Shelly Higgins Hughes has extensive experience in the world of theatre as an actor, director and writer, however, her true passion is children’s theatre and educating through art.  After graduating from Flagler College with a degree in psychology, Shelly began working in theatre.  While working as an actor at the Cedar Street Theatre in Los Angeles, Shelly became involved with a “Trauma Drama” group and worked with young people with developmental, behavioral and physical challenges in a theatre setting.  It was there she discovered her passion for working with children and a love of children’s theatre.

Locally Shelly has worked as an Activities Therapist at Daniel Memorial and was the Educational Outreach Director at Theatre Jacksonville before coming to the JCA to create our Theatre Department 26 years ago.

Shelly writes and directs all the shows for our Magic Wardrobe Theatre educational series, teaches theatre and dance at the JCA, and produces and directs the Performing Arts for Children (PAC) shows.  She is the Director of our Sababa Theatre Camp and serves as the American Camping Association liaison for the JCA. Shelly also has a passion for Holocaust education and has written and produced three award-winning educational plays about the Holocaust.

Having moved 14 times while growing up, Shelly loves traveling with her family and friends, and hiking in the wilderness with her pups, Jake and Eli.