The Historic Sidney Theatre Presents: The Spotlight Gala “A Walk in the Park” Spotlight on Sharon Eikenberry.

The Historic Sidney Theatre is proud to announce the return of The Spotlight Gala, the organization’s premier fundraising and celebration event. The Second Annual Spotlight Gala, titled “A Walk in the Park,” will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Historic Sidney Theatre.

This year’s elegant, spring-inspired theme pays tribute to the 2026 Spotlight Gala Honoree, Sharon Eikenberry. The evening will celebrate her lifelong dedication to the arts and her profound influence on generations of performers throughout Shelby County and beyond. Mrs. Eikenberry was nominated by the public and subsequently selected by a panel of current and former Raise the Roof for the Arts Board Members and Historic Sidney Theatre staff.

Sharon K. Arnold Eikenberry, a Sidney High School graduate and 2003 Hall of Fame inductee, has devoted her life to nurturing the performing arts in Sidney and Shelby County. In 1980, she founded Sharon’s School of Dance and established the Sidney Dance Company, inspiring generations of young performers and fostering a thriving local arts community. She began dancing at age eight and later earned a B.A. in Dance from Butler University. She continued her training in New York City and performed with the Chicago Review and the Roger Hess National Tour. Over her distinguished career, she has choreographed more than 80 productions and continues to teach occasionally, even after her official retirement in 2018.

The evening will begin with cocktail hour and a curated silent auction of local and specialty items at 6:00 p.m., followed by a sit-down dinner catered by hometown favorite The Spot at 7:00 p.m., accompanied by live jazz from the Izaiah Steenrod Trio. The program begins at 8:00 p.m. and features remarks from theatre representatives, a special tribute to Sharon Eikenberry, performances by the Sidney Dance Company and other local artists, and an exciting live auction of one-of-a-kind experiences—including a trip to Nashville, an exclusive private movie night at

the Historic Sidney Theatre, and a Sidney Staycation package—with proceeds supporting the theatre’s ongoing programming, education, and community arts initiatives.

“We are thrilled to welcome the public back to the Historic Sidney Theatre for an evening that celebrates both the arts and the people who make them possible,” said Kara Zimmerman, Development Director. “Honoring Sharon Eikenberry’s extraordinary legacy while bringing the community together in support of the theatre’s continued growth makes this event especially meaningful. The Spotlight Gala is not only a celebration—it’s an opportunity for more people to get involved, invest in the arts, and help shape the future of the Historic Sidney Theatre.”

A limited number of tables of four and six remain available and may be purchased at sidneytheatre.org. For additional information, please contact the theatre at office@sidneytheatre.com or (937) 498-1921.