At the 79th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, Carnegie Mellon University alumni once again demonstrated their remarkable presence in the world of theater. Held on June 7, this prestigious event showcased talent on both coasts through a live broadcast on CBS and a stream on Paramount+.
The Tony Awards, hosted by music sensation P!NK, included a special pre-show segment titled “THE TONY AWARDS: ACT ONE.” This segment was hosted by Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti and actor Tituss Burgess, offering exclusive content accessible for free on Pluto TV.
Among the evening’s performers were Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama alumni, including Josh Gad and Rory O’Malley, who celebrated the 15th anniversary of “The Book of Mormon” with a performance. Additionally, Leslie Odom, Jr. delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Without You” from “Rent” to honor those lost in the past year.
The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, renowned for producing leading talent in the theater industry, continues to uphold its esteemed reputation. Notably, alumna Jamie deRoy was nominated for her production work on “Schmigadoon!” and received an honorary doctorate from CMU.
“The Carnegie Mellon community is thrilled to see the extraordinary creativity and talents of our alumni recognized, once again, on Broadway’s biggest stage,” said CMU President Farnam Jahanian.
A Lifetime of Achievement
Jules Fisher, a 1960 Drama School graduate, was recognized with the 2026 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. Known as the “gold standard” in lighting design, Fisher has contributed to over 100 Broadway productions during his illustrious career, earning nine Tony Awards and 25 nominations.
The Tony Awards and CMU Honor Arts Educator from Ellenwood, Georgia
Freddie Hendricks, a middle school theater teacher at Utopian Academy for the Arts in Ellenwood, Georgia, was honored with the Excellence in Theatre Education Award for 2026, presented by CMU in partnership with the Tony Awards.
Hendricks is celebrated for his impactful work in arts education over the past 30 years and will receive $10,000 for his school. His students will also benefit from a master class led by CMU drama professors.
Hendricks’ teaching philosophy revolves around a rigorous, ensemble-based program that emphasizes acting, movement, and storytelling. His outreach involves collaborations with organizations like the NAACP and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, as well as virtual classes with students in London.
For more details about CMU and the Tony Awards, visit cmu.edu/tony-awards.
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