James Harley

James Harley is a Columbia-based writer, teacher and visual artist. He holds a B.A. in history from the University of South Carolina and a Ph.D. in theatre history and criticism from the University of Texas at Austin, where he won the prestigious Texas Excellence Teaching Award for the College of Fine Arts. In addition to publishing numerous articles on a wide range of theatre history topics, Dr. Harley has worked as a freelance theatre reviewer for The State newspaper since 2003. He has served as a guest lecturer at the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College.

Also an occasional performer, Harley has appeared in numerous roles on the Columbia stage, dating back to 1981. Currently, he moderates the “Columbia Theatre Community Central” (CTCC) online discussion and announcement service for Columbia area theatre practitioners, and hosts a series of new play readings designed to offer critical assistance to emerging local playwrights.

As an artist, Harley has won the largest juried sculpture show in the state, as well as receiving “Best of Show” and “First Place” honors in other professional exhibitions. His art and design are available for viewing at www.jamesharley.net.

Larry Hembree

Larry Hembree is currently the Executive Director of the Nickelodeon Theatre, Columbia's non-profit art house cinema. He has had an extensive  career in the arts, including positions as Director of Performing Arts for the South Carolina Arts Commission and the Director of Theatre for the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County. He has also served as the President of the  SC Theatre Association and sat on its board.

Hembree received a B.A. in English with a minor in Drama from Clemson University and an M.F.A. in Directing, with a secondary emphasis in acting, from the University of Georgia. At Clemson, he won the Arthur J. Fear award for theatre excellence.

Hembree has directed and acted in over 200 plays of all genres, including theatre for youth and people with disabilities. He has a strong love for original work.

Hembree received the Key to the City of Camden for his work there in theatre, and also the Ben Bostick Leadership Award. He has been a theatre reviewer for Columbia's Free Times alternative weekly, The State newspaper and several other publications.

Ann Dreher

        Ann Dreher is a Columbia native. She recently retired after 36 years of teaching, including three years at Allen University and 33 years at the University of South Carolina in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

        Dreher received her B.A. in Drama from Sweet Briar College, and an M.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University.

        In addition to performing numerous onstage roles, Dreher has also directed over 100 shows. 

August Krickel

A native of Columbia, August Krickel graduated from Heathwood Hall, attended the Intercollegiate Center for Classical studies in Rome, and received a B.A. in Drama and Classics from Vanderbilt University.

As an actor, he has performed with the Circle Players, Poverty Playhouse and Theatre Parthenos in Nashville, and locally at Town, Workshop, and Chapin Community Theatres.

From 1987-1992 he was a frequent contributor of articles and reviews for the Free Times, and still occasionally does interviews and essays for various online publications.

Professionally, Krickel has worked primarily in non-profit administration and fundraising, including several positions at USC in the last decade. He has served as a two-term president of the Columbia Civitan Club, chair of the SC Commission on National and Community Service, and as a board member at Town Theatre.