Meet the creators

Book Signing with Author and Playwright
Saturday, February 15th, 2025
2:15pm-3:00pm (After 1:00pm performance)
3:30pm-4:30pm (Before 4:30pm performance)
Location: SCT Lobby

Stop by our book signing station in the lobby to meet Thelma Lynne Godin, author of The Hula-Hoopin' Queen, and Gloria Bond Clunie, the playwright who brought this beloved story to the stage! Copies of The Hula Hoopin' Queen are available at the Stage Door Store in the lobby! Get your copy signed, chat with the creators, and celebrate this vibrant tale of friendship, determination, and community.

Post-Show Q&A with Author and Playwright
Saturday, February 15, 2025
After the 1:00pm and 4:30pm shows
Location: Charlotte Martin Theater

Stick around after the performance for an engaging post-show Q&A with Thelma Lynne Godin, author of The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, and Gloria Bond Clunie, the playwright who adapted this delightful story for the stage. Don’t miss this special opportunity to hear about their inspiration, creative process, and what it took to bring this heartwarming tale to audiences!

Thelma Godin, Author

Writing and sharing books with children has always been a passion for Thelma Godin, who is an award-winning author. Her first book, The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, received several awards including a starred review from Kirkus, The Charlotte Zolotow Award, Best of the Best Books from Chicago Public Library and Outstanding Achievement in Children's Literature from the Wisconsin Library Association. Thelma also had the honor of having Hula Hoopin’ Queen read by Oprah on Storyline Online and was thrilled when her book went on to be adapted for children’s theatre by the esteemed playwright, Gloria Bond. The Hula Hoopin’ Queen is now being performed for young audiences around the nation. The Hula Hoopin’ Queen was inspired by Thelma’s time living and working in an urban environment with children of diverse backgrounds and was informed by her degree and experience in social work and as a school librarian.

Additional books by Thelma include, How To Dress A Dragon, Hush A Bye Night: Goodnight Lake Superior and the soon to be released board book, HUSH A BYE NIGHT: GOOD NIGHT UP NORTH.

Thelma currently lives along the shores of Lake Superior with her husband Pat and her dog Pip where she writes, gardens and dreams up new stories.

Gloria Bond Clunie, Playwright

Gloria Bond Clunie is an award-winning playwright, educator, and director. She is a founding member of the Playwriting Ensemble at Chicago’s Regional Tony Award-winning Victory Gardens Theater where her plays North Star, Living Green, and Shoes premiered and the founding Artistic Director of Evanston’s Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. Other TYA works by this Northwestern University graduate (B.A. Theater, MFA-Directing) include Last Stop on Market Street, My Wonderful Birthday Suit, Giraffes Can't Dance - The Musical, and Dream, Quickie! Dream! Currently, she is excited to be in the midst of commissions for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Nashville Children’s Theater and the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.

Community Partners

Double Dutch Divas est. in 2021 is all about bringing community and families together. Double Dutch Divas focuses on the growth and promotion of the sport of Double Dutch, educate students about how their heart works and how to stay healthy, getting the community active.

LiviJoyHoops is a local hoop-crafter and Hooper, building and creating durable hoops for kids and adults, from beginners to advanced. Hoops by Livi are easier to use than store bought hoops, and they last a long time--creating an even greater experience of accomplishment and Joy in the circle!