Springfield Little Theatre is proud to welcome a new class of young professionals to its Associate Board for the 2026–2027 season, continuing more than 15 years of developing community leaders and building meaningful connections between Springfield Little Theatre and the next generation of arts supporters.

The Springfield Little Theatre Associate Board is an enthusiastic network of area young professionals committed to serving as ambassadors for Springfield Little Theatre throughout the greater Ozarks community. Through volunteering, fundraising, “friendraising,” networking, and leadership development, members help broaden the theatre’s reach while gaining opportunities to become more deeply involved in one of the region’s longest-standing arts organizations.

Joining the Springfield Little Theatre Associate Board for the 2026–2027 season are:

Logan Torbet, President (Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts); Elaina O’Neal, Vice President (Central Bank); Erin Kingham, Secretary (FourOneSeven); Alex Smith (Missouri State University); Baylie Wallace (Stroll); Cale Harper (Ozarks Legacy Law); Christine West (Lifetime Destinations); Cydnee Forshee (Lift Truck Center, Inc.); Danielle Hull (Wallace Saunders, P.C.); Dustin Surber (Willard Intermediate South); Eli Craig; Emilie Bridges (Beyond Healing); Emily Melton (Missouri State University); Erin Scheibe (Glendale High School); Gregory Andert; Heather Holoupek (Ozarks Food Harvest); Jake Nichol (Guaranty Bank); Joe Bogowith (SAPP Architects); Joseph Ball; Julia Owings (CoxHealth); Juliana Pyle (Weaver Elementary); Kaley Jackson Coquillette (Pleasant Hope High School); Katie Heifner (St. Croix Hospice); Kristen Shanks (Wilgus IQ); Kristen Wolfe (Hill City);Marcus Puryear (Arvest Bank); Nichole Hanna (Network for Strong Communities); Riley Parker (Vision Clinic); Sheldon Slinkard (Slinkard Development Solutions); Sonia Guzman (GigSalad); Sydney Hunt (Firefly Supported Living); and Taylor Wehrenberg (Drury University).

“Springfield Little Theatre’s Associate Board is about so much more than attending meetings or planning events,” said Alex Scranton, Springfield Little Theatre Director of Operations & Communications and Associate Board Staff Liaison. “It gives young professionals an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen their leadership skills, serve their community, and become active advocates for the arts. We are excited to welcome this year’s new members and see the energy and ideas they will bring to Springfield Little Theatre.”

The Associate Board has already kicked off its year of service with BROADWAY & BREWS, held August 30 at Hold Fast Brewing. The season-opening fundraiser brought theatre supporters together for an evening of Broadway favorites, local food and beverages, and special Springfield Little Theatre experiences, with proceeds benefiting the theatre. The event marked the first of several opportunities the Associate Board will lead throughout the 2026–2027 season.

Throughout the year, Associate Board members will continue supporting Springfield Little Theatre through special events, volunteer service, fundraising initiatives, community networking, and opportunities designed to introduce new audiences and supporters to the organization. Members also receive opportunities to learn more about nonprofit governance and arts leadership, helping prepare emerging community leaders for future board and civic service.

Springfield Little Theatre’s Associate Board has served the organization for more than 15 years and remains an important part of SLT’s commitment to developing lasting relationships throughout the community. By connecting young professionals with Springfield Little Theatre’s mission, the group helps strengthen the organization today while cultivating the volunteers, donors, advocates, and leaders who will help carry it into the future.

For additional information about the Springfield Little Theatre Associate Board, visit springfieldlittletheatre.org/associate-board.