Spotlight Award

Benjamin “Keegan” Arnold was honored by Lakeside Community Theatre, located in The Colony, a suburb of Dallas, TX. Keegan’s many talents include acting, writing, directing, and set designing, and he served on Lakeside Community Theatre’s board of directors for two years as member at large, and acted as a liaison between the theatre and The Colony’s city council on improvements to the building.  He also spearheaded the renovation of LCT’s stage, lobby, and box office.  Through his insightful efforts, Keegan created a community awareness that has increased the interest and growth of LCT.

Sheila Bourque was honored for her long time service to the Kirk Players, in Mundelein, Illinois.  Joining the company in 1990, she demonstrated an unwavering dedication to children--stage-managing 18 children’s shows, with casts and crews including over 60 children, teens, and adults.  Her technical ingenuity contributes to brilliant set designs and efficient set changes, for four productions annually. She currently serves as Board President and Administrative Director, and has worked tirelessly to continually prepare and submit applications for state and national grants, and corporate sponsorships

Glenn Fournier was honored by the Mansfield Music and Arts Society (MMAS) Black Box Theater in Mansfield, MA, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to MMAS as scenic art director, board member, and gallery curator.  Glenn became involved with MMAS in 1999, learning and displaying professional skills in faux painting, wall treatments, and floor design.  MMAS’ audiences marvel at the life like scenic treatments that have become the theatre’s signature.  He has served on the MMAS Board of Directors since 2004, and when the board made the move to acquire more space, he led a campaign that raised $20,000 for the naming rights of a new gallery, now the Morini Gallery, of which Glenn is Curator. 

Herb Hemming was honored with the AACT Spotlight Award at the Ojai Art Center Theatre, in Ojai, California (northwest of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara). His far-reaching vision has been instrumental in assisting the once-struggling community theatre in becoming successful. Under Herb’s direction as House Manager season tickets sales have increased and attendance at each production has grown by leaps and bounds. Herb has co-produced six fundraisers for the theatre, and served as Chair of Theatre at Ojai Art Center for four years, where he oversaw selecting season productions, theatre improvements, and the annual season review.

Sue Keenan, founding member of the Village Theatre Guild (VTG) in Glen Ellyn, IL, was honored by the company for her tireless efforts since 1963. During Sue’s 52 years with the VTG, she has served as board president seven times, has produced 10 productions, has directed 22 productions, and has performed in 25.  Sue has also served as stage manager, set designer, usher, and adviser for new recruits.  In the mid-1980’s, she served on the committee that was instrumental in securing the building Village Theatre Guild now calls home.  Currently, Sue is Chair of VTG’s Visiting Artists Program. Through this program the Guild recruits well-known theatre professionals who assist and mentor the theatre’s production teams as they strive for excellence in the performing arts.

Theatre Arlington (Arlington,TX) has honored Beth Marshall, who became a member of TAG at its inception in 1994, and has been active ever since. For the past nine years, Beth has served as President of the TA Guild, and has also served on the theatre’s Board of Directors, and is a loyal season subscriber and donor, and active in Theatre Arlington’s Youth Outreach Programs.  Beth volunteers in all aspects of the theatre’s operation, and is often seen cleaning the concession kitchen and gardening--or whatever else needs to be done to make the best impression for visitors.

Robert "Rob" Babione
Curtain Call Theatre, (CCT)
Montgomery, Minnesota

Jerry Davis
Crittenden Fine Arts Center, West Memphis, AR
ASAP & Carousel Theater Workshops for Seniors, Hot Springs, AR

Claudia Mathes
Albuquerque Theatre Guild
Albuquerque, NM

Melinda Worthington
Newton Community Theatre
Newton, IA

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

2004

2003

2002

Stacey Storey
River City Players Cape Girardeau, MO
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Russ Williams
Waco Civic Theatre, Waco, TX

2001

2000

Aloha Airlines
Hawaii State Theatre Council Kamuela, HI
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Mary Ann Baures
La Crosse Community Theatre La Crosse, WI
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Lillian Baxter
Runaway Stage Productions, Elk Grove, CA
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Gordon Becker, Creative Financial Planning
Cabrillo Music Theatre, Agoura, CA

Margaret M. Cahill
The Butler Little Theatre, Butler, PA

Robert "Bob" Child
Stage West Community Playhouse, Spring Hill, FL