Gary Schweikhart, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theatre & Arts Honors, announced two new members to the nonprofit organization’s Board of Directors:
Jacob Aronin
As Director of Education for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Jacob Aronin oversees a comprehensive portfolio of arts education initiatives serving learners of all ages, including the nation’s largest free arts-in-education program. In partnership with Broward County Public Schools, the Broward Center’s award-winning Student Enrichment Through the Arts (SEAS) program provides more than 100,000 free student matinee tickets each year and has served more than 3.8 million students since its inception. Aronin leads the Center’s expansive education programs connecting students, educators and families with transformative arts experiences through workshops, master classes and performing arts instruction for children, teens and adults.
Alexa Kuve
The recipient of last year’s Ruth Foreman Award, Alexa Kuve is the founder, executive producer and artistic director of Arca Images, a nonprofit artistic production organization based in Miami since 2001. Under her visionary leadership, Arca Images has produced more than 100 theatrical works, including world premieres by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz and other internationally acclaimed artists. As an actress, her television career includes performances in productions for networks such as Telemundo, and she has delivered performances on stage in celebrated plays by authors such as Ionesco, Lorca, and more.
“With our historic 50th annual ceremony coming in 2027, the Carbonell Awards is excited about the deep commitment to theatrical excellence and cultural diversity that our two new members are bringing to the Board,” said Schweikhart.
The Carbonell Board of Directors includes:
Broward:
Jacob Aronin (Broward Center for the Performing Arts)
Terry Colli (retired diplomat & Board secretary)
Don Walters, P.A. (attorney & Board treasurer)
Zaylin Yates (Broward County Cultural Division & Brévo Theatre)
Miami-Dade:
Dale Edwards (Arsht Center for the Performing Arts)
Ricardo Gonzalez III (Carbonell Sculptures)
Alexa Kuve (Arca Images)
Javier Siut (South Florida Cultural Consortium & Board VP)
Palm Beach County:
Debbie Calabria (Cultural Council for Palm Beach County)
Bill Nix (retired Cultural Council VP of Marketing & Gov’t Affairs)
Bernie Pino (Kravis Center for the Performing Arts)
Gary Schweikhart (PR-BS & Board President)
Avery Sommers (Broadway, cabaret, movie &TV star)
Ellen Wedner (retired theater & film festival producer)
The 49th annual Carbonell Awards Ceremony will be held on November 16, 2026, at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton, at which honors will be presented in 20 competitive categories.
Hundreds of actors, musicians, performers, writers, directors, back-stage technicians, producers, reviewers, designers, specialty artists, and diehard theater fans are expected to attend this year’s glittery, entertainment-packed event that is South Florida’s version of Broadway’s Tony Awards®. Tickets for the ceremony and after party are only $45 and will go on public sale in mid-October.
