Don Mansfield has done so much for Center Stage Jackson (MI) the organization had run out of ways to recognize him locally. Don was elected to serve on the CSJ board of directors in August of 2005. While serving on the board, he proposed the formation of a youth theatre program. There was no such program available to the youth of Jackson County at that time. The board approved the concept, and Don was appointed as the first chair of the Youth Theater Committee.  In June of 2007 a two-production season was created for the 2007-2008 school year, and since that first season, CSJ's Youth Theater has successfully produced a play and a musical each school year. Don has actively and enthusiastically participated in every production, routinely handling publicity, box office and program production, as well as a variety of other duties including directing and producing. Don's service to CSJ has certainly been an example of "Improving Communities One Theatre at a Time." By the way, Don is presently 81 years old! 

Bill Thorne, longtime volunteer for Greater Lewisville (TX) Community Theater (GLCT), was honored with the AACT Spotlight Award for his 25 years of service.  Bill served as board president for eight years, and has been treasurer for the past sixteen years. In addition to managing all financial aspects of the theatre, including preparing budgets, grant reporting, and season membership management, he oversees building renovations and maintenance, hauls set construction materials, ushers, and sells concessions. His most enjoyable activity, however, has been acting, with his favorite roles as Owen Musser in The Foreigner, Boolie in Driving Miss Daisy and Captain Keller in The Miracle Worker.

Cindy Healy, Tim Blount, and Wanda Blount from Iowa's Newton Community Theatre. Tim Blount has been a great asset for 33 years through his technical ability, as an assistant director and as a board member. For 41 years, Wanda Blount has provided help with props, sets, lighting, and logo designs, and served as stage manager, assistant director and director for many productions. Wanda has served on NCT's board and is currently the season ticket chair. Cindy Healy started in high school, working lights and doing make-up for a summer children's workshop. In her 42 years of service, she has been an assistant director, director and stage manager.

Frank Milder and Joel Soukkala of County Seat Theater Company, Cloquet, MN. Frank serves as Technical Director, and oversees all facility construction projects and maintenance. He serves as board treasurer and has a talent for raising funds. He was extremely instrumental in the purchase of a new building for the Encore in 2008. Joel, General Manager for CST, serves as the leader in finding sponsors for all productions. He works closely with  volunteers, designs playbills, posters, and brochures, and performs countless other duties. He is an actor and main director for the summer Children's Theater Day Camp.
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Eeva Stromski of Theatre at the Mount, in Gardner, MA.  For more than 25 years, this very special 81 year- old has been a fixture at TAM. While she was a charming performer on stage, it was immediately clear that her true passion was for the "behind the scenes" action. Since then, she has donned her theatre blacks to work as stage crew for almost every TAM production. She has been TAM's resident dresser for many years. 

Rita Ford has served The Wellesley (MA) Players as an actress in over 45 productions and service on the Board of Directors as Secretary, Play Reading Chair, and Head of Publicity. She also has produced and directed countless productions, served as costume designer, and has consistently stepped forward to volunteer for any job, no matter how small. Wellesley Players Board Member Celia Couture says, "She always has the group's best interest at heart, she is everyone's friend, and represents the best of what it is to be a Wellesley Player." 

Lincoln (NE) Community Playhouse honored Russ's Market, a local grocery store chain, with an AACT Spotlight Award. AACT's Kristi Quinn presented the award to Pat Raybould, President of B&R Stores, Inc. (photo at right), Russ's Market's parent company.  Since 2009, Russ's Market, has hosted "The Lincoln Wine and Food Experience hosted by Russ's Market, " a one night food and beverage tasting event, with Lincoln Community Playhouse as the sole beneficiary. The first year the event raised $20,000, and to date over $97,000 has been raised for the Playhouse.