The Shadow Players

05/25/2026

Today, we remember those who gave all in the name of freedom and service to our country. We honor their ultimate sacrifice, and pay tribute to their memories.

Wishing everyone a safe and reflective Memorial Day weekend.

05/10/2026

A look from "backstage" at our epic finale show, as named by the Town of Swansboro.
Thank you to Onslow PirateFest and Onslow County Parks and Recreation for inviting us to return yesterday. We loved performing for you, and apparently we brought the house down because it began to rain during our final swordfight! Thank goodness the tempest held off as long as it did!

Well done to the event coordinators, pirate crews, vendors and performers for the festive day. We're sorry we couldn't stay longer to engage in more piratical shenanigans, but we had to steal back to our weekend homeport of Mile of Hope.

Happy Mother's Day!

By the way, if anyone has video of Sorcha feeding sushi to the mermaids, please tag us. 🧜‍♀️🍣

05/08/2026

05/07/2026

We can't wait to see everyone at Pirate Fest in the Town of Swansboro!!!
We'll be closing out the day with our one and only show at
⚔️3:00pm⚔️
Comedy. Swordfighting. And Dangerrrr.
Are you reaaaaaady????

⚔️ Final showdown alert! ⚔️
Our Shadow Players take the stage at 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 9th to close out the day with an exciting performance full of sword fighting and action! 🏴‍☠️
You won’t want to miss this epic finale!

05/05/2026

To our Theatre Teachers, thank you.

This week, we’re celebrating the theatre teachers who do so much more than direct productions.

They build rooms where students feel seen.
They create ensembles where every voice matters.
They help young people step into someone else’s story and, along the way, understand their own a little better.

To every theatre educator calling cues, building confidence, making space, solving problems, drying tears, opening doors, and reminding students that they belong.

Thank you. Your work changes students long after the curtain closes.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week.

05/05/2026

In observance of Teacher Appreciation Day, it's time to honor one of our own - Clay Raines , aka William Greaves

Clay Raines is a 2001 graduate of East Carolina University, where he earned a BFA in Musical Theatre and Theatre Education. He currently teaches theatre at Knightdale High School, where he is an award-winning director. Clay actively uses his talents to support the community and local organizations, contributing regularly through performance and outreach. He has had the privilege of performing at venues such as the White House, Disney World, East Carolina University, and Barton College just to name a few. Clay was also recognized as a Top 10 Finalist for Wake County Teacher of the Year.

Thank you for what you do to teach and inspire our next generation of performers, Clay. For the countless hours you devote to your craft each school year. Our youth are so incredibly lucky to have you to learn from, helping them discover their love for performing arts on and off the stage, and pushing them towards their full potential.

05/04/2026

May the Fourth be with you!

In honor of Star Wars day, we want to highlight one of our members and dear friend, Cheralyn Lambeth.

Cher (aka Kill Devil Kate) in her "real" life is a professional costume, prop, and puppet builder whose work includes feature films (The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Patriot, Leatherheads, The Hunger Games), TV shows (Dinosaurs!, Homeland) and work on other fun projects (Star Trek: The Experience, Avenue Q, Sir Purr for the Carolina Panthers). She has also written several books (Haunted Theaters of the Carolinas, Introduction to Puppetry Arts), and put her fighting skills to good use as a mo-cap fight model for Fortnite: Battle Royale.
One of her favorite pastimes is bringing the love of Star Wars to kids (of all ages!) at events such as Mile of Hope and children's hospital visits as a long-time member of the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion. dressed as characters such as Princess Leia, a stormtrooper, and Boba Fett.

Thank you Cher for all that you do not just for us, but for your community and the people around you. This is the way!

05/04/2026

Avast! The Shadow Players will be sailing to the Town of Swansboro this Saturday for PirateFest! Are you looking for Sword fighting, Comedy, and Danger? Catch our one performance of the day!

Show time
⚔️3:00pm⚔️

The event runs from 10am to 4pm, so be sure to spend Saturday with the Misfits of Fortune, The Cannon Crew, take a picture with Turtle, and pay a visit to the Mermaids! It's sure to be an event full of piratical adventures and shenanigans!

Thank you to Swansboro and Onslow County Parks and Recreation for inviting us to return! We look forward to seeing all of you!

04/25/2026

A look at the beginning of our first show at PirateFest . The crowd got even bigger as we went on, and the audience was fantastic!!!

We have one more show at 3:00pm, right after The Cannon Crew black powder demonstration!

See you here!

04/25/2026

Today!!!!