2025 Faces of Live Theater
Great theater isn’t just entertainment—it’s an experience that brings people together. In our Guide to Group-Friendly Theaters, we spotlight the venues, producers, and organizers making live performance accessible, engaging, and unforgettable for groups of all sizes. From historic playhouses to innovative performance spaces, each theater featured offers unique amenities, insider tips, and planning insights to help you create the perfect outing. Explore their stories, discover new destinations, and get inspired to plan show-stopping group experiences that will leave your audience talking long after the curtain falls.
Derby Dinner Playhouse
Tina Jo Wallace, Producing Artistic Director
From community theater kid to producing artistic director, Tina Jo Wallace has lived—and breathed—live performance her entire life. In this candid conversation, she talks about her journey from Syracuse University to leading the Derby Dinner Playhouse, the magic of intimate theater, and what it takes to bring a stage—and a community—to life. Take your seat center stage and see what makes small-scale theatre feel so grand.
Calvin Gilmore, Country Music Singer and Recording Artist
When one man envisioned bringing first-class live theater to Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand’s entertainment world was forever changed. In this compelling feature, Calvin Gilmore shares how his bold dream evolved into The Carolina Opry—Myrtle Beach’s first live performance venue—and sparked a legacy of award-winning shows, community spirit, and show-stopping entertainment. Step into the spotlight and discover how his passion continues to light up the stage.
Choreographer
Camille Brown, Broadway Revival of the Musical Gypsy
From a childhood steeped in musical theater to commanding the Broadway stage, acclaimed choreographer Camille Brown shares the rhythms that shaped her journey. In this moving interview, she reveals how she transitioned from concert dance into theater, the fierce pride that comes from simply persisting, and why live performance—with its unbroken magic—still holds transformative power. Plus, she offers powerful insight for travel planners on incorporating theater into group itineraries. Let the stories that move you inspire your next trip.
Producer
Orin Wolf, Buena Vista Social Club
After a life-changing swimming accident left him a quadriplegic, the Managing Director of Push Mobility channeled frustration into a global drive for inclusive travel. By creating innovative mobility solutions and sharing real-world experiences through Wheel Around the World, he shows that accessible travel goes well beyond ramps. With rising demand, assistive technology advances, and a community eager to explore, discover how one traveler’s journey is pioneering a new era in inclusive, barrier-free adventures.