May 1, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Michelle Swink - [email protected], 817-231-0482, Ext. 106
American Association of Community Theatre Announces 2026 National Award Recipients
The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 National Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals, theatres, organizations, and businesses whose dedication, leadership, innovation, and volunteer service continue to strengthen and advance community theatre across the United States and beyond.
Many of the awards will be presented during aactWORLDFEST, a global theatre festival taking place June 15-20, 2026 in Venice, Florida. The festival brings together theatre artists and companies from around the world for a week of performances, workshops, cultural exchange, and celebration of the impact of community theatre on an international stage.
AACT’s National Awards recognize achievement across a broad spectrum of community theatre service, including artistic excellence, volunteerism, leadership, education, accessibility, innovation, and organizational growth.
2026 AACT National Award Recipients
Art Cole Lifetime of Leadership Award: Jon Rake (Tacoma, Washington, posthumously).
Corporate Award: Skvare.
David C. Bryant Outstanding Service Award: Ray Tatar (California) and Hugh Thompson (Newbury, New Hampshire).
Diamond Crown Organization Award: The Footlight Club (Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts).
Distinguished Merit Award: Beth Domann (Springfield, Missouri), Melinda Pallotta (Woodland, Washington), and Martha Cherbini & Louis Wagner (Tulsa, Oklahoma).
Mort Clark International Achievement Award: Venice Theatre (Venice, Florida).
Robert E. Gard Superior Volunteer Award: Kathy Morris (Clinton Township, Michigan); Mary Lou & Kim Martin (Baytown, Texas); Penny Williams (Bartlesville, Oklahoma); Norma Frank (Hickory, North Carolina); Ronald Boyle (Jonesville, Michigan); Deborah Skillman (Southport, North Carolina); Daniel L. Crile (Daytona Beach, Florida); Piers Bateman (Waco, Texas); Kevin Gunther Sr. (Old Bridge, New Jersey); Tim & Paula Tendick (Eugene, Oregon); Al Downey (West Des Moines, Iowa); William “Bill” Rathbone (Yakima, Washington); Kathryn Ferguson (Desert Hot Springs, California); and Jean Trammell (Venice, Florida).
AACT Special Recognition Award: Rebecca Holahan (Sarasota, Florida); Tami Kress (Durham, North Carolina); Michael Wilson (Grand Haven, Michigan); Bavaria Performing Arts (APO, AE); and Springfield Little Theatre Education Department (Springfield, Missouri).
Twink Lynch Organizational Achievement Award: Shelby County Players (Shelbyville, Indiana); Ebong TheatriX (Montgomery County, Maryland); and Landmark Community Theatre (Thomaston, Connecticut).
AACT Shining Star Award: Chris Hamby (Peoria, Arizona).
These recipients represent the heart of community theatre: artists, volunteers, educators, leaders, and organizations whose work creates connection, opportunity, and belonging in communities across the country and around the world. Their dedication reminds us that community theatre is not simply about performance. It is about people, service, storytelling, and the transformative power of the arts.
The 2026 honorees reflect the diversity and strength of the community theatre movement, from long-serving volunteers and emerging national leaders to organizations expanding access, education, and cultural engagement within their communities.
Additional information about AACT National Awards and recipient spotlights will be available at aact.org.
The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing community theatre across the United States. Through festivals, educational programs, advocacy, and networking opportunities, AACT serves thousands of theatres and artists, helping to strengthen the role of community theatre as a vital cultural resource in communities nationwide.
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