WYO Performing Arts and Education Center announces 2021 Lotus Award winner

SHERIDAN — Ken Grant has been selected as the recipients of the WYO Performing Arts and Education Center’s 2021 Lotus Awards and will be honored at a private reception September 12.

An homage to the theater’s original name in the 1920s, the WYO’s Lotus Award is presented to individuals who inspire passion for the creative arts in Sheridan by demonstrating outstanding support and selfless dedication to the goals of the WYO. The winners are selected from multiple nominees submitted by past recipients, WYO board and staff members and voted on by the board of directors.

As a long-time volunteer, Grant has proven his dedication to the WYO and its mission by investing a significant amount of personal time to working backstage. Ken was first introduced to the theater through his son, Wynton’s participation in the WYO’s annual production of Christmas Carol where he was recruited as “child wrangler”. Shortly thereafter Wynton became involved in Tandem productions where Ken grew his child wrangling skills and was later recruited as a backstage crew person and is most often called upon to run the fly-rail which he has done for (almost) every WYO Gala production since Chicago in 2005.

“We are thrilled to honor Ken Grant as this year’s Lotus Award recipient,” said Executive Director Erin Butler. “Ken has been an integral part to the success of the WYO year after year and we are particularly pleased to recognize his continued passion for helping the performing arts not only survive but thrive here.”

Past honorees include Lynne and Pete Simpson, Kim Love, Sy Thickman, Marva Craft, Dick and Tami Davis, Pat Tomsovic, Susan Miller, Christy Love and Scott Davis and Mary Ludemann.