Brian Best. Photo courtesy of Silhouette Stages.
Silhouette Stages, Inc., a non-profit, all-volunteer community theater in Columbia, MD, proudly announces the 2019 recipients of the Brian Best Award in recognition for significant and outstanding contributions to Silhouette Stages.
The Award was named in honor of Brian Best who was passionate about and committed to the performing arts in Howard County; Brian passed away in 2011 due to complications from cancer. Brian graduated from Mt. Hebron High School in the late 1970s and was involved in Howard County Summer Theater, Toby’s Dinner Theater, and Shadow Block Productions which eventually became Silhouette Stages. Brian directed and performed in numerous Silhouette Stages productions, including Sugar, The Music Man, Bye, Bye Birdie, and Is There Life After High School, as well as building and designing many of our sets. Brian was a loyal husband, dedicated father, avid golfer, and was always willing to help anyone with anything at any time.
The Brian Best Award was established with the support of Brian’s wife, Rhonda, and is presented annually to volunteers who make significant and outstanding contributions to our organization. Jeremy Goldman, President of Silhouette Stages’ Board of Directors, who presents the 2019 Brian Best Award says, “These volunteers make it possible for us to continue to provide theatrical opportunities for technical and performing artists in and around Howard County, and to bring affordable, high-quality theatrical productions to our community. Presenting this Award not only recognizes extraordinary volunteer service, but honors the cherished memory of our friend Brian Best.”
Each recipient of the Brian Best Award is presented with a monetary award and an official letter of recognition. The 2019 Award is presented June 1st before the performance of Silhouette Stages’ current production of Cabaret.
2019 Brian Best Award Recipients
Rebecca Hanauer – In recognition for her efforts performing in Anything Goes (2019) and Lucky Stiff (2017); serving as Assistant Stage Manager for Forum (2018), The Addams Family (2018), and Cabaret (2019); serving as a dresser for Cry-Baby (2017); managing props for Cabaret; and set construction for Lucky Stiff (2017), Cry-Baby, Forum (2018), Big Fish (2018), The Addams Family, Anything Goes, and Cabaret.
Donna Hawkes – In recognition for her efforts primarily as Stage Manager for our productions of Chicago (2011), Spelling Bee (2011), Noises Off (2016), Young Frankenstein (2016), Lucky Stiff (2017), Cry-Baby (2017), Forum (2018), The Addams Family (2018), and Anything Goes (2019).
Ethan Hogarty – In recognition for his efforts running sound for Shadow Block Productions and Silhouette Stages for the past 16 years.
Olivia Merryman – In recognition for her efforts working backstage crew for Young Frankenstein (2016), Lucky Stiff (2017), Cry-Baby (2017), and The Addams Family (2018); working as Assistant Stage Manager for Lucky Stiff and The Addams Family; running light board for Forum (2018) and Anything Goes (2019); and assisting with set builds and Cabaret Nights.
Click to donate to the Brian Best Award Fund
