Every time you attend one of our Main Stage productions, you’ll find a feature in the show’s playbill called “In the Spotlight.” With every show, we like to highlight an artist who has not only been involved with the show but has also made an awesome impact on the Playhouse.
With Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, we’re shining a spotlight on Kelley Schroeder.
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- How are you involved with the Duluth Playhouse?
I’ve been involved with the Duluth Playhouse for the last five years. During that time, I have taken on many varying roles. From being on stage to backstage, I started with the Children’s Theatre program and while I still do shows with them, I also work with the adult main stage shows.
- How did theatre become a part of your life?
Five years ago, I was a very shy and quiet person, and one summer my mom said I needed to do something new. She saw that the Playhouse Children’s Theatre was holding auditions for Fame JR!, and said that I was going. I got there and was extremely nervous, but my mom gave me a hug and told me, “Be bold.” I was cast in the play and have not looked back since. That saying still helps me through when things get tough.
- What’s your favorite #PlayhouseMoment to date?
That’s a tough one, but I think I’d have to say that it would be the first show I had the opportunity to stage manage. It was a great experience, but the interesting part was that on opening night, Duluth experienced three city-wide power surges. One before the show and two during. Each time, our sound system had to reboot, so we addressed the audience while the actors went off stage, saying we’d be back momentarily. I was so nervous. I was not prepared to deal with that kind of situation, but with some quick thinking, and some awesome mentors, we made it. Now we all joke about it, saying if we can make it through three power outages, we can do anything.
- What’s your favorite show you’ve worked on?
I would have to say Mary Poppins. Last year around this same time, the Duluth Playhouse presented the show Mary Poppins, and it was such a fun show to work on. Being backstage meant that I was one of the people creating the magic, from getting Mary ready to fly across the stage, to making the kite fly. The whole cast was welcoming and a joy to work with.
- Anything else you’d like to add?
So thankful to the Playhouse and the amazing people that work there who help people grow and to find the love in theater and others.
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We are so proud to have Kelley a part of the Playhouse family! We couldn’t do what we do without artists like her. We also couldn’t continue to put on show after show without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you
We also couldn’t continue to put on show after show without the generous support of our Spotlight on the Artists Sponsors. Thank you for your continued support: Black Water Lounge, Duluth Teacher’s Credit Union (DTCU), maurices, Otis-Magie Insurance Agency, Hermantown Federal Credit Union (HFCU), Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, PA, and Marsh & McLennan Agency.