Introducing Our Creative Team
G. Wayne Canady, Director
Mr. Canady is a twenty-seven year veteran of education. He resides in Conway, South Carolina and has been employed with Horry County Schools for twelve years. He teaches advanced theatre arts and technical theatre classes while also serving as one of the Curriculum Specialist at Carolina Forest High School. He is the sponsor of the International Thespian Honor Society and serves as chairman for the Fine Arts Department. He is also the Chairman for Graduation and Chairs the school’s Scholarship Pageant. He serves on the Scholarship Committee and Award’s Banquet Committee. He has served on the School’s Principal’s Cabinet Committee and the Horry County Schools Superintendent’s Cabinet Committee along with the previous and present Superintendent’s Search Committee.
Mr. Canady is a member of the Educational Theatre Association. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Horry County Arts Council, and the Board of Directors for the Premiere Professional Vocal Group of Horry County, Vocal Edition. He is on the Advisory Board of the Freedom Center and is a member of Alpha Psi Omega.
Born and educated in Columbus County, NC, Mr. Canady grew up here in the south graduating Whiteville High School in Whiteville, NC in 1979. After high school he knew he wanted to major in the performing arts and he went to Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, NC. He graduated and received his degree in Theatre Arts Education with an emphasis in directing and minors in art, music and dance. He holds a Masters of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.
After college he returned to Columbus County and resided in Tabor City where he enjoyed teaching arts education K-12 in Columbus County Schools for the next sixteen years (from 1985-99) in the areas of theatre arts, dance, choral music, and visual arts. He was honored to be Teacher of the Year four times: at Nakina High School 1987-88, at Williams Township School 1989-90, at South Columbus High School 1992-93, and at Carolina Forest High School 2005-06. In 1993-94 he received the NC Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Educator Award for Columbus County, NC. Mr. Canady was recognized in 1986 as one of the Outstanding Young Men in America.
He has performed in 37 states and in eight countries. He was a vocalist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra on their 50th anniversary and was the National Opera Company for two years. He also worked with Lee’s McRae College Summer Theatre in the mountains of NC and with The North Carolina Stage Ensemble at the Pinehurst Country Club in Pinehurst, NC. He has worked in over 100 shows in the following capacities: directing, acting, singing, dancing, designing and/or technical duties. One of his most exciting assignments recently led him to Nashville, TN to the Renaissance Center to work with directing and choreography for the world premier of the children’s show Under the Western Sky. He served for a number of years on the Board of Directors for the Columbus County Arts Council and also served on the Board of Directors for The Theatre Association of Columbus County. The National Campaign for Tolerance honored him in 2002 by adding his name added to the Wall of Tolerance in Montgomery, Alabama. He has been a Nobel Educator of Distinction for the past two school years. Mr. Canady has also worked for many summers at Coastal Carolina University and with the Horry County Schools Summer Arts Programs for gifted students in the arts. This past summer he was the Director for the Horry County Schools Summer Scholars Program.
One of his favorite quotes is by Erma Bombeck:
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say 'I used everything you gave me'."
Mr. Canady is a member of the Educational Theatre Association. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Horry County Arts Council, and the Board of Directors for the Premiere Professional Vocal Group of Horry County, Vocal Edition. He is on the Advisory Board of the Freedom Center and is a member of Alpha Psi Omega.
Born and educated in Columbus County, NC, Mr. Canady grew up here in the south graduating Whiteville High School in Whiteville, NC in 1979. After high school he knew he wanted to major in the performing arts and he went to Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, NC. He graduated and received his degree in Theatre Arts Education with an emphasis in directing and minors in art, music and dance. He holds a Masters of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.
After college he returned to Columbus County and resided in Tabor City where he enjoyed teaching arts education K-12 in Columbus County Schools for the next sixteen years (from 1985-99) in the areas of theatre arts, dance, choral music, and visual arts. He was honored to be Teacher of the Year four times: at Nakina High School 1987-88, at Williams Township School 1989-90, at South Columbus High School 1992-93, and at Carolina Forest High School 2005-06. In 1993-94 he received the NC Jaycees’ Outstanding Young Educator Award for Columbus County, NC. Mr. Canady was recognized in 1986 as one of the Outstanding Young Men in America.
