CLEVELAND — The entertainment industry in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square theatre district faced plenty of challenges since the start of the pandemic, but one company didn’t just have to weather the storm of COVID-19, it also suffered the loss of a major figure in the Cleveland theatre community.

Filming promotional videos is just one task Laura Kepley has on her busy agenda. 

“My days are very full,” said Kepley. “My top priority is planning that season, and the next priority is hiring people, which is wonderful to be thinking about and rebuilding our team now.”  

The Cincinnati native has worked across the country as an actress in the theatre community, and eventually landed the role of a lifetime as artistic director of the Cleveland Play House.

“This is a dream job,” she said. “Creating theatre experiences, leading an organization that means so much to its community — it really is the dream.” 

She transitioned to the director side in her early 30s and built many relationships and memories along the way. A photo of one of those memories hangs on the wall.

“This was probably one of the most glorious nights of my theatrical career, and that is when our beloved Kevin Moore, the managing director, and I accepted the Regional Theatre Tony Award on behalf of Cleveland Play House,” she said.

Kevin Moore became the managing director of Cleveland Play House in 2007.

Company representatives said he was instrumental in building the Outcalt and the Helen theaters and renovating the Allen Theatre in Cleveland’s thriving Playhouse Square. But in 2020, Moore tragically passed away, leaving behind a powerful legacy. 

“It’s been hard,” Kepley said. “Because he was a great friend and did so much for the community and for Cleveland Play House.”

The lights along Playhouse Square were dimmed to honor Moore in October. The challenge of filling his shoes was especially tough during the COVID-19 pandemic, which closed Ohio theaters. However, Kepley and the crew are pushing forward. 

“He was a mentor to generations of young artists and administrators. So many people, lives and careers have been touched by his mentorship and support and guidance,” said Kepley.  

As theaters begin to open, Kepley is at peace with carrying Moore's legacy into the future. She believes he would be proud to see Cleveland Play House under the theater lights.

“What he would say at the close of all his emails, he would sign in ‘Onward!’ so I feel, especially being here in the offices, I feel Kevin’s spirit, and I hear him saying ‘Onward! Onward! Onward!’," said Kepley. “I know that he is looking down on us and can’t wait along with everyone else to get back on stage.”