Behind the Blog & Volunteer Spotlight – MaryAnn Lyons

Volunteer Spotlight is a monthly feature where we highlight an Academy Theatre volunteer. This month’s volunteer is MaryAnn Lyons, who also writes this blog.

Get to know me, MaryAnn Lyons, the writer of this blog and Academy Theatre volunteer for 15 years!

What is your name?

MaryAnn Lyons, formerly Keyser

What is your role title at The Academy Theatre (TAT)  and what duties does your role entail?

Currently, I am a Mission Ambassador and Summer Drama Program (SDP) Coordinator. I also just started running the blog in February 2026. As Mission Ambassador, it’s my job to spread the word about TAT to everyone. For the SDP Coordinator, I assist Angel at rehearsals. This program runs twice a week for eight weeks with a goal of putting on a full-length production at the end of the summer. I used to be a coordinator for the Girls Drama Club Academy as well.

That’s me in the center, in my first play at The Academy Theatre. I played Kay in “The Divorce Sale.” From right to left: Norma M., Dylan T., MaryAnn L., Bob G., Brenda C., and John M.

How long have you been in that role?

I have been a Mission Ambassador for about a year, and I’ve been the SDP Coordinator off and on for about ten years.

Tell us how you discovered The Academy Theatre.

Back in 2011, my friend, Brenda Cuellar Reza, and I were talking about how we both did theatre in high school. She mentioned to me that she was involved with a community theatre called, at the time, the Junior Drama Club Academy. She invited me to an event, and I immediately fell in love with it. Here was a place where anyone could come and learn theatre in a stress-free environment! Aside from a brief move to California in 2020, I’ve been involved ever since!

When you are a coordinator for the year-round group or the Summer Program, sometimes you get asked to step into a role. In 2017, I played Thelma in The Ladies of Haggerty alongside the members of the Girls Drama Club Academy.

Front row, left to right: Evie R., Giselle M., Debbie V., Starr R., and Jackie G.. Back row, left to right: MaryAnn L. and Deja R.

Have you acted in any plays at The Academy Theatre? What about other performances, such as the Haunted Pirate Ship or a comedy show?

Yes, I’ve been in more plays than I can count now. I’ve been in a few improv comedy shows along with the Haunted Pirate Ship. If there is an opportunity to perform in some way, I am almost certain to be there. The only thing I haven’t tried so far is the Stand-Up Comedy class.

What is your favorite recurring event at The Academy Theatre and why? For example, bingo, youth vocal shows, adult plays, Cinesylum, etc.

As a performer, the adult plays are my favorite. As a community member, I have to say the kids’ plays are my favorite. It is so fun and fulfilling to see each student’s growth throughout the years.

What is your favorite memory from The Academy Theatre?

It is hard to pick just one. In 2013, I had the opportunity to act in a play with my dad and my sister. My sister’s character and mine were at odds with each other. We get along great in real life, so having to argue with her in the play was more challenging than I expected. There was also a scene where my character and my dad’s character have a very emotional heart-to-heart. That was a really beautiful moment for us to act out. Later, in 2019, I acted in a different play with my dad and my mom. We only convinced my mom to join by telling her she would have just 1 line. It turned out she actually had 2 lines! Both lines were the same words said minutes apart. It goes to show you how much family and community matter to Angel and the environment he has created at TAT.

Improv comedy can be stressful, as evidenced by this photo. Here I am acting in a scene with Benton V. in 2022.

Watch this space for more volunteer spotlights and posts about The Academy Theatre!