Mr. Robey is in his second year as the Theatre Director at Worthington Kilbourne this year. He graduated with honors from Capital University with a degree in English Education and a focus on creative writing and theatre studies. He has previously directed shows at Hilliard Bradley High School, Capital University, and Dublin Grizzell Middle School. He is grateful for his old Theatre Director, Luke Bovenizer, his friends and family, and the cast, crew, and pit for making his dream job truly a dream come true. 

Mr. Jones joined the Worthington Kilbourne staff in January of 2021, picking up the pieces during The Wizard of Oz two weeks before opening. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of shows and instructing the Theatre Technology & Design (Stagecraft class). He had been in his previous position as assistant marching band director, Show choir and musical choreographer, Set designer/builder, and technical director for the past 24 years. Mr. Jones has worked or been involved in almost every aspect of theater, including every type of theater, from acting, singing, dancing, directing, choreography, set design and construction, costume design and construction, to business theater and the business of theater all over the United States.

Mr. Jones also has a degree in architecture focusing on residential and is a licensed home inspector in the State of Ohio to keep him busy during the summers. 

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family and friends for their unwavering support and understanding, especially during those times when I had to say, “Sorry… I can’t, I have rehearsal.”

Since the fall of 2021, Mr. Chidsey has taught 6-12th grade string orchestra classes in the Worthington City School District. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Baldwin Wallace University in May 2021, and is currently working on his Master of Music Education through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

An avid participant in musical theatre,  Mr. Chidsey has played piano/keyboard for productions of The Wizard of Oz (2022); Mamma Mia! (2019); Oklahoma! (2019); Evita (2018); Shrek: The Musical (2017); Guys and Dolls (2016); and The Sound of Music (2015). He has also conducted the pit orchestra for productions of The Little Mermaid (2023) and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (2022).

In addition to his musical theatre endeavors, Mr. Chidsey enjoys accompanying numerous adjudicated events and choir concerts, as well as performing solo piano and chamber music.

Kelly Black is a central Ohio native who has been dancing professionally in musical theatre for the past 15 years. She attended Otterbein University and received a BA in art education with a dance minor. She immediately moved to New York City after graduation and has been performing around the world ever since before relocating to Ohio with her family. 

For the past several years, she was seen traveling with the national tour of Irving Berlin's White Christmas. A few favorite shows include Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ruth) at PaperMill Playhouse and the Maltz Jupiter Theater, Anything Goes (Reno understudy) at Westchester Broadway Theatre, and the Asia tour of 42nd Street. She also studied at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Between shows, Kelly taught tap and jazz in New York City and many other creative classes to students of all ages.

She is currently a faculty member at Otterbein University and BalletMet. Recently, she choreographed She Loves Me at Denison University and is excited to be collaborating with the wonderfully talented students at Worthington Kilbourne HS.

Mrs. Alyson Bates is Vocal Director for WKHS Theatre. She has collaboratively created shows at WKHS since 2006. She loves helping each actor find themselves as a singer and seeing music to bring shows to life. Mrs. Bates is also the Founding Artistic Director of Capriccio Youth Choir, fostering CYC with the mission that all young people can experience the joy of singing and all are welcome to be a part of a music family. She strives to continually improve on creating an environment of acceptance and artistry for developing singers.

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Mrs. Bates holds a master’s degree in Education Administration from Ashland University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Otterbein University. Her extensive experience with youth choirs ranges from teaching vocal and instrumental music in the public school setting (Switzerland of Ohio Local, Groveport Madison Local, and Worthington City school districts) to serving as a staff member of Kinderchor of Ohio and Con Brio Children and Youth Choirs. Mrs. Bates also serves as the Treble Festival Chair for the Ohio Choral Directors Association Board and is an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association and the Ohio Choral Directors Association. She is also a clinician for choral ensembles, mentor to future music educators, and a collaborative musician in her community.