Since the 1950s, Theater of the Stars Producer Christopher B. Manos has presented more than 700 productions to national and international audiences, and been one of Atlanta’s most prominent arts figures, helping sow the seeds that created the city’s professional opera, ballet and African-American theater companies. For being an innovator in his craft and going above and beyond the call of duty in his contributions to the Broadway industry, the League of American Theatres and Producers awarded Manos the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award on April 16.

“I am deeply moved to receive this award from the League,” Manos says. “Theater is my passion, and I have been blessed to work for more than 50 years in an industry which supports and nurtures that passion. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my peers, who bestowed this great honor upon me.”