NATCHEZ — Supporters of Natchez Little Theatre celebrated growth, change and theatrical excellence Saturday during the 11th annual Standing Ovation Awards.

The award ceremony and gala recognized the more than 300 volunteers who participated in NLT’s 66th season.

Executive Director and master of ceremonies Layne Taylor said the season was a momentous one for NLT that set a new record attendance of 2,400 and brought in a diverse group of volunteer actors.

The season, Taylor said, marked the first time NLT could tackle diverse plays that discuss race and racial issues.

“We have finally torn down all the barriers in our community when it comes to race,” Taylor said. “It’s a blessing and a wonderful legacy for us.”

Taylor said none of what NLT has accomplished would be possible without community involvement.

“It’s getting easier, we have a better more hands on involved board of directors,” Taylor said. “It’s getting fantastic with the volunteers from the community and taking pride and ownership of this building that is the community.”

The best actors were Bo Allen as Theo Maske in the play “Underpants,” and Don Vesterse as Russ and Dan in “Clybourne Park.”

Marianne Raley won best actress for her dual roles as Bev and Kathy in “Clybourne Park.”

Best actor in a musical went to Terrence Robinson as Mister in “The Color Purple.” Robinson also won best-debuted actor for the same role.

Alethea Shelton won best actress as Celie in “The Color Purple, along with best choreographer for the same play.

Abbie Dill took home best youth actress for her role as Beth March in “Little Women,” as well as best supporting actress for the same role.

Damien Henderson won best youth actor for playing the young plumber and the chorus in “The Color Purple.”

Taylor won best director for “Clybourne Park” and the “Color Purple.”

Roderick Whitley won best musical director for the “Color Purple.”

“Clybourne Park” was awarded best play and “Color Purple” won best musical.

Other awards included:

-Best supporting actor: Rusty Jenkins as Frank Versati in “Underpants.”

-Best cameo actor: Marc Taylor as Professor Bhaer in “Little Women.”

-Best cameo actress: Ann Sternberg as Tourists in “Southern Exposure.”

-Best-supporting actor for a musical: Mario J. Radford as Harpo in “The Color Purple.”

-Best-supporting actress for a musical: Tema Larry as Sofia and Brittany Mitchell as Shug Avery in “The Color Purple.”

-Best cameo actor for a musical: Lee Dellinger as Kyle & Nikos from “Legally Blonde.”

-Best cameo actress for a musical: Patricia Ware as Young Celie and Young Olivia.

-Best debuted actress: Erica Condon for Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde.”

-Best sets: Taylor and Vesterse for “The Color Purple.”

-Best choreographer: Shelton for “The Color Purple,” and Ware for “Legally Blonde.”

-Volunteer of the year: Morgan Mizell.

-Lifetime achievement award: Charlie Vess.

-The Dawn Taylor Memorial Scholarship: Dwight Williams.

“Bugsy Malone” will kick off the next 18-month season from July 31 until Aug 3. Tickets are available online at natchezlittletheatre.org.