Wild Swan Theater has won major awards for its artistry, educational excellence, and commitment to youth with special needs, including:
2019 Community Impact Partner Award from Michigan Humanities. This award is given to an organization that has brought to life a book, humanities project, discussion, or other humanities programs in an innovative or creative way, serving their community and our state.
2017 State History Award for Educational Programs from the Historical Society of Michigan for Rosie the Riveter and Additional Educational Materials
2016 Ann Arbor Area Arts Alliance 21st Century Award for Excellence in Education. This award recognizes those who have demonstrated – through action and accomplishment – progressive approaches to the advancement of the arts, science and humanities in Washtenaw County.
2016 Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives
2009 Public School Program of the Year by the Michigan Speech and Hearing Language Association for its after-school Drama Club Program for students with Asperger’s Syndrome that used improvisational drama as a vehicle for teaching fundamental skills including eye contact, expressing and interpreting emotional responses, and the ability to empathize.
2008 Heartspring Award for Innovation and Creativity in Special Education Heartspring is a global center for children withspecial needs, and the organization has provided training to many other institutions for 75 years. Through the Heartspring School, HeartspringPediatric Services, the Heartspring Hearing Center and Heartspring World Reach, the center hasestablished greater independence for children with disabilities.
2006 Honored by Ann Arbor Public Schools’ Educational Foundation at their Annual Recognition Dinner
2003 Excellence in Community Education Award from Nonprofit Enterprise at Work
2001 Great Lakes Community Arts Award which recognizes the exceptional accomplishments of Michigan arts and cultural organizations from Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies (MACAA)
2001 James Neubacher Award from University of Michigan’s Council for Disability Concerns for 22 years of making theater accessible for more than 10,000 special needs children and adults.
2001 Excellence in Management Award in recognition of Exemplary Management, Effective Planning, Innovative Use of Resources, and Outstanding Achievements from Nonprofit Enterprise at Work
1999 Kathleen Power Collaboration Award in recognition of Exemplary Collaborative Efforts Among Organizations Working Together to Accomplish Their Mission from Nonprofit Enterprise at Work
1998 The Arts in Service Award from State of Michigan Governor
1997 Nonprofit Excellence Award from Nonprofit Enterprise at Work
1992 Annie Award from Washtenaw Council for the Arts in honor of outstanding contributions to the arts in Washtenaw County.
The Wilde Awards honor the best productions, performances, and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters throughout Michigan. Nominations are based on reviews written by EncoreMichigan.com’s team of professional critics.
The 2016 Wilde Award nominations for Wild Swan Theater are:
Best Theater for Young Audiences
Rosie the Riveter, Hilary Cohen, Director
Charlotte’s Web, Lauren Monsey, Director (Won the 2016 Wilde Award)
Best Performance – Theater for Young Audiences
Sarah Briggs, Rosie the Riveter
Sandy Ryder, Charlotte’s Web (Won the 2016 Wilde Award)
The 2015 Wilde Award Nominations for Wild Swan Theater were:
Best Theater for Young Audiences
Treasure Island, Hilary Cohen, director
Best Performance – Theater for Young Audiences
Sarah Briggs, Beanstalk: The Musical
Barbara Scanlon, The Ugly Duckling
Best New Script
Jeff Duncan & Brian E. Buckner, The Ugly Duckling
Best Music Direction
Brian E. Buckner, The Ugly Duckling (Won the 2015 Wilde Award)
Best Design – Costumes
Suzanne Young, Treasure Island