We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kate Boeckel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kate, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
1. How did you learn to do what you do?
About a year ago, my best friend—an actress—invited me to help start Magnolia Productions as a board member. At the time, she believed my love for theater and the fact that I wasn’t an actor would bring a fresh and valuable perspective to our new company. I jumped in wholeheartedly and quickly found myself learning multiple behind-the-scenes roles: stage manager, set designer, board operator, and now, director for our current production, Ladies in Waiting. Most of what I’ve learned has come from hands-on experience and the generosity of talented friends and family in the industry who have shown me the ropes.
2. Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
I wish I had started earlier—back in high school when I had more time and access to learn under seasoned professionals. Taking workshops, shadowing theater crews, or even just volunteering backstage would have given me a head start. That said, I’m grateful for the fast-track education this past year has provided. Being thrown into the deep end taught me a lot quickly.
3. What skills do you think were most essential?
Time management and organization have been absolutely essential. In theater, there are countless moving parts—rehearsal schedules, tech cues, set pieces, costume changes—and without careful planning, things can quickly fall apart. I rely heavily on lists, calendars, and prep work. Those skills have been the backbone of everything I do behind the scenes.
4. What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
The biggest obstacle was simply not knowing where to start or that these opportunities existed for someone like me who wasn’t an actor. I also underestimated how much technical and logistical skill is required backstage. At times, it was overwhelming to wear so many hats without formal training. But with a supportive team and a willingness to learn, I’ve been able to turn those challenges into growth.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For those who may not know me, I’m a high school Family and Consumer Science teacher by day, with a background in Nutrition and Culinary Arts—but my heart has always had a deep love for theater. That love turned into something much more when, about a year ago, my best friend (an actress) invited me to help start a theater company she was founding. She recognized not only my passion for the arts, but also my organizational strengths and attention to detail—skills that proved to be incredibly valuable behind the scenes.
That company is Magnolia Productions, and I’m proud to be one of its founding board members. In addition to teaching and being a mom and wife, I’ve taken on multiple roles within our company. I often serve as stage manager and board operator, and I also lead much of the set design work for our productions. My goal has always been to make the cast shine—to create a seamless, polished, and memorable experience for both the performers and the audience.
What sets my work apart is a combination of quick, creative problem-solving, strong time management, and the ability to adapt and learn on the fly. In the past year, I’ve developed a whole new respect for everyone who works behind the scenes in theater. It’s not just about passion—it’s about logistics, resourcefulness, and teamwork.
I’m most proud of how far Magnolia Productions has come in such a short time. In our very first year, we produced five shows and were honored with three Perry Award nominations for our debut production, Proof. That recognition was incredibly validating and inspiring. We’re heading into our third season this fall with even more energy, ideas, and momentum.
More than anything, I want people to know that Magnolia Productions is a space for women—founded by women, telling stories by and about women, and committed to lifting each other up. I’ve not only discovered a new side of myself through this journey, but I’ve also found a supportive, passionate, and talented community that feels like family. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and helping bring powerful stories to life onstage.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Our creative journey at Magnolia Productions is deeply rooted in a clear and powerful mission: to bring audiences stories about women, by women, and for women. We believe in the power of female empowerment and the importance of amplifying voices that are often underrepresented in the theater world.
At the heart of everything we do is the belief that every woman has a voice and a story worth telling—and worth hearing. That mission guides every decision we make, from the productions we choose to the creative teams we assemble.
We’re also committed to giving back. Whenever possible, we set aside funds to support charities and organizations that help women and girls thrive. For us, it’s not just about putting on great shows—it’s about building a community, telling meaningful stories, and using our platform to make a positive impact.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I often wish I had minored in stage management or design while I was in college—even if I didn’t see it as a future career path at the time. Learning from professionals who have spent their lives in the industry would have been incredibly valuable. While I’ve read a lot of books on the subject and have done plenty of self-teaching, I know I would have benefited so much more from hands-on learning opportunities and real-world experience in a structured environment. There’s something about being in the room—observing, asking questions, and problem-solving in real time—that books just can’t replicate. Still, I’m grateful for the journey I’ve had and the people who have helped me learn along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.magnoliaproductions.org/
- Instagram: @magnoliaproductionsnj
