Michael Halberstam to Receive SDCF’s Zelda Fichandler Award

Michael Halberstam has been named the recipient of the 2010 Zelda Fichandler Award, which recognizes an outstanding director or choreographer “who is transforming the regional arts landscape through singular creativity and artistry in theatre.” Presented by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF), the award carries an unrestricted grant of $5000 to the individual recipient.

David Cromer will present the award to Halberstam at a ceremony at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre on Monday, October 18. The evening will also include a panel of Chicago directors, who will discuss the Chicago stage-directing aesthetic and where it is headed in the 21st century. It will be moderated by Sheldon Patinkin, and include Seth Bockley, Timothy Douglas, Gary Griffin, Kimberly Senior, and Dennis Zacek.

Halberstam is the artistic director and co-founder of Writers’ Theatre in Glencoe, Illinois. He has directed numerous works for the company, and also appeared in several productions as an actor.

The event is free and open to the public. Reservations can be made by emailing Foundation@SDCweb.org.