Photography by Leaetta Mitchell

Instructors

Our Instructors have a deep understanding of acting.

Instructor

Michaela Conley

Michaela has degrees in Theatre and Vocal Performance from George Fox University, and has taught theatre in both high and middle schools. An advanced seamstress, sound designer, set designer and professional stage manager, she has developed multiple curriculums for teaching technical theatre. In addition to teaching and directing, Michaela enjoys performing in local musicals both at the Tower Theatre and at Cascades Theatre. She divides her time between the theatre and dance studio, and is the Production Manager for Cascades Theatrical Company.

Instructor

Eve Gjata

Eve Gjata has loved being a part of BEAT since 2019, after being in her first show Oliver! she has been in love with theater ever since! She recently “graduated” into the behind the scenes aspect of working at BEAT, with being an assistant instructor and assisting in different productions. 

She is so excited to be working with BEAT and being in the theater community! 

Instructor

Sierra Kincaid

Sierra Kincaid has been working with children as an instructor, a choreographer, and a youth theater program actor and member since 2015. She’s enjoyed being in theater and dance arts herself since her early childhood, and growing in her teens and early adulthood to instruct with these passions was a dream come true for her. In her life outside of theater, she’s a barista for Starbucks, and a lover of the outdoors. 

Instructor

Peggy Frede

Peggy Frede has taught music, dance, theater and business classes to all ages in several public schools around the world as she followed her Air Force husband in his career. She holds a degree in Music Education from the University of Oregon and a Master of Arts in Business Administration from Bowie State University. She started her career teaching music and dance at Sheldon High School in Eugene and finished her career in Bend where she taught music at High Lakes, Miller and Elk Meadow Elementary schools. She loves bringing out creativity in children through music, movement and drama. She has enrolled her grandchildren in several BEAT programs and looks forward to working on the other side of the curtain.

Instructor

Betsy Green

Betsy Green is really excited to be working BEAT! She has been a part of the Bend theatre community for two years now. She has been in High School Musical Jr., 13 The Musical and Legally Blonde Jr.! Betsy has also done work backstage at Willy Wonka, Mary Poppins and West Side Story. She really enjoys working with kids and the theatre community of Bend! This job will combine theatre and kids education two of her passions! Some of her other endeavors include stage managing for “A Swingin’ Tower Christmas” this past holiday season. Betsy’s experience in the theatre has helped her create a stronger love for all things theatre!

Education Program Manager

Erin Maxon

Erin Maxon is proud to be instructing for BEAT, as well as leading the in-school education program as BEAT's Education Program Manager. Erin is a passionate educator with more than 15 years experience teaching students age 4 to 95, using theatre and ethical facilitation to create the safest place possible for people to try on different aspects of themselves.   She has her Masters in Applied Drama: Theatre in Educational, Community and Social Contexts from the University of London at Goldsmiths, and a BA from UC Berkeley in Anthropology and Theatre and Performance Studies.   Erin has spent time working with numerous educational organizations including but not limited to theatres, schools, refugee organizations, national historic organizations, and internationally-located school boards.  She is so grateful to be spreading the love of theatre to the young people of beautiful Bend! 

Executive Director

Bree Beal

Bree is the lucky person who gets to be the Executive Director of BEAT.  She joined BEAT in 2014 and has been having a wonderful time ever since.  Bree has taught many classes for BEAT and directed 6 plays, as well as 4 recent radio plays.  While she loves doing any type of theatre with young people, her particular loves are Shakespeare, puppetry and slapstick comedy.

Instructor

Emily Albright

This is Emily’s first summer with BEAT. She is currently a senior at the University of Montana where she will graduate with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Emily is very passionate about all things theater, including musical theatre, choreography and  theater education. Emily has been involved with children's dance since her freshman year in college and she hopes to inspire local youth to follow their dreams and reach for the stars. When Emily is not in the theater, she loves floating the river and spending time with her senior beagle, Lulu.