Willow Canyon Teacher Nominated for Arts Award

Mr. Steve Wallgren, Willow Canyon High School Theatre Teacher, was named one of five finalists for the 2021 Inaugural Tancer Arts in Education Award by Act One.  The Tancer award recognizes Arizona teachers dedicated to sharing a love of the arts with their students.

Wallgren has been a teacher and educator for 18 years, including eight years teaching students in Dysart Schools, and four as the theatre teacher at Willow Canyon.  He has produced nine shows including Noises Off, Shrek, Sister Act, and the latest production, Mary Poppins.  Tickets available at https://www.onthestage.tickets/willow-canyon-theatre. Wallgren was also a finalist for the Governor’s Arts Award last year. 

The award received its name in memory of Robert "Bob" Tancer, local art advocate extraordinaire, who passed away in March 2020. Bob was an active member of the Act One board, believing in the organization's mission and working on the committee to expand the educational depth of the field trip experience.  Bob saw the tremendous role the teacher played in making the experience rich and educationally rewarding.

Act One is a nonprofit founded in 2011 to provide children in Title 1 schools in Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties with the opportunity to experience arts performances and exhibitions through field trips to professional theaters and museums. Act One provides meaningful arts experiences that enhance the academic and creative potential of children and families in Arizona. For more information on Act One, visit www.act1az.org.