Our Team

John Kaywood

Executive Director

John Kaywood has been involved in the world of theatre since 2009 starting in a high school (Sullivan South High School) production of Aladdin. Since then John has done most theatrical jobs possible in a lot of different locations. These positions include Lighting Designer, Assistant Stage Manager, Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Actor, Director, House Manager, Dancer, and now Executive Director. He has worked in over 115 productions including two of the nation’s outdoor dramas (Horn in the West and Trail of the Lonesome Pine) and served as a Venue Director for the New York City International Fringe Festival and Logistics Stage Manager for The Fresh Fruit Festival in New York City, both in 2015. Hailing from Kingsport, Tennessee, Kingsport Theatre Guild means so much to him in his heart. He also worked at several theaters in the region such as: Theatre Bristol, Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, Johnson City Community Theatre, and Two Pence Productions.

Caitlyn Morelock

Assistant Executive Director/Events Manager

Caitlyn Morelock has spent many years in the theatre, both on stage and behind the curtain. She has recently directed A Charlie Brown Christmas, We Will Rock You and Noises Off at Kingsport Theatre Guild. She has also recently worked as stage manager and assistant director for a variety of shows, including Bright Star, Cabaret, White Christmas, RENT, Little Shop of Horrors, Boeing, Boeing and A Christmas Cabaret. She has a great passion for the theatre and brings her enthusiasm to every show in which she is involved.

Tyler Bishop

Theatre Assistant

Tyler Bishop's love for theatre has only grown since his first production at age 12. Since then, he has worked to bring shows to life both on and off stage. Whether it's dancing in a musical or designing lights for a straight play, Tyler loves to help reach the Tri-Cities through the theatre arts. Some of his favorite roles include Jake (Jake's Women), Jimmy Ray Dobbs (Bright Star), and Oscar (The Odd Couple). Tyler loves his theater family and is proud to call KTG and the Renaissance Center "home."

Maxine Poole

Media Specialist

Maxine Poole is a graduate of Emory & Henry College, where she received her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. As media specialist, Maxine helps Kingsport Theatre Guild to reach new audiences through social media, website management, online promotion and more. She is also an actress and has appeared in many productions. Some of her favorite roles include Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Maureen (RENT), Janet (The Rocky Horror Show), Margo (Bright Star), Lulu (Cabaret), and Blanche (A Streetcar Named Desire). More of her theatrical work can be found at maxinepoole.wixsite.com/2025.

Rebecca Nelson

Advertising Materialist

Rebecca Nelson graduated from ETSU with a degree in Digital Media. She and her husband run their own graphic design business called Creative Cat Graphics. She is thrilled to have found a place in the Kingsport Theatre Guild family both as an actress and a member of the Creative Team where she helps to reach new audiences through graphic design, photography, and videography. She hopes to see audiences both new and old enjoy this theatre as much as she does.

Jessica White

Room 239 - Props Organization

Jessica White has been performing since childhood, beginning with musical theatre, choral and acapella group performances. Once in college she added to that ballroom dancing and the circus arts. After college, she moved to Boston where she began a 12-year love affair with burlesque and incorporated that in with her singing and circus. Since moving to Tennessee, she has been focusing primarily on singing vintage jazz. Jessica is thrilled to be involved with Kingsport Theatre Guild, gathering and crafting props for all of the theatre’s shows.

Dustina Buckles

Room 239 - Costume/Wig Organization

Dustina Buckles is a lifelong resident of Kingsport, and her favorite pastime is standing on stage and performing her favorite activity…. talking! She made her directing debut in October of 2024 with 67 Cinderellas and has recently been named the costume/wig organizer for KTG. She jokes that she has seriously considered moving to the Kingsport Renaissance Center on a permanent basis because she is always here in one form or another.

Board

Shane Christian

Interim President

Warren Adler

Treasurer

Kate Woodworth

Secretary

Bryant Christian

Member