Bradford Little Theatre Welcome back to our "Lucky Seventh" Season!

The Lester Brauser Theatre Appreciation Award

The 2003 Brauser Award was presented to Dr. Richard Frederick

The 2003 Lester Brasuer Theatre Appreciation Award recipient was Dr. Richard G. Frederick.       "I have always marveled at the energy and enthusiasm Rick throws into any endeavor," said BLT President Chris Mackowski. "People know him best for his wit. He has a quickness of tongue and pen that comes from a keen mind and Mercurial spirit."      BLT board member Diane Kerner Arnett lauded Frederick for the many hats he’s worn as a theatre practitioner. "Chances are anyone who has been involved in local theater since 1987 has either performed with, been reviewed by, delivered lines written by or received applause from Rick," Arnett said. She and Frederick co-wrote Kiwanis Kapers together for seven years.      Frederick’s first step onto the boards was as Fagon in the 1987 BCPAC production of Oliver. He had auditioned for a part in the chorus to help out. "I didn’t have a great voice, but I could always carry a tune," says Frederick, who was surprised to be cast in such a major role.      Frederick quickly became immersed in the theatrical life of Bradford. He has played in BCPAC’s Annie, Pitt-Bradford’s production of You Can’t Take It with You, and the local road show of Love Letters. His BLT credits include The Fantasticks and last year’s The Mousetrap. He’s also been a regular participant with BLT’s playwright-in-residence play readings, appearing in Heart-Beat, Toby and Abigail Sail the High Seas, and A.N.G.E.L.s, Inc.      Frederick has also written play reviews for local newspapers.       Of course, it’s for his nine years’ as writer or co-writer of Kiwanis Kapers that Frederick is probably best known. Even prior to his writing duties with Kapers, he was a regular performer.      By day, Frederick is a professor of history at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where he has taught since 1979. In 1988, he was the recipient of the Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Pittsburgh, and in 2002, he was presented with the Teaching Excellence Award from the Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association.       "He’s the kind of performer who’s fun to watch on stage. He’s the kind of professor who changes his students’ lives for the better," adds Mackowski, who took three classes from Frederick.      Frederick is the author or co-author of 3 books and is currently working on another. He also serves on the board of directors for the Eldred World War II Museum.      Frederick lives in Bradford with his wife, Jan, whom he refers to as his "most avid supporter."

Established in 2001 for BLT's 5th Anniversary Season, the Lester Brauser Theatre Appreciation Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals whose work makes community theatre possible in the Bradford area.