The Phoenix Effect:

Faith and Rebuilding Dreams Together

Megan Kirby-Winsett and Houston Buchanan are long-time participants of Muhlenberg Community Theatre Inc. (MCTI) located in historic downtown Greenville, KY. Together, they’re now pioneering a new era in for the non-profit as a dynamic team of directors.

Both were just in their teens when they landed their first cast roles in the 2009 production of Seussical Jr, where they first met. After completing a variety of show productions on stage, they’re now in their 30’s and finding their places side-by-side as part of the team that heads the organization. Together, they’ve led performances that have been some of the community’s most anticipated summer productions, including Next to Normal in 2024.  They’ve collectively worked in the roles of Director, Assistant Director, Musical Director, Choreographer and Stage Manager, always as a team.

Leading their cast members into sold out performances and gaining standing ovations isn’t the only thing they’ve contributed to the new vibrancy of theater. They’re also breathing new life into the foundational integrity of MCTI by planning and leading multiple intricately designed fundraising events, raking in much-needed funding that gets fed directly back into the organization.

Having faith in the positive impact they can provide, they hope to continue raising interest and together, stewarding organizational success by redesigning what MCTI can bring to the table for community members and future performers.