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National Outdoor Drama Award Established

The Institute of Outdoor Drama, a service and advisory office of the University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has announced the creation of a national

award to honor the lifetime contribution of the Institute�?os director emeritus,
Mark R. Sumner. The announcement was made by Institute director Scott J. Parker
at the 28th Annual Conference, sponsored by the Institute, and held in Cherokee,

North Carolina, home of the outdoor historical drama, Unto These Hills.

Sumner, an Asheville native, served as director of the Institute of Outdoor Drama
from 1964 until his retirement in 1989. During those twenty-five years, he
assisted outdoor historical dramas from Alaska to Florida, offering expertise in
all phases of development and production, including organization, fundraising,
management, marketing, design, playwriting, and direction. Under his guidance
and support, the number of outdoor historical dramas grew from 27 companies in

1965 to over 75 dramas currently in production each summer.

"Introduced wherever he goes in America as "Mr. Outdoor Drama," noted Parker,
"Mark Sumner is the one person in the country who knows more about this unique
form of theatre than anyone else; the one person who, more than anyone else, has

nurtured and encouraged it."

Outdoor drama brings to life historical events that took place on or near the
Sites where the plays are performed. This strong sense of place, along with the
larger-than-life portrayals and generous portions of song and dance -- often
supplemented by spectacular special effects -- combine to create a unique form

of theatrical entertainment viewed by more than 2 million people last year.

"To establish the first nationwide award for significant contribution to outdoor
historical drama in Mark�?os name is an altogether fitting and appropriate honor.
Future recipients will take genuine pride in being associated with his name and

reputation," Parker said.

The award will recognize significant contribution by an individual to a specific
drama, or to the outdoor historical drama movement as a whole, including, but not
limited to, playwrighting, directing, acting, design, theatre architecture,
patronage, scholarship, musical composition, technology and innovation, producing

and administration.

"While we hope to present the award annually," said Parker, "to ensure its place
as the highest national recognition in our profession, the Sumner Award will be

presented only when, in the opinion of the Institute�?Ts Administrative Board, a

nominee warrants such prestigious recognition."

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