The Playhouse is proud to celebrate Arthur Martone with the 2025 Dr. Doris Snell Award in recognition of his lifetime of dedication to the classroom, the prosperity of his students and the Erie Playhouse stage.
He will be officially honored during the David & Judy Matthews Scholarship Brunch on Sunday, August 10 – where scholarship recipient Parker Irwin will be celebrated as well.
Martone dedicated his time and talents to teaching for the past 37 years, and his longstanding commitment to his students and the arts has left an indelible mark. He began his teaching career at Cathedral Center, and through the years has been influential with the Erie Opera Theatre, Erie Playhouse, Erie Philharmonic and Mercyhurst Prep.
This year, the Playhouse extended the opportunity for the public to submit nominations, and praise for Martone poured in immediately among the names of outstanding and impactful educators in our community.
“Arthur’s passion for artistic expression and creative learning has transformed countless students’ lives,” writes Benjamin Kucharski. “His classroom is a place of inspiration, where students feel empowered to explore their voices and talents. Arthur’s impact goes far beyond the classroom, his students carry his lessons of creativity, empathy, and confidence with them for life. He is a true champion of the arts and deeply deserving of this recognition.”
Geri Olszewski adds, “Over the course of the past 37 years, Art has positively influenced the lives of hundreds of students through the performing arts program he has led. His motivation has always been “for the students” both on stage and off. His profound dedication, caring and kindness should serve as a model to all.”
“It is truly an honor that I was nominated for the Dr. Doris Snell Award,” said Martone. “To even be considered to have my name listed with such outstanding educators as Bob, Judy, Mike, Roberta, Linda and Gary is mind boggling.”
Learn more about Dr. Doris Snell, this year’s event and how you can support the Playhouse’s work in education; visit www.erieplayhouse.org.
Previous Honorees include: Doris Snell, inaugural honoree for whom the award is named (2011); Bob Martin (2012); Judith Matthews (2013); Roberta Stoughton (2014); Michael Malthaner (2015); Linda Wingerter (2017); and Gary Daugherty (2018).
“Mrs Full Charge,” as she referred to herself, was the spark of many creative endeavors beginning with the development of the Lincoln Avenue Variety Show in the late 50s and early 60s. She organized neighborhood performances for children to the delight of their parents, neighbors and peers. She performed in countless shows on the main stage at the Erie Playhouse as well as working behind the scenes as the person every director called on to coach foreign accents. She was the first recipient of the Dr. Doris Snell Award, which annually honors educators for theatrical and educational excellence.”
