Launching The Nantucket Stage Company

As we launch the inaugural season of Nantucket Stage Company, I want to start by saying thank you—to everyone who has offered support, kindness, and belief in this project. Because of you, this tiny seed of an idea has grown into something real.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say I’ve been walking toward this since I started working in theatre as a child. My favorite place to be was always among theatre people—not just performing, but in the rehearsal room, celebrating with the cast after the performance. The directors I worked with created a safe space, a special magic that occurs when you’re given permission to create, to fail, and to try again.

The year I turned sixteen, I decided with absolute conviction to pursue a degree in musical theatre. I still remember my grandmother’s first question: “What are you going to do with a theatre degree?” Quickly followed by: “Can you teach with that?”
Despite—or maybe because of—this warning, I earned my degree in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah University, and performing was my career from the moment I graduated. I literally took off my cap and gown and drove straight to Baltimore to begin rehearsals for my first professional show.

I did achieve success in the performing arts—but the question—What will you do with a theatre degree?—was always looming.

Early in my career, I was asked by a director I’d worked with to assist him in directing a play at a private boarding school. Despite my inexperience, I accepted. I created a plan, a schedule, a method, and a performance-worthy production. I wasn’t much older than the students I was directing, but I felt myself on the other side of the table. This is my place, I remember thinking

I didn’t return to directing for many years but continued to work as an actor. When I married and moved to Nantucket, I was given the opportunity to direct at Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. Suddenly, there it was again—that feeling of usefulness, of finding my purpose. My niche became multi-generational shows, and soon, crowds of young people began auditioning. The line around the theatre took five-plus hours to get through. I was plagued by the guilt of leaving anyone out, so I filled my calendar with classes and productions. When I looked up, I realized I had created a troupe, and my own early experiences became the vision I had for these young people.

At the same time, I began teaching chorus and drama at the public school and directing the high school musicals. In 2017, I was recruited for my former role as Director of Theatre and Education at Nantucket Dreamland, where I realized what could be possible with a dedicated theatre for youth.

In January, I realized a dream I’ve had for years when I brought my students to the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta—the largest of its kind in the world. My kids were blown away to find people just like them—other theatre kids who loved it as much as they did. And I had the same experience: a couple who’d started their company in a basement and now had a brand-new space; the friends who came home and built a youth theatre with a year-long waiting list.

Regular folks inspired to help young artists find their voices, witness their growth, and share in their triumphs. They showed me that I can do it too.

And my grandmother’s voice has returned, as clearly as if she were standing beside me.

“What will you do with a theatre degree? Can you teach with that?”

Yes, Gran. You certainly can.