From Waffle House To The World Stage
Playwright Leslie Kimbell's Keynote Address at AACTFest 2025
This is a complete transcript of Leslie Kimbell’s keynote address at AACTFest 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Kimbell is best known for the wildly popular Four Old Broads comedy plays, as well as The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant and Packing Up Polly.
She is the recipient of the 2021 Georgia Theatre Conference Hall of Fame Award, and serves as the Theatre Partners Chair for the Del Shores Foundation.
A proud Dramatist Guild Member, Kimbell credits community theatre with changing her life and continues to actively participate in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia.
Congratulations to AACT, and congratulations to everyone who has made this organization a success.
I would like to thank my Concord Theatricals family for all their support. My plays, Four Old Broads, Four Old Broads On The High Seas, The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant and Packing Up Polly have been well received and well represented.
I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone that has produced my plays over the last six years. I appreciate you all so much. I love hearing about your successes, your sold-out houses, your rehearsal laughs and seeing all your photos. It fills my heart, so please keep sending your emails and notes and pictures—I read them all—and post your pictures on my socials.
I want you to know that I listened to your requests—and The Four Old Broads Christmas Extravaganza will be premiering this year and ready to add to your next season.
How It ALL Began
I’m sure some of you are wondering why my Keynote is titled “From Waffle House To The World Stage.”
I tossed around several ideas that went with what I wanted to talk about today, but nothing stuck. Then Michelle Swink at AACT came up with that catchy title. I love a catchy title. Thank you Michelle! You’re brilliant.
So my “Waffle House To The World Stage” story began with me getting involved with a community theatre at the age of 39, meeting new people and having my childhood love of writing and storytelling rekindled.
Then, in 2015, at an after-rehearsal Waffle House gab fest, with of bunch of my theatre gals, we were having a bit of that inappropriate lady talk happening, when out of the blue, my sweet senior citizen friend, grandmother of nine, Billie Nye-Muller, who never has anything at all salty or suggestive to say, popped off with the most hysterical and highly inappropriate comment. My mouth fell open, and I couldn’t breathe. We were all in tears laughing—in fact, I may or may not have briefly fallen out on the floor.
When I was finally able to breathe normally again, I had one of those mind flash ideas—about a group of sassy senior citizen women in an assisted living, and I said “Girls, that would be the best line in a play.”
So, l wrote it down on a Waffle House napkin and took it home and that’s where my play Four Old Broads started. I often tell people that I gave birth to Four Old Broads on the floor of a Waffle House.
The community theatre I was involved with at that time had so many talented senior actors. Unfortunately, most shows that were picked each season didn’t offer roles for more than one senior, if any. I looked around and saw that this was the case at many theatre companies. So, I wrote my Four Old Broads series, because I recognized a lack of plays out there with roles for older people.
I can tell you that I never dreamed that Four Old Broads and its sequels would end up being performed all over the world, but here I am, with productions all across the U.S, and now in Canada, Australia, England, Ireland and coming up in Spain!
The Magic of Community Theatre
Community theatre absolutely fills my soul, and that’s why I am so honored and thrilled to have been asked to be here today.
I know if you’re here, you feel the same way. Of course, we all have those “run from the theater screaming, holding a staple gun and a paint brush” days. But, honestly, I find if I’m not writing a play or performing in a play or directing a play, I must be attending a play or selling concessions or handing out the programs or sweeping the theater floor. I mean, for me, just breathing the air inside the theater building always makes my day better, somehow.
I first experienced the magic of community theatre as a child of 12, and it was wonderful and impacted my life in a big way, but coming back to the theatre as an adult was huge.
As an adult of 39 years old, I still remember the first time I stepped out onto a community theatre stage. I was so nervous—I was playing Ethel Banks in Barefoot in the Park.
The laughter from the audience filled my soul, and all those feelings came rushing back from my childhood.
But what I didn’t know in that moment was that joining that community theatre would shape my life in ways I could never have imagined. As I mentioned before it sparked something in me and rekindled my love of storytelling, ultimately finding a passion for writing plays.
For me, community theatre wasn’t just a hobby, it became a pathway to a new purpose.
I am not unique in this situation, because there are people just like me out there in theatres across the country with big dreams, and they could be in your theatre right now.
A Place to Experiment, Learn, and Grow
I have long thought, personally, that the community theatre is the root system of all theatre—the world stage. Of course, that may be a bold statement to some people, but I have long felt that very deeply.
At the very least, community theatre is a crucial foundation and vital component of the theatre ecosystem and a wonderful beginning for many talented professionals. At its core, community theatre provides a safe space to experiment with acting, directing, lighting design, and even writing. Community theatre is an environment where mistakes are part of the learning process—and that’s OK, sometimes.
I think, too often, we underestimate the power of what happens on our local stages. We see the passion, commitment, even raw talent—and yet, how often do we stop to ask, are we doing enough to turn that spark into a career? For some, community theatre is not a steppingstone, it is a launchpad to their future.
Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. I think our job as community theatres, is to close that gap, because the next great playwright, director, costume designer or actor might be working the lights in our local theatre.
As we hurry from one show to the next, are we giving them the spark to dream bigger? I feel that every time we believe in someone’s talent, we make space for a new voice on the world’s stage. Every stage, no matter how small, has the power to shape the future of theatre. So, I say, let’s stop asking if community theatre can produce professionals and start proving that it already does.
Nurturing Talent
Now, how can we nurture talent at our community theatres? We need to:
- Create Safe Spaces to Take Risks. Patience is key. Let performers, writers, designers and crew experiment through the process of putting a show together. Encourage new ideas, even if they’re imperfect. Growth doesn’t come from playing it safe—it comes from daring to fail and trying again. We should set aside a time to let our stages be laboratories—not just for performance, but for courage.
- Welcome New People and Offer Mentorship and Shadowing. Actively seek out new talent for the stage, rather than continuing to cast the same actors again and again. Pair up your new talent with your experienced and seasoned pros. Too often, we get used to always using the same people repeatedly on our stages and as part of our teams. Directors can mentor new assistant directors. Designers can invite new apprentices. Real-world learning fosters confidence.
- Provide Training and Workshops. Host classes in acting, directing, writing, tech, and stage management. Invite your seasoned pros to teach, mentor and help find new local talent with experience. I believe that a single workshop can ignite a lifelong career.
- Encourage Original Work. Let’s make room for new theatrical works. Look at hosting a new play festival or a regular new play reading series to let new writers try out fresh work. Community theatre shouldn’t only be about bringing old stories to life—it should also be a place where new stories get their start. When we support original work, we keep things fresh, exciting, and meaningful for both artists and audiences. And sometimes, we launch careers.
- Establish Career Pathways. Partner with regional or professional theatres in your area if possible or arts colleges. Establish arts scholarships that your audience can contribute to, for those high school seniors seeking a future in the arts. Offer recommendations, references, and networking support. Encourage your talent to dream big. We’re not just nurturing actors, designers, or writers, we’re opening doors to futures they may not have imagined yet. Community theatre can be the spark that leads to a life of creativity, confidence, and possibility.
- Involve Young People Early. Start young through youth programs, drama camps, teen ensembles, or junior tech crews. These early theatre experiences help build skills and confidence from the ground up. Whether they see theatre as a real, viable career path or just find a space where they belong, you’re giving them something meaningful. You’re showing them they’re capable of collaboration, creativity, leadership, empathy, and perseverance. It’s not just about putting on a show—it’s about helping them discover who they are and what they can do.
- Model Professional Standards. I feel this is the most important thing you can do to foster future arts generations. Treat your community theatre with the same respect, structure, and high standards as a professional one. That doesn’t mean losing the joy or spirit of community—it means raising the bar for how people work together.
- Be Organized. Communicate clearly. Respect people’s time. Create a rehearsal environment that’s both focused and fun. When leadership models professionalism, it sets expectations that everyone can rise to.
- Be Kind. Give thoughtful, constructive feedback, and just as importantly, teach people how to receive it and give it in return. Growth happens when criticism is shared with care and received with openness. Always strive to be professional and gracious, even in tough moments. It builds pride, encourages excellence, and prepares your actors, crew, and volunteers for the next level, whether that’s in theatre or life.
Realizing Dreams
Community theatre is more than just a place for performances—it’s a place where dreams can be realized, where passions are nurtured, and where people from all different backgrounds come together.
Now, for me, community theatre was the spark that ignited my career in playwriting. But for others, it could be the first step toward a lifetime of creativity, inspiration, and growth—whether that leads to acting, directing, designing, teaching, or simply finding a lasting passion for the arts.
So…let’s invest in the people chasing a life in theatre, because when we support someone’s passion, we’re not just helping them build a career, we’re showing them that their dedication, creativity, and courage matter. And that kind of support can change everything.
Supporting theatre careers means more than fostering talent—it means making space for a range of voices and stories. Because true community theatre reflects the full diversity of the community itself. And, diversity is important.
I feel this very strongly. Diversity can't just be a value we whisper in our community theatre—it has to be a commitment we show.
A Difficult Story
I want to share a personal story with you, one that is difficult for me to share. This story is about why I recently chose to leave my beloved community theatre after 19 years.
I was the Vice President of the board. I loved this theatre with my soul, and had worked tirelessly for it, helping grow it from its very beginning.
One the things that I had done for my theatre company, was to create and solely maintain their social media platforms for over fourteen years. I created graphics and banners, posted auditions announcements, volunteer opportunities, ticket giveaways and other contests, holiday greetings, etc...
