Assembly Resolution No. 817

BY: M. of A. Zinerman

HONORING Gary Edwin Robinson upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2025 Excellence
in Theatre Education Award, presented at the Tony
Awards on June 8, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals whose commitment and creative talents have
contributed to the advancement of education and the enrichment of the
cultural and artistic life of the community; and

WHEREAS, The Arts, and in particular Theatre Arts, are an integral
part of academic growth and personal development for students across New
York State and the Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Gary Edwin
Robinson, esteemed educator and head of the Theatre Arts Program at Boys
and Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York, upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education
Award, presented on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Tony Awards in New York
City; and

WHEREAS, The Excellence in Theatre Education Award, co-founded by
Carnegie Mellon University, the American Theatre Wing, and The Broadway
League, annually honors a K-12 theatre educator in the United States who
demonstrates exceptional commitment, innovation, and impact on students'
lives through theatre education; and

WHEREAS, Gary Edwin Robinson's unwavering dedication to his
students, particularly those from underserved communities, has helped
transform the Theatre Arts Program at Boys and Girls High School into a
dynamic, life-changing experience, where students are introduced to
real-world opportunities, artistic expression, and technical excellence;
and

WHEREAS, Gary Edwin Robinson teaches five drama classes daily,
offering nearly 100 students a comprehensive, three-year sequence of
arts education that integrates both practical theatre experience and
academic rigor; and

WHEREAS, Through his leadership in the Career and Technical
Education (CTE) pathway, Gary Edwin Robinson has created access to
opportunities for students to engage directly with Broadway
professionals, gaining technical and soft skills, as well as the
confidence to pursue careers in theatre or other chosen fields; and

WHEREAS, As part of this esteemed award, Gary Edwin Robinson will
receive $10,000 to support the Theatre Arts Program at Boys and Girls
High School, in addition to tickets to the Tony Awards and Gala, and a
visiting Master Class for his students taught by Carnegie Mellon
University Drama professors; and

WHEREAS, A proud alumnus of Andrew Jackson High School in Queens,
where he focused on music and the arts, Gary Edwin Robinson went on to

study at the Dance Theatre of Harlem before earning his bachelor's
degree in theater education from Howard University; and

WHEREAS, In 2023, Gary Edwin Robinson received an honorable mention
in the education category at the Tony Awards, further affirming his
excellence and continued impact in arts education; and

WHEREAS, The leadership of Carnegie Mellon University has recognized
Gary Edwin Robinson's profound and inspiring commitment to empowering
the next generation of artists, both on and off the stage, and has
celebrated his lasting impact on arts education and his efforts to equip
students with the skills, confidence, and community essential for
lifelong success; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such creative energy, passion, and commitment are brought
to our attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the
citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Gary Edwin Robinson upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, commending
his outstanding contributions to theatre education, and his unwavering
dedication to uplifting and inspiring New York City's youth through the
arts; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gary Edwin Robinson.