Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Kiker
Hi Kendall , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The building was built in 1935 by Carolina Films, Incorporated owned by Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Legendre. The theatre, changing management several times, showed movies until the mid-1970s when single screens fell out of favor. The building remained empty when in August of 1976 a group of eight Summerville theater enthusiasts recognized a need for live theater in the area and established the Flowertown Players, Incorporated. The current owner of the existing building was contacted, and these thespians presented their vision of the Summerville Community Theatre. It was agreed that the Flowertown Players could use the facilities as long as it would not cause any loss or liability to the owner. Every year following four or five shows were produced until 1983. Even with the constant reinvestment of proceeds into the upkeep of the building and purchase of theatrical equipment, they could not keep up with the deterioration of the original structure. The Players were forced to vacate. However, the Flowertown Players team was not to be deterred. Moving the productions to Ladson Elementary School and rehearsing at the Coastal Center, they entered into negotiations with the Town of Summerville for the restoration of the old Theatre building and the return of community theater to Main Street. The Town of Summerville decided to sell the building to the Players. With a degree in theater, James F. Dean designed the interior of the auditorium with its raked, stadium seating and excellent acoustical projection from the stage. Through private investors, the building interior was gutted, and after a two-year renovation project performances came back to Summerville in 1988. The building is listed as part of the Historic District in the National Register of Historic Districts. Following Jim’s death as a member of the original movers and shakers, the building was renamed in his honor.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any theatre company there are going to be struggles along the way. As you can see from our history, just making the building we are in a usable space was quite a challenge. There has been turnover in staff along the way. Navigating the Covid-19 pandemic was a huge challenge. It has taken quite a long time for the general public to feel safe going to the theatre again. But we have a very loyal patron base, strong partnerships, and a dedicated board of directors that have helped us tackle these challenges head on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I became involved in theatre in high school and went on to major in theatre performance in college. I worked professionally in theatre for many years and eventually became a high school theatre teacher. After 4 years of teaching high school, I was accepted into the Master of Fine Arts in Acting program at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2010. Upon graduation, I started teaching at the college/university level and taught at institutions in Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas before returning to South Carolina in 2020. Teaching specialties include Acting Shakespeare, Suzuki Method of Actor Training, and Lessac Kinesensic Voice and Body Training. I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Arts Administration degree at Winthrop University while simultaneously serving as the Executive Director for The Flowertown Players.
Any big plans?
My current plans are to complete my Master of Arts degree and incorporate all of my new found knowledge into helping The Flowertown Players become the best community theatre that it can be so that we can do more to serve the people of our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flowertownplayers.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowertownplayers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFlowertownPlayers
