Highlands Little Theatre

P.O. Box 691 Sebring Florida USA 33871 Tel: 863-382-2525

Zenon and Marilyn Hansen - Generous Friends of HLT
By: Roy Riedy

Who were Zenon and Marilyn Hansen? The Zenon Ceremonies rests on their Foundation

One hundred and forty-seven members of HLT have been honored with one or more Lucite pyramids known as a "Zenon". How did the award get its name? This piece hopes to shed some light on the origin and naming of the coveted honor, which is now in its seventeenth year of existence.

Everyone involved with the Lakeside Playhouse benefited when Zenon Hansen, the retired CEO of Mack Trucks, and his wife Marilyn move to Sebring in 1980. The Highlands Little Theatre was just six years old at that time and was a functioning but struggling enterprise. It lacked a permanent home and depended on the various schools and clubs in the county to provide a venue for its productions and for this reason dinner performances were infrequent to the point of nonexistent. But like other six year olds, the group didn't seem to consider this a hindrance, and made do with what was available. It's greatest asset was its youthful vigor and its determination to grow up and be somebody and this made all the difference between success and failure. Zenon Hansen, a pioneer himself, must have appreciated the theatre's resolution and fortitude, for he strengthened the youthful organization with his help at a time when help was most appreciated and needed.

Marilyn and Zenon Hansen became the fledgling theatre's benefactors, and participated in many "firsts" at Highlands Little Theatre. In November of 1982 they received the first life-time patron plaque from HLT for their interest and support of the organization. The plaque was presented at the premiere of the musical Camelot, the show that inaugurated the Ninth Season for HLT. The Ninth Season was also the first of the continuing Firstnighter evenings that traditionally opened the new theatrical season and that November also marked the first five play season, a practice that has been maintained to this day.

Four years later on Saturday, October 4, 1986, the first Zenon Awards Ceremony took place at the Sebring Elks Club. The ceremony, very much like the Hollywood Oscar Ceremonies and the Broadway Tony Awards, reflects the best of the theatrical season and awards the outstanding plays, actors, and crews for their achievement. The presentation of the first award was made to Zenon and Marilyn Hansen in recognition of the contributions that they had made in support of the Highlands Little Theatre. The award read ZENON # 1, and as President Tena Pollard Conyer stated prophetically, as she presented the award to the generous couple, "We will hereafter, with great pride, respect and affection, refer to the award as the Zenon." It has retained that name ever since.

Zenon Hansen died in October of 1990 and his wife Marilyn in June of 1995, but their interest in Highlands Little Theatre's annual tributes has continued. It has been assumed and assured by the Hansen Foundation, which now underwrites the Zenon presentations.

We shall always be indebted to the munificence of Zenon and Marilyn Hansen and their enthusiastic interest in Highlands Little Theatre's growth. By their support they have helped make our organization shine with a professional sparkle that would not have been as bright if it had not been for their generous assistance and attention. Zenon and Marilyn, we at Highlands Little Theatre salute you!