In September, the Theatre of the Republic in Conway will present three nights of song, dance and comedy to celebrate 25 years under the leadership of Tim McGhee, its stalwart executive and artistic director. 

Originally from Ohio, McGhee says he has always been involved with community theater. From performing cantatas in churches, to joining the International Thespian Society in high school and participating in college theater, McGhee has long held a place in his heart for the medium. 

McGhee became a buyer for JCPenney, but over time began to see the writing on the wall.

“Once you get into retail, you sort of get stuck there,” he says.

“I decided that I didn’t want to do retail,” he says. “I packed my bags and moved to Myrtle Beach.”

Among other things, McGhee worked the box office at the Carolina Opry Theater. Eventually, he saw an advertisement calling for a guest director at Theatre of the Republic. 

“They turned me down at first, but then they called me back and asked me to direct for them,” McGhee says.

That show was “Two By Two,” a Broadway musical based on a Clifford Odets play called “The Flowering Peach.” 

But they wanted him to direct “Cabaret.”

“I told them I didn’t think I wanted to introduce myself to Conway, South Carolina with ‘Cabaret.’ It’s a very dark, sexy show, so I opted for ‘Two By Two,’” he said. 

McGhee says he did “Cabaret” two years later – once the community got an idea about who he was and what he could do. 

The first time he visited the Main Street Theatre, there was a sign outside that read, “Future home of Theatre of the Republic.” The group had been performing shows at various venues since 1969, but without a proper home. He says the building was just walls because the structure had burned. 

The Main Street Theatre has been home to the Theatre of the Republic since 1999. 

“The first show they did to raise money was “Dracula” – in that building with no roof, at night, with folding chairs. I wasn’t there for that, but I thought it was a brilliant idea.”

McGhee says this is a theater for the people by the people.

“We’re a community theater that has grown immensely, but it was started by people who believed in the arts. Believed in theater. Believed in community,” he says.

Auditions are always open to the public, and details can be found on the theater’s website. McGhee says the organization is now doing upwards of 12 shows per year – and he’s always on the lookout for fresh trends. 

“Every time something new comes aboard, I try to make it happen,” he said. “The only way to survive in theater now is to keep up with the times. I don’t know that everyone wants to see “Hello Dolly” 4,000 times.”

For McGhee, supporting the performing arts is paramount. 

“Money is getting cut, and people must realize how important the arts are in our society,” he says. “I don’t care if it’s a theater in a room that holds ten people. I’m there for it. People interacting  with each other, learning from each other and having a positive experience is something that’s good for the community.” 

Discover more about the Theatre of the Republic at www.theatreoftherepublic.com.