Welcome to our Company Profile Series on the HTF Blog!

Today it is our pleasure to introduce you to amazing Shelby Edwards, our Company Manager. Read on to learn more about her and what she does here at Heritage!

Q: Many people might be unfamiliar with the role of a Company Manager, how would you describe what it is that you do?

A:The best description I have for Company Manager would be “Company Mom”. In short I aid in making sure each company member has all of their needs met while working with Heritage Theatre Festival. This includes setting up living arrangements, transporting company members to and from the airport and/or train station, and ensuring their stay here in Charlottesville is one that is high quality. Additional responsibilities include checking mail daily, attending weekly production meetings and sending emails to the company as needed.

Q: How did you first get involved in theatre? When did you fall in love with it?

A: I was first involved with theatre as an adolescent, I did a vaudeville performance camp. I really fell in love with theatre my senior year of high school when I was in a local production of In the Heights and I am reminded why I love theatre everyday when I come to work.

Q: What is your favorite play or musical?

A: My favorite musical is Once on This Island and my dream role is “Ti Moune”

Q: What is your favorite thing to do around Cville?

A: My favorite thing to do in Charlottesville is my volunteer work with young adults. Once a week I visit the Music Resource Center on Ridge street. I grew as an artist substantially through that program and I think it is imperative to give back to the community.

Q: When you aren’t working in theatre what keeps you busy?

A: I run an open mic night in the Charlottesville Area called “CVille Series” in partnership with the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center, located downtown. This season we are having an open mic once a month, with the first falling on June 9th at 7.

Q: You are stuck on a desert island, you can only bring one book, one movie, one tv show, and two items of food – what do you choose?

A: If I were stuck on a desert island I would bring To Kill A Mockingbird, the movie Beyond The Lights, and my favorite show is Empire so I’d bring that too. My two food items of choice would avocado and carrots.

Q: What show are you most looking forward to this season?

A: Ok, so I know I said my favorite musical is Once on This Island, but Company is my other other favorite show. I saw it for the first time in high school and I’m probably going to cry when I see it opening night.

Q: Dogs or Cats?

A: Dogs because most cats have an attitude problem.

Q: Pepsi or Coke?

A: Coke because it was my mother’s favorite soda!