Hastings Director Takes Part In Theater Industry Award Event

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY — Gerard Marciano, Performance Director for the Hastings-on-Hudson Union Free School District, was invited to be part of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s Broadway Back to School Award event honoring Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The award-winning composers and lyricists wrote the blockbuster American musical "Hairspray," which Hastings High School performed this past year.

The award recognizes the impact of key leaders in the theatrical industry and education in building access and excellence in school theater.

Marciano was introduced by Mathew Conover, vice president of Disneyland Entertainment and chairman of the Educational Theatre Foundation. Marciano spoke about Hastings’ theater program, and the challenges and rewards of mounting Hastings High School’s multi-school production of "Hairspray."

“The creative team at Hastings High School always wanted to stage 'Hairspray,' but we did not feel we could accurately portray the characters because of the lack of diversity at the school. With the help of funds from our NBC’s R.I.S.E. America grant, we were able to use the $10,000 to not only stage the blockbuster American musical, but also open auditions to neighboring school districts so our students could tell a story about racial integration, when only 3 percent of our own student body is African-American,” Marciano said.

The event was held Sept. 22 at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. Other attendees included Gavin Creel, the creator of ETF, Patti Lupone, Chita Rivera, John Cariani, Mega Hilty and Laura Benanti.

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