Like the Dickens, a cappella quartets, began its singing career in the summer of 1992. David Craven (Company Owner & Caroler) and Kelly Treadway (Strategic Partner & Caroler), along with Kelly's husband Greg, were brainstorming together about a holiday entertainment company and happ'd upon the slogan, "Carolers who sing like the dickens” and thus the creation of Like the Dickens.

Like the Dickens started with 1 quartet and two alternate vocalists in December of 1992. The company now in its 20th year has 10 quartets in Atlanta, Georgia and 1 quartet in Nashville, Tennessee. Carolers come from a variety of backgrounds including music education, theatre and opera, as well as other artistic professions - all sharing the love of a cappella singing. Many company members hold bachelor and master music degrees in vocal performance or music education. Others came from theatrical or other performance backgrounds. In previous years auditions were held for new company members. Currently new carolers come into the company from referrals of other members. Occasionally auditions are held for those who hear us singing and ask to come join. One such caroler was a Delta pilot who heard a Like The Dickens quartet singing on Christmas Eve at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Since its first year of operation, Like The Dickens has been Atlanta’s most booked caroling company. The professional look and sound of the group has continued to make Like the Dickens Atlanta's most sought after holiday entertainment company. The company's repertoire is now over seventy songs including madrigals, holiday favorites, comedic pieces and traditional period carols. The costumes are 1840 English dress attire and each caroler has a costume that is designed especially for her or him.

The Company Owner and now Company Manager, David Craven has a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Tech in Architecture Design and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in Directing Theatre. David has worked in commercial and industrial film and now travels January to October as a professional actor/singer/director. As Company Manager he oversees all creative and performance aspects for Like The Dickens. During the holiday season David is costume designer, wardrobe manager, rehearsal coordinator, caroler scheduler and manages caroler payroll for the almost 60 person company. David is also a Bass singer in the company.

Kelly Treadway, Strategic Partner, attended Georgia State University in Theatre and has a background in arts administration. Kelly has worked in Atlanta as an actress/singer and as a commercial/film actress. She's currently the Director of Sales & Marketing for Tents Unlimited / Event Rentals Unlimited. She serves on the Board of the International Special Events Society - Greater Atlanta Chapter. She also serves in a membership committee role for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. She manages all aspects of marketing & sales for Like the Dickens. Her focus includes client bookings of quartets, public relations, account maintenance & collections. Additionally Kelly assist with auditioning new carolers and sings as an Alto in the company. Follow her on Twitter at EventCURIOUS.

In the end this company thrives due to the many talented Atlanta vocalists who graciously return to sing for Like The Dickens year after year. The goal of Like The Dickens is to provide performers the opportunity to have some fun during the holiday season and earn money while having fun. The company was set up to treat performers as professionals, and as such with respect and understanding.

Happy holidays!