“I love [Springfield Little] Theatre. I feel most alive in there,” Marty Chaney beamed. After a career in Hollywood working on films like NATURAL BORN KILLERS and earning her membership in the Screen Actors’ Guild, Chaney returned to the Ozarks to raise her daughters. Even after finding professional success in the film industry, she still gets a thrill out of digging into a character.

“It’s so much fun,” Chaney beamed. “When I was up on that stage doing Jeanette in THE FULL MONTY, I couldn’t find the character for so long and I played her all these different ways and [SLT Executive Director] Beth [Domann] came and worked with me for 20 minutes and it was like, ‘Found her!’ That’s just an alive moment. I love it.”

Chaney first stepped on stage in Joplin at only five years old. As her kids started seeking out more activities, she encouraged them to explore the arts. After gaining audition experience, they both eventually found their names on a cast list. After their first show closed, they decided to make a bigger commitment to SLT.

“They got into Troupe, and they loved it, and we lived the life. We really did,” Chaney reflected. “We were there nonstop. It was a golden era. It really was. That was first grade up into high school. I have continued on performing, myself. Sometimes I just drive by and go in and smell it. It just gives me peace.”

During both the summers and schoolyears, Chaney and her family took advantage of nearly all SLT programs. She recalled being impressed by the professionalism of the productions that exposed her daughters to every aspect of the performing arts.

“From the sets, the directing, the costuming, the microphones, how they do the lights, all the education programs and the camps – everything is top notch, well done,” she said. “You go to one of these camps, and it’s like a fully staged theatre with all the costumes and all the effort put in.”

As she “never missed a rehearsal or one performance” that her daughters were called for, Chaney found herself spending more time at the theatre. She quickly recognized the education programs were blossoming and wanted to help fund the growth.

“We would assist the education department with whatever they needed. We started selling roses in the lobby, because we were all bringing flowers anyway. This way, it went back into the theater,” Chaney explained. “We started where you can deliver a rose during the show. Whatever the education department needed, we were there to assist. It was called the SLT Angels and they’re still going today. I’m very, very proud of that. My mom had started an Angel Guild in Joplin Little Theatre.”

With varied interests and programs competing for her family’s time and attention, the Chaney family continued focusing on theatre even with so many other options around town. She said the reason they kept coming back was simple.

“It just became a family. It was a very positive experience and very warm, family experience. You just wanted to do more and more. It’s a great theatre. They turn out great shows. You can get more for your money that you spend being in Troupe than any other program in Springfield, Missouri for your child.”

Both daughters graduated and went into math and science fields, but Chaney said she still sees the impact that SLT training had on each of them. They still tap into their performance experience in their careers.

“At SLT, they learned how to perform, they learn how to be rejected, they learn how to be in front of people, they learn all about how things work, how to make something out of nothing. It was a fabulous education,” she praised. “They did valedictorian speeches. They never were afraid to be in front of people. My daughter, Maridan, is speaking in front of people at KPMG, one of the largest CPA firms in the world. Ruth Ann has to go work in a man’s world as an engineer and they feel confident. I know all of that came from SLT. It’s just a top-notch theatre with just fabulous people involved and the programs are fabulous.”

Chaney has continued performing, entertaining Springfield audiences with her inimitable humor. She said that staying involved has helped maintain the bonds she developed with fellow SLT parents and volunteers.

“It’s a competitive deal and it’s hard,” Chaney admitted. “But the fact with all that being known, and we all came together and took care of each other and love each other outside of the theatre. I had a hardship, and the food came and the friends came and the doorbell rang at all hours to see if I was okay when the girls were young. I lost my sister and the love is there. I want the love to continue and that to be the driving force. The love of the art, the love of the theatre, and the love of each other. I feel like when you get that going, our theatre will thrive.”

Chaney welcomes newcomers and promises that the experience will enrich every family. There’s always an opportunity to be part of a production.

“If you want to get involved, just get involved,” she urged. “Everybody is really kind. Just go and show up. There’s always something to do and there’s always someone to help. If nothing else, it helps yourself sitting in that theatre and watching your child grow. So, get involved. Don’t be shy. Keep asking if you can help until someone says, ‘Yes!’”

To learn how to get involved at Springfield Little Theatre, visit springfieldlittletheatre.org/volunteer.