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Spotlight awards are presented for local service to community theatre
(Announced by AACT, presented locally)
Member theatres across the nation can recognize special local achievement with AACT's Spotlight Award. Any individual, organization or company is eligible. Awards may be presented anytime through the year
that is appropriate.
This is a fitting tribute to the hardworking volunteers, staff, and patrons of local community theatre groups--an AACT tradition and service since 2000.
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2009 Honorees
Anthony Batchelder was
recognized for his special service to Tulsa area theatres as AACT and Heller
Theatre (Tulsa, OK) presented the Spotlight Award to him on April 19, 2009. The
presentation occurred during the Awards Brunch at the Region VI festival. Eugene
Irby, Region VI Representative, presented the award. Due to Anthony’s dedication
to keeping Tulsa area theatres in communication, the local theatres have grown
in audience and participation. He is the current president of the Tulsa Area
Community Theatre Alliance (TACTA.) TACTA was created ten years ago to share
resources and create a shared marketing strategy for the Tulsa area and
currently has fifteen member companies. Anthony releases TACTA weekly updates to
local press and the public. He created a Web forum for discussion of ideas and
has created eight web pages for theatre companies who had never had a Web
presence. Because of his time and effort to promote all the local theatre
companies in the Tulsa area, they now have more of a voice and are gaining a
greater awareness of local talent.
Richard Gannon’s active membership and
volunteerism since 1973 was honored as AACT and Grove Players (IL) presented the
Spotlight Award to Rich on April 16, 2009. The ceremony took place before a
rehearsal of Come Blow Your Horn, which Rich was directing. Jack
Phillips,
Past President of AACT, made the presentation.
Rich said to Jack that night, “Community theatre is all about opportunities.
We’re here simply to create them and to encourage people
to explore them. We provide an opportunity for
people to experience theatre, the art form, as audience members. We provide
opportunities for people to be a part of it--whether it’s on stage as actor or
behind the scenes in any of those many varied functions of the production team.
Many people try their hands at it…. We provide the opportunity; it’s up to the
individual to what extent or for how long they want to pursue it.” Rich has
served in practically
every board position for Grove Players.
Marilyn Ludwig, current (and a first-time) president, relies upon Rich’s
experience as president and his advice. She says, “he is a good listener and
has kept me from making too many mistakes.”
Rich has increased the subscriber base and patron donations for Grove Players
and often talks to season subscribers. He says, “what makes it all worthwhile is
when one of our patrons says to me: ‘We always enjoy Grove Players’ shows!’ You
really can’t get any greater confirmation that what you’re doing is meaningful.”
He is a member of the newly formed Downers Grove Fine Arts Council, which helps
Grove Players and other performing groups in the area. An example of a versatile
theatre volunteer, Rich has appeared as an actor in numerous shows, designed and
built
sets for many productions, as well as
directing, truly deserving the Spotlight Award.
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