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"There's nothing like live theatre": Ozarks Public Television Explores Springfield Little Theatre

Eutsler

Energy, enthusiasm and passion are deeply rooted in the story of the Springfield Little Theatre. The historic venue is feature in Ozarks Public Television’s latest documentary. KSMU’s Kathryn Eutsler tells us more.

The house lights dim, the trumpets in the pit orchestra begin to play, and the hearts of the volunteers at the Springfield Little Theatre fill with joyful anticipation.

“There’s nothing like live theatre. I mean, let’s be honest. I always cry when the overture starts, it doesn’t even matter what the show is, it just brings out emotions in a lot of people.”

That’s Kim Crosby, an alumni of the Springfield Little Theatre. She was the original Broadway Cinderella in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, and Crosby’s is one of the many stories told in the upcoming OPT documentary entitled Setting the Stage: Springfield Little Theatre.

Many other success stories have emerged since the community theatre’s founding in 1934. It was then, 80 years ago, when a group of fresh graduates from Central High School formed what is now considered “the crown jewel of the Ozarks.” The film includes interviews with some who have been there from the very beginning.

“It is remarkable to hear them tell how that organization evolved to see the passion that they have, [to see] their energy, their enthusiasm, their commitment.”

Tom Carter, Ozarks Public Television’s program and production manager, explains that those traits continue to fuel the theatre’s success.

Along with exploring the success stories and the history of the community theatre, the documentary examines how the organization continues to grow. Carter explains that people of all ages learn through experiences in the theatre.

“Young people in the education program, and the volunteers—many of them who are 80 years old, I’m told—they are out there painting sets and they’re learning stagecraft, so it’s really just remarkable,” Carter explains.

While this is a community theatre, Carter is amazed by the level of professionalism.

“Here is what is truly a volunteer and, in a sense, amateur group of theatre performers; people who want to be actors and are training to be actors,  and who will one day have this professional career like Kim had…that’s remarkable to sort through.”

Along with personal interviews, the documentary includes archival imagery of the organization’s home stage, the historic Landers Theatre.

Overall, the Springfield Little Theatre is a unique and amazing Ozarks success story, Carter explains.

“How that all came together and what it is now and how it continues to grow and involved just seemed like a story that needed to be both preserved and told.” 

The documentary will air Thursday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m, and will repeat on Sunday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m.

KSMU and Ozarks Public Television are both a service of Ozarks Public Broadcasting.  

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