MEDIA THEATRE'S 2016 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO SANDRA MCKEOWN!

The Media Theatre appreciates its volunteers. As a non-profit organization, the professional music theatre company often needs assistance in various aspects. The 2016  Volunteer of The Year Award goes to Brookhaven's Sandra McKeown, who is affectionately referred to as 'Sandy' by those who know her.

She received the honor during the Wednesday August 24 concert "Can't Stop The Beat" which featured many youth from the theatre's classes and camps who entertained the crowd.

The Media Theatre's 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award winner Sandy McKeown,
with her daughter Alexsa who is a student at Media Theatre.

Sandra McKeown has been involved at the theatre for three years, watching as her daughter, Alexsa, has taken acting and dance classes. "I love helping out here," Sandra said. "Our daughter's confidence and self-awareness plus her ability to just be herself grew as a result of the education programs and performances she is in."

She's referring to the fact that all of the students at Media have opportunities to perform in both children's series productions and, at times, the Broadway Series. 

"I like to be busy," Sandra stated. "I am not very good at sitting still! So I found ways to get involved. It's a way for me to support something that means so much to Alexsa and it allows me to support the arts in our region. On top of all that...it's fun!"

Sandra McKeown has volunteered in many aspects, including ushering, selling concessions, telemarketing, assisting with costumes for the children's shows, and even designing the costumes for the recent summer camp production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "School of Rock".

"I am honored," she said. "Thanks to The Media Theatre for this recognition. But it's important for me to say that the recognition is not why I'm involved. I believe it is important to support our children, the community, and to enable The Media Theatre's music theatre experience to be accessible to everyone."

She's the second recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award. Last year's award was given to Prospect Park Police Officer Henry O' Neill.

To find out about The Media Theatre's education programs, children's shows, or how to get involved, visit mediatheatre.org or email Roger at rer764@gmail.com.