A Dedicated Space to Call Their Own: Krossroads Playhouse

By Kelly Hargett

Imagine it, a spot in the heart of Downtown Kernersville that is dedicated to the performing arts. It may sound like a farfetched dream, but each day we inch a little closer to watching that dream become a reality. Driving by 215 North Cherry Street today you will see a rather large, but empty, lot. Hopefully, that lot will not be empty long.

Kernersville has a thriving performing arts community. Several times each year we drive down Main Street and see a new sign in front of the Kernersville Little Theatre’s office advertising dates and times for whatever new play they happen to be performing. If you are like me, you have sat in the audience of those plays and thoroughly enjoyed the talent of local actors, marveled at their comedic or dramatic timing, and have been entranced by the settings created by the local crews to make all the magic of live performances happen. Each time I enjoy a performance, I am impressed by the size of the audience. It is always clear that Kernersville, as a community, appreciates a good live performance. But Kernersville is truly missing something. We are one of two towns of our size in the entire state of North Carolina not to have our own dedicated performing arts space. Krossroads Playhouse wants to change that.

Created by local residents, Scott and Katie Jo Icenhower, Krossroads Playhouse is a 501(c)3 organization that launched a capital campaign in 2020 to raise money to see a new 130 seat theatre become a reality. The property at 215 North Cherry Street, originally owned by the couple, has been donated to the organization in order to build the theatre. There are enough local theatre groups in the Triad that once the building is completed, it should stay busy with live performances throughout the year, including performances from our very own local group.

One way that the group is raising money for their endeavor is by offering classes this summer. This summer, Krossroads Playhouse will offer classes for aspiring actors or those who want to sharpen their skills.  

Nail the Audition

Class Length: One Week

Meets Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri from 1pm to 3pm

Date: July 11-15

Age range: 12-19

Cost: $50

Call: 336-253-6506 to sign up

Location: Downstairs of old library building (130 E. Mtn. Street)

Outdoor Performance

Class Length: Two Weeks

Meets Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri from 3:30pm -5:30pm

Date: July 11-22 (with a final “showcase” on July 23 at 9am at the Ciener Botanical Garden)

Age range: 12-19

Cost: $50

Call: 336-253-6506 to sign up

Location: Downstairs of old library building (130 E. Mtn. Street)

There is a possibility that other classes may be added to the schedule, so check out the Krossroads Playhouse social media page for updates and more information.

If you are interested in supporting the Krossroads Playhouse efforts to build a theatre in downtown Kernersville, please consider donating to their capital campaign and help to bring a dedicated performing arts center to Downtown Kernersville. For more information on how to donate and updates, please visit www.KrossroadsPlayhouse.org.

One comment on “A Dedicated Space to Call Their Own: Krossroads Playhouse

  1. Glenda McGuire

    I have often visited one of the local small theaters close to my hometown of Forest City, NC to enjoy performances by local actors. These times bring much joy and entertainment. Kernersville residents are certainly fortunate to have additional opportunities to enjoy the talents of actors from your area.

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