The 2008 Lucy Jordan Humanitarian Award recipient is Seattle-based actor Christopher Comte. The award was presented in Seattle at the 2009 membership meeting in 2009.
The Lucy Jordan Humanitarian Award (LJHA), established by the Western Region Stage Managers Committee in 1992, commemorates the unflagging spirit of former Western Region Business Field Rep, Lucy Jordan, who passed away unexpectedly in May of that year. It is the only recognition award given by the Western Regional Board and honors any members of the extended theatrical family who "go above and beyond the call of duty."
"As an artist, and as a proud member of Actors' Equity Association, I have always strongly believed that 'we are all in this together,' and that the best way to work on behalf of my own interests is to serve the interests of all, to contribute to the success of my community, and to strive for the betterment of my 'extended theatrical family,' said Mr. Comte. "I am both honored and deeply humbled to have been selected as recipient of the 2008 Lucy Jordan Humanitarian Award, because to me it represents, not something I've sought on my own behalf, but rather something bestowed by members of that family to whom I owe so much, and for whom I hold such affection, admiration and respect."
In a career spanning three decades, Mr. Comte's experience has run the gamut of theatrical, film, and television production and administration, including roles in more than 70 plays, and featured appearances on television series such as Northern Exposure, The Fugitive, and Medicine Ball. He has been a company member of Seattle's Annex Theatre since 1988, recently directed its World Premiere of acclaimed monologuist Mike Daisey'sfirst non-solo work, The Moon is a Dead World. A proud member of Equity since 2000, he serves on the Seattle Liaison Committee, which he chaired from 2001 to 2007, and during which time he had the honor of being the first non-elected Equity member to serve on a National Committee (Strategic Alliances/Mergers). He has been Site Coordinator for the Kevin Hadley Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for Performing Artists since 2002, and since 2005 has been Membership Director for the Seattle Local of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He is currently Recording Secretary for the Seattle Theatrical Federation, and represents both Actors' Equity and AFTRA as a delegate to the Martin Luther King, Jr. County Labor Council.
