Kids Fun & Drama (KFAD) was founded in 1989 by Beloit realtor Marge Austin and educator Cindy Bacon. What began as a small program created for Marge’s granddaughters quickly grew into a vibrant community arts organization serving youth throughout the WI/IL Stateline region.

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Marge believed deeply that every child deserved access to theatre and music education, especially as many local schools were reducing arts programming. Under her leadership, KFAD became a place where students could learn to read music, sing confidently, perform boldly, and discover their creative voice. For more than 31 years, Marge served as Executive Director and Music Director, personally teaching, accompanying rehearsals on piano, and building lasting relationships with families, alumni, and community supporters. Her commitment to ensuring that financial circumstances would never prevent a child from participating remains central to KFAD’s identity.

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Marge remained actively involved until her health declined in 2020 and passed away in April 2021. She was deeply loved by the Beloit community, and her legacy continues to inspire everything we do.

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Following her passing, KFAD transitioned to board leadership while continuing to expand programming and community partnerships. In November 2025, KFAD hired Samantha Hoppe as its first full-time Executive Director, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history and strengthening its capacity for strategic growth, financial sustainability, and expanded educational opportunities.

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Today, KFAD operates from its Beloit studio space and produces performances in partnership with local venues, including Beloit College. The organization has also developed an in-house black box theatre within its studio, allowing for smaller productions, workshops, and year-round educational programming. As participation continues to grow, KFAD remains committed to providing accessible, high-quality theatre education while building a creative community for the next generation of performers.