And every year, on June 1, I would post something on the socials saying “HAPPY PRIDE MONTH, all are welcome,” or “HAPPY PRIDE Y’ALL...this theatre is a safe space.” Then, in June of 2025, I was in a board meeting and another board member abruptly took over the meeting. Without any prior issues or conflict whatsoever regarding the those Happy Pride posts, she labeled the Pride social media post as “controversial,” ...stated that continuing to post anything LGBT would “drive away our audience.”
She supported her opinion by referencing made-up complaints and fabricated stories, seemingly to create the impression that her perspective had broader support than it did. The conversation that followed and the opinions of some of the other board members, was shocking.
One comment still stands out: “Well Leslie, times are changing.”
Yes, someone said that.
Here’s what I wish I would have said: “Yes, times are changing, but our commitment to being openly supportive and welcoming shouldn’t. Showing visible support for the LGBT community over the last 12 years wasn’t just a gesture—it was a clear statement that everyone deserves respect and safety. Pulling back now sends the wrong message—not just to the community, but to us. If we go quiet, people will notice, and what they will hear in that silence is that they’re not really safe here. I hope that’s not who we are. “
But I didn’t say that.
Instead, I sat there with my mouth open and tears rolling down my face.
The shortened version of this story is, through a very thinly veiled motion, the board voted that I was no longer allowed to post any holiday greetings on the social media, in order to keep “Happy Pride” off of the socials .
I knew that my once-a-year “Happy Pride” post meant something real to people in our community. It helped many feel that my beloved theatre was a safe and welcoming space. Some people even came to a few of us personally to say thank you—to share that my once-a-year "Happy Pride" post let them feel safe bringing their children to participate or to even attend themselves as adults.
Just two weeks ago, a man approached me in a department store and asked if my name was Leslie and if I was a member of the community theatre. After a brief conversation, he asked why the theatre didn’t post "Happy Pride" on their social media this year.
Going silent was noticed.
It wasn’t easy—in fact, it was incredibly difficult—but, after 19 years of blood, sweat and tears, I resigned from my beloved theatre. Because, a community theatre is no place for exclusion in any form—it is for the whole community. After having posted Happy Pride for 14-plus years, it felt wrong to be a part of an organization that didn’t support my ideal of openly supporting community theatre...for all.
Now, I told you all this story today, because it part of what many feel is a broader issue that we are facing in our theaters across the country. A lot of community theatres, even though we’re seen as being progressive spaces, still have some serious issues with homophobia, racism, and transphobia—especially when it comes to those in charge. I know that talking about homophobia and racism, especially in community theatre spaces can make people uncomfortable—especially right now—and that is not my intent.
Honestly, they used to make me uncomfortable too. But that changed the moment I was faced with blatant homophobia inside an organization I truly loved, and again when I overheard a conversation at a theatre networking event, where someone stated that their theatre didn’t pick plays that had roles specifically for people of color because they just couldn't get people of color to come audition.
The True Meaning of Community
Those were the turning points for me, and I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
Here’s the hard truth: there’s a real contradiction in claiming to be a space for community while tolerating or excusing any behavior that excludes people whether that be openly or secretly.
As we look into the future of community theatre, be it in big cities or small towns, we need to look at within and decide what we really want our theatres to look like.
Spaces where the board of directors isn’t the same few people, year after year, after year...and the board represents the whole community.
An organization where LGBT and BIPOC artists feel safe, heard and supported, represented...and valued...openly.
So how can we do this?
If you’re in the room, use your voice—speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
If you are an artist, keep going, because there are many theatres that are doing it right, and we need your voices.
And, if you’re in a theatre’s leadership, be willing to learn, listen and grow.
Yes, times are changing, and it’s important that you remember that if community theatre doesn’t evolve, it will fade—not because people don’t love theatre, but because they won’t keep showing up for a space that doesn’t love them back.
I believe in theatre without borders.
Hope for the Future
I would like to leave you with this today: Someone asked me recently what I hope the future of community theatre looks like.
I hope there’s a place at every theatre where new theatre artists—from every field and from every background and walk of life—feel genuinely welcomed and supported. I hope that it’s a space where people feel safe to be fully themselves. Where everyone has the opportunity to take part, to be heard and to learn and grow.
I hope we keep making room, openly, for voices that haven’t always been invited in. That we stay committed to lifting up those who are just starting to find their footing.
And, I hope we’re ready to close the curtain on the old ways—the ones that made the stage feel out of reach for too many—so that something more inclusive, more honest, and more alive can take its place.
Because when we lead with care, curiosity, and integrity, community theatre becomes more than just a stage—it becomes a force, a living, breathing space where stories collide, where voices rise, where truth finds its way into the light.
So let’s join together, and let’s close the curtain on the old rules, the old guard, the gatekeeping, the silence, the sameness, and raise a new one on something bolder and braver—something more human. Let’s build a community theatre where everyone has a place, and the spotlight shines on everyone.
Thank you.
Learn more about Leslie Kimbell at lesliekimbell.com or facebook.com/lesliekimbell.