Staff Spotlight: Carolyn Wiley

We are excited to introduce our Star Members to Carolyn Wiley as she steps into the role of Development Manager to help support our team! We are very grateful to have her as a part of the team, especially as we wrap up our milestone Centennial year. Please help us in welcoming Carolyn Wiley!

CTD: Can you share a little more about yourself and what brought you to Durham?

CW: I arrived in Durham in 1993 as a freshman at Duke University. I didn’t know it then, but it would become my home and the place where I would raise my family. After graduating, I returned to work for the production departments in the books and journals programs at Duke University Press for the next ten years. By that point, Durham had its horns in me—I had found a place full of quirky, artistic people that continues to inspire and challenge me.

CTD: What inspires you about the arts? 

CW: I have always loved the arts. My family is full of singers, actors, photographers and writers –I’m one of 7 kids—and there were always play or performances to attend. Growing up in New Orleans was also a big part of my love of music, festivals and live music. I have dabbled in photography, painting, fiber arts and print making over the years and can now watch my kids learning and exploring these same art forms.

CTD: What appealed to you about joining the Carolina Theatre?

CW:The Carolina Theatre has been a wonderful place for me and my family over the past 30 years. I’ve attended countless movies, conferences,and performances that were amazing. Among the most memorable were Chris Isaak, Trombone Shorty, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Crowded House, Nevermore Film Festival and the NC Comic Con. My twin daughters have been attending NC Comic Con since they were 3 years old, inspiring them to create their own costumes and props.

I am so excited to work with the team at the Carolina Theatre because it gives me a chance to get to know all the wonderful members who help make the magic happen. As a fundraiser, I know how important it is to have sustainable funding for the organization, and I look forward to meeting everyone. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to learn about the operations of the Theatre. It takes many talented and dedicated people to ensure the shows are successful, and I’m eager to help be a part of their efforts to showcase the arts in this historic theater.

CTD: What is one of your favorite, not-to-be-missed North Carolina weekend experiences?

CW: We discovered the Land of Oz in Beech Mountain a few years ago, and it is one of the most special weekends I’ve ever had in NC. It truly exemplifies the triumph of telling stories through music and performance, and it is done so well! It only takes place on weekends each September and October and the location is absolutely breath-taking. <I’ll send you a photo> If you can make it sometime, I highly recommend it!

CTD: What are your favorite shows you’ve seen at the theater or are looking forward to?

CW: Some of the shows I look forward to seeing: Pepito and the Trash Cans, Trombone Shorty, John Waters, Ballet Nepantla and Maria Bamford.