About
Smokestack Theatre Company
OUR MISSION
Smokestack Theatre Company is a nonprofit organization serving Danville, Pittsylvania County, and the surrounding region. We are an ensemble of theatre artists dedicated to creating quality, exciting, and transformative theatre for the cultural enrichment of the entire community. We strive to enhance our community through education and outreach to adults and children, providing innovative instruction and creative expression to inspire another generation of theatre artists.
STC'S GOALS
Creating
To produce creative, relevant theatre from a cross-section of the finest works available in an environment of artistic excellence with the participation of local and professional talent.
Educating
To provide education opportunities for all ages, abilities, and experience levels through workshops, classes, and camps led by professionals from within the organization and guest artists.
Growing
To go beyond producing Main Stage shows by offering special events throughout the year, including historical tours, youth productions, cinema, and other events throughout the region.
Partnering
To be fully engaged by partnering with organizations, businesses, and individuals to support the region through various fundraisers and scholarships enhancing the entire community.
Leading
To be a leader in the growing and diverse arts scene in the region, utilizing our theater space to provide a safe environment for local arts groups and individual artists of all kinds.
Creating
Educating
Growing
Partnering
Leading
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kris Dodds Williams
President
Biography
Kris Dodds Williams is a 2006 Bachelor’s of Theatre Arts graduate of Averett University. She currently works as a drama educator with Tunstall High School, Piedmont Summer Regional Governor’s School, and Smokestack Theatre Company. Her acting credits include Little Red in “Into the Woods”, Romaine Patterson in “The Laramie Project”, Eunice in “Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire”, and Laura in “The Glass Menagerie”; along with credits in “The Mousetrap” and “Noises Off”. With STC, credits include Lana Sherwood in “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” Volluney in “Cafe Murder,” and cast member of “Smokestack Improv.” Kris would like to thank our amazing community that continues to support theatre and the Arts.
Mark Harrelson
Vice President
Biography
Raised in Providence, NC, Mark Harrelson has called Danville home for the past 29 years. A graduate of Bartlett Yancey Senior High and Danville Community College, Mark has worked in various communication-related fields, including many years as a newspaper reporter/editor and in area radio newsrooms and broadcast booths. A veteran of the local stage, Mark has appeared in numerous productions for The Little Theatre of Danville and served on that organization’s board of directors for many years. He is a founding member of Smokestack Theatre Company and has appeared in multiple Smokestack productions.
Jess Brammer-Owens
Treasurer
Biography
Jess Brammer-Owens has a doctorate in education. She currently works as the Head of School at Lionheart Academy of the Triad in Greensboro. Jess was a speech and language pathologist at the Center for Pediatric Therapies for ten years. She is a clinical specialist in autism spectrum disorders and a youth mental health specialist. She began working with Smokestack in 2019 to support our mission to provide theatre for everyone by ensuring access to neurodiverse individuals. In addition, Jess brings experience with grant writing and non-for-profits. She participated in drama in high school and college and is happy to return to the theatre by working with the board; in addition to watching her children perform in Smokestack productions. Jess is proud to be involved with this amazing group of people and share their work with this community.
Kirsten Aherron
Secretary
Biography
Kirsten Aherron is the Communications and Events Manager at River District Association. She has a B.A. in English and French from Luther College, an M.B.A in Organizational and Environmental Sustainability from Antioch University New England, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. She has always loved the arts and has played her violin in many community orchestras over the years. She loves to garden, paint, draw and do anything creative! She is excited to be a member of Smokestack Theatre Company’s board, and be a part of promoting the arts in Danville.
STAFF
James Anderson
Artistic Director
Biography
After visiting family in Danville for many years, James Anderson made Danville his permanent home three years ago. He first met Josh and Mark when they worked together on a local production of “Rumors” for the Little Theatre of Danville. A lifelong theatre professional, he has extensive experience as an actor, director, and educator in such places as New York City, San Diego, and Moscow. Originally from Charlotte, NC, he received his early training at the University of NC School of the Arts. Most recently, he was an actor, teacher, and company member of Burning Coal Theatre in Raleigh, NC. James is extremely excited the future of STC and bringing more theatre to the Dan River Region.
Josh Lucia
Managing Director
Biography
Josh Lucia is a graduate of Chatham High School and has an associate degree from Liberty University. Josh is the owner of Lucia Video, a local video production company. He has a strong desire to make theatre accessible to the entire region and would like to offer more programs for kids, students, and young adults. Josh is an award-winning actor and has performed in multiple productions with Smokestack Theatre Company as well as the Little Theatre of Danville, Gretna Little Theatre, and 246 the Main. He is also a performing member of Smokestack Improv.
Emily Wilkerson
Administrative Assistant
Biography
Emily Wilkerson has participated in theatre both on stage and off stage since the age of eleven. Some of her favorite shows she has performed in are Head Over Heels, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Romeo + Juliet. Emily can be seen volunteering behind the scenes at many Smokestack events in various roles, but is most often seen stage managing. She also has a special place in her heart for our children’s programs, and looks forward to helping with them every year. Emily’s other passion is dance, having studied many styles over the years at the Danville Academy of Dance. She has served as dance captain for many of the shows she has been in and had the honor of choreographing Smokestack’s teen production Firebringer in the summer of 2022. Emily assists in record keeping and communicating with our extensive list of volunteers among many other volunteer duties. She holds her certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.
Quick Links
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement
© 2023 All rights reserved.
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Accessibility Statement
© 2023 All rights reserved.