Our Theater-The Marilyn Nelson Theater at Studio B Performing Arts Center

 

Studio B Performing Arts Center has been providing live theater, acting classes, and workshops in The Center since 1999. During the first year, Studio B was under the direction of our first Artistic Director, Pamela Putman Whittaker who had just twelve students with a desire to perform.

When Studio B began in 1999, it was part of The Academy of Fine Arts, which was owned and operated by Sarah Tedesco, whose family (The Nelsons) donated the building and land for its use as the academy. The theater itself was dedicated to Mrs. Tedesco's mother, Marilyn Nelson, who was instrumental in bringing the arts to the community. The very first show Studio B performed with the Academy of Fine Arts was Willy Wonka.

Soon, The Academy of Fine Arts closed and had left the community without a place where children and teens could participate in drama and musical theater so with a donation from the Attrell family to purchase costumes and props, a small drama program was developed with Pam at the lead.  Jim Attrell chose the name Studio B for the group. That first summer was a small production of Sleeping Beauty using the lunchroom of a local middle school for its performances.

Small theater classes were conducted in the Highland Village Fire Department’s meeting room and in the spring, classes were moved to the more spacious Highland Village Police Training room at City Hall.

Two years later, the Highland Village Parks Foundation bought a large building (the same building where the Academy of Fine Arts was housed) to house a Teen Center and Studio B. A small stage (much smaller than the one today), space for costumes and props, and rooms for drama classes were provided. The first community musical theater production on this stage was Annie. With a permanent home, a dedicated space, and endless dedication to the arts and to families, Studio B was able to grow and flourish until it is now recognized as one of the premiere community theaters in the area.

The theater went from a few classes and one summer production to classes for students ages 4 to adult, 6 children’s productions, multiple summer workshops, adult productions, and community theater productions.  Many of the young drama students have grown up and become successful theatre professionals or have continues their love of the arts in other ways.

Thanks to The Highland Village Parks Foundation, Pamela Putnam Whittaker, The Attrel, Tedesco and Nelson families, the City of Highland Village, Highland Village Parks and Recreation, The Academy of Fine Arts, and the families of those original drama students, Studio B was established and continues to serve the local community with classes, children’s productions, and community theatre productions.

Pamela Putman Whittaker was at the helm of Studio B until she moved in 2007 and Robin Hackett was hired as Artistic Director. I (DeAnna McDearmont) was hired as Managing Director alongside Ms. Hackett and soon after took over the role of Executive Director until the summer of 2013 when I moved out of the area with my family. During this time we expanded the offerings of Studio B with more classes, workshops and productions and worked to bring much-needed technology and an online presence to the theater.  Jen Adame was named Executive Director in the summer of 2013 following my departure and soon after, Elizabeth Watson, who served as a director and instructor stepped in as Artistic Director. She was integral in running the theatre and continued to help it to grow.

Over the 20 years of Studio B, we have many, many individuals and families who have volunteered their time and resources to our theater. Our theater could not function without those who have spent countless hours directing, teaching, volunteering backstage, building sets, painting, making props and costumes, running fundraisers, sponsoring and running the box office. Today, Studio B is run by an all-volunteer board but the mission and objectives are the same as they were in 1999. Studio B continues to grow and still strives to maintain a family-friendly environment while providing the local community with quality live theater throughout the year as well as providing top-notch theater training to students of all ages.

 

Our Mission

Our mission, since 1999, is to encourage participation and appreciation of theatre, music, and the arts overall. Studio B strives to foster creativity and develop skills in acting, musical theatre, voice, dance, script development, and all around knowledge of the stage and theatre. Studio B prepares students for further studies in this genre and genres associated with it. Through classes, workshops and productions, we endeavor to create an atmosphere of creativity, imagination, collaboration and independent thinking. Through performing arts, the young and old alike can build self-esteem and confidence. Most importantly, Studio B unites the community and brings families together.

