Springfield Little Theatre was honored to welcome Larry Ollis for a special visit today to both The Landers Theatre and The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts, a visit that served as a powerful reminder of the vision, leadership, and perseverance that helped shape the organization we know today.

Larry Ollis, married to Fay Ollis, daughter of Landers Legend Frances Vandivort, has been a longtime supporter, board member, and advocate for Springfield Little Theatre and the arts community as a whole. He also served as President of the Springfield Little Theatre Board from 1965 to 1967, providing steady leadership during a pivotal period in the organization’s history.

In the late 1960s, Springfield Little Theatre faced an uncertain future. After more than 35 years without a permanent home, the organization learned that its longtime performance space at Drury College would no longer be available. A committee was formed to secure a new home, chaired by Larry Ollis and joined by one of Springfield Little Theatre’s original founders, Virgil Anderson. Larry had “eyed The Landers for years,” trusting his instinct that the historic downtown theatre, long used as a movie house, might soon become available. Despite early resistance and uncertainty, his persistence paid off. In 1970, Springfield Little Theatre secured The Landers Theatre as its permanent home, a decision that would have a profound and lasting impact on the organization, downtown Springfield, and the broader community.

On today’s tour, Larry was accompanied by his nephew, Chris Ollis, and great-nephew, Campbell Ollis, making the visit especially meaningful as stories and memories were shared across generations. Executive Director and close friend Beth Domann led the group through The Landers, sharing details about recent renovations and investments, including a look at Springfield Little Theatre’s new state-of-the-art LED screen.

As Larry reflected on his very first visit to The Landers in 1969, he laughed, recalling that “none of the lights worked and no one could see how dirty it was … but, knowing its history, we knew that this was the place.” When Springfield Little Theatre took possession of the building in the summer of 1970, decades of neglect had left it far from its former glory. Torn seats, worn carpet, faded walls, and debris filled the space. Yet, in just a matter of months, the organization, rallying the support of community donors, raised the funds needed to restore the theatre in time to reopen with The Importance of Being Earnest — a production that Larry himself appeared in.

Standing in the theatre today, Larry took in the transformation. “I can’t believe how beautiful it is,” he said. “I am so proud of this organization and what it has accomplished.” Beth summed up the moment simply and perfectly: “You guys chose well.”

The story didn’t end with the purchase. Eight years later, Larry Ollis and Virgil Anderson stood together on the Landers stage once again, this time to burn the mortgage, celebrating Springfield Little Theatre becoming firmly rooted in its permanent home.

We will be forever grateful to Larry and Fay Ollis for their steadfast support of Springfield Little Theatre over the years. Their belief in the power of the arts, their commitment to preservation, and their willingness to dream boldly continue to resonate through every performance, classroom, and audience member who walks through our doors today.

For additional historical details about Larry Ollis and the remarkable journey of The Landers Theatre, please see The Landers: Biography of a Theater.