Having first “entered to learn” over 60 years ago, Brigham Young University (BYU) graduate and emeritus Professor Dr. Harold Oaks has pioneered a charge that reflects “going forth to serve.” Theatre for Young Audiences/USA (TYA/USA) has recently announced the creation of an annual award honoring significant contributions by individuals and organizations in the Theatre for Young Audiences field in the US; and BYU graduate and emeritus Professor of Theatre, Dr. Harold Oaks, has been chosen as the namesake. “It is unusual for this organization to have such an award as many were fearful of the organization becoming solely about that. It was only after lots of discussion that the board decided on it being the right thing to do,” said Dr. Oaks. “For them to choose my name to be associated with the award is truly humbling.” Karen Sharp, Executive Director of the TYA/USA board has this to say in a TYA Today article on the creation of the Harold Oaks Award: “There were several on the board who really saw the value in honoring an organization and an individual who have impacted our field. After lots and lots of discussion we settled on it being the right thing to do and on Harold Oaks being the right namesake.” Dr. Oaks has attended BYU as a student or faculty member for a total of 38 years. His love for theatre and teaching are underscored by his time as a professor and department chair in the Theatre and Media Arts (1980-1993) and as Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications (2000-2002). He credits his time at BYU with giving him the skills necessary to excel after graduation. “I had some outstanding teachers who set an example of excellence in the field. From them, my life view was broadened so that I could better interact and respond in the real world. I also learned how secular knowledge and the gospel can be used together to strengthen testimonies and bless lives,” said Oaks. “The greatest advantage regarding a BYU education is being able to discuss the relationship of gospel knowledge with students in the classroom and in personal contact discussions.” Much of Dr. Oaks’ life’s work has been devoted to promoting the power of professional theatre for young audiences. He attributes his passion for teaching youth with an experience that he had shortly after taking over the BYU Child Drama program. “I woke up early one morning impressed to look up all the references about children in the scriptures. That was a life changing experience! The Lord loves children. One cannot read the accounts of His blessing the children without feeling that powerful love! It is a privilege and a blessing to work with and for children,” said Dr. Oaks. “I have always felt BYU should lead the world in blessing the lives of children with both drama and theatre for young audiences. I founded the BYU Young Company (formerly known as the Whittlin’ Whistlin’ Brigade) as a tool to bless lives and train students to work in the area.” Dr. Oaks hopes that the TYA/USA award bearing his name will likewise serve as a clarion call that encourages the teaching of theatre to young, eager audiences. Since its creation in 2013, the Harold Oaks Award has been awarded to Joette Pelster (2013), People’s Light & Theatre Company (2013), Scot Copeland (2014) and Metro Theatre Company (2014). The 2015 award recipients will be announced in May of this year. For more information on Dr. Oaks, click here.