The Lied Center volunteer ushers and Bob Heinrichs were honored with the Volunteer of the Year and President's Awards, respectively, at the kick-off of the 90th annual International Thespian Festival (ITF) in Lincoln, Nebraska, June 24.

The ushers were honored for their 25 years of service at ITF, which has been held at Lincoln's Lied Center for Performing Arts since 1994.

"The International Thespian Festival is EdTA’s signature event, and the mainstage performances are a highlight," says EdTA Executive Director Julie Theobald. "For 25 years, we’ve counted on this marvelous group of dedicated individuals to ensure that when the curtain was ready to go up on the show, the house would be ready, too.”

Accepting the award on behalf of the more than 400 ushers who have worked at ITF over 25 years were Kathy Anstine, Jeff Falter, June Kucera, Rod and Jeris Oliverius, David Teche, Terry Thompson, and Marcy Tintera.

Heinrichs, a former EdTA president, board member, and volunteer leader, was responsible for a number of contributions to EdTA and ITF, including leading the charge to make Nebraska the home of the festival.

"Bob Heinrichs has been an inspiration to young teachers, sharing his leadership skills, his passion for theatre, and his love of students," says EdTA Board President Debbie Corbin. "It is our pleasure to recognize his talents and gifts with this award."

Both honors come as ITF begins its last Nebraska-hosted festival; due to outgrowing the facilities in Nebraska, the 2020 ITF will be held on the campus of Indiana University at Bloomington.