An Evening with LeVar Burton: A Keynote of Missouri Humanities’ Ozarks Engaged Symposium

Tickets are sold out! Waitlist form HERE.

To open Missouri Humanities’ 8th annual Springfield symposium, Ozarks Engaged: Citizenry and the Future of Our Communities, Burton will discuss how literacy builds connections and strengthens civic engagement during a moderated conversation with Greg Burris.

LeVar Burton launched his acting career as a student at the University of Southern California. At 19, he appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine after landing the groundbreaking role of Kunta Kinte in Roots, a landmark television series. Burton achieved further global acclaim as Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, he is most proud of his role as host and executive producer of PBS’s Reading Rainbow, one of the longest-running and most acclaimed children’s programs in television history. Airing from 1983 to 2009, it earned over 200 awards, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody.

Burton is the recipient of six NAACP Awards, a Peabody, a Grammy, and 14 Emmys. In 2024, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal for his lifelong work championing literacy. Honored for his contributions to literacy in America, he remains dedicated to promoting the power of literature and storytelling in our everyday lives.

Presented by Missouri Humanities in partnership with Springfield-Greene County Library and the Friends of the Library, with sponsorship support from Missouri State University Libraries and Drury University.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Tickets for this event are free, and patrons can reserve up to 4 seats under their name.

• Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Be ready to present your e-ticket.

• Concessions will be sold from 6:00 – 7:00 pm

• At 7:00 pm., Burton will participate in a 45-minute moderated discussion, followed by a 15-minute audience Q&A.

• No photography or video recording is permitted at any time during the performance (unless otherwise authorized).

By registering, you agree to receive event updates and program announcements from Missouri Humanities and its co-presenting partner, the Springfield-Greene County Library. You may unsubscribe at any time.

If you or a member of your party require ADA seating, please call us at 417-863-9491

Personal Responsibility Statement: The historic Gillioz prides itself on offering a diverse selection of arts and entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows we offer in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

Tickets for this event are reserved seating. Call Ticketing Services at 417-863-9491 with any questions.

The Historic Gillioz Theatre was built in 1926. Balcony seating is closer together than Orchestra seating. If you or a member of your party is tall or require more leg room, we advise purchasing Orchestra level seating.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO ELEVATOR ACCESS TO THE BALCONY SEATING AREA.

There is NO outside food or drink permitted in the theatre.