The Stage Managers’ Association (SMA) has announced its annual Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management. AGMA President Ray Menard is one of three distinguished 2022 honorees.
“I have always thought the primary responsibility of the stage manager was to set a tone in rehearsal and performance that allowed everyone to do their best work and am grateful to the teachers, performing artists and colleagues who opened the doors and showed me the way,” said President Menard. “Thank you to the Stage Managers' Association for presenting me with the Del Hughes Award. I am honored.”
According to SMA, the Del Hughes Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management is the only national honor given annually that recognizes excellence in the field of Stage Management. It is awarded to those who represent the finest qualities and artistic achievement in stage management throughout their lifelong career. Instituted in 1986, the award was named for Del Hughes, who had an illustrious career as a Broadway and television stage manager as well as a TV director. Honorees are chosen each February from nominations submitted by industry members.
President Menard joined the New York City Opera as Stage Director in 1978 where he received the Julius Rudel Award for excellence in artistic administration. In 1987 President Menard was invited to join the stage management team at the Metropolitan Opera. He was the Production Stage Manager at the Met for over 12 years, before retiring in April 2022. A passionate arts advocate, educator, and mentor, he has taught at the University of Georgia and currently teaches music in the Theater Department of Columbia University School of the Arts. Since 2019, Menard has served as President of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
The Del Hughes Awards Event will take place on Monday, October 24, 2022, with details to be announced. Corporate, event, and theatrical stage manager Andrew Feigin and theatrical stage manager Bernita Robinson are also being honored alongside President Menard. In addition to these Lifetime Achievement Awards, the SMA will honor Marguerite Price with The Founders Award and Narda E. Alcorn and Lisa Porter with a Special Recognition Award.
About the Stage Managers’ Association
The Stage Managers’ Association of the United States (SMA) is the only national professional organization for working stage managers across the United States. Its mission is to recognize, advocate for, and provide continuing education and networking opportunities, creating community for stage managers across the USA and connecting them with the world through our International Cohort. Celebrating its 40th anniversary year, the Stage Managers’ Association is a pivotal resource for stage managers nationwide in all areas of live performance. With a growing national membership, the SMA promotes networking opportunities through its many initiatives such as Operation Observation, Collaborative Connections, and A View from the Wings Symposia. SMA members include top Broadway, Off Broadway, Corporate, Regional, Dance, and Opera stage managers as well as students and those just beginning their careers.
Learn more about the Stage Managers’ Association at www.stagemanagers.org.