Each year, the Princess Theatre gives three awards to outstanding partners. These awards are Artist of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Business of the Year. These are simply a token of our appreciation to the individuals and businesses who have helped us throughout the year.

Jimmy Coughran ~ 2009 Artist of the Year

The Princess Theatre is proud to have chosen Dr. Jimmy Coughran as its Artist of the Year for his performance as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof”. Jimmy has given his time and talent to many Princess productions over the years, but his performance as Tevye was one of the best ever recreated on the stage. Some of his past character portrayals include Norman in “The Boys Next Door”, The Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz”, Alfred Doolittle in “My Fair Lady” and was the lead guitarist in the popular “Always, Patsy Cline”. However, Jimmy’s performance in “Fiddler” was stellar to say the least. Those attending the performance took the time to let the Princess know just how wonderful they thought his performance was. Over the years, Jimmy has given selflessly to the Princess Theatre, not only as a performer but as a sponsor and contributor. He has frequently performed on the monthly Princess music show The Franklin Opry. Dr. Coughran also involves himself throughout the community in other ways as well. He is a member of Crockett Point Baptist Church where he is part of the praise worship band playing guitar and singing. Past contributions also include sound technician and performer for the Franklin Parish Jr Miss Program, as well as guitar player for the popular local pop band Crossfire that plays for many benefit functions. When the opportunity arises he freely gives his time to the young people participating in Princess Productions. During rehearsals for “Fiddler on the Roof”, Jimmy always took the time to coach and mentor the new beginner actors. Jimmy easily recognizes the importance of the arts in education and young people becoming involved with the theatre. Dr. Coughran and his wife, Natalie, have 2 sons, Adam and Noah. He has been a physician at Franklin Parish Medical Center since 1995 as well as past Chief of Staff for three of those years. Dr. Coughran and Dr. Tom Colvin are the physicians that form Franklin Healthcare Specialists. He is also currently President of Franklin Academy in Winnsboro where he has served on the board since 2005. Jimmy’s contributions to the community are boundless as a leader and family man. Dr. Jimmy Coughran was an easy and obvious choice as Artist of the Year for 2009.

Kevin Bates ~ 2009 Volunteer of the Year

The Princess Theatre is proud to have chosen Kevin Bates as its 2009 volunteer of the year. Kevin has given so freely of his time and efforts and has become so very important in the stability and success of the Princess. He is a native of Winnsboro and Franklin Parish but shortly after graduating high school moved away for a brief time. Upon returning in 2002 he immersed himself in becoming active in the community. In 2007 Kevin started offering his time and energy to the Princess Theatre by helping with everything from assembling the stage for the Dinner Theatre to helping with the screen to show movies. Kevin’s eye for construction and willingness to serve helped make this year’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” a huge success. He is one of the main fixtures during the monthly Franklin Opry selling tickets, working the concession and cleaning up. Kevin was asked to be on the Princess Board of Directors which he enthusiastically accepted. He was quickly nominated and elected vice-president of the board. In 2009 he started his second term in that office. He has been instrumental in the recent repairs and renovations of the Princess. Anytime something is needed around the theatre, Kevin is the “go-to guy”. Kevin’s community involvement reaches outside the theatre as well. He has become a driving force in helping revitalize downtown Winnsboro. He recognizes the importance of the keeping small town America alive and the roll the arts play in our area. Kevin is pastor of Life Church in Winnsboro and he and his wife, Kayla, have a beautiful baby girl, Bliss. He sees the significance of having a wonderful venue like the Princess Theatre for his daughter to enjoy for years to come. That’s why he gives of his time and energy so freely. Kevin Bates is the natural choice for the Princess Theatre’s 2009 Volunteer of the Year.

Franklin State Bank ~ 2009 Business of the Year

The Princess Theatre is proud to have chosen Franklin State Bank as its business of the year. Franklin State Bank has been involved with the Princess since its inception. As one of the charter patrons, it helped lead the way to a successful launch of what has become one of the premier performing arts venues in the state. Since then Franklin State Bank has remained a vital, driving force in the financial stability of the theatre. Lead by bank president Bill Walker and a great board of directors, Franklin State Bank is always there when the Princess needs them. Every year they renew their corporate membership as well as sponsor the annual Dinner Theatre. Both of these contributions have become so very important to the yearly budget of the Princess Theatre. Three years ago the Princess added The Franklin Opry, a monthly music show that has become very successful. When approached to be a sponsor Franklin State Bank did not hesitate. This helped enable the theatre to open its doors to a new diverse audience that may never have come. This in turn made this group feel comfortable enough to come to other events. Franklin State Bank was well aware of how this “chain reaction” happens and has since remained a sponsor. Each time a special event or fund raiser occurs Bill and the bank are generally first in line to donate. Well over 100 years old, Franklin State Bank has been one the most trusted and respected institutions in not only Franklin Parish, but the state of Louisiana. In these trying economic times, Franklin Bank realizes the importance of supporting non-profit and educational causes. When asked, President Bill Walker is quick to confirm the importance of the arts in a community. He recognizes the economic and educational value the Princess offers to the town of Winnsboro and the surrounding area and continues to keep the arts an important topic at the bank’s board meetings. The Princess Theatre and Franklin Parish are so very fortunate to have Franklin State Bank as an ally – they are a perfect and great choice as Business of the Year for 2009.