The inaugural award went to Corey Mitchell of North Carolina.

Excellence in Theatre Education Award Winner Says Winning a Tony Was a "Dream I Had Put on a Shelf"

The Tonys are seeking "the teachers who create the next generation of theatre artists. These are dedicated professionals who discover talented students, nurture them, inspire them, and set them off on a lifelong journey as theatre supporters and professionals."

According to a statement on TonyAwards.com, members of the public are invited to submit candidates for the 2016 Excellence in Theatre Education Award by writing an essay about "a theatre educator who made a difference in their lives, and the lives of others." Deadline for all application materials: February 29, 2016

The winner will also receive cash prize for his or her school, a flight to New York City, hotel accommodations and a pair of tickets to the Tony Awards Ceremony and Gala. Additionally, a select number of finalists will each receive $1,000 for their schools, a flight for one to New York City, hotel accommodations and one ticket to the Tony Awards Nominee Luncheon.

To submit a candidate, vist TonyAwards.com/educationaward. Candidates will be screened by a panel of judges from The Broadway League, the American Theatre Wing and Carnegie Mellon University. The finalists will be announced at at a date to be announced in the spring.

Here is how the Tonys announced the program Jan. 7:

Has a theatre teacher changed yr life? #ApplaudMyTeacher w/ @TheTonyAwards @CarnegieMellon! https://t.co/4W8ynOLU10 pic.twitter.com/0YayxRxd0n

— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) January 7, 2016