The Andrew A. Isen Prize at Goodspeed Musicals

Goodspeed Musicals is delighted to announce the establishment of The Andrew A. Isen Prize at Goodspeed Musicals. The prize, to be given annually, will recognize a young person between the ages of 20-29 who has demonstrated excellence in their work during the previous Goodspeed Musicals season. Each March, Goodspeed will award $5,000 to an honoree – chosen by committee – to aid in their pursuit of a career in musical theatre. The prize will be awarded in 2020 for candidates from the 2019 season. Application information will be made available to eligible candidates during their time at Goodspeed.

This award is funded through a generous gift given by DC-based entrepreneur and musical theatre devotee Andrew A. Isen and was created to give young people who are in the early stages of professional development financial assistance and encouragement to focus on artistic excellence. The establishment of this award with Goodspeed Musicals will also serve to enhance Goodspeed’s efforts to recruit exceptional apprentices, technicians, designers and other theater professionals.

“In creating this award at Goodspeed we were really thinking outside the box. There are many established fellowships that acknowledge young writers and performers but we wanted to include artisans, technicians, designers, assistants, stage managers and administrators in this endeavor to support young people just starting out in musical theatre,” explained Mr. Isen. “The thing that gives me so much pleasure is that we’ll be recognizing people who would never be considered for an award like this, and it’s never been done before. “

“This all came about because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people working to make a life in musical theatre,” Isen shared “I feel passionate about this opportunity to give back. It just feels right.” Isen continued, “Establishing this award in conjunction with Goodspeed Musicals is a dream come true. I have been warmly welcomed into the Goodspeed family.”

Goodspeed’s Executive Director, Michael Gennaro, echoes Mr. Isen’s enthusiasm and is appreciative of his efforts. “It is part of our mission to develop and train young professionals to become future leaders in musical theatre. This prize, which focuses on young people from all disciplines, is especially unique because it supports those who are rarely ever recognized,” stated Mr. Gennaro. “We are grateful to Mr. Isen for his generosity and vision. This award will have a positive impact on both Goodspeed’s future as well as our field of musical theatre”

For more information about employment opportunities at Goodspeed Musicals, please visit our Career Opportunities page.

Employees can submit their application here.

Goodspeed Musicals is delighted to announce that Alexandra Olinyk has been selected as the first recipient of The Andrew A. Isen Prize at Goodspeed Musicals. This award is funded through a generous gift given by DC-based entrepreneur and musical theatre devotee Andrew A. Isen and was created to give young people who are in the early stages of professional development financial assistance and encouragement to focus on artistic excellence in musical theatre.

Upon learning of the decision, Ms. Olinyk, recently a journeyman carpenter at Goodspeed said, “I am excited and honored to be chosen by the Goodspeed committee for the first annual Andrew A. Isen Prize. Thanks to Mr. Isen’s generosity I will be able to accomplish my goal of becoming a technical director by pursing an MFA in technical direction. This award will truly impact my future.“

Mr. Isen served on the selection committee and is thrilled with the result. “This was our dream – to honor young theatre artists in the beginning stages of their career, especially those who are rarely recognized for their vital contributions,” Isen said. “Alexandra has demonstrated her passion for and dedication to pursuing a career in musical theatre. She is an outstanding young woman and I am delighted to support her in her goal of becoming a technical director.”

Goodspeed’s Executive Director, Michael Gennaro, is also enthusiastic about Ms. Olinyk’s selection. “It was a difficult selection process as we had so many truly outstanding applicants. In the end, Alexandra’s application stood out. We couldn’t be more proud of her work at Goodspeed and see a bright future ahead for her.” He added, “We are grateful to Andrew Isen for sponsoring this award which directly supports our mission to develop and train young professionals to become future leaders in musical theatre.”