During its 60th anniversary celebration last weekend, Paducah's Market House Theatre announced the naming of its theatre education building in honor of retired education director April Cochran.
The naming recognized her dedication to the performing arts in the community for more than three decades.
"April's contributions to Market House Theatre and the West Kentucky region are immeasurable," said Megan Mulry, president of the Market House Theatre Board of Directors.
Cochran was credited as the visionary behind the Footlights program, an award-winning initiative offering affordable arts education to students on Saturday mornings at Market House Theatre.
She also introduced Story Theatre, a troupe of traveling actors performing across regional schools in a four-state area; Play Time, a collection of free performances focused on early childhood literacy and learning; and Theatre in Schools, a program that serves a dozen counties by using theatre as a teaching tool and encourages literacy, communication skills, and self-confidence.
Cochran received video tributes from across the country at the celebration.
Miki Abraham, currently in the Broadway cast of Shucked, thanked Cochran for giving her the spark at the age of 9 by casting her as the titular character in Annie and mentoring her until high school.
Cochran, who officially retired as education director in 2020, continues to work with the theatre on early childhood learning projects.
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