Kevin Harris introduces the Annual Volunteer Awards.

Our favorite event of the year!

Why is it our favorite? Because it gives us the chance to gather everyone together in one room, look back on the past year, and celebrate exactly what we, together, have accomplished. Most importantly, it gives us a chance to thank our amazing volunteers — for everything that you do to make this theatre work, onstage, backstage, in the front-of-house, and on a governance level.

Richard and Cathy Luckett receive the Joy and Ralph Hanson Award from Patty Thayer.

This organization absolutely could not exist without its volunteers.

We are building our future as SLO REP, but we continue to honor our incredible history as San Luis Obispo Little Theatre. This organization was built on the achievements of our past, and we are so very grateful to all of the generous volunteers who helped this organization grow and thrive for more than 70 years. It is not only appropriate, but essential, to honor the pioneers of this organization who brought us to this point, as well as to celebrate the generous volunteers who continue to make it all possible.

Greg and Zandi Peters receive the Jim Chernoff Award from Dave Linfield.

So we threw a party to thank everybody!  Set builders and painters, front-of-house greeters, bartenders and hospitality volunteers, board members and more! In addition to enjoying a delicious barbecue dinner and the delightful company of good friends, we also presented our Annual Volunteer Awards. Named for SLO Little Theatre pioneers, these awards are intended to recognize the selfless volunteers who make live theatre possible in downtown San Luis Obispo all year long.

2018-2019 Season Volunteer Awards

The Raftery Family receive the Jessie Ray Spotlight Award with Kevin Harris.

Joy and Ralph Hanson Award
Cathy and Richard Luckett

This annual award is bestowed by the Board Of Directors for “the person who is always there for the Theatre.” It is named after Joy & Ralph Hanson, who were “always there” for SLO REP for many, many years.

Jim Chernoff Award
Zandi & Greg Peters

This annual award is named in honor of Jim Chernoff, aka “Mr. Technical”, and presented in recognition of outstanding technical contributions to the theatre.

Alan Pietsch receives the John Grostick Rising Star Award from Kerry DiMaggio.

Jessie Ray Spotlight Award
The Raftery Family

Presented in recognition of overall excellence and outstanding contributions above and beyond the call of duty.

John Grostick Rising Start Award
Alan Pietsch

Presented to a volunteer in their first year of service to the theatre who demonstrates outstanding dedication and growth.

Michael Simkins with Joy Swann Cottle.

President’s Award
Matthew Cottle

This award is presented at the sole discretion of the President of the Board of Directors. This year’s award was presented posthumously to board member Matthew Cottle, who passed away in May.

Michael Simkins with Kevin Harris.

Claire Gates Lifetime Achievement Award
Michael Simkins

This annual award is bestowed in recognition of many years of significant contributions to the theatre. It is the highest honor and, as such, has been bestowed upon a very select and deserving few. It is named after Claire Gates, the gracious and elegant grande dame of the Little Theatre. Like Claire, the recipients of this award have clearly demonstrated their contribution, support, guidance, love and dedicated loyalty to and for SLO REP.

Lacey McNamara

A special shout-out to Lacey McNamara who has just stepped down from her position as SLO REP’s Volunteer Director and Front of House Manager. Over the past few years, Lacey completely overhauled our volunteer program, and whipped our front-of-house protocols into shape. Her efforts have made a huge difference to our organization, our volunteers and our theatre patrons’ comfort and overall experience. We love you, Lacey!  Fortunately, we don’t need to say we’ll miss you, because we will still see you often!

Thank you ALL for sharing your time and talents with us. We treasure your friendship, we value your efforts and we are so very grateful for your many gifts to SLO REP.

You can see the entire history of our Volunteer Awards HERE.  For more information about becoming one of our wonderful volunteers, please contact Volunteer Director Tasia Trevino-Hill or click HERE!

Our cover photo features Janet Elder Nichols, one of Dave Linfield’s tireless set builders. Janet is moving away from our little slice of paradise and was presented with a special farewell gift. We’ll miss you, Janet!