Meet The Sponsors of Buyer & Cellar!

Elaine Faye-Barberic, Meg Kelly, and Aleta Thompson are the presenting sponsors for Buyer & Cellar.

Together, they have been involved in many productions at Clear Space Theatre Company in a wide range of capacities. Between the three women, they have been sponsors, performers, designers, directors, and even staff. This time last year, Clear Space audiences saw their creative collaboration in The Roommate, which Aleta directed and which starred Meg and Elaine. This year, they chose to come together as sponsors for this same slot in our 2025 season. We had a chance to talk with Elaine and Meg to get to know them better.

From Elaine: 

Elaine has a deep connection to Clear Space and to this specific slot in the production season, which usually is a play that showcases the talent of local area performers. “I’ve been one of the sponsors of this performance slot for several years now,” she shared. “I believe I was one of the first actors to occupy this time slot, performing The Vagina Monologues in 2017 as a one-person show. It’s a fantastic opportunity for an actor to do a deep dive into a play and character without the usual (but wonderful!) distractions of a bigger production.”

Her journey with Clear Space started nearly two decades ago. “I met the founding artistic directors at a party in 2005, and the rest is history! I’ve been working with the company ever since.”

Elaine has dedicated her professional life to the arts, not only as an actor but as a designer. “I’ve worked as a graphic, web, and exhibit designer since graduating college. I also love attending plays, concerts, and dance performances—and visiting museums wherever I travel. I even went to a museum in a cave once!”

From Meg: 

Meg joined Elaine and fellow supporter Aleta as a sponsor for Buyer & Cellar this year, continuing a growing tradition of involvement. “Aleta and Elaine have sponsored this production spot for a while now, and they asked if I’d like to join them,” Meg said. “My husband and I have been supporters of Clear Space for several years, and this felt like the perfect way to continue.”

Meg’s connection to the theatre began before she even moved to the area. “When we were visiting town, my husband and I always tried to catch a show. I moved here in 2018 hoping to work with Clear Space, and that dream came true.”

Her first performance with the company was in The Women, part of a 2019 fundraiser for the CST Scholarship Fund and the Fund for Women. “Later that year, I did Three Tall Women with Elaine. I’m so grateful to have Clear Space in my life. It’s not just an artistic home—it’s where I’ve found an amazing circle of friends.” Most recently, you may have seen her in Dial M for Murder!

A Lifelong Commitment to the Arts

Both Elaine and Meg have built their lives around theatre. “I have both a BA and an MFA in Theatre,” said Meg, who for years worked as an actor through the Actor’s Equity Association union. “The arts have been a guiding presence in my life for a long time.” Elaine echoed that sentiment: “My entire professional life has been in the arts.”

When asked what they would tell someone considering supporting the arts, both women were emphatic: “Do it!” Meg added, “Supporting the arts in your community is a gift that gives to everyone involved—and gives back to the giver in more ways than you can imagine.”

Looking Ahead to Buyer & Cellar

Neither Meg nor Elaine had seen Buyer & Cellar performed live, but both are excited to experience it in this production at Clear Space. “I’ve read about it and seen clips of other productions,” Meg said. “It seems clever and hugely entertaining. I’m especially excited to watch Christopher take on the role. Elaine added, “I’m not familiar with the play itself, but I think one-person shows are always unique. It’s hard work to carry a show by yourself, and I always root for the actor who takes on that challenge.”

Their Message to the Audience?

Their answer was clear and enthusiastic:
“Buy your ticket now!” Meg said with a laugh. “Are there even any left?* I’m sure Christopher will give a standout performance.”

Elaine kept it short and sweet:
“Do it!”

*Thanks to a performance added by popular demand on Saturday, May 31 at 2pm there are still tickets left to experience this wildly fun show.
Tickets available online here

Tags: Behind the Scenes, Buyer&Cellar, Interview, Sponsors