Actors' Equity Association (Equity) announced that Austin resident Connie McMillan is the 2011 Lucy Jordan Humanitarian Award recipient. The award, which honors an individual in the theatrical community, was presented at Equity’s Austin/San Antonio Annual Membership meeting on Saturday, February 11.
Ms. McMillan, who was nominated for the award by actors, producers, patrons and critics alike, has been an integral part of the theater community in Austin for more than 40 years. She is an avid theater-goer, and can be found in theaters, attending theater festivals and theater conferences. Nominators describe her as “the ultimate Theater Person.”
“Loving theatre the way I do, I was so grateful to be able to contribute to the profession behind the scenes and I never wanted any recognition since the production IS the reward,” said Ms. McMillan. “But this honor is most welcome since it comes from other professionals who understand fully what it takes to make the magic happen.”
Born in Lubbock, her love of the arts was established early by parents who encouraged her to participate in and make the arts an important part of her life. After earning her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English Literature from Texas Tech University, Ms. McMillan moved to Austin to attend graduate school at the University of Texas where she earned her Ph.D. in English Literature. She worked as the Box Office Manager for the University of Texas Performing Arts Center for 23 years. Since 2000, she has combined her love of theater and education through part-time work for the University Interscholastic League, which hosts the One-Act Play Contest for high schools in the state of Texas, the largest play festival of its kind. She has also served on the nominating committee for the B. Iden Payne Awards, which recognizes excellence in Austin theater. In addition, she audio-described live performances of theater and opera for patrons who are blind or have limited vision.
The Lucy Jordan Humanitarian Award is the only recognition given by Equity’s Western Regional Board. It was established by the Stage Managers Committee in 1992 to honor and commemorate the unflagging spirit of former Western Region Business Field Rep Lucy Jordan, who passed away that same year.