Robert Redford.

The USC School of Theatre, considered one of the premiere theatre schools in the country, launches a new tradition by honoring celebrated actor/director Robert Redford with the newly established “Robert Redford Award for Engaged Artists” at an inaugural gala fundraiser February 10, 2010 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. The award, to be presented annually, was created to recognize those artists who have distinguished themselves not only in the exemplary quality, skill and innovation of their work but also in their public commitment to social responsibility, to increasing awareness of global issues and events and to inspiring and empowering young people. Although Redford has received some of the entertainment industry’s highest accolades, this is the first award named after the Santa Monica native. Proceeds from the event provide scholarship support for the next generation of artists at the USC School of Theatre.
“The Robert Redford Award for Engaged Artists honors an individual who has used his or her fame to increase public awareness of issues that are of vital importance to us all,” says Madeline Puzo, dean of the USC School of Theatre. “Robert Redford truly embodies all that an Engaged Artist represents. He is a distinguished actor, an Academy Award-winning director, an ardent conservationist, philanthropist and environmentalist, a man who stands for social responsibility and political involvement and an artist and businessman who is a staunch supporter of uncompromised creative expression.”
Gala Chair Richard Weinberg, who is also Chair of the USC School of Theatre’s Board of Councilors, adds, “Many awards in our society bear the names of the great men and women who inspired them: Alfred Nobel, John Heisman, Eleanor Roosevelt and John Templeton, to name a few. With the new Robert Redford Award for Engaged Artists, honoring this remarkable gentleman and creating an award that will forever bear his name, USC has joined in recognizing the best that the human spirit has to offer. I am honored that this good friend of mine, and good friend of so many, has once again displayed what it means to be a leader… a leader dedicated to the preservation and betterment of our world.”

Tickets to the USC School of Theatre’s inaugural gala honoring Robert Redford are $375 per person. The Beverly Hills Wilshire Hotel is located at 9500 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For tickets and information, please call (213) 821-4262 or visit http://theatre.usc.edu.