
ABOUT SUMMER STAGE

Summer Stage is a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt organization (non profit) serving the young people and families of southwest Virginia and northwestern North Carolina. These rising stars gather each summer to make lifelong friends, develop their talents, and perform for their community.
Mission Statement To develop the creativity and leadership skills of youth through outstanding theater performances for the community.
Practice
Summer Stage introduces young people (ages 9-18) to the infectious joy of the performing arts! Young actors have the opportunity to study with seasoned theater professionals in a nurturing environment as they develop skills through theater games and hands-on activities. At Summer Stage the young people do it all–from designing and painting sets, props, and costumes to running the box office and lights. Young Actors will find their artistic voice and develop self-confidence as they sing, dance, act, create hilarious improvisations, tell stories, and perform for friends, family, and the community.

Leadership and Board




Young Directors Series


Ryan Kennedy Ryan Kennedy was an actor with Summer Stage in Music Man Kids during their 2019 season and an intern in 2021. He recently graduated from Wytheville Community College with an education degree and looks forward to helping this season’s actors reach their full potential on stage and off. He believes that theatre is key to enlightenment and joy.


Her interest in theatre, playwriting, and music started at an early age. Most recently, Lacy played Gabriella in Summer Stage’s production of High School Musical Jr. and was a dancer and Pick- A- Little- Lady in The Music Man Kids. She enjoyed creating multiple roles in the Cherry Orchard Theatre and the Courthouse Productions of Thunder in the Hills in April 2019 and has participated in two Twin County Arts Council’s productions.
This year, Lacy continues to study private voice and piano and can be heard singing with the Carroll County High School Chorus and the Hillsville Presbyterian Church’s adult choir.
In 2016 she joined “Maui” (Mt. Airy Ukulele Invasion) and has been sharing her passion for the instrument in venues around the community.
Lacy has composed several songs, performed at the Carroll County Fair, and in 2022 created the soundscape for Summer Stage’s children’s comedy East of the Sun and West of the Moon.
Lacy will be teaching our make- up and wig workshops this season and we look forward to having her with us in 2023!
Rorie Bond Rorie Bond joined Summer Stage in 2019 when she appeared in Music Man Kids as Zaneeta and again in 2022 as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, Tams Witmark Youth Edition. She not only enjoys the performing arts but also painting and drawing as well. “Summer Stage is an amazing place to be! You make close friends, discover new skills, and it can even open up new pathways for you in the future. Summer Stage is an amazing experience for me and others I know. I hope people who are new can experience it too!” she said recently.


Jacob Roberts Jacob Roberts is a rising junior from Carroll County High School who recently worked as the assistant stage manager for their spring production Alice In Wonderland. Summer Stage is excited to welcome him as an intern and looks forward to collaborating with him for our 2023 season! “I love theatre because it can really transport the audience into another world,” Jacob said recently.
Gavin Stewart Gavin is excited to return for our 2023 season as assistant music director and scenic artist! He has worked with some of the top composers including Andrea Ramsey as well as singing with the most advanced musical prodigies in multiple state level choirs. Gavin has performed with Summer Stage since 2018 appearing in Wonka Kids, Music Man Jr., and Disney’s High School Musical Jr. “Music is my passion and has been for as long as I can remember! I have a lot to learn but I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned with the company this summer!”

Our Board of Directors and Friends of Summer Stage are visionaries who understand non-profit governance and raise funds to drive the organization and help offer programs free-of-charge or at low cost for the community
Board Members
Julie Tucker
Debra Martin
Stacie Tate
Vicky Town
Friends &Volunteers
Shelby Meenach
Francis Meenach
Shawn Martin
Penny Duvall
Tina Wilcox
Chandra Harmon
Penny Moseley
Julie Bowers
Stephen Pottorff
David Tucker
Doug Martin
Erin Cox
Nancy Deady
Brian Spencer
Mandy Archer
Teresa Nale
Margie Quesenberry
Myra Leonard
Clint McCain
Glenna Myers
Janet Brown
Betty Town
Rose Leonard
Steve Turner
Donald Trausneck
Pat Sexton