DUNCAN — Recognition is a powerful tool used to congratulate and inspire. The very act of showing appreciation is enough to push people to reach to obtain more. Duncan Little Theatre held its fourth annual Limelight Awards Saturday evening. The objective for the evening was simple, show everyone involved with DLT they are appreciated.

The crowd, more than 100 strong, filed into a room in the Simmons Center. The evening was slated to begin at 7 p.m. A steady flow of traffic into the room after the initial start time warranted those in charge to delay the start-up of the award filled evening.

“This night is all about recognizing and honoring our volunteers,” Cindy Michel said. “So far, this is the best turnout I have seen.”

Michel credited numerous sources, including Facebook, as the reason behind the higher-than expected turnout. Three additional tables had to be set up to make room for the crowd.

The evening began with a quirky slideshow presentation about a problem that plaques the entire world, chair abandonment. The presentation gave the not-so-factual history of the chair on stage to the applause and laughter of those in attendance.

Justin Sullivan put his vocal talents on display for those in attendance. After some audio difficulties, Sullivan performed. Upon completion, the awards were the focus of the evening.

Gina Flesher presented Sharon Davis with a Lifetime Achievement award. “Just for this I am not leaving,” Davis said. Randy Burum was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award. “Gee, thank you,” he said. Bill and Belinda Corporens were also given Lifetime Achievement awards.

Jonathan Lofton, also known as “Snoopy” offered an interlude. He offered his knowledge of actors ranging from how  great they think they are to the errors they make.

“None of us are normal,” he said. “That is why we are so fun.”

Doug Miller took the stage and shared a story of an understudy years ago in New York. The understudy was unexpectantly thrust into the spotlight after the lead actress was injured.

“We had an incredibly understudy. She learned three lead parts,” he said. “I can’t begin to tell you how much joy she brought. She was the consummate professional.”

Miller was speaking of Jenna Gallardo. Gallardo was given the “Now You See it, Now You Don’t” award.

Other awards given were:

• The Rising Star Award recipient was Chris Cowan.
• The Best Achievement in Backstage Production award recipient was Gina Flesher for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
• The Best Actor in Teen Theatre’s “The Glass Slipper” award recipient was Alan Hruby as Prince.
• The Best Actress in Teen Theatre’s “The Glass Slipper” award recipient was Kaitlyn Fishgrab as Fairy Godmother.
• The Best Actor in a One Act in “Evening of Shorts” award recipient was Desmond Jones.
• The Best Actress in a One Act in “Evening of Shorts” award recipient was Fluff Dixon-Smith.
• The Best Playwrite award recipient was Randy Burum for “Let the Phone Ring Twice.”
• The Best Short Play in “Evening of Shorts” award recipient was “Let the Phone Ring Twice.” Michel, director, accepted the award.
• The Outstanding Stage Manager award recipient was Ladd Polk as “Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
• The Best Actor in a Supporting Role award recipient was Michael McCormick as Linus in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
• The Best Actress in a Supporting Role award recipient was  Jennifer Martin as Haversham in “The Butler Did It Singing.”
• The Best Lead Actor award recipient was Desmond Jones as Chandler Marlow in “The Butler Did It Singing.”
• The Best Lead Actress award recipient was Laura McCormick as Sally in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
• The Best Producer award recipients were Gina Flesher and Jason Thompson for “Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
• The Best Director award recipient was Michael Harris for “Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
• The Best Production award recipient was accepted by Michael Harris on behalf for “Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

— David Laughlin is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 144, or via e-mail at david.laughlin@duncanbanner.com.