ABOUT FIREFLY
Firefly Creative brings theatre to life in ways that are accessible, joyful, and unforgettable. From school tours and fall classes to summer camps and annual outdoor productions, we give kids the chance to learn by doing, build lasting friendships, and create memories they’ll carry forever.
We believe theatre isn’t just about training future professionals—it’s about helping young people grow into kind, confident, creative humans. Every Firefly program is designed to spark curiosity, celebrate imagination, and remind students and audiences alike that they are capable of extraordinary things.
Our productions take place everywhere—schools, libraries, retirement communities, beloved Memphis institutions like the Zoo and the Children’s Museum, and even right in our own driveway. Whether it’s a touring show, an outdoor spectacle, or a class performance, all of our productions follow a Pay What You Can model, because we believe cost should never be a barrier to experiencing the arts.
And while we work hard to put on excellent shows, the final bow is just the beginning. The friendships, inside jokes, and “remember when” moments are what matter most. That’s why every performance ends in a shower of confetti—our way of celebrating the joy of the journey.
At Firefly Creative, we don’t just tell stories. We help kids catch lightning in a bottle.
Mission
Firefly Creative is dedicated to bringing imaginative and engaging musical stories to life—empowering young performers on stage and inspiring audiences of all ages through the transformative magic of theatre.
ABOUT OAKLEY
Oakley Weddle, founder of Firefly Creative, combines a deep passion for theater with professional expertise to bring accessible and impactful arts experiences to young performers across the Mid-South. With 16 years of experience on and off the stage, Oakley has dedicated his career to fostering creative opportunities for youth in his community.
Oakley holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a master’s degree in Strategic Media from The University of Memphis. His journey in theater began at a young age doing church plays and community theater. In high school, he worked at a local theater company, managing social media, coordinating a school tour that reached thousands of students, teachers, and faculty in 2018, and directing, choreographing, and helping produce tons of musical productions with young performers aged five to eighteen. This formative experience fueled his mission to create meaningful, accessible theater for young audiences, leading him to establish Firefly Creative.
Oakley has directed or worked on the production team of over 30 children's theater productions across seven different theater companies in West Tennessee.
Oakley Weddle believes theatre is a tool for transformation. His teaching emphasizes the value of process over product, fostering a collaborative environment where every student feels seen and supported. By giving young performers real responsibilities—from leadership roles to creative decision-making—he empowers them to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of ownership. Guided by the iTheatrics Method, Oakley uses each production as a hands-on learning experience that helps students grow not only as performers but as kind, capable humans ready to impact the world—one musical at a time.