Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Babcock.
Hi Amy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Pottsville. Pottsville and Schuylkill County has a longstanding community theater community. I participated in high school theater, as well as community theater before leaving for college. I lived away in Washington D.C. for several years, but returned to Schuylkill County in 1996.
Since returning I have continued to work with local community theaters including The Actors Guild of Schuylkill County and Artists In Motion. I was the Assistant Director of the Drama Club at Williams Valley High School from 2006-2009. I then became the Assistant Director of the Drama Club at Pottsville Area High School from 2009 – 2024. I am currently a high school English Teacher at Pottsville Area High School as well. I have been teaching high school English since 2006.
In 2024, I was given the opportunity the become the Executive Director of The Majestic Theater in Pottsville. I was hired by the Board in June 2024, and I continue to serve as the Executive Director.
The theater provides entertainment to our community in a variety of forms – musicals, plays, concerts, art shows, and community events. We also have at least 3 shows yearly for youth performers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been smooth – there have been a lot of detours. Balancing a family with a full time job is challenging, but if you add in community theater – that creates new challenges. I have always had a supportive family – both of my children were involved in theater. My son actually majored in theater in college. My husband is a musician, so he often understands the time the arts take.
Now that my children are grown – I have more time to dedicate to my job as a teacher and a leader in the theater community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Most of what I have done in theater is Stage Management and Direction. I have both worked with other directors and directed productions on my own.
I would say I am known for the creativity and organizational skills I bring to each production. I think that I can appreciate theater from both a literary and staging perspective gives me the opportunity to bring depth to each production.
In my Stage Management career – I am most proud of bringing shows to life on limited budgets.
In my Directing Career – I am most proud of directing One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Now- I am responsible from everything from building management to creative direction at The Majestic Theater. This has brought a lot of my skills together.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think my ability to balance multiple projects is my best quality. I can stay cool under pressure and work at two jobs (teaching and theater) which are very demanding.
I also have learned to rely on capable people. I have a great team of teachers at school that I rely on. At the theater I have an Executive Assistant, Talia Lewis, who helps me with social media and production promotion.
Pricing:
- Theater tickets range from $15-$20
- We have several free concerts throughout the year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://majestictheater.net
- Instagram: @majestictheaterpottsville
- Facebook: Majestic Theater Pottsville
