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THE MIKE ARONSON
SPOTLIGHT AWARD
The Mike Aronson Spotlight Award is a Volunteer Lifetime award that recognizes an individual for their unwavering commitment, leadership, passion, and contributions to The Majestic Theatre. The award was instituted in 2022 by Majestic Theatre Supervisor Christel Birdwell at the urging of many volunteers! The award is meant for those individuals who tirelessly volunteer at the Majestic over an extended period of time to make a difference in people's lives, in or out of the spotlight.
The very first recipient of the 2022 Majestic Spotlight award was Mike Aronson.
2024 Recipient Robert Leff
Robert has been committed to the success of the Majestic Theatre since before it re-opened its doors in 1990. He was one of the community members who worked on the bond measure that led to the Majestic’s grand re-opening as a beautifully renovated theatre with a brand-new set of second-floor rehearsal spaces.
Years later, with the future of the Majestic’s community theatre programs uncertain, Robert joined Mike Aronson and others to kickstart the successful Reader's Theatre Company. Robert himself directed many of those Readers’ Theatre shows, as well as a handful of mainstage productions, and his thoughtful, knowledgeable, and innovative visions have graced our Majestic theatre spaces for decades.
In addition to his impressive theatrical resume, Robert also completed a comprehensive history of the Majestic Theatre with photos and newspaper articles, unearthing many tidbits of information that had been long forgotten about the theatre. This is important work that helps us to remember the roots of the Majestic, and truly, nobody knows theatre history like Robert.
2023 Recipient Robert Mix
Robert Mix was chosen for the 2023 Spotlight Award because of his innovative work in spearheading the purchase and renovation of the shuttered Varsity Theatre to create a Community Performing Arts Center at The Majestic Theatre.
Robert was one of the founders of the Barn Theater, Corvallis Community Theater, the Corvallis Arts Center, and he promoted the establishment of Bruce Starker Arts Park and the Majestic Theatre as well. He was one of the founders and the first president of Opera Theater Corvallis. Robert composed nine operas—"Anna," "Christmas Carol," "Damien" and "Westward" were among his gifts to Corvallis, Portland, and Eugene audiences.
Without Robert’s incredible work, amazing tenacity, and passion for the arts, The Majestic Theatre truly might not be what it is today.
2022 Recipient Mike Aronson
Mike Aronson's commitment to community theatre originated decades ago when he started acting in the eighth grade. As one of our original Majestic Theatre volunteers, Mike has worked tirelessly on stage, back stage, and behind the scenes to help ensure the success of Community Theatre in the Willamette Valley. When the future of the Majestic was in doubt, Mike pitched his idea for a Reader’s Theatre Company. Mike created a vibrant, lasting program that offers unique opportunities for actors and audiences. The Majestic Reader's Theatre Company, a theatrical enterprise which provided our community with twelve yearly interesting, provocative, and well-received shows. He has played numerous acting roles for mid-valley community theaters and directed nine shows for the Main Stage of the Majestic Theater. He likes to direct a play rather than act in one because the director gets to play all the roles!
If you'd like to nominate a volunteer for this yearly award, you can fill out this form.
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If you have any questions about criteria or any other aspect of the process,
please email Theatre Supervisor Christel Birdwell at christel.birdwell@corvallisoregon.gov.