South Carolina Children’s Theatre (SCCT) is pleased to announce the hiring of Katie O’Kelly as the organization’s new Managing Director. Ms. O’Kelly will co-lead the organization with SCCT’s Artistic Director, Matt Giles, and will begin work at the theatre this September.
“The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Katie O’Kelly to South Carolina Children’s Theatre,” says SCCT Board Chair Kathryn Freedman. “In her new role as Managing Director, Katie and Artistic Director Matt Giles will maintain the purpose, quality, and vision our patrons expect while adding their own energy and flair. The Board is confident that together they will build on the creative and transformative foundation established by Debbie Bell.”
Ms. O’Kelly hails from Florence, South Carolina and received her B.A. from Wofford College and her Master of Fine Arts at the California Institute of the Arts. She has worked nationally and internationally as a Production Manager, Producer, and Stage Manager for companies like Seattle Repertory Theatre, Spoleto Festival USA, CalArts Center for New Performance, REDCAT, Triad Stage, Charleston Stage Company, and Wuzhen Theatre Festival in Wuzhen, China. She worked as Producing Associate for the 8-time Tony Award winning Best Musical Hadestown through its pre-Broadway runs in Canada and London, and in its current run on Broadway. Most recently, Ms. O’Kelly was the Director of Operations and Production at Triad Stage in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she managed the business side of the organization and its $2.2M operating budget. Ms. O’Kelly has also served as an Adjunct Professor at University of North Carolina Greensboro teaching Stage Management, an Adjunct Professor of Theatre at Greensboro College teaching courses in Stage Management and Production Management, and the Producing Associate for the Tony Award winning Producer, Dale Franzen.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the team at SCCT as its new Managing Director,” says Ms. O’Kelly. “I am passionate about the mission of the theatre and look forward to building upon SCCT’s 35-year legacy and creating more opportunities for young people and their families to engage with the theatre.”
SCCT’s Board of Directors led an exhaustive nationwide search for the role. “The search committee interviewed candidates from across the country, and we were very pleased to find a South Carolina voice to continue leading the theatre,” says Derek Lewis, SCCT board member and leader of the Managing Director search committee.
This September will start a year-long celebration of SCCT’s 35-year anniversary, and with a brand-new theatre facility in the West End, and Ms. O’Kelly now in place to co-lead the organization, the theatre is poised for its next stage of growth. “I am thrilled to welcome Katie to SCCT and to partner with her in leading the theatre,” says Artistic Director, Matt Giles. “She will be a phenomenal addition and her wide array of experience will be a tremendous asset during this period of exciting growth and change at South Carolina Children’s Theatre.”
Looking back on SCCT’s first 35 years, there is much to celebrate, especially for Debbie Bell who has been with the theatre for 34 years, with 23 of those years as Executive Director. Ms. Bell leaves behind an extraordinary legacy for SCCT and the City of Greenville, and says the future is bright for the organization. “Katie O’Kelly is a rising star in the theatrical field,” says Ms. Bell. “She and Matt will make a stellar team. I look forward to seeing how they will work with the Board and the Staff to grow the theatre to new heights. SCCT is in great hands and I personally can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Founded in 1987 by Ric Standridge, South Carolina Children’s Theatre has impacted the lives of children and families in the Upstate community through theatre, educational classes and workshops, and accessible outreach initiatives. Each year, South Carolina Children’s Theatre produces and performs five high quality, live theatre performances featuring children and adults on its Bell MainStage. The theatre also produces three-four additional shows and other special events on its more intimate Younts 2nd Stage. Throughout the year, SCCT offers professional year-round education in the dramatic arts for children ages 3 to 18, as well as educational outreach to low-income and special needs children. For more information about South Carolina Children’s Theatre, please visit: www.scchildrenstheatre.org.
Contact info:
Kate Fowler
Director of Development & Marketing
South Carolina Children’s Theatre
[email protected]
Address: 153 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Office Phone: (864) 203-1164
