Leo Awards
Over the years, benefactors to Wayside have been recognized in a variety of ways. Sometimes it was an announcement in the press, or from the stage of the Theatre. In later years, it was with the presentation of the Leo Award for two or three people each season for their contribution to their work towards the advancement of the Theatre’s mission. While this award began in 2001, there are records of an earlier public recognition. In 1963, three people who helped with the organization of Wayside Theatre were recognized. A paragraph from the local paper reads, “Larry Gleason, producing director of the 11-week season of performances, greeted the audience. He also dubbed three active members in the theatre project ‘Wayside Theater Angels.’ The plaudits went to Tom Baldridge, John Williams and Leo Bernstein.” (“Summer Stock Performance ….” WES. 19 June 1963). While it does not appear that “Angels’ was the official name of the tribute, or if this award was ever given again, it does indicate a public recognition for service to the Theatre early in its history.
Since 2001, people who had been instrumental in promoting and supporting Wayside Theatre were recognized with the Leo Award, named after Leo M. Bernstein. It was begun as part of the Theatre’s 40th anniversary to credit individuals who “have contributed so selflessly to benefit the theatre. … the honor was named after the Theatre’s founder, Leo M. Bernstein who received the first award at a Gala pre-show event at the Wayside Inn prior to the opening of the 40th anniversary season.
Another tribute was made in 2004 when the Theatre was named the Leo Bernstein Wayside Theatre. There was an official ‘unveiling’ of the new name on the theatre marquee prior to the opening of the season. “New Theater Name, ….” TWS. 10 June 2004). While there is no validation of this point, it seems that the Bernstein name for the Theatre did not last very long.
Leo Award recipients are as follows:
2001 — Mr. Leo Bernstein; Mr. Frank Spurr, Jr.; Mr. George Bagley; Dr. Byron Brill; Rebecca Cintron’ Perry Judd; T. Carter Fussell; Eugene P. Newman
2002 — Mr. Jim Stutzman, Sr.; Mrs. Evelyn “Eve” Newman; John Hull Morrison, III; Stutzman Chevrolet/Cadillac; Mrs. Marjorie S. Lewis; Jim Stutzman, Jr.
2003 — Mrs. Pam DeBergh (Board member 1998-1999); Nicholas (Nick) Nerangis (Board 1980-1982; 1990-1993); Power Warner Communications (Mrs. Faith Powers)
2004 — Rolf Mielzarek (Board member); Harry Smith (Board member); Winchester Printers (Ron & Gary Hottle and their parents, Francis & Irving Hottle)
2005 — Gerald Slavet; Harold Herman & Lyndé Hayen Herman (actors 1964-1975); Rt. 11 Potato Chips & Sarah Cohen
2006 — Barbara Scarlett; Joy Costello; David Blount; Betsy Blauvelt
2007 — (No awards given)
2008 — Barbara Swink (Assoc. Dir., 1971; Managing Director 1971-1978); Herbert White; John Norton (Board member 2003-2006)
2009 — H&W Construction (The Aikens Group, especially William Aikens); Glenne White
2010 — Jane Paige Grim (2003 – 2009 Board member); Susanne Blount (2005-2008 Board member)
2011 Malcolm Barr (Board member and supporter of the Arts in Warren County); Craig Laird (owner of Royal Oaks Computers which has been a show sponsor); DeWayne Coats (a Wayside volunteer for 17 years)
2012 Douglas Arthur; Michael McCool; John Horan, Jr.
2013 Cephe Place