With support from the community, the leadership at Savannah Children’s Theatre is carefully guiding the organization through a challenging time.
Written by LEANNA WOODWARD
Photography courtesy SAVANNAH CHILDREN’S THEATRE
EDITOR’S NOTE: Since the publication of this article, there has been an exciting update from Savannah Children’s Theatre (SCT). The nonprofit has announced it’s close to being able to purchase a permanent new home—and it would be a fairy tale ending if the community can help make this happen. Star Castle, a beloved local landmark, could become a vibrant performing arts center for children and families. The cost of the building is $3 million, and SCT says it’s so close but still needs to raise additional funds by Oct. 1, 2025. SCT is seeking donations and has a fundraising event scheduled for Sept. 20.
WHEN A WINTER STORM blanketed Savannah with snow and ice this past January, it brought more than just an out-of-character chill to our coastal town — it dealt a devastating blow to one of the city’s most cherished institutions. The Savannah Children’s Theatre (SCT), which had called its Victory Drive location home for 20 years, sustained extensive damage to its roof, stage, lobby, and costume shop, causing all production to come to a screeching halt.
“We were getting ready to perform ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ when the storm hit,” says Jenn Doubleday, assistant artistic director for SCT (2025 Runner-up, Best Theater Company). “We actually loved the idea of blaming the whole weather event on the White Witch. But in reality, the snow damaged the aging roof, causing irreparable harm.”
Despite the setback, SCT refused to lower the curtain. In the months since, the nonprofit has continued its mission to inspire, educate, and entertain — relocating camps, classes, and field trips to other venues across Chatham County, all while continuing to serve more than 14,000 students after the storm.
Without a permanent facility, SCT has also faced new challenges and expenses, including truck rentals, storage units, portable lighting, sound equipment, and much more.
“Surprise moving expenses were not in this year’s budget,” Doubleday says. “But the true cost has been the emotional weight carried by our staff, teachers, and volunteers. They are juggling creative work in multiple venues across the city, often teaching in three or four places a day.”
Thankfully, SCT has not had to face those challenges alone. Kelie Miley, founder and artistic director of SCT, credits the organization’s resiliency during these difficult times to the passion and adaptability of its team.
“Our people are what make the Savannah Children’s Theatre what it is,” says Miley. “Every day, everyone who works for us, supports us, and volunteers for us, they inspire me.” Miley also expressed deep gratitude for the nonprofit’s board and board president LeeAnn Kole, who “has always been a pillar of support but has gone above and beyond during our time of need, as has our entire amazing board.”
That spirit of service extended beyond SCT’s ranks as well, and the outpouring of support from local organizations was unhesitant and ardent. Savannah Theatre, the Jewish Educational Alliance, Relentless Church, Savannah Cirque, Savannah State University, PERC Coffee, Asbury Memorial Church, and other local businesses all reached out to offer help with field trips, classes, rehearsals, and performances, according to Doubleday. “My favorite moment was when the principal of Rambam Day School said, ‘Whatever the question, the answer is yes.’ It was so beautiful to be reminded that SCT is beloved by such a diverse and welcoming community.”
Students joined in, too, lending their own hands and hearts. Soon after the snow melted, young people were setting up neighborhood lemonade stands and bake sales, selflessly donating their proceeds to the SCT Emergency Fund. For many students, says Doubleday, “SCT is their first introduction to the performing arts. For some, it becomes the spark for a lifelong passion, a career, or a home away from home. When that theater home was made uninhabitable by the storm, we all grieved and felt this tremendous sense of loss.”
But hope is on the horizon. Though SCT can’t yet announce the address, at the time of publication it was close to securing a new permanent location, an accessible performing arts center that will serve families and schools throughout the county. Until then, SCT is keeping busy, with classes, camps, and auditions for upcoming productions like “A Christmas Carol” and “Mary Poppins.”
SCT is encouraging the public to help in whatever way they can. “We would love for people to donate to the SCT Emergency Fund, which provides for moving vans, supplies, and portable equipment,” says Doubleday. “And we’re always looking for sponsors for our upcoming season.”
Attending a performance is another great way to show support. “We absolutely want everyone to come see our shows,” Doubleday adds. “Just make sure to double-check the location first!”
Doubleday notes that theater is important not only to the community, but also to those who have found a home on the stage. “We remind the kids all the time that theater is a verb as well as a noun, and that we can continue creating theater no matter where we are. But with the community’s help, we can create a new home for the next generation of young artists.”
