Katelyn Geri: An Indispensable Volunteer
at Pensacola Little Theatre
Katelyn Geri on the opening night of Cinderella, which she directed in 2022.
Pensacola Little Theatre thrives on the dedication and passion of its volunteers, who play a vital role in bringing captivating theatrical experiences to the community. Among these exceptional individuals, Katelyn Geri stands out as a powerhouse of talent and commitment.
Geri has become an invaluable asset to PLT with her impressive directing, acting, choreographing, and stage-managing repertoire. Currently, she is taking on the challenging role of stage manager for our production of Puffs, further showcasing her unwavering dedication to the theater.
Geri's journey at PLT began during high school when her English teacher, who happened to be a stage manager volunteering at PLT, first introduced her to the community. The teacher encouraged Geri to audition for Oklahoma! in 2006. She secured a spot in the cast and has been an integral part of PLT ever since. Her dedication and passion for theater have only grown stronger with time.
The cast of Oklahoma!, 2006.
As a member of the Artistic Committee at PLT, Geri contributes her expertise and creative insights to help shape the theater's programming and productions. Her deep understanding of the craft and keen eye for talent make her an invaluable asset to the committee and community.
Geri going over choreography with the cast of Disney’s Moana Jr., 2022.
Geri's involvement in Puffs is not her first foray into volunteering at PLT. She has previously served as a stage manager for various productions, including The Rocky Horror Show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Alice In Wonderland, and Alice Through The Looking Glass.
She directed our season opener, Cinderella, a magical and moving production several years in the making. Geri was last seen belting on the PLT Mainstage as Sister Mary Patrick in our 2019 production of Sister Act. Her diverse experience and expertise have made her a trusted and reliable member of the PLT family.
For Geri, volunteering at PLT holds great significance. While she undeniably loves the art of theater, she acknowledges that there are numerous places where she could pursue her passion. The people are what sets PLT apart and make it essential to her. Geri explains, "The people make it important. I love the art of theatre, but there are lots of places to find that, even here in Pensacola. But the family that I have built at PLT keeps me coming back show after show."
When asked about her motivation to work on Puffs, Geri emphasizes her strong partnership with director Brandi Hicks Lane, with whom she has collaborated many times. But she explains there was one more draw for her - the Puffs! "Brandi Hicks Lane and I have teamed up on quite a few theatrical adventures, so her directing was the biggest draw. But who doesn't love The Puffs!?!?!"
Katelyn Geri teaches choreography to the cast of The Addams Family, 2023.
Look for Katelyn’s portrait among the alumni portraits in the MainStage House when you come to see Puffs!
Throughout the production process of Puffs, Geri has gained valuable insight. Much like the Puffs themselves, she has come to appreciate the beauty of imperfections. While striving for technical perfection in every performance, she acknowledges the magic that can arise from unexpected moments and spontaneous creativity, "While I try to run a technically perfect show every single night, sometimes it's where we mess up a little and create a different moment than expected that makes some of the most fond memories."
Katelyn Geri's contributions to Pensacola Little Theatre are immeasurable. Her talents as a director, actor, choreographer, stage manager, and member of the Artistic Committee have left an indelible mark on the productions she has been involved in. Her unwavering commitment, passion, and appreciation for the theater community have made her an integral part of PLT's success.
Don’t miss your chance to see Katelyn’s hard work come to life on our stage this weekend! Get your tickets to Puffs below.