playbill vip

The first play I directed for the Troy School District, with Nancy Stern, in 1973 was YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU. So, here we are full circle 50 years later in 2023. I walked into Athens as the youngest teacher and now just a short time later, I am the oldest. How did that happen? I think of myself as a very lucky person to be able to work in a district that has supported the program I have built. I am honored to have been able to work with the students of Troy. I am also thankful for all of the wonderful parent volunteers. I have grown with my students over the years, because they are always teaching me too. I feel blessed to work with supportive administrators and staff.  My support teams for ATC have been many in the last 50 years but the "assistants", who put in over 10 years with me, Jim Ku, Bob Brune, Thomas Butcher, and my current assistants, Karen Klitzke, and Marilyn Persichetti, Laura Sak my choreographer, Frank Pitts and Ashley Rozanski, my vocal coaches, and Gino Minchella, Theatre Manager, for almost 20 years, have been my "Rocks" through my 12–16-hour days. Thank you for being my family and friends.

This play is very close to my heart for two reasons, because my family in Pennsylvania reminds me of the Sycamores and the message. Love, laughter, and craziness was always a part of my family. We were always encouraged to follow our dream and find a life that you love and enjoy living. I am forever grateful to the Troy School District for allowing me

to love and enjoy the last 50 years. I am looking forward to the next 50!

Krista Manfredi

p.s. I am not retiring, just grateful for an incredible 50 years.