Reviewed by: Pat Byington
ASFA teacher honored by the 2025 Tony Awards
Reading time: 2 minutes
On Sunday, June 8, the 78th annual Tony Awards will broadcast, and one Birmingham educator and school is getting recognition.
ASFA Theatre Chair earns national recognition
John Manzelli, the Theatre Chair at Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA), received an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University.
The Excellence in Theatre Education Award celebrates K–12 theatre educators who have demonstrated a monumental influence on the lives of their students.
Finalists are chosen by a panel of judges from:
- American Theatre Wing
- The Broadway League
- Carnegie Mellon University
- other theatre industry leaders
According to a press release from ASFA, Manzelli was honored for his “extraordinary impact on students and his commitment to high standards in theatre education.”
As part of the recognition, Manzelli and ASFA will be featured in the official Tony Awards Playbill and on TonyAwards.com.
The press release reads:
“Manzelli, an accomplished director, actor, and educator, has led ASFA’s nationally recognized Theatre Arts Department since 2018.
His students have gone on to attend top conservatories and programs across the country, and his mentorship has shaped the lives and careers of countless young artists.”
Fun fact: Another Alabama educator made the Excellence in Theatre Education list! Amy Patel from James Clemens High School in Madison joins Manzelli and 21 other teachers across the country.
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