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
Mark Harrelson
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.
John A. Williams, JR.
Vice President
Biography
Originally from Lynchburg Va, John A. Williams, Jr. has been involved with performing arts his entire life. His breakout role was as “Willy Wonka” in a staged production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but John got swept into the world of dance. He attended the Dance Theatre of Lynchburg, followed by the Virginia School of the Arts, completing training at Alvin Ailey in NYC and the Richmond Ballet. Dancing in performances such as Chicago, Westside Story and The Nutcracker, as well as a myriad of originally choreographed pieces, he performed regularly with the Glass Theater under the direction of Jim Ackley. John proudly works as the Finance Manager at Reidsville Nissan, and his experience in banking and automotive sales makes this the perfect home for him! He looks to lend his knowledge and energy to Smokestack Theatre Company so that he can give back to a world that has been so giving to him.
Jess Brammer-Owens
Secretary & 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.
Cress Barnes
Member
Biography
Cress Barnes is no stranger to nonprofits or the stage. She was a founding member of the Charlotte Roller Girls, as well as a skater, board member, and president. She performed for the Actors Theatre and Innovative Theatre in Charlotte, NC, as well as the Union County Playmakers in Monroe, NC, where she served as Board President during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the organization emerged from the crisis stronger than ever. She and her husband own the Common Market in Charlotte, NC and have done so for 23 years, recently moving to Danville, VA for semi-retirement on their horse farm. Cress stumbled upon auditions at Smokestack and has had the pleasure of playing the roles of “Einstein” in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, “Myrtle Mae” in Harvey, “Isaac Whitaker” in A Few Good Men, and “Lana Sherwood” in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Cress has three grown sons, is an avid reader, and a ninja.
Felice McWilliams
Member
Biography
Felice McWilliams is a multifaceted creative dedicated to the arts and community service. An accomplished actress, she is currently filming a movie in Danville, Virginia, under the direction of Carolyn Mack. Since 2019, Felice has been a staple of the local stage with Smokestack Theatre Company, debuting as Juror #9 in 12 Angry Men and appearing in several years of Smokestack’s Historical Walking Tours. Notable credits include her portrayal of Calpurnia in To Kill a Mockingbird and a performance in The Color Purple at the Kirby Theater in Roxboro, North Carolina. Beyond the stage, Felice is the owner of Making Danville Smile, where she shares her love of art and music. Her leadership extends throughout the region as a curator for the River District Association, Exhibition Director for the Danville Art League, and a worship leader at Union Church. Originally from California, she enjoyed an extensive musical career in the 80s and 90s with her band, Felice and Friends, and has traveled the globe as a missionary. Today, Felice finds joy in creating art and spending time with her eight grandchildren and three cats.
STAFF
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.
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