About Us
The Historic Garden Theater
In July of 1921, Dr. C.B. Walters broke ground on a new state-of-the-art building in downtown Louisa with a steam shovel. The upstairs was to be used as his offices. The downstairs was divided into two rooms. The first became a modern pharmacy. The second was leased for use as a theater for moving picture shows.
The theater opened on New Year’s Eve, 1921 and presented not only moving pictures, but also stage shows, circus acts, magicians, and live music.
The Garden Theater was a vital part of the community until its closing in 1957. In the subsequent years, it served as an auto parts store, and a law office, until it was abandoned and fell into disrepair.
In 2007 the theater was purchased, and by 2019 it was refurbished and resumed its purpose as a lively gathering place in the heart of Louisa. Mountain Movers Theatre Company is proud to call The Garden Theater home.
Meet The Team
Kim Willard
Kim Willard is the Artistic Director and Resident Director of the Mountain Movers Theatre Company and brings over 30 years of teaching and directing experience with her. In addition to winning a Grammy Award for her exceptional theatre curriculum design, Kim has taught public school k-12 music and theatre in NH, VA and SC, served as adjunct theatre faculty at James Madison University, created the highly successful educational programming for the former Jenny Wiley Theatre, and founded a theatre minor at the University of Pikeville. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, and a Master of Fine Arts from The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, NYC.
Darryl Willard
Darryl is proud to call Eastern Kentucky home after working in CT, NH, MA, VA and SC for construction and theatre companies. He has a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies (Music & Theatre) from Plymouth State University and Masters Certificate in Production Management from Clemson University. He is the former Managing Director and Technical Director at Jenny Wiley Theatre. Darryl works for Codell Construction Company building real buildings by day, and is Mountain Movers Theatre's Set Designer, Lighting Designer and Technical Director by night and weekends. MOMO is fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and seasoned professional at the helm as Managing Director.
Ryann Willard - Costume Designer
Ryann Willard is a Costume Designer with an MFA from Southern Illinois University and BFA from Plymouth State University. She has been proud to design many shows for MOMO, with some of her favorites being Bonnie and Clyde and Little Shop of Horrors. She has also worked on costumes for Norwegian Cruise Lines for several years traveling the world as well as for other regional professional theaters. She especially loves working with children and teaching people of all ages. She would like to thank Louisa and ARC for inviting her family here to create art alongside this community.
Crystal Sizemore - Front of House/Box Office Manager
Crystal Sizemore is a native of Manchester, KY. and has worked in the customer service field for 20 years. She has always been an artist at heart and enjoys music and the outdoors. Her passion for art has lead her to receive scholarships with Eastern Kentucky University at the age of 12, where her art was displayed in galleries at the university. She believes we can make the world a more beautiful place together and feels fortunate to be part of a team that does just that. Her dream is to one day own/operate her very own studio to help other artists to follow their dreams.
Amelya Hensley - Production Stage Manager
Amelya Hensley is from Hurricane, WV. She has a BS from Liberty University in Cinematic Arts, but has made a career so far of working in theatre. Among her favorite shows are “My Fair Lady” and “Mean Girls.” She also enjoys working tech for concerts. Amelya is thrilled to be a part of the MOMO family where she can share her passion for telling stories and the arts close to home!
