The Brian Best Award

Award Description

The award was named in honor of Brian Best, someone who was passionate
about and committed to the performing arts in Howard County. Brian graduated
from Mt. Hebron High School in the late 1970s and was involved in Howard
County Summer Theater, Toby’s Dinner Theater, and Shadow Block Productions,
which eventually became Silhouette Stages.

Brian directed and performed in numerous Silhouette Stages productions,
including Sugar, The Music Man, Bye, Bye Birdie, and Is There Life After High
School, as well as participating in set construction and design. Brian was a loyal
husband, dedicated father, avid golfer, and was always willing to help with
anything at any time. Brian left us way too soon. He passed away in 2011 due to
complications from cancer.

The Brian Best Award was established in 2012 by Silhouette Stages with the
support of Brian’s wife, Rhonda, and is awarded annually to volunteers who make
significant and outstanding contributions to the organization. “Our volunteers
make it possible for us to continue to provide theatrical opportunities for
technical and performing artists in and around Howard County, and to bring
affordable, high-quality theatrical productions to our community. Presenting the
Brian Best Award not only recognizes extraordinary volunteer service, but honors
the cherished memory of our friend Brian Best.”

Each recipient of the Brian Best Award is presented with a monetary award and
an official letter of recognition.

Requirements
• Applicant must have made considerable contributions to Silhouette Stages
Community Theater, going above and beyond in their volunteerism through
donation of time and effort to the health and sustainability of the theater.

•  Applicant must not have been paid for their contributions (via stipends or otherwise), or if the applicant has received a stipend for their work, the application must detail how the individual went above and beyond in their position, and how this work was not covered by a stipend.

•  Applicant must have been connected to Silhouette Stages through their volunteer service for a minimum of one year.

• Applicant must have a demonstrated history of loyalty and dedication to the organization (as evidenced in the volunteer application for consideration.

• ​

How To Nominate Someone For The Annual

Brian Best Award
• Complete Application (Complete the scholarship application here).
• Essay detailing applicant’s qualifications and service
• Letter of recommendation (from a person other than the one completing the
application)
• Completed application must be submitted no later than August 21, 2026 via
the completion of the digital nomination form
Number of Awards: 1 to 2 to be presented at Silhouette Stages Fall Cabaret on
September 19, 2026
Award Amounts: $500 to $1000 (depending on number of awardees)
Nomination Deadline: August 21 by noon
Contact Person: Ande Kolp- Email: Ande@SilhouetteStages.com