CURRENT Honorees
 

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Mary Lou Brittion (Grosse Pointe, Michigan)

Mary Lou’s love affair with community theatre began nearly 60 years ago when she found herself painting shadows on Aunt Eller’s front porch for Michigan’s Grosse Pointe Theatre’s [GPT] production of Oklahoma! Since then, she has held just about every position in front of and behind the curtain, including several terms as President. Active in the Community Theatre Association of Michigan for 50 years, she has served as President and more recently as Editor of the association’s newsletter. An accredited adjudicator in Michigan, she also has chaired a state AACTFest and a Region 3 Festival. She has been a first-level reader for the AACT NewPlayFest, and is Executive Producer of GPT’s Take Ten Festival for ten-minute plays, now in its 11th season. She also helps lead a workshop that encourages GPT members to explore playwriting as an extension of their theatrical experience.

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John Rich (Pullman, Washington) 

John began theatre work as a professional child performer and later moved into directing and producing. He received his B.F.A. in Directing/Theatre Management from USC, and has won international awards for his work. After retiring to the Palouse region of Washington, he began a second career, leading and fostering a rich and vital theatre community and forming the Regional Theatre of the Palouse (RTOP). Countless hours of directing, set building, prop garnering, costume designing, teaching, and running a non-profit organization have proven invaluable to the community. In particular, he was instrumental in the design and remodel of the new RTOP theatre--a lifelong dream. He is now mentoring a new generation. As he passes on his expertise, he also has implemented a new RTOP program–exemplifying how involvement in the performing arts enriches both individuals and communities at large.

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Albert J. (A.J.) Kalanick (Billings, Montana)

A.J. has been involved in community and professional theatre for nearly 40 years. He is Executive Director Emeritus of Billings Studio Theatre (BST), having previously served as head of the company, beginning in 2011. His past work with BST also included terms as board treasurer, board vice president, and two terms as board president. A.J.'s prior theatrical endeavors include Company Manager for The Illustrious Virginia City Players, Executive Director of The White Chapel Theatre, and International Tour Director and performer for The Missoula Childrens Theatre. BST’s longevity in the Billings area, its dedication and commitment is in large part due to the sense of family it brings to everyone involved, says Kalanick, who adds, “If for one moment we can make someone forget about their problems, and make them smile or laugh, then everything we did to get them to that point has been worth it.”