It was time for Tiffany McGehee’s family to find a new home, and the timing was perfect. The family just moved to Rhinebeck where McGehee’s husband, Rev. Austin McGehee, is the new rector of The Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Rhinebeck, and Tiffany was just named director of Rhinebeck High School theater productions.
The couple and their two sons, now Chancellor Livingston Elementary School students Alban and Wesley, are happy to be part of their new community.
“We started the process of looking for a new community and church. This one popped up,” she said. “We are incredibly excited it all worked out and we are in this community – just really great people.
The McGehees previously lived in Mississippi where Tiffany started the teen program and served as artistic director of the Meridan Little Theatre. In 2024, the Mississippi Theatre Association presented McGehee with the Outstanding Contributions to Community Theatre award.
“The fact this opportunity opened up at the same time as we were moving here was perfect timing,” she said. “I wasn’t done with my work in Mississippi, but I did think it was time to start something new and challenge myself in a new way artistically. I’m just over the moon that this position was even open.”
McGehee added the reputation of Rhinebeck schools played a role in her family relocating here.
“School was very important, the school atmosphere and the level of education they’re getting,” she said.
McGehee met with students at the start of the school year and auditions began this week for the fall production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.”
“We had a little meeting and we had a workshop to kind of see their abilities,” she said. “We played some theater games, showed them some techniques. I loved how they were completely committed. They were just ready to participate, eager and enthusiastic. I think that’s really exciting. I didn’t have to encourage anyone to try and participate; they were all willing to participate.
“I’m really excited to see what we’re going to do together.”
Students and staff were excited to meet the new director.
“She’s super enthusiastic about the fall play,” said senior Amaia Hayes.
Laura Natalie, high school drama club adviser, added, “The students were really excited to meet the new director and learn her vision for our program.”
McGehee is originally from New Jersey and earned her bachelor’s degree in theater from the City College of New York. She received her master’s degree in theater education from Mississippi University for Women.
McGehee is excited to see how all the parts come together for “Our Town” and shared what the community should expect when they attend the performances on Nov. 14-16.
“I think you should expect the full range of human emotion,” she said. “Everyone should be prepared to see great characters.
“There is a little bit of audience interaction. The stage manager talks directly to the audience so you could feel you’re a part of this story as this character talks to you.”