Kelley Barnhardt

Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives
South Carolina Children’s Theatre

What are you most looking forward to in your new position? 

Being a part of an amazing team that values children, community, creativity, education, and the power of theatre.

What is the biggest challenge facing your industry right now? 

The uncertainty of funding.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? 

The summer before college, I worked as a temp, and my first placement was in the office of a lumber yard. I interacted with everyone there in a blend of Spanish and English — from the lumber yard workers to the sawyers to the managers. They tried to hire me after the first day!  This experience taught me the vital importance of effective communication in any workplace.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever heard?

My dad and I were cleaning up our yard in 1989 after the eye of Hurricane Hugo ripped through Charlotte, causing unexpected destruction and weeks-long power outages. After completing the task Dad asked me to do and then letting him know I had done it, likely looking for praise and to be released from duty, he said “That’s good. But you should always do more than is asked of you.” Looking around I realized, somewhat abashed, that there was way more to tackle, and the measly branch I had carried down the driveway and to the street eventually became the bottom limb of a very large pile of storm debris.

What is something most people would be surprised to know about you? 

I was the standing long jump champion of my sixth grade class!