Every year at the Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre Benefit, several notable alumni are recognized for their contributions to the organization or as great ambassadors after their years in CYPT.
The award recipients are, for the first time, being announced in advance of the Benefit.
It is with great pleasure that we honor the following:
Joe Bunke
2014 CYPT Founder’s Award
This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the success and long term development of Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre and Cincinnati Landmark Productions. A long-term member of the Board of Directors for Cincinnati Landmark Productions, Joe has presided over many important initiatives for the organization and has been an important ambassador within the west side business community. Joe is President of Cincinnati Federal Savings and Loan, a “local” full service community bank that honors Cincinnati’s traditions and neighborhoods.
Previous honorees: Mark Mueller, Tony Hungler, Steve Papin, Doug Ridenour, Nicola Burgun, Greg Dastillung.
Laura Grosse Holland
2014 Distinguished Alumni Award – Life
Created to recognize the many alumni who make valuable contributions to our community through their volunteerism or occupations outside the arts. While Laura has stayed involved in the arts since her tenure at CYPT in the late 80s and early 90s, she has also exhibited extraordinary selflessness and humanitarianism through her work with St. Teresa Church, Oak Hills School District and the Shriner’s Hospital.
Previous honorees: Greg Lynch, Sean Tierney, Matt Miller, Tara Tuttle, Molly O’Brien Peters.
Amy Miller
Matthew Wilson
The Matt Gunnels Memorial Award for Distinguished Alumni – Performing Arts
This award recognizes notable achievements in the performing arts after one’s participation in CYPT. Matthew and Amy in their time since CYPT have made sizable impacts on the performing arts – albeit on two different sides of the country.
Note that at the Benefit, this award will officially be re-named in honor of CYPT Alumni Matt Gunnels, who passed away this year.
Amy was in the National Tour and Broadway casts of 42nd Street as well as myriad television shows, and national commercials. For 6 years and counting, Amy has been the Artistic Director, CEO and Founding Member of the Transcendence Theatre Company – a professional community of performing artists in California.
Matthew worked in administration at the Roundabout Theatre in New York City, before returning to Cincinnati to earn his Master’s Degree. An accomplished actor, Matt has appeared in innumerable shows around town since his return, including his acclaimed role as Renfield in Covedale Center’s Dracula. But it’s his work as choreographer and director that has him on “people to watch” lists in local arts circles. Credits include Big River and 42nd Street on the Showboat, and Legally Blonde, Will Rogers Follies and Into the Woods at the Covedale Center.
Previous honorees: Richard Oberacker, Allen Kendall, Eric Bricking, Aaron LaVigne, Brandy Rice Bailey.
Kelcey Steele
2014 CYPT Hall of Fame Award
Kelcey receives the CYPT Hall of Fame award for his outstanding performances during his years with Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre. Kelcey began his CYPT career in 2010 as Enjolras in Les Miserables, followed by Bela Zangler in 2011’s Crazy For You and the lead role of Robbie Hart in 2012’s The Wedding Singer. A true standout performer, Kelcey has also appeared in other Cincinnati Landmark Productions’ shows, including Big River on the Showboat Majestic, Will Rogers Follies at Covedale Center and on the stage of Miami Universty. On top of all that, Kelcey is an internationally ranked Irish Dance competitor.
Previous honorees: Jan Bruce, Laura Zervic, Doug Berlon, Joe Moeller, Jeni Bayer Schwiers, Tommy Boeing, Emily Berger, Susie Robinson.
Congratulations to the recipients and to all nominated. Join us on December 27 at the Benefit as we honor these deserving individuals in person.
Every year at the Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre Benefit, several notable alumni are recognized for their contributions to the organization or as great ambassadors after their years in CYPT.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 