Candidates for the VSLA may be nominated by individuals or organizations active in the DC regional theatre community. Individuals or organizations may also nominate themselves. One person or organization may not nominate more than one candidate in a single year.
About the Award
The Victor Shargai Leadership Award (VSLA) recognizes individuals, groups, or institutions whose outstanding service and creative leadership have strengthened the Washington, DC-area theatre community. Theatre Washington established the award in 2021 in collaboration with Craig Pascal to honor Pascal’s late husband and beloved DC-area theatre champion, Victor Shargai. For decades Victor was an avid supporter of the Washington, DC region’s theatre community, its artists, and its institutions – generously donating his time and resources to theatres of all sizes. Additionally, Victor served as a long-time chair and member of the Theatre Washington Board of Directors and played a vital role in the annual Helen Hayes Awards. In honor of Victor’s legacy and leadership, the VSLA recognizes individuals or groups who have demonstrated exceptional initiative, collaboration, advocacy, and personal generosity in support of the Washington, DC-area theatre community. A full description of the nomination process can be found here. For more information about the Awards or how to nominate someone for it, please email info@theatrewashington.org.
We are fortunate to have dedicated artists, audiences and donors who have enabled our theaters to outlast the pandemic and to flourish again. We've learned to appreciate more fully what we have so badly missed, and now celebrate the return of live theatre to enrich our community. The vitality of regional theatre depends on our commitment, inspired by creative and passionate leadership.
Jane Lang,
Founder and Chair Emerita, Atlas Performing Arts Center
2024 Recipient
Rebecca Medrano is co-founder of GALA Hispanic Theatre with her husband Hugo Medrano and has been its Executive Director since 1976, shepherding over 48 years of continuous production. Deeply rooted in the community, Ms. Medrano has cultivated partnerships with other arts and social service organizations throughout the city. She has worked tirelessly to amplify Latinx, and other historically marginalized, voices in our region. GALA’s education and outreach programs have impacted the lives of thousands of young people in DC and the body of work – from essential translations of classic work to world premieres from emerging Latinx artists – have brought awareness, empathy, and joy to DC theatre-goers for decades.
2022 Recipients
Edgar Dobie serves as the Executive Producer at the Tony Award-winning non-profit Arena Stage, which he has led for over a decade. Edgar’s leadership has extended Arena’s reach beyond its stages and into the community, demonstrating collaborative leadership and consensus-building as a champion of theatre throughout the area. His effective advocacy, personal generosity, and commitment to theatre in the life of our community exemplify the spirit of this award.
Paige Hernandez is a critically acclaimed multidisciplinary artist who works throughout the Washington, DC area as a performer, director, choreographer, educator, and playwright. She is the Associate Artistic Director at Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, MD, and the originator of B-FLY ENTERTAINMENT. Paige is a visionary in the arts, bringing together artists of wide-ranging talents across generations and genres. Her artistic integrity – reflected in a commitment to safe, equitable, and inclusive spaces for artists – is intrinsic to this award.
2022 Victor Shargai Leadership Award Celebration
October 22, 2022 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Advancement Committee
John Hauge (Committee Chair)
Chief Financial Officer
The Global LPG Partnership
Craig Pascal
Washingtonian
Retired Community Development Banker
Abel Lopez (Chair, Theatre Washington)
Associate Producing Director
GALA Hispanic Theatre
Jane Lang
Chair
The Eugene Lang Foundation
Founder and Chair Emerita, Atlas Performing Arts Center
Committee
Nate Ainspan
Psychologist and Researcher
Veterans Disability
Sheila Alexander-Reid
DEIA Strategist
Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
Andrew Ammerman
Fund for the Future of Our Children
CEO, Ammerman Investments
Dr. LaMar Bagley
Director of Experiential Learning and External Opportunities
SEED Public Charter School
Jeff Banks
Vice President of Commercial Services
United Bank
Stacie Banks
Owner
Lee’s Flower and Card Shop
Laura Whitmore Brown
Assistant Dean of Development, College of Arts and Humanities
The University of Maryland, College Park
Michael Burke
Co-Director
Anderson Hopkins Award for Excellence in the Theater Arts
Shonali Burke
Theatre Maker
Susan Butler
Chair Emerita and Member Board of Trustees
Studio Theatre
Claire Carlin
Vice President of Partnership and Alliance
Destination DC
Jen Clements
Theatre Maker
Eric Colchamiro
Strategic Consultant
Colchamiro Public Strategies
Jill Collins
Owner
Jill Collins Public Relations
Jan Du Plain
President
Du Plain Global Enterprises
Mark Falzone
President
Scenic America
Shanara Gabrielle
Theatre Maker
Artistic Director of Theatre Alliance
David Grosso
Partner
Arent Fox
Nicole Hertvik
Editor and Publisher
DC Theater Arts
Shayla Hines-Graham
Director of Institutional Relations
Arena Stage
Rebecca Klemm
Owner
Numbers Alive
Catherine Leggett
Senior Vice President of Human Resources
Mission Square
Bonnie Nelson Schwartz
Theatre and Film Producer
Founder, Helen Hayes Awards
Michelle Pendoley
Founder
Pen Communications
Angela Rowles
CEO
Crossroads Live
Carol Schwartz
Serra Sippel
President and Founder
Serra Sippel Strategies, LLC
Carl Smith
Co-Director
Anderson Hopkins Award for Excellence in the Theater Arts
Nicole Streeter
General Counsel, Council of the Distric of Columbia
Commissioner, National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws