Larry Hembree, Board Member

Larry grew up in Greenwood SC, has a BA in English from Clemson University and an MFA in Directing from the University of Georgia. He has performed in over 100 shows, directed over 200 productions and has held administrative positions with the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County in Camden SC, SC Arts Commission, Columbia City Ballet, Nickelodeon Theatre and Trustus Theatre. Currently, he is the Executive Director for Columbia Children’s Theatre. He has served on many non-profit boards including City Center Partnership, One Columbia for Arts and Culture, Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association, SC Gay and Lesbian Business Guild and the Congaree Vista Guild 

Larry was named one of the 50 Most Influential People by Columbia Business Monthly ((2014) and the 37th most powerful person in Columbia by theFree Times in 2013 and 22nd in 2014. He received the Community Service Award from SC HIV/Aids Association, Key to the City of Camden SC, Ben Bostick Visionary Leadership Award for Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County, President’s Award from City Center Partnership, Freddie Mullis Corporate Member Award from the SC Gay and Lesbian Business Guild, Outstanding Cultural Committee Member-Clemson University and Arthur J. Fear Award for outstanding senior theatre student – Clemson University.

Larry is currently working on two new plays, Pouf by Lou Clyde and One Life: Dogs the Musical by Paddy Bell with music by Dick Goodwin.