Dad’s Garage Managing Director Katie Pelkey’s 11 Good Things

Every week, ArtsATL asks a member of the Atlanta arts community to share 11 things on their mind. We hope you enjoy getting to know these people better.

Katie Pelkey is a passionate leader in the performing arts, serving as the managing director of Dad’s Garage Theatre Company. She spent nearly two decades at Aurora Theatre, where she helped drive growth, secured $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief funding and played a key role in launching the Lawrenceville Arts Center. At Dad’s Garage, she’s blending strategic leadership with her love for creativity, ensuring the theater thrives both on stage and behind the scenes.

Here, in no particular order, are her 11 good things. 

1. Slush. A Midwest classic! Frozen orange juice, lemonade, sugar, water and green tea — mix, freeze, scoop and top with Squirt. Best enjoyed in the cold months, ideally with some kringle or puppy chow (made with Crispix, not Chex, obviously).

 2. TVY (Theatre for the Very Young). The Alliance’s work in this space is pure magic, creating immersive, imaginative experiences for our tiniest theater lovers and their caregivers.

3. Commuting. I hate traffic, and don’t get me started on driving a Saab on I-285 when I first moved to Atlanta. But that alone time in the car — whether it’s NPR, catching up with my parents or just silence — is my daily reset.

4. Mamoun’s falafel. As an NYU alumni, Mamoun’s was a West Village institution. Now I can get it delivered to my Atlanta office. Dreams do come true.

5. Swimming. I was the kid who refused to go in the deep end. Now my two fearless little boys can’t get enough of the water. Every Sunday, we head to Swim Atlanta for lessons, and, for holiday breaks, we’ve started a new tradition — booking a room at Renaissance Atlanta Waverly so they can swim while I enjoy the hot tub. Win/win.

6. Laughter. At Dad’s Garage, our mission is to transform people, communities and perspectives through laughter. We have such a great staff, and the way that they have welcomed me into the Dad’s family in these first 90 days was something I really needed.

7. Rothy’s. If they’re good enough for Meghan Markle and Reese Witherspoon, they’re good enough for me. I never mastered heels, so ballet flats are my forever shoes. Who needs arch support in their late 30s anyway?

8. Cold brew with cinnamon. I don’t drink coffee. I drink Starbucks.

9. Puppetry NOW special exhibition featuring Raymond Carr. A must-see exhibit at the Center for Puppetry Arts, spotlighting an incredible local Atlanta artist. Go. Now.

10. Holiday Movies. My kids and I are still watching The Grinch (2018) on Friday nights in our jammies while drinking our slush. The world is heavy — sometimes, you just need a little silliness.

11. Going Outside. I’ve been terrible at stepping away from my screen. My 2025 goal: 15 minutes of fresh air daily (and finally starting a skin-care routine).