Springfield Little Theatre Executive Director, Beth Domann, and the Springfield Little Theatre Education Department were recognized for leadership, excellence, and far-reaching contributions to community theatre
Springfield Little Theatre is proud to announce two national honors from the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT). Executive Director Beth Domann has been named a recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Merit Award, and the Springfield Little Theatre Education Department has received a 2026 Special Recognition Award. Together, these honors celebrate the leadership, creativity, and commitment to community that define Springfield Little Theatre’s work—onstage, in the classroom, and throughout the Ozarks.
AACT is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing community theatre. Through educational programs, festivals, resources, advocacy, and opportunities for collaboration, the association helps theatres strengthen their organizations and better serve their communities. Its National Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the community theatre movement, including artistic achievement, leadership, education, accessibility, and service.
The Distinguished Merit Award honors individuals and organizations whose contributions advance the highest standards of community theatre. Domann’s recognition reflects decades of dedicated leadership and a commitment to ensuring that the performing arts remain an essential part of community life. In its recognition of Domann, AACT highlights her work to expand programming, strengthen community partnerships, advocate for arts access and education, and guide Springfield Little Theatre’s growth as a regional arts leader.
The Special Recognition Award celebrates individuals and organizations whose contributions to community theatre are far-reaching and distinctive. The award to the Springfield Little Theatre Education Department recognizes work that extends beyond any single classroom or production, reflecting the department’s broad commitment to connecting people with the performing arts.
Based at The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts, affectionately known as The Judy, the Education Department offers opportunities for students to discover their voices, develop their skills, and become part of a creative community. Through classes, workshops, youth productions, performance troupes, SLT Academy, and outreach programs such as SLT On Wheels, its work connects theatre education with schools, families, and audiences throughout the region. These programs create pathways into the arts for first-time participants while nurturing the growth of developing young artists.
“These awards carry Springfield’s name onto a national stage, but the achievement belongs to this community,” said Alex Scranton, Director of Operations & Communications for Springfield Little Theatre. “Every person who volunteers, purchases a ticket, brings a child to class, or contributes to our mission helps make this work possible. We are deeply grateful to AACT for recognizing that work and to the people of the Ozarks for continuing to build a community theatre worthy of national recognition.”
As Springfield Little Theatre celebrates its 92nd season, these honors reinforce the importance of sustaining a place where artistic excellence and community participation grow together. From productions at the historic Landers Theatre to year-round education at The Judy, SLT remains committed to creating opportunities for people to participate in, learn from, and celebrate live theatre.
Springfield Little Theatre extends its sincere appreciation to AACT and to the staff, artists, educators, volunteers, students, families, donors, sponsors, and audiences who sustain its mission. These awards are more than organizational milestones. They are a shared point of pride for Springfield and a celebration of what a community makes possible when it invests in its own creativity.
-
- Beth Domann Springfield Little Theatre Executive Director
-
- Springfield Little Theatre Education Department full-time staff at the Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts for Springfield Little Theatre.
