Bethany Brown was one of those people who made everyone feel at home. As a dedicated member of the Springfield Little Theatre Education Angels, the volunteer organization that supports Springfield Little Theatre’s Education Department, she served joyfully and enthusiastically, and is remembered by many as among the first volunteers to welcome newcomers to the theatre. Her vibrant personality was one-of-a-kind, and the twinkle in her eyes was unmatched.
But perhaps nothing defined Bethany more than her role as a mother. Her special warmth and her love of the arts seemed to be exceeded only by her incredible love and admiration for her son, Wesley, who became a senior member of SLT’s Y.E.S. Troupe. She understood firsthand what it meant to be a single parent navigating the costs of arts education — and she believed that no child should be denied that opportunity because of financial circumstance.
The Bethany Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by the SLT Education Angels in her honor. It exists specifically to support single parents seeking assistance to provide their children with opportunities in the performing arts. Bethany’s heartfelt encouragement and unique zest will forever be a part of the legacy of the Landers.
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Keith Boaz spent more than two decades as one of Springfield’s most beloved arts administrators, serving as Executive Director of Athletic and Entertainment Facilities at Missouri State University, overseeing Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, and helping bring Broadway productions like Wicked and Hamilton to Springfield. He believed this city deserved world-class arts — and he spent his career proving it.
When Keith’s children discovered their passion for theatre, he became passionate for it too. He was a devoted parent, a dedicated supporter, and a cornerstone of Springfield’s performing arts community.
The Keith Boaz Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in his honor.
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Derrick Dee Jarvis — known to everyone as DD — was born an entertainer and spent most of his life doing exactly that. A Springfield native and active member of Springfield Little Theatre, MSU Tent Theatre, and Silver Dollar City, Derrick graced the Landers stage many times in productions including INTO THE WOODS, GYPSY, EVITA, WEST SIDE STORY, CHICAGO, PIPPIN, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, GREASE, and his show-stopping turn as Edna in HAIRSPRAY — leaving audiences and fellow performers with memories that will last forever.
The Derrick Jarvis Scholarship Fund, established by his friends and family in his honor, exists for young people who cannot afford training in the performing arts and wish to pursue a career in theatre, dance, or voice. It is a direct investment in the next generation of Springfield’s brightest lights — just like DD himself.
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David DuMortier’s story began right here in Springfield. During the 1990s, he was a passionate contributor to Springfield Little Theatre, appearing in productions including GUYS AND DOLLS and SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, before going on to study at Missouri State University and then The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (A.M.D.A.) in New York City.
What followed was a remarkable career in the performing arts. David performed in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for seven years and appeared in professional productions including CATS and DAMN YANKEES. He later became a celebrated makeup artist, with credits including Criminal Minds, Dance Moms, Babylon, Emancipation, and the Netflix original series Rebel Moon.
The David DuMortier Scholarship Fund honors his legacy, and invests in the next Springfield student whose journey in the arts begins on the Landers stage.
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