Stuart J. "Skip" Kelley

Fondly dubbed "Skip," our incredible Technical Director sadly passed away August 21, 2005. His extraordinary talent led him to many places, including Telare Records, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cincinnati Pops and the Atlanta Symphony, Cain Park, the Hanna Theater, CVLT, and Orange Stagecrafters.

At the Geauga Theater, he was not only Technical Director, but also a stagecraft instructor and mentor. His teaching method was strictly trial and error, and often interlaced with blunt, yet subtle suggestions, a verbal talent that only he possessed. Skip believed that everyone had the ability, and let his crew know that in no uncertain terms.

Many Geauga Theater patrons are probably unaware that more than half of the Geauga Theater's tech crew is made up of people under the age of 18. Skip taught a technical theater class at the theater two or three times per year, continuously cultivating crops of "techies" to run the sound board, light board, spots, help with props, and managing backstage. Skip instituted an annual recognition even for the Geauga Theater technical volunteers. Apprentice level certifications were developed in the areas of sound design, light design, stage management, and properties management. Awards were also given for Junior Tech of the Year and Best New Tech.

"We have young people who have taken over stage management jobs," Skip noted, in the 2005 Geauga Theater summer newsletter. "While they do a great job, it's hard not to hover," he added.

He would proudly watch over each show on opening (and supply his techies with Doritos and pop), and come to the beginning of almost every one after that to make sure it was running smoothly.

The Geauga Theater in conjunction with The Skip Kelley Youth Theater proudly present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat on January 22-31. Don't miss this opportunity! See the youth shine!