Shelby County Community Theatre: A Family Affair On and Off Stage

At Shelby County Community Theatre (SCCT), we like to say that we’re more than just a stage—we’re a family. And nowhere is that more evident than in our current production of Fiddler on the Roof, a story that centers around family, tradition, and community. In a beautiful case of life imitating art, this production has brought together five real-life family groups who are sharing not only the stage, but also unforgettable memories.

Emily and Cooper Kees: A Full-Circle Moment

Emily Kees has been a beloved part of the SCCT family for over a decade. But this show marks a first—she’s sharing the stage with her 8-year-old son, Cooper.

“I actually performed here while pregnant with him,” Emily shared, “so getting to stand beside him now feels like a full-circle moment.” For Emily, it’s about more than just performing—it’s about watching her son become part of a community that has meant so much to her.

Cooper agrees: “The reason I auditioned for this show is because my mom was choreographing, and I wanted to spend some quality time with my mom.” He added, “It feels really great to be a part of the theatre family.”

Clint Gill and Sacha Powers: Love, On and Off the Stage

Clint and Sacha, who play Tevye and Golde in Fiddler, bring more than just chemistry to their roles—they bring decades of shared stage history.

“It’s always a gift to share the stage with my husband,” Sacha said. “We’ve done it a handful of times over the last 22 years, and it’s more meaningful the older we get. We met in the theatre a long time ago, so it brings back great sentimental memories to interact as characters together in front of a live audience.”

Now empty nesters, Sacha shared that performing together again has brought a renewed sense of connection. “He brings out the best in me during a performance. All the emotions!”

Kyle and Nina Wolfe: Switching Roles and Learning Together

For Kyle Wolfe, Fiddler on the Roof marks his first time on stage—but not his first time involved. “Nina and I have participated in several shows together, although in different capacities,” Kyle said. “This will be her 10th performance on stage, where I have helped at most of those by building sets and volunteering backstage.”

Inspired by his daughter’s passion, Kyle decided to audition. “I had to take a step back and listen to the expert—my teenage daughter,” he laughed. “She had to teach an ‘old dog, new tricks’—never easy under any circumstance.”

As the show opens, Kyle reflects on the experience with pride: “It’s been an amazing journey. We’ve both enjoyed the role reversal and sharing this new adventure.”

Izzy and Zander Sharp: Sibling Bond, Stage Edition

Sharing a show with your sibling can be a lot of things—fun, challenging, rewarding—and for Izzy and Zander Sharp, it’s been a little bit of everything.

Izzy shared, “It’s fun to do shows with my family! Sometimes my brother drives me crazy during rehearsals, but I feel proud of him when he’s on stage.”
Zander added, “It feels really good to do a show with my family because I get to spend time with the people I love.”

When it came to auditioning, Izzy was the one who encouraged her brother. “My brother was interested in being in plays, and I was excited for him to join me. I helped him pick and practice his audition song!”

Zander’s inspiration came from watching his sister: “I noticed how Izzy was enjoying being in plays and I wanted to be in plays with her so that I could have someone with me in case I am nervous or need help.”

And now that they’re both part of the SCCT family? “SCCT feels like family,” Izzy said. “Now that Zander has joined me at the theater, he has made a lot of friends there too.”
“Izzy introduced me to a lot of actors at SCCT,” Zander said, “and now I feel like a part of the theater family!”

Andy, Renee, and Geena Shepard: Three’s Company (and Family!)

For the Shepards, Fiddler on the Roof has been a true family event. Andy, Renee, and their daughter Geena are all involved—and all loving the experience.

Andy shared, “I’ve watched Renee in a couple of productions and Geena in many. They always have a great time. I’m not the best when it comes to acting or dancing, but Renee and Geena encouraged me to try out anyway. They helped me to shine a little brighter, and I feel like I’m almost good at this now!”

Geena, heading off to college soon, saw this show as a unique opportunity: “It has been so fun to do a show with my family, as it’s my dad’s first time on the stage, and the second time me and my mom have done a show together! (The first being White Christmas at SCCT.)”

When asked what inspired the family effort, Geena said, “Because I am leaving for college in a few short weeks, this was a great opportunity to spend more time with my family before starting a new chapter in my life. Convincing them wasn’t the easiest at first, however I’m sure they are just as glad as I am that they auditioned.”

Being part of the SCCT community has only added to the experience. “Being able to practice with two other voice parts has been awesome!!!” Geena joked. “All jokes aside, working, learning, and growing with each other as we navigate through this show together has been a wonderful teaching experience for all of us.”

The Heart of the Theatre

It’s no coincidence that Fiddler on the Roof is about family traditions. Here at Shelby County Community Theatre, we are living out those themes nightly—onstage and off. The shared laughter, backstage pep talks, carpools to rehearsal, and even the nerves on opening night—it all becomes part of a family story that these cast members will tell for years to come.

Whether you’re on stage, backstage, or in the audience, we invite you to be part of our theatre family. Come see Fiddler on the Roof and witness firsthand what makes Shelby County Community Theatre so special.

Because here, we don’t just perform together.
We grow together.
We support each other.
And most of all—we do it as a family.