Mary Benge Named Curtain's Top Volunteer

Posted: Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 3:04pm

Mary Benge is the 2010 Curtain Players Volunteer of the Year. Benge, who was properties coordinator for five of the six 2009-2010 productions and a member of the house staff for all six of the season's shows, received the honor during the annual end-of-the-season party at Plank's on Saturday, June 19.

The Curtain Players Board of Directors each year determines this award recipient from nomination essays submitted for consideration. Benge's name will be engraved on the master plaque—listing all Volunteer of the Year recipients&,dash;that hangs in the Harlem Road playhouse lobby.

Excerpting from the essays nominating Benge:

"Mary, as our leading properties coordinator, demonstrates she has 'the right stuff.' This refers not only to paraphernalia she collects, but also to a generous spirit shared liberally with everyone. ... It is time for Curtain Players to turn the tables and give Mary a prop of her own..."

"She deserves the nod for her volunteer work. She ushers for every show. She does costumes or props when asked. And is always cheerful while doing it."