He has performed in 37 states and in eight countries. He was a vocalist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra on their 50th anniversary and was the National Opera Company for two years. He also worked with Lee’s McRae College Summer Theatre in the mountains of NC and with The North Carolina Stage Ensemble at the Pinehurst Country Club in Pinehurst, NC. He has worked in over 100 shows in the following capacities: directing, acting, singing, dancing, designing and/or technical duties. One of his most exciting assignments recently led him to Nashville, TN to the Renaissance Center to work with directing and choreography for the world premier of the children’s show Under the Western Sky. He served for a number of years on the Board of Directors for the Columbus County Arts Council and also served on the Board of Directors for The Theatre Association of Columbus County. The National Campaign for Tolerance honored him in 2002 by adding his name added to the Wall of Tolerance in Montgomery, Alabama. He has been a Nobel Educator of Distinction for the past two school years. Mr. Canady has also worked for many summers at Coastal Carolina University and with the Horry County Schools Summer Arts Programs for gifted students in the arts. This past summer he was the Director for the Horry County Schools Summer Scholars Program.
One of his favorite quotes is by Erma Bombeck:
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say 'I used everything you gave me'."
Kraig McBroom, Musical Director
Musical Director, Kraig McBroom began his career working with the infamous Fred Waring, and is now in his 26th year teaching vocal music – eight of those, here at Carolina Forest. Kraig was vocal director for Celebrate Americaand Big Band Swing – both shows featuring Emmy award-winner Steve Gatlin. He is also vocal director for the Grand Strand’s Premier Vocal Ensemble Vocal Edition, and musical director for the Grand Strand’s longest running show, High Steppin’ Country at Lakewood Camping Resort. Mr. McBroom’s school choirs have won numerous awards, both in classical and show choir competition, including five consecutive National Championships at Showstoppers National Show Choir Invitational in Chicago. McBroom’s former students are performing in venues from Broadway stages, Disney parks and cruise ships to opera houses in Europe. He is extremely proud of the work his students are doing, and excited about competing at in both classical and show choir divisions in the Performing Arts Music Competition in New York City in May. Mr. McBroom is thrilled to be musical director for “Grey Gardens” – another jewel in the “crown of performing arts” at Carolina Forest.
Kelly Hall, Drama Instructor
Mrs. Kelly Hall is one of two theatre educators at Carolina Forest High School. She currently resides in Carolina Forest with her husband, William, and their precious baby boy, Jacob. Mrs. Hall has a passion for inspiring young people in and through theater arts. She loves theatre and feels that it provides students with skills that will make them successful in their future. During her high school career, Mrs. Hall was involved in many productions, such as The Music Man, Ragtime, The Boyfriend, Footloose, and Working. She was also a part of the Thespian Society. Mrs. Hall graduated from Northside High School in Warner Robins, Georgia in 2003. For the first two years of college she attended Georgia College and State University as a theatre performance major. This is where she anchored down a lot of the acting skills and tools under the direction of Marlene Johnson. She performed in Pippin, All in the Timing, and Trojan Women. In the fall of 2005 she transferred to Winthrop University to study theatre education. While studying at Winthrop she was involved in many different productions, such as, Much Ado about Nothing, Oklahoma, and Antigone. There she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre with a K-12 certification in education.
This is her 2nd year at Carolina Forest High School, and she is proud to be a part of such a wonderful team of teachers, staff, parents, and students. She would like to close with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, "The Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
This is her 2nd year at Carolina Forest High School, and she is proud to be a part of such a wonderful team of teachers, staff, parents, and students. She would like to close with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, "The Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Becky Bannon, Assistant Director
Assistant Director, Becky Bannon is no stranger to the Carolina Forest Community. When the school opened twelve years ago, she was both the middle school and high school drama teacher. When Wayne Canady joined the staff two years later, she remained at the middle school, and he took over the high school department. Those of you who have seen the musicals produced by both schools for the past ten years know that "the rest is history." Even as a young girl growing up in the hills of West Virginia, Mrs. Bannon loved anything to do with theater. She studied dance for ten years and vividly remembers her favorite performance being that of the Sugar Plum Fairy in “The Nutcracker.” After playing the lead in all four of her high school plays, she was awarded the International Thespian Society scholarship. She earned a degree in both English and Theater Arts from Marshall University, where she was an active member of the theater department. Although she performed in some shows, she knew she had found a career when she student directed “The Pajama Game,” for her senior project. Before moving to South Carolina in 1980, Mrs. Bannon taught in seven other states and for the Department of Defense in Turkey. She did graduate work at both Marshall and Coastal Carolina University. For the past 27 years, she has been stage manager for "High Steppin' Country," the longest running show on the Grand Strand.
Although she officially retired from teaching in 2007, she was honored to be asked to come back and work with "Aida" in 2008 and "CATS" last year. However, she is expecially happy about "Grey Gardens." "When Wayne called me to say we were doing "Grey Gardens", I got so excited. I have always had an interest in the Kennedys and even got to meet them on three occasions. I've followed the facinating story of Big Edie and Little Edie since the story broke in the early 70s, and I was on my way to New York to see the Broadway show the week after it opened. I think it's wonderful that a high school took on the tremendous challenge of putting this true and tragic story on the stage. I have no doublt that the final product will amaze our audiences."
