AACT Special Recognition Award

The AACT Special Recognition Award is presented to persons and organizations whose contributions are far-reaching and of a special nature.

Back to AACT National Awards → 

Bavaria Performing Arts (APO, AE) serves the unique needs of an overseas military community through inclusive, high-quality theatrical programming for all ages.

Founded in 2024 under the leadership of Rachael Harper and with the support of hundreds of volunteers, Bavaria Performing Arts has quickly grown into a dynamic arts program offering productions ranging from large-scale musicals to intimate theatrical works.

Through projects such as This is Home, partnerships with community organizations, and programming that supports military families and service members overseas, BPA has become an important source of connection, creativity, and belonging.

Rebecca Holahan (Sarasota, Florida) moved to Florida with her family in 1982 and soon became involved with both The Players Theatre and Venice Theatre. Beginning as a performer, she later expanded her contributions to include choreography, directing, and arts instruction.

Today, Holahan serves as Director of Pinky’s Players and teaches classes through Venice Theatre and the Boys & Girls Club as part of the theatre’s Education and Outreach Program.

Inspired by the late Yvonne “Pinky” Pinkerton, Holahan has continued that legacy through decades of dedication to youth arts education and community engagement, helping ensure that theatre opportunities remain accessible and impactful for future generations.

Tami Kress (Durham, North Carolina) holds a master’s degree in Theatre from Idaho State University and serves as Executive Director of Studio 1, including its Holly Hill Mall location and Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre.

A lifelong theatre artist, Kress directed her first original production at age seven and has since directed more than 150 productions. In 2011, she founded Studio 1 with a vision centered on community, collaboration, and accessibility.

Through ASL-shadowed performances, interpreted productions, inclusive programming, community service partnerships, and her work with the historic Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre, Kress has helped create a theatre environment where people from all backgrounds are empowered to participate, connect, and grow through the arts.

Springfield Little Theatre Education Department (Springfield, Missouri) provides comprehensive arts education through classes, outreach initiatives, and pre-professional training programs serving thousands of students each year.

Committed to expanding access to arts education, the department provides substantial scholarship support and partners with local schools, including Title I schools, to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have opportunities to participate in theatre and performing arts programs.

Programs such as SLT On Wheels and collaborations with community organizations extend the department’s reach throughout the region, helping students grow into artists, leaders, and engaged citizens whose lives are enriched through the arts.

Michael Wilson (Grand Haven, Michigan) has served the West Michigan theatre community for more than 30 years, including 25 years with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and 14 years with Opera Grand Rapids.

Throughout his career, he has worked with theatre organizations across Michigan through prop design, theatrical consultation, and educational workshops presented at the state, regional, and national levels.

Wilson joined the Community Theatre Association of Michigan (CTAM) Board of Directors in 2018 and served as president from 2020 through 2024, helping guide the organization through the pandemic with innovative virtual programming and workshops while strengthening connections across Michigan’s theatre community.