New York Assembly Bill K00817

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/16/25
• Passed: 6/16/25

Caption

Honoring Gary Edwin Robinson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented at the Tony Awards on June 8, 2025

Impact

The resolution highlights Robinson's commitment to providing students, particularly those from underserved communities, with access to quality theatre education and opportunities to engage with Broadway professionals. The resolution aims to bring awareness to the importance of theatre arts in fostering essential skills and community engagement among students, thus promoting cultural enrichment within New York State. By honoring Robinson, the bill underscores the value of educators who dedicate their lives to inspiring youth through the arts.

Summary

Bill K00817 is a resolution honoring Gary Edwin Robinson for receiving the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Award at the Tony Awards, recognizing his substantial contributions to theatre arts education. Robinson, the head of the Theatre Arts Program at Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York, has notably transformed the program into a dynamic educational environment that provides students with both practical and academic theatre experiences. This bill emphasizes the significant role of arts education in personal growth and academic achievement for students across the state and the nation.

Contention

While the resolution is largely celebratory in nature, it also implicitly touches upon broader issues of funding and support for arts education in public schools. As school programs across the nation face budget cuts, the recognition of educators like Robinson is crucial in advocating for the continuation and growth of arts programs. Additionally, this resolution serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by theatre education and its proponents in securing necessary resources to cultivate the next generation of artists.