Although she officially retired from teaching in 2007, she was honored to be asked to come back and work with "Aida" in 2008 and "CATS" last year. However, she is expecially happy about "Grey Gardens." "When Wayne called me to say we were doing "Grey Gardens", I got so excited. I have always had an interest in the Kennedys and even got to meet them on three occasions. I've followed the facinating story of Big Edie and Little Edie since the story broke in the early 70s, and I was on my way to New York to see the Broadway show the week after it opened. I think it's wonderful that a high school took on the tremendous challenge of putting this true and tragic story on the stage. I have no doublt that the final product will amaze our audiences."
Marc Jones, Choreographer
Marc returns for the third time as the choreographer for this Carolina Forest High School musical production. He was the choreographer for “Oklahoma “ and “ Aida”.
Mr. Jones reigns from Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a professional entertainer for over three decades. Originally from North Carolina, Marc received training at the North Carolina School of the Arts and in New York City. His credits include performances throughout the United States in “The Music Man”, “Applause”, “Carnival”, “The Forgotten Carols”, “The Rink” , “A Chorus Line” and many more stage productions. In addition to being an accomplished singer and dancer Mr. Jones has traveled with his nightclub act, directed and choreographed stage productions and nightclubs acts for some of the top entertainers in the country, including Ann Margret. . In addition Mr. Jones was featured dancer and choreographer for several top name entertainment venues in Las Vegas. Marc was the North Carolina Talent Winner his senior year in school and placed runner-up in the National competition going onto appear at Disney World, The Merv Griffin Show and the Mike Douglas show. Three times Marc was named entertainer of the year, director and choreographer of the year in Atlanta, Georgia. He served as the main director and Choreographer for the Showplace of the South in Atlanta, Illusions and The Sweet Gum Head winning numerous awards for his stage productions of “Cats”, “Chorus Line”, “Dreamgirls” and “Victor, Victoria”.
In Addition Marc is a seasoned runway model and has done many runway shows for Avanti Furs, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and INC in Atlanta, Dallas and Los Angeles. He has been a first rate vocal coach and choreographer and has traveled extensively emceeing and entertaining for pageants throughout the southeast including twice being our Master of Ceremonies for the Miss Carolina Forest pageant. A featured judge, entertainer and emcee for pageants in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and North Carolina Mr. Jones has also been a producer of pageants and choreographer of fashion shows and contests and has done vocal coaching and choreography for video and direction for fashion shoots. One of the most important aspects of Marc’s career is his dedication to raising money and participating in many benefits to help others in need. Mr. Jones has been a residential interior designer, home and store stager and decorator in the Atlanta area for over 20 years.
Mr. Jones reigns from Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a professional entertainer for over three decades. Originally from North Carolina, Marc received training at the North Carolina School of the Arts and in New York City. His credits include performances throughout the United States in “The Music Man”, “Applause”, “Carnival”, “The Forgotten Carols”, “The Rink” , “A Chorus Line” and many more stage productions. In addition to being an accomplished singer and dancer Mr. Jones has traveled with his nightclub act, directed and choreographed stage productions and nightclubs acts for some of the top entertainers in the country, including Ann Margret. . In addition Mr. Jones was featured dancer and choreographer for several top name entertainment venues in Las Vegas. Marc was the North Carolina Talent Winner his senior year in school and placed runner-up in the National competition going onto appear at Disney World, The Merv Griffin Show and the Mike Douglas show. Three times Marc was named entertainer of the year, director and choreographer of the year in Atlanta, Georgia. He served as the main director and Choreographer for the Showplace of the South in Atlanta, Illusions and The Sweet Gum Head winning numerous awards for his stage productions of “Cats”, “Chorus Line”, “Dreamgirls” and “Victor, Victoria”.
In Addition Marc is a seasoned runway model and has done many runway shows for Avanti Furs, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and INC in Atlanta, Dallas and Los Angeles. He has been a first rate vocal coach and choreographer and has traveled extensively emceeing and entertaining for pageants throughout the southeast including twice being our Master of Ceremonies for the Miss Carolina Forest pageant. A featured judge, entertainer and emcee for pageants in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and North Carolina Mr. Jones has also been a producer of pageants and choreographer of fashion shows and contests and has done vocal coaching and choreography for video and direction for fashion shoots. One of the most important aspects of Marc’s career is his dedication to raising money and participating in many benefits to help others in need. Mr. Jones has been a residential interior designer, home and store stager and decorator in the Atlanta area for over 20 years.