Theatre Department Hosts 41st Spelvin Awards 

Written by: Caleb Sanderson

Butler Community College thespians gathered at the 41st Annual Spelvin Awards ceremony on the evening of Thursday, May 15. The Spelvin Awards are Butler’s version of the Tony Awards, recognition of excellent live theatre performance. This marked the first year Leslie Coates, Theatre Department Chair, organized the event and the first time held at the Kansas Oil Museum in El Dorado. 

Bob Peterson, who retired last year from Butler after nearly 45 years of service to the Theatre Department, returned to host with Makail Sadiq of Bel Aire (Northeast Magnet High School), “Mr. Spelvin 2025.” The annual laughter-filled banquet recognizes outstanding theatre contributions and remembers performances over the academic year. 

With smiles, inside jokes, tears and hugs, theatre students and faculty enjoyed an evening of comradery and unity. Attendees easily felt the energy, excitement and anticipation that accompanies hours of learning and working together for many great shows. 

In between speeches, videos of “behind the scenes” footage kindled fondness of past performances and the memorable moments the hours of hard work gave them. Some students dressed in character, a living showcase of their time at Butler. 

At the end of the event select items such as past performance props, were raffled off, including Edward Tulane rabbits, The Johnnies CD, a pickle jar and more. Graduating theatre students were recognized and the audience gained a sneak peek of next year’s performances. 

To view the photo album, visit https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCfi5P  

95th Cast of Delta Psi Omega (Chartered in 1935, Butler’s Chi chapter of the National Theatre Honor Fraternity invites pledges based on college theatre involvement.) 

Abilene 

Troy Turnbull (Chapman High School) 

 

Augusta 

Zander Weber (Andover High School) 

 

Colwich 

Clara Hall (Andale High School) 

Jayden Osborne (Andale High School) 

 

El Dorado 

Emeline Spradlin (Homeschool) 

 

Hutchinson 

Michaela Willard-Lucia (Buhler High School) 

 

Newton 

Chloe Bunn (Newton High School) 

Ronni Horn (Newton High School) 

Kinsley Peterson (Newton High School) 

 

Valley Center 

Savannah Wolff (Valley Center High School) 

 

Wichita 

Bronwen Burch (GED)

Icarus Byrd (North High School) 

Jaden Murdock (Maize High School) 

Kit O'Grady (Northwest High School) 

Theo Scribner (Eisenhower High School) 

Candice Weilert (Homeschool, Legacy Academy) 

 

Award Winners: 

Greg Bales Award: Rhye Porter of Bel Aire

Best Stage Manager: Jaydyn Drake of El Dorado for “No Exit” 

Best Newcomer Technical: Michaela Willard-Lucia of Hutchinson

Best Newcomer Performance: Bronwen Burch of Wichita

Dado Blade Award: Savannah Wolff of Valley Center

Best Technician: Sabrina Zimmerman of Newton

Best Supporting Actress: Sarah McKay of Wichita for “Mouse” in “A Year with Frog and Toad” 

Best Supporting Actor: Jacob Antle of Newton for “Gerry Evans” in “Dancing at Lughnasa” 

Best Running Crew: “A Year with Frog and Toad” 

Bob Peterson Theatre Scholarship: Candice Weilert of Wichita

Best Actress: Ronni Horn of Newton for “Margaret Mundy” in “Dancing at Lughnasa” 

Best Actor: Jacob Wetta of Wichita 

Outstanding Acting Ensemble: “A Year with Frog and Toad”