Toronto, ON (June 24, 2024) – At the 44th Annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards presented by The Romano D’Andrea Foundation, Leonard McHardy was honoured with the 2024 Silver Ticket Award. Leonard’s legacy has informed and influenced generations of artists in theatre, opera, dance, and film. So much so that an award was named after him and his TheatreBooks partner, John Harvey. The Silver Ticket Award was presented by last year’s recipient, Allen MacInnis.
Established in 1980, the Silver Ticket Award is bestowed upon an individual who has excelled in their career while also nurturing the development of Canadian theatre. Administered by the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), the Silver Ticket Award is given to an individual selected by a committee made up of previous winners and it entitles the recipient to a lifetime of tickets to any TAPA member company production.
Leonard started his life in the theatre as an actor, director and administrator. In the late 70’s at the behest of its then director, he worked at Stratford in press and public relations. In 1975, he founded, with his life partner John Harvey, the now seminal and legendary TheatreBooks. More than simply a store, TheatreBooks was a heart and hub for Toronto’s theatre and performing arts community. For over 40 years, hundreds of members of Canada’s performing arts community moved through its doors – reading, learning, working, finding and creating works that have filled stages across Canada.
Leonard joined the board of Necessary Angel in 2004 and was appointed its chair. He served for twelve years, after which he joined the Necessary Angel team, serving as an invaluable, one-of-a-kind, eminence-grise.
In 2008, Leonard McHardy and his partner John Harvey, with support from the Elizabeth and Tony Comper Foundation, worked together wtih TAPA and co-founded the Leonard McHardy and John Harvey (LMJH) Award. This biannual award recognizes the important work of theatre, dance, and opera administrators. Recipients of the LMJH Award have at least 10 years of demonstrated commitment to the performing arts and have made a significant impact on the industry in Toronto.
“Leonard is a role model in his support of the arts, particularly the theatre community,” said Jacoba Knaapen, Dora Awards Producer and TAPA Executive Director. “It’s wonderful to see Leonard being recognized for all of his contributions to our industry. It’s his turn to receive a standing ovation. Congratulations!”