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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.
2026 Recipient Barry Kerr
Spotlight on Barry Kerr: A True Majestic Legend
We are thrilled to share a wonderful nomination for Barry Kerr for the Mike Aronson Spotlight Award, honoring his incredible contributions as the first manager of the newly re-opened Majestic Theatre in 1990. In the theatre’s early days, Barry wore every imaginable hat—steering the boat through major milestones, including the transition from city management to Majestic Theatre Management and the massive second-floor renovation.
Long before the internet made scheduling easy, Barry handled everything from pound-the-pavement ad sales to running the dreaded annual scheduling meetings. Yet, his impact went far beyond logistics
Always accessible and innovative, Barry co-created the Majestic's very first education program. He also championed the Family and Children Series, bringing affordable, professional performances to local families.Amazingly, Barry balanced this monumental workload while running his business (Rainbow Sprouts), and raising his twin daughters. Even with an endless to-do list, he always found time for creative pursuits—writing music, producing, directing—and playing legendary April Fools' jokes. Barry perfectly embodies the spirit of the Spotlight Award, and we couldn't agree more that he absolutely deserves this recognition!
2025 Recipient Mary Jeanne Reynales
Fiddler on the Roof, Ragtime, The Sound of Music, Les Misérables, Evita, and Ordinary Days.
With creativity, clarity, and grace—always laced with good humor—Mary Jeanne inspired her casts to deliver equally inspired and powerful performances that consistently filled the house.Her dedication to local performing arts has extended far beyond the stage. A tireless advocate for the theatre, Mary Jeanne has helped rally community support in countless ways. Her legendary, made-from-scratch four-course dinners have become one of the most sought-after silent auction items at the annual Majestic Gala fundraiser. You will often see Mary Jeanne volunteer as an usher with her husband, David Grucza.For her decades of artistry, leadership, and unwavering commitment, we are proud to honor Mary Jeanne Reynales as the 2025 Spotlight Award Recipient.Join us in celebrating Mary Jeanne with Stories and Cheer on December 6 at 12 pm.
We are delighted to announce that the next recipient of the Mike Aronson Majestic Spotlight Award is Mary Jeanne Reynales!
Mary Jeanne has been a driving force at the Majestic Theatre since 1991, bringing her passion for the arts to both the stage and the community.
Coming from a very musical family, Mary Jeanne began as a performer, singing and acting in many musicals. Along with the rest of her family, she became involved in Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera. It was after moving to Corvallis that she discovered her true calling behind the curtain—as a director. Her Majestic Theatre directorial debut was a production of Annie, and from there she went on to direct an impressive array of musicals, including Oliver, Magdalena, The Wizard of Oz,
2026 Recipient Phil McBeth
Spotlight on Phil McBeth: The Technical Wizard Who Built the Foundation
We are proud to share an outstanding nomination for Phil McBeth for the Mike Aronson Spotlight Award, celebrating his transformative impact as the Majestic Theatre's first and only full-time technical director. Arriving a few years after the theatre reopened, Phil was an absolute lifesaver. Together with Barry Kerr, he formed a dynamic duo that proved there was truly nothing they couldn't accomplish.
Operating on a shoestring budget, Phil's ingenuity knew no bounds—he masterfully overhauled the fly system, repaired equipment, designed lighting and sound, and built incredible sets, routinely doing so much with so little. But his greatest legacy might be his kind, patient mentorship. Phil taught volunteers of all skill levels how to program light boards, run sound, and stage manage, shaping the theatrical passions of community members for decades.
Phil's dedication to the community extended well beyond the stage, including his meaningful work with Farm Home youth polishing the sidewalk stars downtown. Known to sleep at the theatre out of sheer necessity to get a job done, Phil perfectly embodies the spirit of going above and beyond. We are incredibly grateful for the foundational work he poured into making the Majestic a success!
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.
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.