Spellman Museum Education Director Henry Lukas Honored by Boston Children's Theatre

Boston Children’s Theatre (BCT) recently announced that Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History Education Director Henry Lukas will be the recipient of the prestigious Vivian Marlowe Shoolman Award at the theater’s annual Gala on May 7, 2014. 

Named for long-time board member and past BCT President Vivian Marlowe Shoolman, the award recognizes Mr. Lukas’ outstanding contribution to BCT and to children and the arts.  “This award best exemplifies Vivian Shoolman’s tireless commitment and dedication to Boston Children’s Theatre and to the arts in our community,” said BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark.  “We are honored to present this award to Henry Lukas, whose passion and enthusiasm for BCT have played an important role in the growth and development of the theater.”

As current President of the BCT Board, Mr. Lukas is heavily involved in shaping the future of the theatre, however, his association with BCT began long before his board tenure.  “I first became involved with BCT when my son was cast as a Flying Monkey in the 1988 production of The Wizard of Oz,” revealed Mr. Lukas.  “It was a tremendous experience for my son and his involvement was my introduction to a theater that has had such a positive and creative influence on so many young people.”  

In addition to his work at BCT, Mr. Lukas is the Education Director at the Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History at Regis College in Weston.  A retired high school social studies teacher, Mr. Lukas served as assistant principal at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and was also a principal for 17 years at the Marblehead, Manchester, MA and Canton High Schools.  He is also currently a Gallery Guide at the Museum of Fine Arts and is past president of the Board of Friends of Fairsted, the National Historic Site in Brookline. Founder of the statewide high school MA Academic Decathlon, Mr. Lukas lives in Cambridge with his wife of 44 years, Carol Van Deusen Lukas. 

Mr. Lukas will be honored together with former longtime board members Elenore Parker and Sandy Shapiro at BCT’s annual Gala, Giving Voice, on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the WGBH Studios in Boston.  The event, which will feature entertainment by former and current BCT students, celebrates the BCT programs and productions that enrich students’ lives- giving students a strong voice in the arts.  For tickets and information about Giving Voice, visit www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org.

About Boston Children’s Theatre

For over 60 years, Boston Children’s Theatre has served as one of the region’s premier not-for-profit theaters.  Named Best of Boston® 2013 and 2012 by Boston Magazine for Best Children’s Theatre, BCT’s mission is to provide access to exceptional theatrical experiences dedicated to fostering the artistic and personal development of diverse youth, with a focus on professional training and the development of new works.  Programs at Boston Children’s Theatre provide a unique chance for self-discovery and individual expression in a supportive and productive environment.  At BCT, talented and motivated students gather from across traditional boundaries and nationalities to learn about themselves, each other and the world, as they create some of the finest theatrical productions in New England.