mountain moment with scott treadway

Performer/Producer at Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina

Scott Treadway grew up in Tennessee, but he began spending summers in Hendersonville as a child, visiting his Aunt Louise. His first introduction to Flat Rock Playhouse was an apprenticeship in 1984. Since then, Scott has performed in 145 productions across 39 seasons and directed 14 shows. Today, theater patrons scan the program to see which character will benefit from Scott’s quick wit and enthusiasm.

Flat Rock Playhouse traces its roots to a traveling troupe of performers known as the Vagabond Players. In 1952, the troupe purchased a piece of property, and a rented big top tent became the first Flat Rock Playhouse. In 1961, the North Carolina General Assembly designated Flat Rock Playhouse as the State Theatre of North Carolina. The playhouse is now a year-round arts hub for Broadway musicals, comedy, drama and theater for young audiences, as well as the Music on the Rock concert series.

Q: How did you first get interested in entertaining/theater?

A: When I was 6, I got puppets for Christmas. I had a sister who had severe cerebral palsy. I did puppet shows for her. She couldn’t walk or talk, but she could laugh. Her laugh was beautiful, and I was addicted from that point on. I also spent my weeks waiting for Saturday night at 10 p.m. — “The Carol Burnett Show.”

Q: What was your first role at the playhouse?

A: I did ensemble roles prior, but my first “real” role was Eugene in “Look

Homeward, Angel” in 1985. It was and still is one of the most important roles for me. The playhouse performed the show annually for years. I was given the honor of playing the Thomas Wolfe role in the final production.

Q: One thing many people don’t realize about the playhouse is that it creates every show from the ground up — sets, costumes, music, sometimes even the scripts/plays themselves. What is the benefit to you as a performer of this all-inclusive approach? What is the benefit to attendees?

A: Theater is an art form where every production is blessed by each theater’s personal artistic interpretation and approach. When the entire team gets to formulate the role, environment, interpretation, we all feel as if we are building our own unique show. As for the audience, they benefit by seeing the same show in different venues and enjoying what could be a completely different interpretation from one theater’s production to another.

Q: What has kept you at the playhouse instead of leaving for a bigger stage somewhere else?

A: I’m disinterested in fame or “the big time.” I like my little life with my kid, my house and animals, and my yard. I admire Broadway performers so much, but I prefer these mountains, this lifestyle and most importantly this family. I’m a mountain boy, always have been, always will be.

Scott's Top 5

Hendersonville recommendations:

» Get a “sammich” at Three Chopt in downtown Hendersonville.

» Stroll down our glorious Hendersonville Main Street. I just love it.

» Partake of Rainbow Row in Flat Rock and get the best barbecue anywhere at Hubba Hubba Smokehouse.

» Pick apples at one of our wonderful apple orchards.

Explore Our Craft Trails

Hendersonville has long been a mecca for artists who draw inspiration from the region’s stunning landscapes and the flora and fauna. Learn more about this heritage by participating in the Blue Ridge Craft Trails of Henderson County. Three distinct trails guide visitors through the towns of Hendersonville and Flat Rock, and into the Blue Ridge Mountain countryside, showcasing nationally renowned artists in their studios and galleries.

Scan this QR Code to create your own Craft Trails excursion.