Whitmore steps into leadership role at TWO
Photo by Jamie Plain
The stage that once introduced Calli Whitmore to the magic of theatre is now the one she’ll help shape from behind the scenes. Nearly two decades after her first audition, Whitmore has been named executive director of Theatre Workshop of Owensboro.
She was officially announced in the role on April 11, 2025, following the retirement of longtime director Todd Reynolds. Since 2021, Whitmore had worked under Reynolds as the organization’s education coordinator.
Her journey with TWO began as a child. Whitmore vividly remembers when then-education coordinator Thad Mayhugh brought a taste of theatre into her 3rd-grade music class.
“It was a close-up experience and I fell in love,” she said.
That encounter led her to audition for Annie Jr., which was being performed at TWO under Mayhugh’s direction. From there, she never really left.
In 2021, in a full-circle moment, Mayhugh reached out with a suggestion: she’d be the perfect fit to take over the education role.
“He is very near and dear to my heart,” Whitmore said. “It inspired me.”
Whitmore went on to earn a degree in theatre and nonprofit leadership from Murray State University, then a masters in arts administration from the University of Kentucky — all while working at TWO. During that time, Reynolds became a mentor.
“Todd took me under his wing and showed me real-life applications to my classes,” she said. “I saw a completely different point of view as a participant. It shaped me and then inspired me.”
That behind-the-scenes experience, including grant writing and daily operations, opened her eyes to the broader mission of nonprofit theatre. Whitmore also worked with Lisa Copeland, the now-retired executive director of Murray’s Playhouse in the Park.
“I was able to see theatre from a different perspective, and I am grateful for that opportunity,” she said. “Both were wonderful experiences.”
While acting remains her passion, Whitmore has long been interested in the technical and administrative aspects of production. As a teenager, she assisted with drama camps, and as a college freshman, she staged a mainstage show — an uncommon feat.
She brought that same well-rounded approach to drama camp, encouraging youth to explore all facets of theatre, from directing to stage management to tech.
“If you are a good stage manager, everyone likes to work with you,” she said.
Whitmore still stays in close touch with both Reynolds and Mayhugh and said honoring their legacy is a priority as she steps into her new leadership role.
“Continuing the Summer Shorts, Penguin Project, Cabaret Nights, and high-quality and unique programming is our roadmap to success,” she said.
Whitmore is hopeful the upcoming season will offer something for everyone as the community continues to rebound from the pandemic’s impact on the arts.
This season’s lineup includes The Producers in September; The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in October; youth production Twelve Angry Jurors in November; Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells in December; Dial M for Murder in February; youth production Game of Tiaras in March; and Our Town in April and May. School performances will be offered for the December production.
In July, TWO hosted a musical theatre camp for ages 12-18, which ended with a free performance for friends and family. Camp participants will also be featured in an upcoming Cabaret Night.
“This creates a unique opportunity but still has that feel,” she said.
TWO’s Penguin Project chapter is another point of pride for Whitmore. The national program pairs youth with disabilities with peer mentors to perform together on stage, a model that TWO has embraced for six years.
“I was the stage manager at the Annie Jr. Penguin Project production, which was my first show as an actor,” Whitmore said. “There are so many phenomenal kids.”
Whitmore is excited to collaborate with the new education coordinator and TWO’s youth committee to grow the program and deepen relationships within the theatre community.
From youth actor to executive director, Whitmore has come full circle. With training in all aspects of theatre and a heart for nonprofit leadership, she’s ready to guide TWO into its next act. OL