The 76th Annual Tony Awards took place at the United Palace in Washington Heights, New York City, where the Broadway community celebrated the best performances and productions of the 2022-2023 season. Viewers could watch the preshow on Pluto TV and Paramount+, while the main event was broadcast on CBS. Carnegie Mellon University had a strong presence at the Tonys, with many alumni participating in performances, presenting, and winning awards. The university has a rich history of producing talented individuals both on stage and behind the scenes.
2023 CMU Alumni Tony Award Winners
Jamie deRoy, 1967 Carnegie Mellon alumna, Producer
- Best Play “Leopoldstadt”
- Best Revival of a Musical “Parade”
CMU’s School of Drama is the oldest drama school in the country. It is also considered one of the best drama schools in the world. During a recent ceremony, Carnegie Mellon and the Tony Awards gave the Excellence in Theatre Education Award to Jason Zembuch Young, a drama teacher from South Plantation High School in Florida. He was recognized for his exceptional work in making live theatre accessible to deaf and hard of hearing students. Zembuch Young produces two full-length mainstage productions, one play and one musical, each year in both voice and American Sign Language (ASL). A panel of theatre experts from the American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, and CMU selected Zembuch Young from a nationwide pool of applicants. The Excellence in Theatre Education Award was created in 2014 by the Tony Awards and CMU to honor top K-12 drama teachers and celebrate arts education. During the Tony Awards ceremony, Zembuch Young received his award from CMU alumna and “Into the Woods” actress Denée Benton, along with CMU president Farnam Jahanian and CMU School of Drama head Robert Ramirez.
“Carnegie Mellon is thrilled to congratulate our alumna who earned Tony Awards this year, and we’re extremely proud of all those who received nominations,” said Farnam Jahanian, president of Carnegie Mellon University. “CMU is grateful to continue playing a critical role alongside the Broadway community in helping the art and business of theatre thrive.”
Carnegie Mellon is the exclusive higher education partner of the Tony Awards. In addition to the Tony-night spotlight, Zembuch Young receives a $10,000 grant and a visiting master class for his students taught by CMU Drama faculty. Submissions for the 2024 Excellence in Theatre Education Award are now open at tonyawards.com.
