The prestigious Tony Awards, known for celebrating excellence in theater, extends its recognition beyond actors, directors, and composers to include theater educators who play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of talent. For the upcoming 2026 awards, two notable figures from Dallas have been honored with mentions: Anné Hughes, the drama instructor and director of the fine arts program at Shelton School, and Curtis King, the founder and president of the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, which has been a cornerstone of cultural education for nearly five decades.
Hughes and King were recognized among 18 educators who received honorable mentions in the category of Excellence in Theatre Education. This marks a significant achievement for King, who is being acknowledged for the second consecutive year. The award for this category went to Freddie Hendricks, an educator at the Utopian Academy for the Arts located in Ellenwood, Georgia.
Established to honor K-12 theater educators, the award aims to celebrate individuals who have made a substantial impact on their students and exemplify the highest standards of the profession. The 79th annual Tony Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the renowned Radio City Music Hall.
Supporting Hughes’ nomination is Broadway performer Sandy Duncan, a former student who advocates for the transformative impact Hughes has had during her 28 years at Shelton School, a private educational institution designed for students with learning differences. One of Hughes’ former students, Hayley Taub, highlighted her teacher’s influence, sharing her challenges with ADHD and dyslexia and crediting Hughes with fostering a belief in her abilities that ultimately shaped her both as an individual and as an educator.
Hughes attributes the success of the fine arts program at Shelton to a collaborative effort, acknowledging the support of her team, including students, faculty, parents, and administrators. She emphasizes that their collaborative spirit helps create inspiring productions that motivate students with diverse learning needs to reach their fullest potential.
King, reflecting on his experience, expressed gratitude for recognition from his peers and highlighted the success of his mentees on Broadway, affirming that their achievements are what he truly values most in his career.
As the theater community anticipates the Tony Awards, the recognition of educators like Hughes and King underscores the significant role of foundational education in the arts and its lasting impact on students’ lives.
