2008 Leo Awards

Barbara Swink, Warner Crocker (Artistic Director), Claire White (Posthumously for Herbert White), and John Norton. Photography by Westervelt.

Herbert White

Herbert White was Wayside Theatre's first Producer in 1962. Owen Philips directed the company for producer, Herbert W. White. In 1968, under the design direction of Herbert White, the Curtain Call was extensively renovated to in envision an English Tavern flavor and comfort for the patrons. Mr. White served on the Board of Directors after the Wayside Foundation for the Arts was formed in 1966. He was active in the Arts community in D.C. and Middletown, VA, and exercised his influence to bring notable artists and patrons here, to share his discovery of the Arts in the Shenandoah Valley.

Barbara Swink

Barbara Swink has been a major supporter of the Arts in the Winchester and Frederick County community for decades.

Barbara Swink was hired as an Associate Director for Wayside Theatre in 1971, by Jerry Slavet. She managed the media coverage and reviewers, press releases, scheduled talks to civic groups, and scheduled coffees across the region to sell subscriptions. The theatre had received a grant 1976 for an in school program, Barbara Swink ran the two-year "Story-theatre" School program. She wrote for the 1976 Bi-Centennial preparations, a study guide for teachers to bring understanding of theatre techniques to use in classroom application in theatre games. This was utilized as part of the tour. Barbara became in 1978 Managing Director under James Kirkland. After eight years of working at Wayside Theatre, Barbara Swink retired in 1979. Barbara has one son, Stuart and daughter, Christie and lives in Winchester.

John Norton

A 1970 graduate of West Point, John Norton served for 23 years in the U.S. Army. He served at many posts world wide--including duty in Vietnam as an Airborne Ranger - Pathfinder. He retired from the US Army in 1992 as a Lt. Colonel. He is Vice President of Marketing at First Bank where he has worked for 10 years.

Mr. Norton served on the Wayside Foundation for the Arts Board from 2000 -2006. He served as the President of the Board for four years: 2003 - 2006. During his tenure on the board he conducted retreats; The Capital Campaign was begun under his time of service. He helped promoted and supported the Capital Campaign and was instrumental in acquiring many donations to the theater. John Norton was part of the team that developed the new Mission and Vision Statements. John has also been an avid supporter for the Young Playwrights Festival. John and his wife Cindy have 6 children and 4 grandchildren and reside in Berryville, Va.