Operations Staff

Jessie Beebe

  • Jessie Beebe brings over 25 years of ministry and performing arts experience to STAND. As a speaker, pastor, playwright, and leader, Jessie has dedicated her life to using the arts as a platform for Christ. With a degree in Theatre Education and her ordination as a pastor, she spent seven years as a children’s pastor before touring the U.S. as the host and spokesperson for VeggieTales Live, performing in 30 cities. Internationally, she has ministered in places like Nepal, Africa, Haiti, and Honduras, alongside renowned evangelists like Luis Palau. Through STAND Ministries, Jessie has empowered hundreds of children and teen leaders to use their gifts in performing arts to glorify God. She has also written and produced multiple plays, including No Place Like Home and Forward to the Past, and is a frequent guest on Fishbowl Radio Network’s Vinelife Ministry show. Her passion for creative expression and leadership has made her a driving force in the arts ministry world.

Don Beebe

Renee Norris

  • Renee Norris, STAND’s Artistic Director, brings nearly 30 years of experience in theatre education. She is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists.

    Holding degrees in Theatre and English from Texas Wesleyan University, Renee has taught and directed at Haltom High School, Casa Mañana, Artisan Center Theatre, Stand, and CATS in Arlington. She has also choreographed for Texas Wesleyan University and Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park.

    As a performer, Renee has appeared in shows at Circle Theatre, Stage West, and Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park. She recently filmed an Award Winning short film titled, "Hope" through Artisan Production with Director Chris Gallego-Wong.

    Renee’s husband, Ethan, works in television production and is a local actor. Their daughter, Ellie, is a Forensic Biology major at Sam Houston State, and their son, Dominic, is a senior in high school, preparing for a future in collegiate and professional musical theatre. Her passion lies in preparing her students for their next steps in education, performance, and life.

HAYDEN CASEY

  • Hayden Casey is a dedicated theatre practitioner with BFAs in Acting and Directing. Over the past decade, he has contributed to more than 150 productions across Texas with over 70 unique performance credits. His performance experience includes a national tour, and he has directed for companies such as Artisan Center Theater, STAND Performing Arts Ministry, Runway Theatre, and Upright Theatre Co. Hayden remains active in the DFW theatre community as a performer, director, and set designer, committed to creating meaningful, impactful theatrical work. He is incredibly grateful for Stand and the family they have provided for him.

Ryleigh Andersen

  • Ryleigh Andersen has been involved with STAND since she was a child. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministries, and being with STAND for its full 20 years, she has the perfect grasp of STAND’s foundation which guides her creative and marketing strategies. Her social media experience is youth and ministry-focused, inspired by her internships with local ministries like The Met Church and Gateway Global Ministries. In Ryleigh’s entrepreneurial endeavors, she has developed a keen eye for action photography, video content creation, and relevant social media strategies that shapes STAND’s storytelling presence and brand identity.

Lindsay Huffman

  • With over 20 years in the marketing space and nearly 30 years in the performing arts, Lindsay Huffman has brought her talents to stages and churches alike. She began her career with institutions like The Country Dinner Playhouse and Casa Mañana, appearing in beloved productions such as The Wizard of Oz, The Jungle Book, Anne of Green Gables, and Annie. Lindsay holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's in Communications from Dallas Baptist University, where she was also part of the Legacy Show Choir. Outside of theater, she has led worship for more than 20 years and enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs. Lindsay is passionate about shaping the next generation of performers through her work at STAND.

Shannon Lane

  • Shannon Lane blends her extensive experience in business finance with her lifelong passion for the performing arts. With over three decades of vocal training and performance, Shannon has excelled in choir, show choir, and solo competitions, while actively participating in community theater. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she teaches Toastmasters courses, helping individuals build confidence. As STAND’s business manager, Shannon is passionate about empowering the next generation of performers to shine on stage and in life.

Angela Hooper

  • Angela Hooper has been a dedicated part of STAND for eight years, making her an integral part of the STAND family. As Hospitality Manager, she ensures that every student, parent, and guest feels welcomed and valued. Her deep understanding of STAND’s mission and vision allows her to create a warm, inviting atmosphere where everyone feels at home. With a heart for service and a gift for making connections, Angela helps foster the strong sense of community that makes STAND so special.

Teaching Staff


  • Vocals and Private Vocals

    Carl Andersen has been involved in worship and music since the 8th grade, playing key roles as a singer, acoustic guitarist, electric guitarist, bassist, worship leader, and audio engineer. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Worship Leadership from The King's University and has a deep passion for using music to connect people with God. Carl believes that each person has unique, God-given talents designed to foster both personal growth and meaningful encounters with the Lord. Combining his extensive experience in church worship with his love for artistry, Carl creates authentic worship experiences that inspire and uplift. At STAND, he continues to bring his heart for worship and creative expertise to help others discover their own gifts and build connections through music.

  • PIPs


  • Improv



  • Voice

    Christina Major Davis is an acclaimed American soprano whose powerful and agile voice has captivated audiences around the world. Since 2005, she has performed with prestigious opera companies and symphonies, gracing stages like Carnegie Hall and Broadway. With a full lineup of performances set for 2024, Christina continues to deliver deeply emotional and technically brilliant performances. Her incredible range and passion for music make her a standout performer and a treasured addition to the STAND team.

  • Musical Theatre

    Alison Hale is a dedicated performer, singer, and dancer with more than 10 years of experience in the performing arts. Her journey began in community theater at age 9, and she transitioned to professional theater by 13, earning her Equity Membership Candidate card. Alison has played iconic roles such as Eponine in Les Misérables, Cinderella, and Belle. Now a senior at the University of North Texas, she’s pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Theatre. Alison’s passion for teaching shines through as she helps students discover their own unique, God-given talents in the arts.


