One showstopping teacher will get to share both joy and heartbreak if they triumph at the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards.

The recipient of the overall Best Drama Teacher Award will receive a VIP theatre package for Northern Ballet’s performance of Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet.

The prize, donated by the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, will take place on the show’s press night, Tuesday, September 20. The winner plus one guest will receive show tickets, backstage tour, pre-show meal, interval drinks and post-show drinks with the company.

It is the third consecutive year the Marlowe Theatre has supported the awards’ performing arts and drama category.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team, which is organising the awards event, said: “A good drama teacher can open a world of opportunity to pupils, helping them to express themselves, develop confidence and tap into their creativity.

“Say thank you to your favourite teacher by placing a nomination and giving them the chance to win this fabulous prize.”

The Kent Teacher of the Year Awards has categories for anyone making a difference to the success of a school including teaching staff, volunteers, support staff and teams.

Entries will be assessed by a judging panel made up of representatives from CXK, Kreston Reeves, Loop CR Ltd, Kent County Council, Medway Council, Canterbury Christ Church University, Social Enterprise Kent, Project Salus, Leeds Castle, Kent Sport and Physical Activity Service, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and the following departments at the University of Kent: History; Biosciences; European Culture and Languages; Politics and International Relations; Physical Sciences; and Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.

Winners will be honoured at a prestigious awards dinner staged at Leeds Castle in May.

Members of the public and school staff can submit one nomination or more at www.kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk before March 1.