All CHS plays are staged in the Thomas F. Kelly Theatre on the campus of Aberdeen Central High School.
The Thomas F. Kelly Theatre is named in honor of Thomas F. Kelly, former CHS teacher, play director, ACT Director, ACT actor, drama club adviser, State One-Act Play judge, and all-around great guy! Tom directed 51 productions while at CHS and touched so many lives. He was an outstanding role model, mentor, and teacher. Mr. Kelly was my director and teacher while in high school and he instilled in me a love for the stage. Without him, I am pretty sure I would not have gone into education. It was truly my privilege to return to CHS after my graduation for college and work alongside such a great man. Mr. Kelly retired from directing plays at CHS so he could spend more time going to his children's activities but he never strayed far from the stage and when I took over the CHS directorial duties in 2002, Mr. Kelly was a great support system for me. I often picked his brain for answers to many perplexing things I encountered while directing plays. He was always willing to help out anyway that he could. I was so happy to be able to recommend to the school board that our brand new theatre be named after this wonderful man. It was an even greater moment when we were able to produce our first play in the official Thomas F. Kelly Theatre at Aberdeen Central High School.
Roger McCafferty - Director of Theatre -- 2002 to Present
Roger McCafferty - Director of Theatre -- 2002 to Present
The Staff
Director of Theatre -- Roger McCafferty
Assistant Director -- Jessica Appl
Technical Directors -- Tiffany Straley
Costumes -- Carol Vetter
Assistant Director -- Jessica Appl
Technical Directors -- Tiffany Straley
Costumes -- Carol Vetter
CHS is pleased to announce that the CHS Director of Theatre received two honors awards the 2018-19 school year
CHS is pleased to announce that the CHS Director of Theatre will receive two prestigious awards during the 2017-18 school year.
- 2018 National Federation of State High Schools Speech,Theatre, and Debate Educator of the Year- Section 5 for the states of South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri
- 2019 CHS Fine Arts Hall of Fame Inductee
CHS is pleased to announce that the CHS Director of Theatre will receive two prestigious awards during the 2017-18 school year.
- 2018 National Federation of State High Schools Speech,Theatre, and Debate Educator of the Year- South Dakota The NFHS bestows on one coach/director in each state the honor of Speech, Theatre, and Debate Educator of the Year. Mr. McCafferty has been selected to represent SD as this year's honoree and will be considered for National Coach of the Year. This award will be presented at the SDHSAA State One-Act Play Festival in Feb. 2018.
- 2017 SDHSAA Distinguished Service Award -- According the the SDHSAA, "The Distinguished Service Award is the most significant award presented by the SDHSAA. It is given to individuals in recognition of the outstanding work that they have performed for the high school age youth of South Dakota and in recognition of their support of the student activity programs for high school students." Mr. McCafferty is receiving this award in the category of Coach/Director. Mr. McCafferty began his career as an Assistant Debate Coach in 1987. Since then, he was worked with students in the following activities: High School Speech and Debate, High School Theatre, High School Publications, Junior High Theatre, Junior High Speech, Junior High Student Senate, Junior High/Middle School Youth Power, and High School Freshman Orientation Link Crew Advisor. He has recently completed his 30th year with the Aberdeen Public School System. This award will be presented at one of the SDHSAA State Tournaments during the 2017-18 school year.