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We at Spotlight Players Community Theatre had the privilege of knowing and working with Edward N. Dreyling for five short, inspirational, and entertaining years.

From him we learned the importance of both blood kin and spiritual kin. He was an exemplar of compassion, helping us through some difficult times. He taught us the value of discernment, guiding us in making the right decisions.

Ed taught us about character development. He could go from portraying the father who knows best to a drunken, but wise, professor to the essence of evil without batting an eye.

Ed taught us to find the humor in any situation and, above all, to laugh at ourselves.

Ed was a master at seizing the day, the hour, and the moment--and so he was for us an exemplar of courage. To the end he retained his deep love of theatre and taught us all to say, as he said at the end of each circle time before getting in places,

"I love it here!"

After receiving so much from Edward Dreyling, Spotlight Players wishes to give something back. Accordingly, we are pleased to announce the establishment of the Edward N. Dreyling Memorial Scholarship Award to help young people pursue their interest in theatre.

Edward N. Dreyling was an encourager of the highest order. He was always the first to lend a supportive smile, pat on the back, or words of wisdom. He especially loved to see young people get excited and get involved in whatever their particular passion or interest was.

The Edward N. Dreyling Memorial Scholarship was established to provide up and coming young artists with assistance in pursuing their theatrical endeavors. Something, I am sure, our dear friend Ed would have loved.

On November 6th, 2009, we at Spotlight Players were thrilled to award the Edward N. Dreyling Memorial Scholarship for the first time. We also dedicated our second stage to Ed's memory. 10% of all ticket sales from events held on the Dreyling Stage will go to support the scholarship fund.

This year's scholarship recipient is a young man who has been involved in the theatre, in one aspect or another, since the age of 6.

Since then he has shown a strong commitment to learning about the theatre and in honing his craft through group classes, private training, working backstage, and performing on many of the stages of local area theaters including Indiana Repertory Theatre, Theatre On The Square, The Phoenix Theatre, Indianapolis Civic Theatre, Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Stage Worthy Productions, University of Indianapolis and here at Spotlight Players.

He has received several awards for his performances and was a finalist in the 2008 Prelude Awards for theatre.

Currently, he works as an actor/interpreter at Conner Prairie and plans to attend a theatre conservatory program to further support him in his pursuit of a life-long career in the theatre.

He is a young man who is not only talented, but determined, disciplined, mature, wise beyond his years, and sure to succeed.

Spotlight Players is pleased to award the Edward N. Dreyling Memorial Scholarship to Mr. Patrick Mullen.

Please help us in congratulating him.