Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
The Barnwell Circle Theatre celebrated another great season this past Saturday, August 1, when they had their annual Awards Night. The theater had two full length shows, a summer kids camp show, a youth production, a live Improv night, and another special limited production to make for a very full 2025-2026 theater schedule.
Awards Night marks the end of one season and the start of the next. Outgoing President Rachel Hair announced the 2026-2027 Circle Theatre Executive Board. Marion Young will serve as President. Caroline Randall is the new Vice President. Kell Anderson will continue as Secretary. Renee Owens will stay as Treasurer.
“I am excited to have been elected to the position of president of the Circle Theatre Executive Board. We have a very promising play season ahead of us and are looking forward to seeing the talent of Barnwell County take to the stage again!” said Young.
In addition to the happy celebrations and fun had at the Awards Night, the group took a moment of silence in memory of two very dear theatre friends who passed away this year. Circle Theatre will miss two important behind-the-scenes supporters. Paul Ringus put in many hours and much effort building sets and helping on numerous plays over the years. Linda Knapp was an integral force behind so many Circle Theatre productions, serving as producer and advisor for most of her husband Dennis Knapp’s shows.
“Rex’s Exes” was directed by Dennis Knapp and produced by Caroline Randall. The awards for “Rex’s Exes” were given to: Virginia Nettles (Best Actress), Bob Cothran (Best Actor), Sandy Harper (Best Supporting Actress), Craig Harper (Best Supporting Actor), and Madison Harper (Best Newcomer).
“Animal Farm” was directed by Nancy Knopf while Caroline Randall served as assistant director, Randee White was producer, and Jacob Sanders did lights and sound. The awards for “Animal Farm” were given to: Isabelle Snead (Best Actress), Liam Creech (Best Actor), Addalyn Howard and Freedom White (Best Supporting Actresses), and Rebekah Love (Best Newcomer).
“Catfish Moon” was directed by Caroline Randall. Mike Holbert returned to the show he starred in over a decade ago to assistant direct. Craig and Sandy Harper did lights and sound. The awards for “Catfish Moon” went to: Madison Harper (Best Actress), Marion Young (Best Actor), Randee White (Best Supporting Actor), and Dan Anderson (Best Character Actor).
The big award of the night is always the Spotlight Award, which is given to someone who goes well above and beyond normal expectations for the betterment of Circle Theatre. This year’s recipient was Caroline Randall for all of her efforts throughout the year. Not only was Caroline involved in all three of the main productions, but she also assisted in other special shows. She was a waitress in “Bloody Barnwell” and was a performer in “Mission Improvable”. In addition to her involvement with the productions, she took it upon herself to help reorganize and clean the theatre, helped paint, did yard work, created props, and many more unseen tasks that might go unnoticed to most, but are very much appreciated by those who know.
Summer camp did a production of “Shrek Jr.: The Musical”. Summer camps are always fun and entertaining, hopefully providing future Circle Theatre regulars for years to come. Kim Sanchelli directed the camp while Amber Asmus was assistant director, Dennis Knapp was producer, Anthony Perry did lights and sound, and Rachel Hair was backstage manager. The kids did an amazing job putting the show together in less than a week. So many moving parts and so little time can be chaotic, but this crew pulled off a miracle, as they seem to do every year.
Circle Theatre had two new special shows this past season. Jacob Sanders was the creative mastermind behind an original, live improvisation show called “Mission Improvable”. He put together a very funny show similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway, with the audience members making live suggestions based on a variety of different scenes and situations. Jacob hit the stage along with David Buwalda, Jeff Miller, Caroline Randall, John Buwalda, and Dan Anderson. The one-night show was a big hit with the very enthusiastic audience.
Kell Anderson’s show “Bloody Barnwell” put together a creative series of tales based on true stories of murder and mayhem that took place all right here in our little town of Barnwell, South Carolina. Each story had an accompanying mixed drink (non-alcoholic) that tied into the theme of the story. Drinks were poured by bartender Marion Young and then served by Susan Anderson, Caroline Randall, and Jeff Miller. Guests had different favorite stories and different favorites drinks, but all seemed to enjoy the combinations. The show was the talk of the town, with many people wishing they had been able to attend after hearing from those who did. Kell will be tweaking his show and doing a similar show this coming Halloween. You don’t want to miss it!
The Circle Theatre board wants to thank everyone who helped with any of the performances, the casts and crews, those who made donations, and everyone who attended or supported any of the shows. Circle Theatre would not exist without lots of help, and it is greatly appreciated.
See you next season!
