WASHINGTON, D.C.: Stephen Burdman, the founder and artistic director of NY Classical Theatre, is this year’s recipient of Sidney Berger Award from the Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA). The award is given annually to an artistic director in recognition of their outstanding talent and dedication to the works of Shakespeare. The award, which is named after STA’s co-founder and first president, was presented to Burdman at the STA’s annual conference last month.

Burdman founded NY Classical Theatre in 2000 and is the vision behind the company’s distinctive staging style, Panoramic Theatre. He has directed 35 productions for NY Classical, including nearly half of Shakespeare’s canon. Some of his favorite productions include Romeo and Juliet performed by six actors, a 15-minute version of A Christmas Carol, and Henry V at the Battery and on Governors Island.

NY Classical Theatre aims to reinvigorate theatre audiences by presenting free productions of popular classics and forgotten masterpieces in public spaces throughout all five boroughs. The theatre has served over 275,000 people and is now in its 23rd season.

The Shakespeare Theatre Association is a member service organization that provides support and mentorship and shares best practices among its membership of 124 theatres nationwide and internationally.