This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Hailey Roberson, a lifelong member of The Plaza Theatre family whose journey with the theatre began when she was just 10 years old. From her first Litefooters audition to directing the next generation of young performers, Hailey’s passion for the arts and dedication to The Plaza have made her an irreplaceable part of our community.

How long have you been volunteering at the theatre and what motivated you?
I first got involved with the Plaza when I was 10 years old in 2004. My mom brought me to the very first Litefooters audition (Snow White). I fell in love with theatre and The Plaza at that time. I continued to be in plays and have stayed involved with The Plaza ever since.

What roles or tasks do you typically undertake as a volunteer?
When I became an adult, I began volunteering in other capacities at The Plaza as well—such as being a board member, helping in the lobby, coordinating the Character Breakfast, assisting with the Galas, facilitating ghost tours, and taking on the role of the Litefooters Director each summer.

What are your most memorable experiences?
The absolute top memorable experience for me was when my husband proposed to me on the Plaza stage! I was the music director for The Little Mermaid and he surprised me right after curtain call. It was the best!

How has volunteering impacted your life?
Summertime is always the highlight of my year. Getting to direct the children has been such a high honor to me. My childhood at The Plaza truly shaped me into who I am, and I hope I can make an impact on today’s children of The Plaza as well.

Any advice to someone interested in volunteering?
Go for it! It really is life changing to get involved here. If you are someone who is not interested in acting on stage, there are still so many other roles to be filled. You can help backstage, get involved with the technical aspect, or even just pass out programs. It’s great to get involved with such a fun community of people!

Hailey’s story is a beautiful reminder of how deeply The Plaza Theatre touches lives—often sparking a lifelong love of the arts. From her days as a young Litefooter to her leadership as a director, she continues to inspire future generations to dream big and take the stage. We are so grateful for her years of dedication, creativity, and heart.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, there’s never been a better time to join The Plaza family! From ushering and assisting at Will Call to helping backstage or with youth programs, every role helps keep the arts alive in Wharton. Reach out today and discover the joy of being part of something truly special.