This month, we are pleased to spotlight Burke Wilkins, a longtime Plaza Theatre volunteer whose creativity and dedication have supported our productions for more than two decades. From set design and construction to moments on stage, Burke has contributed his time and talents wherever they were needed, always with a spirit of collaboration and care.

Burke’s involvement began as a family journey sparked by a simple newspaper ad and a child’s determination to perform. What followed was years of shared experiences alongside his wife Sarah and their children, turning big ideas into memorable moments through ingenuity, teamwork, and a love for live theatre.

How long have you been volunteering at the theatre and what motivated you?

I think it all really began with Nine, the first show I ever volunteered for. Sarah was in the chorus at the time, but the real spark came from our daughter, Emily. She was the one who pulled all of us in—Sarah, me, and even our son Jack. One day Emily spotted an ad in the Wharton newspaper, calling for children to fill roles in Evita. She brought it home and announced to her mother, with complete certainty, that she “had to do it.” And just like that, we were all swept in.

What roles or tasks do you typically undertake as a volunteer?

These days, I’m most involved with set design and construction, but that wasn’t where I started. My first role was on stage, singing in the chorus of Oklahoma. Over time, I learned to fill in wherever I was needed—helping concessions, helping with tech, doing whatever helped the show come together. Every now and then, though, you’ll still catch me back on stage, reminded of where it all began.

What are your most memorable experiences?

My most memorable time at the Plaza was working on Grease. We started on that show almost a year before it ever reached the stage. One of our biggest challenges was tracking down “Greased Lightning” itself—an old MG convertible. After removing the engine, the transmission, and no fewer than thirty cans’ worth of red spray paint, we were left with a new problem: where to put it. There was no room to store it offstage, so it had to live onstage the entire time.

To make that work, we built a makeshift garage to hide the car in plain sight. The garage was cleverly disguised as a Wurlitzer jukebox, and inside it sat the live band for the show. The reveal was so unexpected that the set often earned applause before a single actor even stepped onto the stage.

Grease truly became a family affair for us. I took on the role of Vince Fontaine, while Sarah choreographed the show and performed in the chorus. Emily was there too, singing and dancing alongside her, and our son Jack rounded things out as one of the “grease monkeys.” It was one of those rare productions where we weren’t just working on the same show—we were sharing the entire experience together, on and off the stage.

How has volunteering impacted your life?

Volunteering at the Plaza has been incredibly rewarding over the years, especially because it gave our family the chance to share so many experiences together. When we first started more than twenty years ago, we had to be frugal with our production choices. That constraint became part of the fun—figuring out how to make the magic happen without spending much money. We figured out how to make it rain on stage for Singin’ in the Rain, and even how to fly our own children in Peter Pan. Those challenges didn’t limit us; they brought us closer and made each success feel that much more special.

Advice to someone interested in volunteering:

Do it. There are so many ways to get involved. You can volunteer in the front of house, concessions, or the box office—or backstage, where all the secrets live. At the Plaza, we’re all family, and from the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed as one. If you enjoy watching live theater, you’ll love being part of a production. You’ll meet an incredibly diverse group of talented people, share a few laughs, and be part of something special. And as a bonus, you get free popcorn—the best in Wharton!

Burke’s story is a powerful reminder that much of the magic at the Plaza happens behind the scenes. His ability to solve problems, build imaginative spaces, and support productions with creativity has helped transform ambitious ideas into unforgettable performances.

We are deeply thankful for Burke’s years of service and the role he has played in shaping the Plaza community. If his experience inspires you, we invite you to join our volunteer family. Whether you enjoy working backstage, welcoming patrons, or stepping into the spotlight, there is a place for you at The Plaza Theatre.