Art Cole Lifetime of Leadership Award
Honors a lifetime of leadership in community theatre by members of AACT who have provided leadership at the national level, in addition to local and/or regional levels
Art Cole Lifetime of Leadership Award
The Art Cole Lifetime of Leadership Award honors individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing community theatre through exceptional leadership, service, and vision. Recipients demonstrate a sustained commitment to the growth and vitality of community theatre on local, regional, and national levels.
This award represents the highest level of recognition for leadership within AACT, celebrating those whose influence continues to shape and inspire the community theatre movement.
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Current Honoree
Jon Douglas Rake (Tacoma, Washington) is being honored posthumously with the Art Cole Lifetime of Leadership Award. Jon founded Tacoma Musical Playhouse in 1994 to fill a gap in Tacoma’s theatre scene, growing the organization into a nationally recognized community theatre company.
Under his leadership, Tacoma Musical Playhouse produced more than 160 mainstage productions, including regional premieres, and earned national and international recognition through AACT competitions.
As an AACT Region Representative, Jon helped strengthen participation in the festival process throughout Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, elevating the region’s reputation for artistic excellence and collaboration within the community theatre movement.
His legacy reflects a lifetime of leadership, mentorship, and service to community theatre at the local, regional, and national levels.
Previous Recipients
2025 Jim Walker (Aberdeen, SD)
2024 Ron Ziegler (North Port, FL)
2023 Mary Doveton (Lawrence, KS)
2022 Michael Spicer (Salina, KS)
2021 Dennis Gilmore* (Indio, CA)
2020 Kathy Pingel (North Port, FL)
2019 Tim Jebsen (Midland, TX)
2018 Kay Armstrong (Dallas, TX)
2017 Julie Crawford (Fort Worth, TX)
Linda M. Lee (Fort Worth, TX)
2016 Ginger Heath (Monroe, NC)
2014 Murray Chase (Venice, FL)
2014 Norman Small (Winter Haven, FL)
2013 Mary Britt* (Ocala, FL)
2012 Bill Muchow* (Minneapolis, MN)
2011 Jim Sohre (Army Europe Command Entertainment)
Sherman C. Ward* (Alexandria Bay, NY)
2010 Tom Cowley (Ponca City, OK)
2009 Frank Peot (Sun Prairie, WI)
2008 Joanne Berry (Bay City, MI)
Stephen Peithman (Davis, CA)
2005 Jack Phillips (Downers Grove, IL)
2004 John Viars (Des Moines, IA)
2003 Shirley Harbin* (Detroit, MI)
2002 Twink Lynch* (Topeka, KS)
2001 Rod McCullough* (Lancaster, PA)
2000 Rusty Clauss (Alexandria, VA)
1999 Bea Miller* (Memphis, TN)
1998 L. Ross Rowland* (Muncie, IN)
1996 Betty Tomlinson* (Spokane, WA)
1995 Enid Holm* (Odessa, TX)
1993 Norman McPhee* (Racine, WI)
1994 Jim Carver* (Kalamazoo, MI)
1992 Harv Thompson (Madison, WI)
1991 Sherwood Lohrey (Memphis, TN)
1989 Mort Clark* (North White Plains, NY)
1988 Sydney Spayde* (Iowa City, IA)
John Wray Young* (Shreveport, LA)
1987 Art Cole* (Midland, TX)
*Deceased
