Rent Archives - Springfield Little Theatre

Springfield Little Theatre instructor, choreographer, and director Josh Inmon mounts some of the most ambitious, dazzling productions in the area, but the heart of his shows comes down to quiet connections.

“In forty rehearsals over eight weeks to put a show like THE WIZARD OF OZ together with almost 80 people, the product that SLT is known for only exists because of those relationships and those people,” Inmon explained. “That’s what’s really fun. That’s what I wish the community could see. I wish they could be a fly on the wall in those rehearsals and just see everything from people forming new friendships or people who think ‘I could never do that’ then two months later in front of 500 people to be able to do a dance number or to be able to do a scene they never thought they could do. That’s really special.”

Inmon has crafted a lifetime of memories for a generation of young artists. He cherishes those formative experiences as he still vibrantly recalls his own childhood introduction to the Landers. When in 1996 his Cub Scout leader and veteran SLT performer Dean Price arranged for their troop to attend a rehearsal of MY FAIR LADY starring Broadway actress Kim Crosby, Inmon discovered his calling.

“We went to go see a dress rehearsal and I can still remember exactly where I sat for that,” he smiled. “I can remember the aisle I walked down, and it changed my life. Ever since then, I just knew in that instant that this is where I wanted to be, and I wanted to be involved in this organization as long as I’m here.”

Years and auditions passed before Inmon began his formal involvement at SLT. After searching in vain for his name on multiple cast lists, he finally landed the role of Lt. Brannigan in GUYS AND DOLLS, JR. in 2003.

“I auditioned a few times before that and that was the first show I made,” he admitted. “It changed my life. I always say, that was my first show and I’ve been here ever since. I never left. Shortly thereafter, I joined Y.E.S. Troupe. Here I am 20-some odd years later.”

Persistence paid off as his skills grew and he captured dream roles including Rum Tum Tugger in CATS and the UPS Man in LEGALLY BLONDE. After graduating high school, he shifted into staff positions teaching Y.E.S. Troupe and was later hired to mainstage creative teams. Although he has directed and choreographed dozens of productions to date, the first show in a creative capacity has never left him.

“The coolest moment – and I think I could probably get teary eyed thinking about it – the first show I ever choreographed was BUDDY HOLLY,” he recalled. “That’s one of my favorite shows and I hope that one day I get to go back and do that show again. I was 19 and there was a moment where my parents and my aunt and my uncle sat and watched in the balcony with me. Those are the moments that are so special.”

That spirit guides every decision Inmon makes as a director. Beyond delivering a show stopping monologue or singing an ovation worthy ballad, Inmon focuses on helping his cast and crew capture the deeper truths of why they love theatre. He always takes time out to highlight the community and connections that are pure magic.

“I always say in rehearsal, 15 or 20 years from now, we’re not necessarily going to remember the work that we did on stage, but we’re going to remember those relationships that we formed in rehearsal rooms. We’re going to remember those feelings of coming together and creating something bigger than ourselves.”

Those experiences, Inmon says, are timeless. Although hit shows come and go, the heart of pulling together to craft a production remains. Y.E.S. Troupers have kept the tradition of singing RENT classic “Seasons of Love” to honor their shared experience and graduates from years past. Alumni often recognize musical numbers they once learned in updated performances.

“It’s really cool to be 20 years into this now,” Inmon reflected. “For most of those 20 years I’ve had some involvement in Y.E.S. Troupe, whether it’s being a cast member in it or an instructor. It doesn’t matter how many years go by, the energy and the love for the theater and for what they’re doing remains the same. Even though so much of the outside world has changed and there’s new technology and so much that’s different, when you go in that rehearsal room, it’s very much the same energy and vibe that it was when I was in Troupe. I’m sure it’s the same as 20 years before I was in Troupe as well.”

Inmon focused his SLT education training on bolstering the performing arts in Springfield. As Associate Director of Juanita K. Hammons Hall, Inmon welcomes thousands of theatregoers each year to productions that are frequently outsized for the Ozarks. Often, these tour runs that visit the Hall are the first time locals will see Broadway shows. He has also taught and directed at Drury University and is engaged in the Springfield Regional Arts Council.

“I think when most people come to Springfield Little Theatre, your path in the door is you want to be onstage. Certainly, that’s how I started as well,” Inmon noted. “But very quickly, I found myself getting interested and involved in the arts management side. It wasn’t just what’s happening on stage. It’s everything from what are the ushers doing? What’s the box office? What’s marketing? How are people getting to the show? Truly, I think that has really grabbed me more than the artistic side in some ways.”

Inmon credits SLT’s commitment to teaching a well-rounded curriculum for shaping his career. Being exposed to all aspects of production gave him a perspective for the full mechanism that creates a theatrical experience.

“I feel so fortunate at this organization to have my hand in a lot of different areas,” he praised. “That’s really one of the special things about Springfield Little Theatre. Because of that and relationships I’ve formed in this organization, it’s really set my path to what it is now. Whether it’s working here, directing or choreographing a show, helping with Y.E.S. Troupe, my work outside of the theatre at Juanita K. Hammons Hall or the Arts Council Board, there are so many other things – the foundation of that started right here at Springfield Little Theatre.”

Inmon’s productions are among the most celebrated musicals on the Landers stage, but he says that his confidence comes from the training he’s received at SLT.

“I think that’s one thing that Springfield Little Theatre does so well is they really put these mentors in place – the people we’re surrounded by. Certainly, the two that pop up the most for me would be Beth Domann and Lorianne Dunn.”

Education director Lorianne Dunn has famously elevated the size and scope of productions that SLT produces since the 2000s. Her dedication to detail and drive for perfection has ushered in a new era of professionalism at the Landers.

“So much of what I do on stage as a choreographer and a director is rooted in the skills that Lorianne has provided me with and shown me,” Inmon admired. “How she puts a show together and the scale of her productions, I’m proud to be a part of that legacy and to learn from her. I’d like to think that my product is along those lines as well. She’s really taught me how to build a show and make it something exciting for the whole community.”

Executive director Beth Domann has a knack for identifying talent. She has been influential in finding the perfect fit in the performing arts for hundreds of young hopefuls.

“Beth is, of course, an incredible artist. But I think more important than that, she’s an incredible person,” Inmon said. “She is probably my biggest mentor and one of my closest friends. In the best moments of my life, I have called Beth to share those with. In the worst moments of my life, I have called Beth for her advice. I’ve never known anybody and probably never will know anybody as cool and as passionate about what she does as Beth.”

Now, after years of dedication that carried Inmon from student to instructor to director to community leader, he has left his own imprint on SLT mentoring the next up and coming professionals.

“It’s really cool to be part of an organization that does something so well as SLT does, but it’s about the people. My best friends I have all met here in this organization. Twenty years later, we’re still best friends. We’re still making new memories,” Inmon shared. “There’s just nothing like Springfield Little Theatre. Not just in Southwest Missouri. It would rival anything in this country. Springfield Little Theatre is really, really special.”

Josh Inmon latest production, WAITRESS, opens Friday at The Landers Theatre. Tickets on sale now!