In Memoriam: Carolyn Torlay

Featured Right: Carolyn Torlay as Aunt Sally in Huckleberry Finn. (1984)

Carolyn Torlay, a past president of Charleston Stage’s Board of Trustees passed away on January 14, 2021. She will be missed. Carolyn was an active volunteer, usher and a dynamic president of Charleston Stage in its earlier days when the company was young. She was one of those tireless supporters who helped ensure that Charleston Stage survived when the company was still a fledgling operation, including our return from the disruption of Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

 
Her dedication and hard work laid the foundation for what Charleston Stage has become today. We will always remember Carolyn’s cheerful, positive countenance as she encouraged her fellow board members and staff to take Charleston Stage to even greater heights.  

 
She was especially encouraging to the young people in our early production. She even appeared with them herself playing Aunt Sally in Huckleberry Finn in 1984. (Pictured above)

 
Most of all, we remember her wonderful smile and her delight in making the magic of live theatre.

 
Carolyn was a gift to Charleston Stage and her gift will always be with us.

Julian Wiles
Founder and Producing Artistic Director
Charleston Stage