  • Acting, Fitness, Choreography, and Community Theatre

    Cameron Byerly is a movement specialist, director, stunt coordinator, and motivational speaker. He comes to STAND with 15 years of experience on stage and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Texas Wesleyan University, Cameron is also a jiu-jitsu practitioner with nine years of experience. He has worked as a stunt coordinator in Los Angeles and uses his expertise in movement to inspire audiences through performance. His work at STAND allows him to bring his passion for creativity and physical expression to a new generation of performers.


  • Childrens Theatre, Vocals, Acting

    Jill Franklin has been a theater director for nearly a decade and a teacher for over 20 years. She starting performing ballet and tap at age 3. Jill went on to earn degrees in Communication and Educational Leadership. She founded a theater arts program at a Christian school, where her students regularly excel in competitions. Now at STAND, Jill is excited to bring her expertise to a new generation of performers, helping them connect with Christ and develop their talents on stage.


  • Childrens Theatre, Musical Theatre Dance

    Bella Lindsey began her theater journey at age 12 and has since dedicated her time to teaching young performers at Artisan Theater and STAND. Her love for theater shines through as she helps students grow in their creativity and craft. Bella’s passion for the arts continues to thrive as she teaches and inspires the next generation of performers, sharing her joy for storytelling and stagecraft with every class.


  • Acting

    Angel Somarriba is an American actor & writer who believes in taking a risk to tell a story. He’s hard at

    work on the first issue of the highly anticipated rebrand of the creative literary journal, Project Haiven

    (formerly Haiven House). Angel has been a part of the DFW theatre community for several years

    spanning many roles such as Butch Defeo in the regional premiere of Amityville’74, The Cat in the Hat in

    Seussical, Henry Jekyll/Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde, Ramon De La Vega in Zorro the Musical, Pheobus De

    Martin in the Hunchback of Notre Dame, which earned him a Column award nomination for best actor in

    a supporting role. He holds a BFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University and has trained with

    Adam Findley on character development and audition techniques. He is pursuing an MFA in

    Screenwriting at Regent University to further his knowledge. “For an actor to effectively do their job,

    they must understand the text, cover to cover before they can truly play in the playground they’re given.”


  • Acting

    Crystal Byerly is thrilled to be entering her eighth year of teaching theatre. Her love for the art form comes from watching students discover their unique talents and using them to create something truly special together. She believes there’s nothing quite like the magic that happens when young performers collaborate, grow in confidence, and bring stories to life as a team.

    In her classroom, Crystal focuses on building a supportive, fun, and creative environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to express themselves.

    She can’t wait to make more magic with her students this year.

  • Musical Theatre

    Ashley has been teaching vocal technique for 20 yrs and directing theater for 8 yrs. She has a BA in voice disorders and loves coupling the science/anatomy of speech with vocal performance. She graduated from the Citrus Singer Conservatory and toured as a classical soloist through Europe and New York, also performing as a pop/R&B vocalist in California and Hawaii. Favorite professional roles include: Sara(Guys and Dolls), Christine(Phantom), Lily (The Secret Garden), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Mayzie La Bird (Seussical), and Hope(Urinetown). Whether acting as vocal coach, adjudicator, music director, choreographer, or audience member, she loves helping students achieve their dreams on and off the stage. 


  • Hip Hop and Choreography

    Deardre Randolph has been dancing since she was two years old and teaching since she was 15. While her expertise lies in hip-hop, she’s also well-versed in jazz, tap, and ballet. Deardre has performed at renowned venues like Bass Performance Hall and was a collegiate pom squad member at Stephen F. Austin State University. As the choreographer for STAND Performing Arts Ministries, Deardre is dedicated to shaping the next generation of dancers by fostering creativity, confidence, and faith through movement.


  • Teams Director

    Miki has been with Stand Performing Arts Ministry since 2018, first as a student, then serving as a teacher, choreographer, and director. With experience teaching both singing and dancing, Miki is passionate about using every gift God has given to glorify Him. Currently a worship leader at The Mount, Miki loves creating spaces where people can encounter Jesus through the arts. Her heart is to serve God wholeheartedly and inspire others to do the same.


  • Vocals

    Zachariah Medina is a passionate musical theatre performer with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. With nine years of choir experience and eight years of vocal training, he has developed a deep love for both musical theatre and opera. His performance credits include productions such as In the Heights, Anastasia, and The Pirates of Penzance.

    From audition preparation to building vocal confidence, Zachariah is dedicated to helping singers strengthen their voices in a fun, focused, and healthy way.



  • Acting, Vocals, PIPS

    Bridgette Marquardt brings her diverse background in acting, vocals, and dance to STAND, where she has been teaching for three years. A graduate of Belhaven University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, Bridgette has trained in classical ballet, modern dance, and numerous other styles. Professionally, she has worked as a voice actor for Funimation/ Crunchyroll, toured with Dallas Children’s Theatre, and directed local productions. As the founder of Chameleon Dance & Theatre Company, Bridgette uses the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and encourage the pursuit of truth.


  • Hip Hop

    Chanie Thomas is a passionate dancer, choreographer, and teacher who has been training in multiple styles—including jazz, hip hop, tap, and contemporary—since the age of two. With over nine years of teaching experience, she brings both energy and expertise to every class she leads.

    Chanie currently teaches at HQ Dallas, Preston Center Dance, and Live Arts Conservatory. She holds an Associate Degree in Musical Theatre from KD Conservatory and is excited to be part of the STAND family, where she looks forward to sharing her love for dance and inspiring the next generation of performers.