ELKINS, W.Va. -- The Old Brick Playhouse Apprentice Program is one of 15 arts and humanities programs nationwide to receive the 2009 Coming Up Taller Award. First lady Michelle Obama gave out the awards Wednesday at the White House.

The Elkins-based playhouse is a nonprofit educational arts theater that has been providing in-school and after-school theater programming in the Mid-Atlantic region and overseas. Its touring company has performed to 1.5 million students in its 17-year history.

The Coming Up Taller awards recognize such programs for children, "especially those with great potential but limited outlet for creative expression," a news release on the award said. 

ELKINS, W.Va. -- The Old Brick Playhouse Apprentice Program is one of 15 arts and humanities programs nationwide to receive the 2009 Coming Up Taller Award. First lady Michelle Obama gave out the awards Wednesday at the White House.

The Elkins-based playhouse is a nonprofit educational arts theater that has been providing in-school and after-school theater programming in the Mid-Atlantic region and overseas. Its touring company has performed to 1.5 million students in its 17-year history.

The Coming Up Taller awards recognize such programs for children, "especially those with great potential but limited outlet for creative expression," a news release on the award said.