Founded in 2019
A tour de force theater group.
Shakespeare & Friends, led by its board members Catherine Gillet, Darlene Cah, Nancy Holmes, Rosiland Ashford, and Joe Croshier is proud to present classic plays with a captivating twist in Tryon, North Carolina. Prepare to be enthralled as we bring these timeless works to life in venues including the enchanting outdoor amphitheater nestled within Rogers Park, the Tryon Depot, Tryon Fine Arts Center, among others.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, partners, and friends whose unwavering dedication has made these remarkable shows possible. Among them, we express special appreciation to the Town of Tryon for generously granting us the use of the Rogers Park Amphitheater.
Our mission is to make Shakespeare and other contemporary classics more accessible to our audiences. As a collective of talented writers, directors, and seasoned actors, we are committed to breathing new life into these beloved works, captivating and engaging both the avid enthusiasts and those encountering them for the first time.
Meet the Board
Nancy Holmes
Catherine Gillet, a gifted playwright and director, brings her Off Broadway experience and the wisdom gained from studying under renowned playwrights to Shakespeare & Friends. As a co-founder, she has left her mark through captivating productions like True West and The Light in the Piazza, and her original plays have graced The Tryon Fine Arts Center stage.
Darlene Cah, writer, actor, improv coach, and something of a singer, offers decades of longform and musical improv, and sketch comedy experience with performances at Gotham City Improv in New York City, among other stages. Since moving to Tryon, she’s had roles in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2019 & 2025), The Light in the Piazza, The Tempest, Enchanted April, The Crucible, and several staged readings, including The Laramie Project, and 4,000 Miles.
Joe Croshier
Rosiland Ashford