Michelle Polgar, a leader in the Austin arts community, has been named the recipient of the Lucy Jordan Award. Polgar was presented the award at the Austin/San Antonio area membership meeting in February.
In addition to serving as managing director of the Mary Moody Northen Theatre at St. Edwards University, Polgar also serves as commissioner/vice chair of Austin’s Arts Commission. "If there is a more dedicated dynamo in the Austin theatre community than Michelle Polgar, then I would be very surprised," said Equity member Robert Tolaro, who nominated Polgar for the award. Equity member Bill McMillin lauded Polgar, "You're getting this award because you have gone above and beyond in service to your students and to Equity members."
Though unable to attend the ceremony, Austin Mayor Steve Adler offered the following commendation: "Michelle Polgar has given so much to Austin’s arts community over the past two decades ... [and] in many different roles has been an important leader in making Austin a thriving home for great theater."
In accepting the award, Polgar thanked the Equity members, remarking, "It is an honor to work with all of you – this amazing community of artists – and to to support and nurture the incredible work you do."
Recalling conversations early in her career about the value of paying artists, Polgar reflected, "It's important to create an environment where artists can do their best work." She also paid tribute to the three previous Austin-based recipients of the Lucy Jordan Award, who were all present at the awards ceremony.
The Lucy Jordan Award is a humanitarian award exclusive to Equity's Western Region, named for performer and Equity staff member Lucy Jordan (1927 – 1992). She brought a love of theater and a love for everyone involved to her job, as well as respect, fairness and a willingness to fight for what she believed in. She knew what it meant to make both a career and a living in theater, and that understanding was deeply appreciated by all who met her.
