Britney Perkinson has always called Louisa County home, but this June, she steps into a new spotlight as she makes her directorial debut with “Little Women” at Louisa Arts Center. The Louisa Players Live! will be led by Perkinson, whose journey from local student to director echoes the March sisters’ story of growth, family connections and appreciation for life’s little adventures.

Perkinson, a 2017 graduate of Louisa County High School, previously attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary and Louisa County Middle School. After high school, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and childhood development studies from Christopher Newport University in 2021.

High school was where she first discovered her passion for theater. “I loved the Louisa County theater program,” she said. “It was definitely what I look back on the most.”

While her college years were not spent on stage, Perkinson has found her way back to the lights, this time as director. “I didn’t do much theater in college but am excited to have been getting back into it since graduating, as it was pretty much my whole high school experience,” she said.

For Perkinson, “ Little Women” is more than a literary favorite. It’s a celebration of learning and progress. She credits her high school mentors for kindling her love for the arts and shaping her approach as a director. “The teacher/ director Jelita Perry was one of my biggest influences when it comes to directing and how I conduct my rehearsals,” said Perkinson. “She also really sparked my confidence on the stage in general. I remember crying during my first musical audition as a freshman and then ended up having a lead role my senior year.”

Family is at the core of this production, both on and offstage. Perkinson said her mother-in-law, Eleanor Perkinson, is not only a producer and actor in “Little Women,” but also one of her earliest theatrical mentors, having been one of her high school directors. “I did a performance of “Princess and the Pea,” she said. “It was my first show not through LCHS theater and at the arts center, and I remember her being so welcoming and really making me realize that I have a love for all theater.”

Eleanor Perkinson has directed other performances that included her daughter-in-law at Louisa Arts Center as well. “She’s really been the one to inspire me and give me the confidence I’ve needed to be able to direct a show on my own,” said Britney Perkinson. “I truly couldn’t do it without her.”

Taking on the director’s chair for the first time, Perkinson admitted, has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. “It’s definitely been a learning process. I think for auditions and the first few rehearsals, I felt like I was more nervous than the actors,” she said. “But as we’ve been rehearsing, I’ve found my rhythm. There’s something so magical about seeing your vision come to life on the stage, especially since this story is so near and dear to my heart.”

Perkinson is quick to praise her cast and crew, whose dedication, she said, has made the journey smoother. She described Louisa Players Live! as an amazing group of actors, some of whom have never been in a production at Louisa Arts Center, and some who have been performing there for years. “They’re so excellent at not only taking direction but also bringing their own spark to the characters and really making them their own,” she said. “They definitely have made my job easy.”

According to Perkinson, stage manager Ally VanLuven, who is also a Louisa County theater alum, has also provided crucial support, handling key logistics and allowing Perkinson to focus on her creative vision. “I’ve learned that it really just takes a village to make a good show happen, and I got very lucky with my village,” Perkinson said. “It has been an honor to work with everyone at the arts center and all of my actors. We’ve really become our own little family.”

Perkinson encourages everyone to come see the performance. “’Little Women’ emphasizes life’s everyday adventures and is a great show for all ages,” she said. “It is a really sweet story that everyone can find a way to relate to.”

Performances will be held Thursday, June 5, at 7:00 p.m.; Friday, June 6, at 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday, June 7, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youth, available at tix.com/ticket-sales/louisaartslist/ 7011. or by visiting LouisaArts.org.