Steve Sigel has been cast in the lead role of a new reality situation. The executive director of New London's Garde Arts Center was named Monday as the recipient of the 2010 Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. The award, which honors outstanding arts management abilities, is a $2,500 stipend to be used for professional development activities. In a press release, Karen Senich, the CCT executive director, said, "Steve Sigel is an exceptional leader whose passion and knowledge have enabled the Garde Arts Center to grow to become one of the premier performance venues in the state …"

Sigel became the first executive director of the Garde in 1988 and was behind the $15 million campaign that renovated the venue. In addition to classical and popular music concerts, opera and Broadway presentations, the Garde is a cornerstone venue for community-minded programs.