Elon performing arts professor directs UNCG’s ‘Carrie: The Musical’

Associate Professor of Performing Arts Kim Shively is bringing the musical based on Stephen King’s iconic novel to life in her first time directing for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro stage.

Just in time for Halloween, Associate Professor of Performing Arts Kim Shively is directing the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s production of “Carrie: The Musical,” based on Stephen King’s classic horror novel.

promotional poster for UNCG's production of "Carrie: The Musical"The show runs for six performances in the Pam and David Sprinkle Theatre, 402 Tate St, Greensboro: Oct. 31- Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 2-3 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online or through the UNCG box office by calling 336-334-4392.

Shively, who has been at Elon since 2016 and directed many plays and musicals on campus, is no stranger to UNCG’s theatre scene. Her expertise extends to teaching acting, as well as best practices for intimacy choreography for stage productions.

“I’ve worked on several productions at UNCG as an intimacy choreographer and have trained their faculty, staff and students in best practices since 2021,” she said. “When they asked me last spring to direct “Carrie,” everything fit together. It’s been a fantastic experience.”

The process of bringing “Carrie: The Musical” to life has been both rewarding and challenging. Balancing the serious themes of bullying, religious abuse, and trauma with the show’s horror elements has required careful attention.

“It’s been a fine line, but musicals allow us to approach difficult material in a way that the audience can fully engage,” Shively said.