A little (?) about Steve…

My passion for the Murphy began as a young child, where it was our place to go for entertainment and exposing us to a world beyond Clinton County. As an adult, I taught elementary education for twenty years in the Wilmington City Schools and have been a board member and volunteer at the Murphy for over thirty years.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa (Go Steelers! Don't hold it against me), I have called Wilmington home since 2002 . I am a hairstylist and mom of 4 , married to my favorite guy. I saw my first Christmas Show in 2005 and began my history with the Murphy stage the following year. I have always had a love for acting and the theatre. And from the moment I stepped inside the Murphy for the first time I knew it was special. When Steve came on as the Executive Director and I met him and heard his heart and hope for our historical gem, I had a thought I'd never had before. I wanted to be a part of more than the stage side of things. I was so excited for his vision and wanted to help and support the theatre ( and our director)  in a new way.  Being on the board has been a privilege and an honor. We are so blessed to have this theatre in our town and to have an incredible staff and volunteer group that make it all happen. You may see me taking tickets, or chasing my little one around at a concert. If you do, please say hi! I love meeting people from our community and beyond!

I am thrilled to be a part of The Murphy Theatre Board of Trustees! The Murphy has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up attending shows and performed on the Murphy stage for the first time at eight years old. I am currently an Intervention Specialist for Wilmington City Schools and joined the board because I value bringing opportunities to experience the arts to our community. My role on the board is primarily to assist with children's programming and school outreach. I am grateful to be a part of one of Wilmington's greatest establishments!

Mark Miars is a native of Clinton County, Ohio, and he has enjoyed many movies, shows, and events at the Murphy Theatre over the years. Mark is a retired attorney and magistrate, and in the past he has served as President of the Ohio Steel Fabricators Association and Judicial Services Coordinator for the Ohio Judicial Conference at the Ohio Supreme Court.

My childhood is filled with lifelong memories of this historical destination. For many years I have been a volunteer and Board member, also doing research on this fabulous theatre, writing its history, and giving programs and tours. Our community shines from the lighted marquee welcoming all to gather, to be educated, and to experience the joy of entertainment. Presently, I am a Trustee Emeritus continuing my love and support of the Murphy Theatre.

Lifelong resident of Wilmington. After graduation from Wilmington High School, I attended The Ohio State University and studied Engineering, but sadly did not graduate from OSU due to a detour in life.  While taking a bit of time off to earn cash to resume my education, I began dating and married a fellow WHS classmate Pat Davis Thompson.  If you have attended Murphy performances, you have probably seen us taking tickets for years.   Many will be surprised that I completed my education at the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Finance and Accounting.  But, I still remain a big OSU fan.  Go Bucks!
I began working for Cincinnati Milacron, working for several divisions where my duties included accounting positions in cost accounting and financial analysis.  I later moved on to McKee Machine Tool, where I transitioned into a sales role.  Our products included specialized tooling and equipment for the automotive industry throughout the United States and around the world.  Traveling took me far from the comfort of small town Wilmington.  I hold the record for traveling the furthest to work as a volunteer at a Murphy Show.  Cape Town South Africa to Wilmington, leaving on a Thursday and arriving at 4:00 PM on Saturday, just in time to shower and change for a 7:30 Show.   My family also created a small retail gift shop in Wilmington called PATTERRY where I was blessed to spend time with my mother, Marjorie, who managed day to day operations for several years.     
In 1990, my wife and I were asked to help usher at a Murphy Performance by Becky Rauch.  We have continued to be involved at the Murphy since that time.  I have served as a Murphy Board Member for fourteen years and held the role of Treasurer for four years.  I have managed several special projects to improve the experience of patrons attending events.   Those projects include, Installation of a modern HVAC system, Roofing Projects, Seating Project, Renovation of the Balcony, Electrical Service Power Upgrade, the completion of Charlie's Concessions and Bar, and most recently, the complete renovation of the Marquee.
Upon stepping away recently from my financial position of CFO at Sewell Motor Express, I was assigned the position of Facility and Projects Manager here at the Murphy Theatre.  Sometimes the role of volunteer gets blurry while performing facility management activities, but I have always believed that it is important to give back to your community.  Just as Charlie Murphy did when built the Theatre as a gift to Wilmington.  

