Peak Performances Producer Earns Award
The Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) honored Jedediah Wheeler, executive director for arts and cultural programming of Montclair State’s celebrated Peak Performances series, with its prestigious William Dawson Award for Programmatic Excellence and Sustained Achievement.
A panel of national arts leaders and arts presenters selected Wheeler for the award, which choreographer Elizabeth Streb presented to him at the APAP’s annual conference in January.
“The Dawson Award is one of a kind and the recognition for programmatic excellence is moving for me because it embraces my work as an agent and manager, producer and presenter,” says Wheeler. Under Wheeler’s leadership, Peak Performances has earned international renown for its groundbreaking performances by dance, music, theater, opera and performance artists.
“These performers imagine live performance in new and bold ways – and perhaps achieve new levels of creative recognition because of what The Kasser Theater – which is one of the best and most accessible stages in America – provides for them,” Wheeler explains. “There is little doubt that the opportunity I have at Montclair State to inspire transformative events for audiences prompted the APAP to recognize my career. I accepted the award with deep gratitude to the University.”