2025 AACT Fellows
 

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Sharon Burum (Duncan, Oklahoma)

Sharon Burum is a performing arts consultant from Duncan, OK. She taught Drama in public schools in Texas and Oklahoma for 28 years and is the founding director of Teen Theatre, a summer theatre arts program for teens. Following she spent 10 years directing musicals at Hodgson’s Studio of Music and Drama. Active with Duncan Little Theatre and the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association for over 35 years, she has directed 80 productions, chaired a number of state and Region VI festivals, and serves on the Region VI board. She was an AACT board member for 11 years and travels as an AACT Commissioner and Adjudicator. Her awards include the Lifetime Achievement from DLT, Hall of Honor from OCTA, an Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Award in 2010, and in 2022 was named to the Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame. Her husband Randy, her daughter Kate and dog Rolex complete her world.

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Michael Cochran (Paducah, Kentucky)

Michael earned a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an M.F.A. in Theatre from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He worked professionally in theatre and film in Chicago and Kansas City before joining the Market House Theatre (MHT) in Paducah, Kentucky, in 1983. In 1996, he was named the company’s Executive Director. In his career, Michael has directed more than 150 productions, and designed or produced over 700, earning local, state, and regional awards in the process. Under his leadership, MHT received the Kentucky Governor’s Award for Community Arts Organization in 2017, and was honored by the City of Paducah and the Paducah Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, MHT received AACT’s Twink Lynch Organization Award after successfully renovating 11 historic buildings into a thriving theatre campus. That same year, Michael was awarded the Distinguished Merit Award for his outstanding contributions to community theatre. After nearly 42 years at MHT, Michael is retiring to work as a freelance director, playwright, and consultant. A member of the Dramatists Guild, his play Eternity was selected as a winner of the AACT NewPlayFest 2018 and published by Dramatic Publishing. His scripts have been produced by community, high school, and college theatres nationwide. Michael currently serves on the AACT Board.

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Donna Fisher (Casper, Wyoming) 

Donna has been involved in theatre since 1979, when she played Lady Precious Harp in Land of the Dragon. Since then, she has acted, directed, and teched over 250 shows. She was founder and director of Wyoming Repertory Theater Company and Painted Past Productions. In 2014, she was instrumental in founding Casper Theater Company, directing many productions there and serving as its Artistic Director. She also made six consecutive trips to Europe to entertain the children of the U.S. Military in Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, and France. Donna helped form the Wyoming State Theater Festival Committee, and in 2005, was named a Wyoming Woman of Distinction for her achievements in local theatre. She has served AACT twice as Region 7 Representative (for Montana, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming) and as Wyoming State Contact, as well as a Festival Commissioner and Festival Adjudicator. In 2020, AACT presented her with the David C. Bryant Award, which honors individual members for significant, valuable, and lasting service to community theatre.

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Jon Douglas Rake (Tacoma, Washington) 

Jon earned his degree from in directing UC San Diego, where he studied under Tony-winning director Alan Schneider. He built a successful career in Los Angeles as a dancer, choreographer, and director, which led to meeting his partner, Jeff, with whom he has shared 42 years. Together, they relocated to the Pacific Northwest to establish Tacoma Musical Playhouse, a nonprofit community theatre. Now in its 32 nd season, the theatre continues to thrive, earning national and international recognition. Jon has served on the AACT Board as Region 9 Representative (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) for two terms, and is continuing as its ex-officio representative. “I have devoted much of my life to community theatre, driven by the joy of witnessing the unique camaraderie and talent it fosters,” Jon said. “My passion lies in creating an inclusive and inspiring environment where individuals feel empowered to share and grow their talents while bringing exceptional productions to our community.”

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Michael Spicer (Salina, Kansas) 

Michael has spent his 44-year career in community theatre, serving as Executive Director of Theatre Salina for 28 years. During his tenure, the company has doubled the size of its campus and is in the process of creating two additions. Theatre Salina now produces 14 productions annually across all platforms, including Center for Theatre Arts, the vibrant educational wing of the Theatre. Michael has also seen two productions from the theatre perform at national AACTFest. He has served on the boards of AACT, Texas Non-Profit Theatre, and the Kansas Theatre Association. AACT has honored him with both the David C. Bryant Award and the Art Cole Lifetime of Leadership Award. Theatre Salina itself is the recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award for organizational excellence, and AACT’s Twink Lynch Organizational Achievement Award, which recognizes AACT member theatres for successfully completing major steps in new directions, expanding services to their community, or moving to the next level of organizational development.