Shelby Theatre Company has a new name, but draws on rich history

Shelby Theatre Company is working on bringing new shows, diversity and a wide range of performances never seen before in the county.

The group recently closed out their first show, the Vagina Monologues, and ended up doing an encore performance at Uptown Indigo because of the interest.

The theater company might have a new name, but its roots go deep.

Robert Owens, president of the theater group, said Shelby has a long history of community theater.

"Cleveland County in general has a wealth of different artistic talent," he said.

Following COVID-19, Greater Shelby Community Theater, which has been in existence for nearly 50 years, and Foothills Players, which formed in 2017, combined to become Shelby Theatre Company.

"At the end of the day, it made more sense to do things together instead of separate so we joined forces to become the Shelby Theatre Company," said Katy Martin, vice president of STC.

Martin said she grew up in Lattimore, went to school for theater, and then moved to LA for nearly a decade before returning to her hometown.

She described herself as a "redneck valley girl," and said growing up, there wasn't much of a hang-out scene in Shelby, but since returning, she's seen it grow and develop new opportunities.

"It's cool to have left and come back to see it changing," Martin said.

Owens said he grew up south of Atlanta and spent the first 26 years of life there before ending up in Shelby.

"I've been involved with over 80 productions," he said.

Over the past five years, he has been directing and serving as a board member for local community theater.

Shelby Theatre was formed at the beginning of last year and now they're trying to get their name out and attract more talent, volunteers and community support.

"We wanted to get our name out and get Shelby more excited because the talent is here," Martin said. "We're always looking for more volunteers and board members."

She said they are working on a new website and marketing. In the meantime, people can keep up with audition opportunities and upcoming shows on the Shelby Theatre Company Facebook page.

Owens said even though it has Shelby in the name, they reach out to Cleveland County and neighboring counties for people interested in joining the theater company.

"It's a lot of work, but ultimately it's rewarding," Owens said. "We've got some great upcoming shows."

The theater had its first production, The Vagina Monologues, and partnered with Uptown Indigo to present the performance.

Owens said they want to bring a new variety of shows to the community that is inclusive of everybody.

He said they plan to offer everything from musicals, comedy shows, drama and even some children's theater.

"We run the gamut," he said. "We're hoping to have something for everybody."

He said they have well over 50 volunteers who have helped put on productions, but they are always looking for more.

"The end game is to have a brick and mortar theater we can call our own," Owens said.

Rex's Exes, a southern comedy, will be performed at Cleveland Community College's Mildred Keeter auditorium May 3 through 5 and May 17 and 18.

Auditions for their first musical, The Rocky Horror Show, will be held Aug. 3 and 4 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Cleveland County Art's Council basement located at 111 S. Washington St., Shelby.

Show dates will be Oct. 24, 25 and 26 at Uptown Indigo.

The cast will consist of adults 18 and up, and everyone is encouraged to audition regardless of experience level.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Shelby Theatre Company has a new name, but draws on rich history