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!
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Greetings from the Robinsons
Theater Friends and Fans,
On behalf of our family, welcome to the historic Garden Theater. This theater originally opened on December 31, 1921 and was the hub of entertainment in Louisa for many decades. In the late 70’s the theater closed and sat vacant in disrepair for nearly 30 years. We acquired the theater building in 2007, renovating the second floor for office space, and in 2018 part of the first floor now known as The Junction, as a multi-purpose venue.
The building, which we acquired years ago became a focus for us and our family when the Jenny Wiley Theater ceased operations in the Spring of 2019.
Lelia and I have always had a deep appreciation for the arts, but it was our son Russ’ passion for theatre that became a catalyst for the renovation and restoration of the theater. Russ, who is on the autism spectrum (and since he was a toddler loved costumes) started participating in theatre in 2016 at the age of 6, attending Jenny Wiley Theatre summer camps, and performing in shows such as “Annie” and “The Lion King.” The staff saw his love of theatre and went above and beyond to help him succeed. After one of the shows, on our way back home to Louisa he said, “I wish we could have theatre in Louisa.” He likes to say that bringing theatre to our town is "his idea" and he is right! When Jenny Wiley Theatre closed his heart was broken by the thought of no longer being able to do what he loved.
To many reclaiming The Garden Theater space seemed like a daunting task that couldn’t be accomplished. To us, it seemed like the perfect way for us to bring life back to an amazing venue and support the passion of our son at the same time. In a mere six weeks the theater was completely renovated, and had once again become a hub of entertainment and excitement for Louisa.
Actors and actresses from around the region and across the nation will be making their way to Louisa each year to continue building on the theater's great legacy of providing entertainment, a place for friends to gather, a place to laugh together, and show appreciation for the arts and the people who dedicate so much to make this all possible.
It is our hope that each of you enjoy tonight’s show. This season is dedicated to our son Russ and his inspiration to keep theatre alive. Thank you for joining us and we hope you enjoy the show!
Without Further Ado,
Tim and Lelia Robinson