BUFORD, Ga. — When Bailey MacPherson accepted the theater director position at Buford Middle School in January 2024, she envisioned more than producing successful musicals.
She wanted to create a place where students felt accepted, gained confidence and discovered who they were.
In less than three years, that vision has helped nearly double participation in the school’s theater program. Enrollment has grown from about 195 students to an expected 375 next school year, reflecting both increased interest in the performing arts and a culture focused on belonging.
“I think that is what theatre does,” MacPherson said. “It brings joy and hope to people.”
MacPherson’s passion for theater began at an early age in a family where music, singing and dancing were part of everyday life. She performed in her first musical at age 8 before rediscovering theater in middle school.
A turning point came during high school when she joined Play on Players, a community theater company that broadened her understanding of performing arts and inspired her to pursue leadership roles behind the scenes.
While still in high school, she choreographed productions for a local middle school and later completed a work-based learning placement teaching eighth-grade theater while directing after-school productions. During college, she continued choreographing community theater productions while working with preschool students each summer.
After graduation, MacPherson worked as a substitute teacher before becoming a sixth-grade special education language arts teacher. When the theater director position at Buford Middle School became available, she saw an opportunity to combine her passions.
“I could combine my love for theatre and my passion for helping kids grow and change as a teacher and director,” she said.
MacPherson credits much of her teaching philosophy to the mentors who invested in her, including her parents, her mother, who is an educator, high school chorus teacher Stacie Mavis and several theater directors and college professors who encouraged creativity and leadership.
Although she grew up competing against Buford schools, MacPherson said the district’s commitment to academics, athletics and the arts drew her to the position.
“The Arts, Athletics, and Academics are all cared about,” she said. “That is not common.”
She now directs, choreographs and music directs productions while working alongside David and Dylan Kimbro on technical aspects such as lighting and sound.
“It gives me the unique opportunity to help the students in all three of the big areas in theatre,” she said.
MacPherson believes middle school can be one of the most difficult periods in a student’s life, making it especially important to create an environment where every child feels welcomed and valued.
She intentionally selects productions centered on themes of acceptance and belonging while encouraging students to embrace their individuality.
“I have really tried to find shows that are about acceptance and belonging,” she said. “A student should not have to change who they are to try and fit in with the people around them.”
Beyond acting and singing, MacPherson said theater teaches students communication, teamwork, leadership and self-confidence.
She has watched quiet students become leaders and reluctant performers develop into confident actors over three years in the program.
One student, who spent two years avoiding auditions, eventually earned the male lead in an eighth-grade production before receiving Best Actor honors, the Director’s Award and continuing into Buford High School’s theater program.
MacPherson understands the challenges many students face because she experienced severe performance anxiety herself. She now uses improvisation games, ensemble activities and individualized coaching to help students build confidence before stepping on stage.
“I always let the students know that I used to be scared to perform or speak in front of my classes,” she said. “Because I pushed myself, I now talk in front of people for my job.”
She also emphasizes collaboration during auditions and rehearsals, looking for students who encourage one another and accept constructive feedback.
“Theatre is difficult and a lot of hard work,” MacPherson said. “It’s important to find those moments where the students can have fun outside of the stage.”
When planning productions, MacPherson researches each show’s setting, themes and historical context before rehearsals begin but allows casting to shape many of her creative decisions.
“The students give me so much of my inspiration,” she said.
As the program continues to grow, MacPherson said her long-term goal remains unchanged.
Rather than focusing on awards or larger productions, she hopes every student leaves her classroom with greater confidence than when they arrived.
For students hesitant to audition, her advice is simple.
“Be bold,” she said.
“I missed out on a lot of cool auditions and opportunities because of fear. Do not let fear control your life or the decisions you make.”
Ultimately, MacPherson hopes students remember something lasting beyond the performances themselves.
“There is a place for everyone in theatre,” she said.
