The Garde Arts Center took home the 2022 Outstanding Historic Theatre Award during the League's Annual Conference, which was attended by over 300 historic theatre operators and service providers from across North America and the United Kingdom. In addition to receiving the award, representatives from The Garde presented Those People, an education session highlighting how the historic theatre and youth arts activists transformed the community of New London.
"The 1926 Garde Arts Center stood out among an impressive list of nominations to claim the award this year," said Ken Stein, LHAT President and CEO, as he presented the award to Garde Arts Center's Executive Director, Steve Sigel. "While there were many reasons the Garde was worthy of the award, our judges were particularly impressed with how connected the theatre was to almost every aspect of its community" Stein continued. Hosting 210 days of performances, film, civic events, meetings, and rehearsals, The Garde Arts Center serves as an anchor of the city, with a diverse presenting program of Broadway musicals, dance, opera, symphony orchestra, contemporary music, variety acts, school time performances and film.
The Outstanding Historic Theatre Award is given each year by LHAT to a historic theatre that has demonstrated excellence in community impact, quality of programs and services, and quality of physical restoration. "It was apparent to the League that the Garde's impact was greater than some of the much larger organizations that were also nominated. New London is very lucky to still have its treasured historic theatre," Stein added.