SLT receives naming-level grant

Last edited 12:57 p.m., Aug. 19, 2019

The C.W. Titus Foundation issued a naming-level grant to the Springfield Little Theatre.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based foundation’s $1 million grant helps Springfield Little Theatre recover its costs after it bought the former McDaniel School in July for $1.5 million from GDS Holdings LLC. A $250,000 gift from an unidentified donor also is being used to pay down debt for the 237 S. Florence Ave. property, according to a news release.

For the Titus Foundation’s grant support, the building that’s now being used as an education center is being renamed The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts for Springfield Little Theatre. Reynolds is a family member of the Titus Foundation, according to Springfield Little Theatre spokeswoman Megan Buchbinder.

“We are so thankful for the opportunity to breathe life back into the historic property, to fill its walls with the energy of our eager, passionate, dedicated and creative young learners,” said Lorianne Dunn, education director for the nonprofit theater, in the release.

With the grant, Springfield Little Theatre now has raised more than $2 million toward a $5 million capital campaign announced a year ago. Called the Next Stage Capital Campaign, projects include:
• interior updates, including office space and restrooms, to the Landers Theatre, where Springfield Little Theatre performs shows;
• security and HVAC systems for the downtown theater;
• restoration and renovations to the former McDaniel School; and
• increases in an endowment fund to help maintain the facilities.

The Titus Foundation, a nonprofit that helps students with grants and scholarships, has contributed donations to other local entities including Drury University, Jordan Valley Community Health Center and Ozarks Food Harvest, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.