by Judy Conlin
Theresa Davis has been Executive Director of Theatre Tallahassee since 2011. She lives in Tallahassee with her husband, Brian. and their little dog, Tater Tot. Brian is the Artistic Director of Theatre Tallahassee. Tot is not affiliated with the theater at this time, but his antics on Facebook could lead one to the conclusion that he is an aspiring actor.
Theresa received her B.A. in Humanities (Theater/English/Religion) and served as the financial director of the Tallahassee Museum for 6 years before becoming director of the theater.
Theresa is small, but she’s a dynamo. With her unmatched socks and her frequently changing hair color, she is as often on a ladder changing lights as she is in more formal attire conducting theater business.
Shirley Beaupied, a member of the board, said, “Theresa practically lives at the theater and is involved in every aspect of what goes on there. Everyone has respect for her. She writes the grants, selects the shows, is involved in all types of fundraising, makes costumes and acts as well. This past year she took on the added duty of directing the Acting Up Players (a group of over age 50 performers) in their presentation of Laughter is the Best Medicine. One could say that Theresa puts her heart and soul into the theater.”
Q: In what ways did your college education prepare you for the job you now have?
A: It gave me my knowledge of the theater. For the first fifteen years after graduation, I did not work in theater. I gained business experience from the several jobs I had in accounting, finance, and teaching. When I took the job at the theater my mom was so happy that at last all the money spent on college was going to pay off.
Q: What shows do you have coming up for the remainder of the year?
A: On the mainstage, Little Shop of Horrors Mar.27-Apr.13 and Lend Me a Soprano, June 5-22.
In the Studio: Always a Bridesmaid, Aug.8-25 and The Flick May1-18.
Q: You got the rights to the premier of Honey, Sugar, Baby Doll, which was quite a coup. Tell us how this came about.
A: We did Savannah Sipping Society by the same playwrights who were visiting Panama City at the time. They called to come by and view the theater. They took a tour and kept in touch. A year or so later they had written Honey, Sugar Baby Doll based on our studio theater for us to perform. They came to 2 opening nights and checked what worked and what didn’t and 2 months later produced it. They signed autograph copies for Brian and me which was a huge honor.
Q: You’ve done a lot of acting also. Can you think of one or more favorite roles and why they were memorable?
A: Steel Magnolias. I was Arnelle and we women all became very close. It was a real bonding experience. I think Wonders of the World was my favorite. Perhaps it was because it was the first I had done after a long hiatus, but we all formed close relationships and became friends for life. The Other Place was very powerful about early onset dementia. The play affected so many people, and their appreciation of our efforts was heartwarming.
Q: Where do you find the actors to perform and how do actors find you if they want to perform?
A: All our actors are volunteers. Anyone can audition. We advertise on social media, on our website and through e-mail. We send flyers to the universities. Some people have never acted, and some have acted for years. Everyone is welcome.
Q: What do you like most about your position?
A: The people. We have up to 300 volunteers. My favorite part is the first run-through when I welcome them into the family. The business part could be done anywhere but the people are what makes the theater.
Q: The Arts have taken a bit of a hit economically lately. What would be your wish for the future of Theatre Tallahassee?
A: I wish people would understand the value of the arts to a community. We have over 14000 attendees a year , many who come from somewhere other than Tallahassee to enjoy what we have to offer. They have an economic impact on the community. People need to know that we strive for quality and excellence in everything we do.
Q: What do you do to unwind from stress?
A: I love cruising. It’s a complete escape. I also like going to the theater, hiking, arts and crafts, nature, and photography. If I hadn’t been in theater, I would have been a nature photographer.
Q: Do you think Tater Tot has a theatrical career ahead of him?
A: I keep saying he needs to make us some money. He loves to come to the theater because he gets lots of petting and attention. We can’t even say the word ‘theater’ around him because he gets excited and wants to go there. . He loves the attention, but I don’t think as a thespian, he would ever obey the director.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to add that hasn’t been covered?
A: I just always want to make things better. The theater is my life and family, and this is a way to facilitate bringing joy to others. Some people dread going to work. This is not work to me.