 

Studio B Performing Arts is located at 2400 FM 407, Highland Village, Texas in the building called The Center. Our street address is sometimes also referred to as 2400 FM 407 @ 1 Nelson Parkway or 1 Nelson Parkway.

We are located near the intersection of FM 407 and Morriss Road/Highland Forest, behind the Just Brakes and Hidden Pines Wedding Chapel.

Map to Studio B

Studio B Performing Arts Center occupies about 8,000 square feet in The Center. This includes our Theater with a seating capacity of 100, our lobby and box office area, Dance Room, The Actor’s Green Room and backstage area, the office and tech area.

Our theater seats about 100 and our stage is ever-changing according to our current production.
Most of our musical theater classes are held in the theater.


Our large dance room with wall to wall mirrors is perfect for choreography rehearsal or a large meeting space.

Our spacious lobby and box office area.

Actors green room and prop/costume storage.

We RENT OUR FACILITIES when they are available,  Email studiobtheater@gmail.com for info!!

Studio B Rental Brochure

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 

Jarrette Moore-President/Board Chair

Jarrette Moore grew up in New Port Beach, CA and has lived in Flower Mound for the past 25 years. Ms. Moore earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology and business and a Masters of Arts in psychology from Texas Christian University. Currently, she works full time at USBG, a national non-profit, as Director of Marketing and Communication. She has previously worked at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas as a Diagnostician in Pediatric Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas as the Clinical Manager in the Psychiatry Research Center and at the Eating Recovery Center at Baylor Plano as Operations Manager. Ms. Moore has a strong background in volunteerism as well. She has volunteered at Studio B for the past eight years and served on the volunteer board for five years. She has served as the Studio B Board President for the past three years and was responsible for initiating a full functioning Executive Board for the theater. In addition, she spends her time volunteering with the Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association and has been a volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House for the past 20 years. Ms. Moore and her family are actively involved in giving back to both their local and surrounding communities.

 

Sasha Taylor-Vice President/Interim Treasurer

Sasha Taylor and her four children Alexis, Teagan, Harper and Olive are Lewisville residents and have been actively involved with Studio B since 2012. Before her children were born, she worked in software support management where she recruited and trained employees. Currently, she works in the office at Founders Classical Academy. All four of her daughters participate in various ways at Studio B and Mrs. Taylor now serves at the Vice President and Interim Treasurer to the Executive Board for Studio B. She also volunteered with the MOMS Club of Lewisville serving as the Membership Vice President for two years, Chapter Vice President and President and served as the state coordinator for three years for both Texas and Oklahoma.

 

Karen Lott-Secretary

Karen Lott graduated from Texas A & M in 2001 with a BS in Recreations, Parks and Tourism Sciences. She has worked with Haverty’s Furniture since 2001 as the Title-Operations Manager, where she oversees all operations for ten stores in the Dallas market including facility management, oversight of 28 employees, employee training, and audits. Ms. Lott began her involvement with Studio B in 2012 where she auditioned and was cast in an adult production. She has served on the Studio B board since 2013 and currently serves as the secretary. Ms. Lott volunteers her time at Studio B stage managing, light and sound design, training others to use the tech equipment and assists with classes and box office duties. In addition, she is an active member at First United Methodist Church in Lewisville and for the past three years has served as the acting president of the women’s service group, coordinator of the annual citywide Thanksgiving meal serving 1000 people, serves on the hand bell choir and vacation bible school. She is also an active volunteer with the Leesville Cemetery Association where she plans and runs the annual fundraiser to fund the maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery and church and heads up the scholarship fund for local graduating seniors.