As a middle-school student, I toured The Murphy Theatre, seeing parts of the building I had never seen before and hearing its story. I’ve been a “nerd” for historic buildings as long as I can remember, but something about this place really stuck with me after that day. 

When the theatre was in danger of being turned into a multiplex or further destroyed, I wore the “My heart’s in The Murphy, save the theatre” button on my jacket. My mom loves to tell how angry I got with her when she told me I may have to accept the theatre’s fate, because “these things happen.” Thankfully, I didn’t have to - our community is incredibly fortunate that some incredible people stepped in to save the theatre. 

I’m more than pleased to be a part of The Murphy team now, helping to promote the theatre’s mission. Saving and utilizing this theatre, where so many of our hearts and memories reside, is daily work and I am proud and honored to be here. 

Growing up, I always loved working with people and entertainment, whether through sports, theatre, or music. I completed my education in Hospitality Management at The Central State University. While in school, I started working with Blue Jacket Epic Outdoor Drama, where I gained valuable experience in theater management and acting. After graduation, I enjoyed seven years as the Hotel and Restaurant Manager of the General Denver before coming across the street to The Murphy. I have been working here since 2019 and I love The Murphy Theatre and am very excited to be part of The Murphy Theatre family. 

Become a Murphy Volunteer today and watch your favorite band or show! We will even give you popcorn and a cold drink from our concessions area, Charlie's, as a "Thank You!"

Come see me or stop by the box office to learn more!

My memories of The Murphy Theatre began with childhood ballet recitals - I was (and still am) in awe of the energy that the walls hold; you can feel the 100+ year history as soon as you step underneath the marquee and through the front doors. As a (mostly) lifelong resident of Wilmington, I briefly left for college adventures and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Savannah College of Art and Design with a major in Graphic Design and focus in Art History. In my 10+ year career in design and marketing, I have produced packaging designs for national and international brands, created merchandise and marketing for bands and small businesses, and designed marketing assets for higher education. In addition to my current part-time role at The Murphy Theatre creating graphics and advertising, maintaining the website, and keeping up with "the youths" on social media, I am also the costume designer at SSCC Theatre, and have recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science with a 4.0GPA, and also received the Ivan P. Bowsher award for Exellence in Resorative Arts. My love and passion for art, theatre, and history are what drew me to The Murphy Theatre, and the leadership and staff are what keep me here and make my role so enjoyable. My favorite part of my job is seeing and hearing feedback from happy patrons who have enjoyed one of the many concerts, films, and events that we bring to the community. I feel honored that I am able to contribute to keeping The Murphy Theatre alive and buzzing with energy for 100+ more years. 

I became involved with The Murphy Theatre by working just down the block at my wife's bookstore. At Books 'N' More, I took care of maintenance and all of the odd jobs that Marla could come up with. Whenever The Murphy needed an extra hand, I was there to help out. I am now doing all types of minor maintenance and repairs for The Murphy Theatre, as well as cleaning up before and after shows. I fill in to help our tech crew as needed. I can't think of a more rewarding job than providing assistance for The Murphy Theatre. 

As a retired and former business owner of Books 'N' More in downtown Wilmington, I recall many times that the Murphy Theatre utilized space at the bookstore for housing The Murphy Kids during the Christmas shows.  The bookstore held several events downtown in which the Murphy Theatre took part.  So, it seemed to be a natural progression, when Book 'N' More closed, to lend my time and talents to supporting this cultural gem in our community.    

As a little ballerina in Jane Reid's class, I was a martian on our Murphy stage in a recital. We would attend movies here growing up, too. Been a minute! In adult years, I volunteered along with my parents, Ruby & Herman Fisher, and with my sons, AJ & Nick Gumley. I get enjoyment waiting on patrons picking out their concessions & coming to our beautiful theatre shows & events. I also enjoy the friendships I've made working with our fun volunteers, staff, & board members.

Robyn Koger Kidd is a bartender at the Murphy Theatre. She was born and raised in Morrow, Ohio. Robyn moved to Saint Paul, MN for 12 years due to her husband's career, which was impacted by Covid. Her husband then became Santa Q and is now retired. They returned to Wilmington to be closer to family. Robyn was impressed with the history and beauty of the Murphy Theatre and found it to be the perfect place for her.