Hey friends! I'm Rebekah Kenerly, the new Artistic Director here at The Stage Oconee. Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, I have been involved with this company since moving to Athens in 2020 to participate in Mary Poppins. I hold a BFA in Directing from Belmont University and have over 12 years of experience in the theatre industry (professional, community & educational). This art form has been my life-long passion and it's been my dream to be an artistic director since I was 16 years old. I've intentionally studied every aspect of the theatre discipline so that I can diligently lead a full team of artists from a place of understanding. The collaboration and connection of this work is my native language and truest joy!

WHAT DO I DO AT THE STAGE?

Administrative:

Produce Shows - Assist all of our creative teams every step along the way to ensure a smooth production process

Plan Seasons - In collaboration with my team, we are responsible for selecting a well rounded season each year including classes, productions and summer camps

Prepare Artists - A large goal of mine is to assist the many talented people already within our community to find their "home" within the work we do and equip them to tackle new challenges with excellence 

Artistic:

Direct - Big Fish, The Crucible, Taste of Broadway Camp, Charlotte's Web, Topsy Turvy Cabaret & Puffs

Design - Sets, Costumes, Props & Sound

Stage Manage - Little Mermaid, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, The Lightning Thief, The Sound of Music, Newsies

Teach - Advanced Acting, Directing & Improv

FAVORITES/FUN FACTS:

Favorite Musical: Little Shop of Horrors

Favorite Role: Morticia in The Addams Family

Fun Fact: I speak sign language - not fluent anymore but enough to be helpful!

Hobbies Outside of the Theatre: Watching Survivor with my husband, Kalem, and our cattle dog, Kozie; Cooking and trying new foods & candies; Attending Rock Lobster games; Watching travel content on youtube and dreaming of seeing the world!