Springfield Little Theatre has been the training ground that launched many careers in the arts, including that of one of its teenage founders, Kirk Denmark.

Denmark graduated from Springfield Senior High with his sights on the big city, but when the Great Depression hit, the glittering lights of Broadway may as well have been on the moon. Together with classmate Bruce Lemmon, 17-year-old Denmark approached their drama teacher Helen Johnson about putting on a production.

Alongside six other students, the young men presented THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST on July 24, 1934, marking the debut Springfield Little Theatre production. Denmark’s contribution was paramount as both an actor and the show’s director.

More than forty years later, Frances Vandivort recalled the newspaper review praised, “[Denmark] portrayed the part of Lane with real appreciation. The comedy proved still laughable despite its age and triviality, and both actors and audience seemed to enjoy it thoroughly. Many a gusty laugh swept the auditorium and sustained the evening’s good-natured mood.”

Between 1934 and 1942, Denmark is credited with directing or advising on 18 SLT plays. During that time, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University and continued his education, earning a Master of Fine Arts at Yale University and a Master of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin.

Denmark served as a naval officer in WWII and SLT took a break during the challenging war years. Once the conflict ended, Denmark began teaching at Beloit College in Wisconsin. He continued his passion for developing new theatre programs. Denmark became the founding head of the Beloit Theatre Arts Department in 1947 and established the Equity Summer Court Theatre in 1951.

Although Denmark’s career took him across the globe, he never lost his affection for the organization that launched his career. In 1974, he returned to direct the hilarious classic THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER at Springfield Little Theatre. During that visit, he emphasized his admiration for the original teacher who supported his dream, Helen Johnson. “She supplied the inspiration, artistic support, and determination to get Springfield Little Theatre off the ground,” he praised.

Denmark’s guiding principle was that “all students should see good plays done with professional skill. Students exposed to such professionalism can better appreciate the value of a liberal arts education.” The spirit of his conviction lives on in SLT by producing non-profit and educational theatre at a professional level.

To read more about Kirk Denmark and the founding of Springfield Little Theatre, order your copy of THE LANDERS: BIOGRAPHY OF A THEATER.