​

 

Backyard Theatricals is officially closed. My husband recently accepted a job in Charleston, SC, and even though I am so, so sad to leave BYT and my wonderful students and parents behind, I am very excited about this opportunity. 

BYT started in September of 2020 with 12 kids, in my backyard. With no school or other activities, it seemed as good a time as any to take the steps toward my dream of a children’s theater in Hillsborough. We started out with 4 classes of 3 kids each. We endured masks, heat, cold, and figuring out how to act and interact while still maintaining 3 feet of social distancing. 

By May of 2021, we had put together a full production of The Wizard of Oz, and performed on the stage we had built in our backyard, for close to 100 people. 

When my husband lost his job at Duke and accepted a position at Florida Intl. University in Miami, I made the difficult decision to stay in N.C.  I wasn’t finished. In August of 2022, I moved into the current location in Boone Square. As our enrollment grew, we leased more space, and added staff! Julia, Laura, and Scooter came on to teach and direct and we were soon averaging around 75 students per semester in acting classes, voice, piano, and private acting lessons. 

Throughout the years, we have put on more productions than I can count, put up 3 auditioned shows (Alice in Wonderland, Annie Jr., and Mean Girls Jr.), performed multiple recitals and concerts, started a scholarship fund, and had many students go on to perform with various organizations in Hillsborough. 

More importantly, we created a family. A haven. A home. A safe place for kids to come to where there was no judgement, only acceptance, friendship, and unconditional love. The bonds and friendships that have been created over the years will go on. This special group of children and parents will forever be in my heart. Words cannot express my love and appreciation for them. 

But back to “not being finished”…I told my husband that I could not, in good conscience, just leave these kids with nowhere else to go. I am so grateful for the Orange County Arts Commission who has stepped up to take over. They know that these kids need to be able to continue with their acting endeavors…they need to still have a “home” in the vibrant arts community of Hillsborough. Theatre will continue! I will be keeping this page and my website updated with information about the new theatre space coming soon! The kids will be in good hands with Katie Murray, Laura Pennachi, and Scooter Mistretta! 

So Backyard Theatricals is “gone” physically, but it will live on, and continue to thrive and grow in Hillsborough! It has been my absolute honor to have worked with these amazing families and each of you will always be remembered with much love and affection. 

THE SHOW MUST GO ON! 🎭

Much love,

Kelly

 

​