Lena Carroll Clay's Bio
Lena Carroll Clay is an award winning theatre teacher, playwright, producer, and director. She made her first professional Off-Broadway performance (at the sweet age of sixteen) singing and dancing in the production, "Show Boat", directed by Mr. Denny at the Three Little Bakers Dining Theatre in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Ms. Clay debut as a Playwright with her first production, "LIVE", at the Warner Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware.
Ms. Clay became well known for her expertise in the performing arts after pioneering the way in 1992, as the first African-American female to produce a play on the Off-Broadway prestigious stage, The DuPont Playhouse, in Wilmington, Delaware. In 2005, Ms. Clay served as the Assistant Stage Director in the University of South Carolina production, "Robert Oppenheimer", at the Longstreet Theatre in October 2004 (Link 
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Under the direction of Ms. Clay, Alcorn’s drama department received a prestigious honor to participate in the Walt Disney World Performing Arts Festival in 2005. Only twenty-five schools in the country were selected. Alcorn Middle School was proud to be among the best.
Ms. Clay has produced several gospel plays, such as, "The Successful Black Man 3P", "Live", "The Gospel Root Chaser", "He Hung", "Another Chance", "Daughters of the South", and “Child Support: Where’s My Money?”
Ms. Clay believes hard work and appreciation for life with education can empower you to become successful in everything you do. Ms. Clay continues her work and love for children by dedicating her life to the arts, community service, education, and health awareness. She is a former educator (Richland School District One and Hilltop Lutheran Community Neighborhood Center) with several years experience in the classroom. This loyal and dedicated theatre teacher is an advocate for the Arts, professional entertainer, and motivational speaker for the youth. She is also a faithful member, Evangelist, and Church Administrator at the House of Judah Outreach Center (Pastors J. Lionel & Sandra Williams). Ms. Clay holds a Masters Degree in Education, Specializing in Divergent Learning from Columbia College, Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, specializing in English and Theatre Education from the University of South Carolina, and Associates Degree in Paralegal/Public Service from Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina. Ms. Clay is also a Resident Artist with the South Carolina Arts Commission, and loves working with children.