Today we’d like to introduce you to Oakley Weddle.
Hi Oakley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For me, the journey began long before Firefly officially started in 2024. I was a homeschooled kid who didn’t quite click with sports or other clubs. When I was ten, my mom signed me up for a community theatre class. And it changed everything. I found a place where I could be creative, make friends, and step into worlds bigger than my own.
From that moment, I never left the theatre world. I grew from performer to director, teacher, and advocate for the arts. In high school, I started working for a local theatre company—directing, choreographing, managing school tours that reached thousands, and producing shows for kids ages five to eighteen. Over the years, I’ve directed or worked on more than 30 children’s productions across West Tennessee and built theatre programs from the ground up.
By 2024, I recognized a need in the Mid-South for theatre that was accessible, family-friendly, and fun. Something that could meet people right where they are. At Firefly, my goal is bigger than creating future actors. I want to help students grow into kind, capable humans with skills they’ll carry into whatever stage of life they choose. Pursuing a professional career in theatre is wonderful, and résumés, years of dance training, and agents all have their place, but that’s not who we are. We’re here for the kids who simply love telling stories. If you have the heart to create and the curiosity to try, you already belong here.
At Firefly, our ultimate goal is to give kids the chance to make lasting memories with people they love, because those friendships, inside jokes, and “remember when” moments are what they’ll carry with them long after the final bow. We work hard to create an excellent show, but we see it as a vehicle for those memories, not the other way around. That’s why every production ends with a shower of confetti! It’s our way of marking the joy of the journey, reminding our kids and audiences alike that every moment, big or small, is worth celebrating.
In Spring 2025, we hit the road with our very first touring production, Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. Over 3,000 audience members experienced the magic as we brought theatre directly into schools, retirement communities, and beloved local institutions like the Memphis Zoo, the Children’s Museum of Memphis, and the Overton Park Shell’s Shell on Wheels. The response was incredible, and it confirmed what I’ve always believed—you don’t need a traditional theatre space to create meaningful, high-quality performances that connect with people.
That same spring, our annual outdoor production brought The Wizard of Oz to life for more than 1,000 attendees over a three-day weekend. Performed right in a driveway, our outdoor shows create an immersive, whimsical atmosphere where audiences can enjoy dinner, activities, and a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.
Now, we’re gearing up for our first official season of programming. This will include our sophomore tour: Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. This lively, laugh-out-loud production will take audiences from the Central Park Zoo to the wilds of Africa, following Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and their friends on a heartwarming journey. Performed by talented homeschool students, the tour is designed to make live theatre more accessible than ever. That’s why all tour performances are completely free for host venues—thanks to the generosity of donors and community supporters who believe the arts should be available to everyone, regardless of budget.
In fact, all of Firefly Creative’s productions follow a Pay What You Can model. Whether it’s a touring show, an outdoor production, or a class performance, we never want cost to be a barrier for someone to experience the magic of theatre.
In summer 2025, we launched our first theatre summer camps, giving kids a fun and creative way to spend their break while building skills in performance, collaboration, and confidence. This fall, we’re continuing our educational mission with two hands-on theatre classes—The Music Man Jr. for homeschool students and Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. for performers of all backgrounds. In these classes, every student takes part in a full-scale production, learning by doing and building a supportive community along the way.
In January 2026, we will take a group of fifteen dedicated students to the Junior Theatre Festival, the world’s largest celebration of educational children’s theatre. More than 6,000 theatre kids attend each year to perform, learn, and connect with one another. I had the privilege of attending this festival in high school, and it’s a dream come true to now bring my own group.
Rounding out our season, we are thrilled to present Disney’s Mary Poppins Jr. as our annual outdoor production. This beloved classic is sure to make it a “Jolly Holiday” for the whole family.
Our slogan is “Catch Lightning in a Bottle,” and it’s more than just a nod to capturing lightning bugs. At Firefly, we strive to accomplish the impossible. I want kids to know that despite what others might say or what they may think of themselves, they are capable of doing extraordinarily magical things.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is anything in life truly a smooth road? I don’t think so. But I can honestly say I’ve felt an incredible sense of peace knowing I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
I’ve wanted to run my own theatre company since I was in middle school. For years, though, I let fear keep me from taking the leap. I kept thinking, What if it doesn’t work? What if it falls apart? What if it never looks like the dream I’ve carried for so long? But eventually, God—and the people who love me most—pushed me to see it differently. One friend said something I’ll never forget: “Even if it’s not forever, won’t it still be beautiful?” That’s when I realized I’d rather create something meaningful, even if it’s fleeting, than live with the regret of never trying.
Of course, running a nonprofit comes with challenges—figuring out how to make theatre accessible without going broke, dreaming big on a small budget, and earning the trust of partners. I’ve stood in rooms and defended Firefly, sharing our mission with conviction, even when I wondered if anyone would say yes. And when they have, it’s been a reminder of something my grandmother always told me: “You have not because you ask not.”
Every challenge has only sharpened my pen, strengthened my mind, and pushed our team to be better. The obstacles haven’t weakened our vision—they’ve refined it. They’ve made Firefly stronger, more creative, and more determined to keep bringing light to the stage.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I’m most proud of isn’t a particular production or program. It’s watching a child’s transformation happen right before my eyes. It’s the moment when a parent leans over and whispers, “My child will never sing alone” or “They’re too shy to speak on stage,” and then I get to watch that same child step into the spotlight and absolutely shine. That’s the magic I live for. And when a student looks me in the eye and says, “I can’t,” only to turn around and deliver a performance that takes everyone’s breath away—that’s when my heart just about bursts. Those moments aren’t just about theatre; they’re about courage taking root and a young person discovering they are capable of more than they ever imagined. And that’s what they’ll remember forever—the time Firefly changed how they saw themselves.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Community is at the heart of everything we do at Firefly. I’ve realized more and more that we’ve gotten where we are because of the incredible partners who believe in our mission and open their doors to us. We are so grateful for collaborations with places like the Overton Park Shell, the Memphis Zoo, the Children’s Museum of Memphis, and many others who help us bring theatre to life in unforgettable spaces.
There are so many ways to join this story. Coming to our shows and bringing friends keeps the energy alive—and because all of our productions are Pay What You Can, every ticket and every donation directly supports keeping theatre accessible for everyone. We’re always looking for new community partners—schools, libraries, retirement communities, and local organizations—who’d love to host a performance, especially during our tours. Businesses and individuals can also sponsor productions, helping us cover costumes, sets, and yes, those all-important showers of confetti.
We also love working with local artists, educators, and other nonprofits to dream up special events, share resources, and bring storytelling into unexpected places. Most of all, we love inviting new storytellers to be a part of the Firefly family! Join our email list or follow us on social media to see updates about auditions, classes, and other opportunities. Come “Catch Lightning In A Bottle” with us!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.memphisfirefly.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memphisfirefly/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Firefly-Creative/61571684132324/
