Webster City Community Theatre celebrated its 56th season by announcing award winners at its annual meeting on August 25.

Anne Blankenship presented the President’s Award to Katie Hildal for serving as production manager for all four productions.

In accepting, she shared these facts: There were 96 rehearsals, 25 performances, 76 actors, eight stage managers, and innumerable volunteers working behind the scenes. There were only 11 days during which there was nothing happening on the WCCT stage.

Willing Workers Awards were presented by the season’s directors to: KeVon Edwards for “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” by Director Lindsay Henderson; Tami Hejlik for “Who Needs a Full Moon?” by Director Sally Evans; Josi Greenley for “Clue” by Director Loween Getter; and Jeanette Tempel for “The Diary of Anne Frank” by Director Anne Blankenship.

Doug Getter was recognized for his dedicated service as the box office manager for 17 seasons. Patrons are now able to order tickets online, but the option of reserving tickets at the box office remains.

Tokens of appreciation were awarded to almost 100 volunteers who were involved during the past season. They received magnets for their work on stage, behind the scenes or front of house in “Who Needs a Full Moon?,” “The Diary of Anne Frank,” “Clue” and “Beauty and the Beast Jr.”

Next season’s directors announced their productions:
— Stephanie Hill is directing “Steel Magnolias,” with production dates of September 20-22 and September 27-29. Tickets for this show are now on sale.
— Lindsay Henderson is directing “Newsies Jr.,” with production dates of December 12-15.
— Loween Getter is directing “Of Men and Cars,” with production dates of February 28 to March 2 and March 7-9, 2025.
— Anne Blankenship is directing “Little Shop of Horrors,” with production dates of July 10-13 and July 17-20, 2025.
— Also in the plans is the return of the summer youth theatre camp August 4-8, 2025, with “The School for Spies.”

A potluck supper preceded the annual meeting which included the financial report and the election of officers and board. Serving in 2024-2025 are Anne Blankenship, president; Angela Rottering, vice president; Loween Getter, secretary; Dale Arends, treasurer; and Wil Groves, past president. Kelly Anderson will join other board members Molly Galentine and Katie Hildal, and youth representative Karina Murray.

Annual membership dues of $10 were collected and can be sent to WCCT, PO Box 272, Webster City, IA 50595 through September.

Exterior improvements that occurred during the past year include new awnings, a front sidewalk that is now ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, front door with side lite, landscaping, and soon-to-be-added signage and handrail. Much-needed technical upgrades were made to the stage lighting and control board and headsets were purchased.

Unseen by the theatre’s patrons are the seven costume storage areas in the facility. Rottering has spearheaded the task of organizing thousands of wardrobe items this year. She was helped by JoAnn Robb, Sylvia Vust, Sally Evans, Mary Sealine, Molly and Owen Gallentine, and Ben Barner. Tami Hejlik and Mark Dohms have been working in another area of the building organizing the vast collection of props.

The WCCT family welcomes newcomers who would like to be involved with productions and assist with organizing upkeep and maintenance especially if interior painting and gardening are your forte. Contact any board member.