Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Maples.
Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is fairly common! I graduated with my undergrad degree in Strategic Communications and later with my MBA from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. Go Jags! During my studies, I interned with Distinguished Young Women, South’s Office of Marketing and Communications, and served as a graduate assistant for South’s Mitchell College of Business. Through these, I found my passion for working with people and building relationships through storytelling.
Before landing in Huntsville, AL, I participated in the Disney College Program, which has been a highlight in my working career. In 2021, I joined Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (FPCTA) as its Marketing/PR Manager, now Communications Direcotr, and have been here ever since!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No road is ever smooth, but I have been so privileged to have an incredible support system that has made every transition I’ve been through smooth sailing.
I think that one of the largest struggles that I personally have gone through is knowing that I belong in the spaces I occupy. Impostor syndrome continues to follow me, but I am so grateful to have people in my life who remind me every day that I belong.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the Communications Director at a local community theater in Huntsville, Alabama — Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (FPCTA). In my role, I get to work with different departments (Education, Production, and Community Outreach) to strategize and execute campaigns that promote the work FPCTA accomplishes throughout the year.
FPCTA is a leader in theater arts education and programming and values theater accessibility for all. FPCTA offers year-long education theater programming through its Academy and performs four Mainstage productions annually. We are going into our 66th season, starting with The Little Mermaid (Sept. 2026), A Christmas Carol (Season Extra, Dec. 2026), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (February 2027), and James and the Giant Peach (June 2027). You can learn more by visiting: FantasyPlayhouse.org
This job is incredibly rewarding. Every day I am reminded of just how lucky I am to be surrounded by humans who are making an impact. Getting to tell the stories of the actors and students whose lives have been changed by participating in our programming is fulfilling, and seeing the change happen in real time is not something you always get to experience in a traditional job setting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Fantasyplayhouse.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasypcta/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FantasyPCTA
