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The Landers: Biography of a Theater

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NOW AVAILABLE!

Written by Kara DeBacker

The Landers: Biography of a Theater is a fascinating chronicle of one of America’s oldest and most storied theaters—The Landers Theater. Built in 1909 through the unlikely partnership of an immigrant Canadian lumberjack and a smooth-talking piano salesman, The Landers has become far more than just a beautiful building with a rich past. It’s a living monument to the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of the remarkable people who nurtured and sustained its legacy.

Drawing on meticulous research, never-before-published documents, and a century of history, local author Kara DeBacker captures the essence of The Landers through stunning images, articles, correspondence, and essays. This book is a tribute to the cultural history of Springfield, Missouri, and to the enduring spirit of the arts.

Today, The Landers Theater stands as the permanent stage for Springfield Little Theatre, Missouri’s oldest and largest community theatre organization, and continues to inspire generations of performers and audiences alike.

Order your copy today and be a part of preserving the legacy of The Landers Theater while supporting inclusive theatre education for all!

PURCHASE BOOK

Book Proceeds Benefit Theatre Education

Proceeds from The Landers: Biography of a Theater will benefit Springfield Little Theatre’s Supported Theatre Experience for Young People of All Abilities. Established in 2022 to honor Kara’s son, Adam DeBacker, upon his college graduation, this innovative program provides direct, integrated support to young people with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in any theatre education experience at Springfield Little Theatre.

Inspired by Adam’s experience at Springfield Little Theatre, where he was uniquely included in its education programs, Kara and her family are dedicated to ensuring every young person has access to the enriching world of theatre. With the purchase of this book, you’re helping to make that vision a reality, allowing the Supported Theatre Experience to thrive and grow.

About the Author

Kara DeBacker is a native of Springfield, Missouri, and grew up watching Springfield Little Theatre productions at The Landers. In 1981, she made her only appearance on the Landers stage as “Joan” in The Elves and the Shoemaker. It wasn’t great. However, that experience and her parents’ encouragement of all things creative led her to pursue art in other ways. She earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Colorado College, emphasizing Theory and Practice of the Arts, the aesthetics of film, and time spent studying theater and the arts in London and Germany. She then studied filmmaking at Columbia College Chicago.

In 1991, she moved back to Springfield with her husband, Mike DeBacker, and has worked the last 35 years as an educator, artist, publisher, disability rights advocate, speaker, and most importantly, proud parent to her son Adam, who earned his B.S. in Theatre from Missouri State University in 2022. This book is a token of thanks to Springfield Little Theatre for its passionate dedication to arts education and a love letter to The Landers for being home to a historic legacy.

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