08/21/2025
From Kate: When I'm onstage singing, I represent the numerous people who have made it possible for me to perform. The countless mentors and teachers, the guides who have helped me prepare for the performance, not to mention the countless people behind the scenes in administration, costumes, sets, music, tickets, grants, and so much more, who come together to create something really great and beautiful onstage.
Poco a Poco is just like that. There are numerous people who have donated their ideas, time, talents, and energies to help us create something special and beautiful in our little corner of the world. While I had the great honor of accepting an award on August 9th, I accepted it with gratitude in my heart for each and every one of you who has joined me on this journey.
Thanks to each of you for your support! ~Kate
On Saturday, August 9th, I had the great honor of receiving the Illinois Theatre Association’s 2025 Award of Excellence because of my professional work as Founder & Executive Director of the 501c(3) music nonprofit Poco a Poco , based in Streator, IL.
The awards presentation took place during an Awards Brunch as part of the Illinois Theatre Association’s Awards of Excellence Celebration and Annual Meeting - We Are All Connected, which was held at Jen’s Guesthouse in Willow Springs, IL. I enjoyed learning more about some of the teams and their efforts to continue making theatre high-quality and accessible across our fine state of Illinois. Inspiration was aplenty as I learned from the keynote speaker, ITA team, and the others honored.
This is a great boost for Poco a Poco as we enter our 10th consecutive season. I regularly reflect on the many mentors and guides I've had since my early days in Streator to now, and the numerous experiences and challenges that have further shaped who I am today. I try to put all of that perspective and motivation into what we do at Poco a Poco. I am a better singer because I teach; I am a better teacher because I sing and perform; I am a well-rounded admin (always learning!) because of my experiences in teaching, singing, and life.
At the start of my acceptance speech I mention that, every time I stand up onstage, I am representing the numerous people behind the scenes who have made it possible for me to be performing onstage. Same is true at Poco a Poco. While I am the proud Founder & Executive Director, Poco a Poco is its own force: a culmination of a whole lot of energy, hard work, and care shared by so many individuals, past and present, who really care about the arts and care about our youth and their development.
On behalf of Poco a Poco, I give my sincerest thanks to Illinois Theatre Association Board of Directors and team for recognizing Poco a Poco in Streator, IL!
*Pictured with Kathy Missel, fellow Streatorite and long-time ITA member, who also serves as President of the Board of Directors at
Engle Lane Theatre
