War of the Roses Theatre Company began as a group of friends who wanted to do a show. In the summer of 2023, Scott Worley, Ray Hilton, Kelly Waldyer, Jaime Hilton and a handful of friends brought Much Ado About Nothing to the stage. That production confirmed what we felt – there was a hunger for classic theatre in Lancaster County.
A series of smaller events in 2024 helped us grow, and we were able to produce another full theatrical production in 2025. The Scottish play sold out five performances and allowed us to expand our reach in the community, drawing new performers and audience members to our mission.
Now officially a non-profit theatre company, War of the Roses is providing an avenue for classic theatre to artists and audiences alike.
Our teams are made up of the people in our community – professional actors, theatre artists, parents, students, teachers – even those who dabble in the arts. While levels of experience and education vary, we hold work to a standard of excellence, on stage and off.
Every show or event is an opportunity for artists to play, stretch, experiment, and grow.
Not just new and flashy. We look for opportunities to explore the classics and help every generation experience classic theatre.
Ray and Jaime Hilton have been playing in the theatrical sandbox for a combined 30-plus years. With experience performing, directing, teaching and, well, playing, the Hiltons have been serving the Lancaster community since 2014 in various theatre companies and educational groups helping others grow love for the arts or even discover their first taste for the theatrics. Classic theater, especially Shakespeare (Ray loves teaching it in the area), has become a big love for the Hiltons, as well as their four kids. They have a passion for people, especially those who find themselves to be artists and are looking for a place to play.