 

DeAnna McDearmont-Advisor

DeAnna McDearmont graduated from Texas Woman’s University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism. Mrs. McDearmont and her husband Scott have two grown children, Ryan and Kaitlyn. Her career outside Studio B includes working as a full-time staff writer for The News Connection and contributor to The Lewisville Leader. In addition, Mrs. McDearmont worked full time as a freelance content writer and copy editor. She still occasionally does some freelance writing and editing. Mrs. McDearmont has been involved with Studio B since 2005 and served as Executive Director until moving out of the area in 2013. During her time as Executive Director, Mrs. McDearmont expanded the offerings of Studio B, and worked to bring much-needed technology and an online presence to the theater.  She still continues her involvement with the theater directing productions and serving on the Executive Board as an advisor. In addition, Mrs. McDearmont volunteered her time serving on the PTA board as Vice President, Arts in Education Chair and Publicity Chair, served as both Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and is a life time member and volunteer of the Humane Society of Lewisville. She now lives in Sulphur Springs serving on the board for the Sulphur Springs Symphony League and the Hopkins County Health Care Gala Committee.

 

Jessica Johnson-Consultant

Jessica Johnson grew up in Niceville, Florida in a military family and developed a love for singing as a child. She participated in church and school performing groups through college. In college, she attended the University of South Alabama on a vocal scholarship and was an active member in an audition-only vocal ensemble with the University of South Alabama. Mrs. Johnson later transferred to San Angelo State University and earned a BS in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration. After college, she joined the top four public accounting firm KPMG in the Assurance Services practices in Dallas. Today, she is a certified Public Accountant and Director at Citigroup in the Financial function, where she manages over 500 employees. When she is not working, Mrs. Johnson enjoys spending time with her husband Randal, and two children Olivia and Jake. She likes to volunteer for their school events and helping Studio B as a board consultant

 

Karen Tipton-Consultant

Karen Tipton is a Highland Village resident with a Performance Music and Arts degree from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. Mrs. Tipton and her husband Buster have two grown children, Eric and Alexis. Her career highlights include working for Learjet as a Material and Inventory Control Analyst, working as the Administrative Assistant to VP Flight Maintenance for PHH Air and Project Manager for Wm F Hurst Company. Mrs. Tipton also worked as a professional storyteller at Arts Partners in Kansas and Artists in School in Orange County, California. She continues to serve as a freelance artist in North Texas and is affiliated with the Dallas Storytelling Guild, and the Tejas Storytelling Association. She has a long history volunteering with Studio B as well. Since 2004, she has been actively involved and has served on the volunteer committee and Executive Board, where she currently serves as a consultant to the board. Her participation with Studio B has spanned over 45 productions as actor, director of community and adult productions, set designer, prop producer, scenic artist and costume designer.

 

Shayleigh Ward-Consultant

Shayleigh Ward is a graduate from University of North Texas and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts. She is currently employed full time as a program manager for the United States Bartenders Guild where she works closely with contractors and volunteers to bring educational content to bartenders across the United States. Ms. Ward has been involved with Studio B since 2016 where she serves as a class and workshop instructor and director for community productions and children’s workshops. She dedicates her time creating and facilitating superior arts curriculum. Her work is focused on utilizing theater to help students exercise their critical thinking skills and is centered around  four domains of development. She is also an active playwright and actress in the DFW area. Ms. Ward currently serves on the Studio B board as a consultant.

 

Elizabeth Watson-Consultant

Elizabeth Watson is a Texas native who holds a degree in Vocal Music Education from Midwestern State University. Currently, she is a full time second grade teacher in Coppell ISD. Previously, she worked as a preschool teacher at DKH Academy in Highland Village while serving as an instructor, music director, director and Artistic Director at Studio B.  She has a passion for theater and loves to share that passion with others. She has many years of both theater and vocal training. Elizabeth has starred in musicals such as West Side Story and The Wizard of Oz as well as the opera production Die Fledermaus. She continues to volunteer her time with Studio B as a consultant to the Executive Board assisting the board as needed.

 

Studio B is a non-proft community theater that relies on the support of the local community. The support Studio B receives enables us to continue offering quality productions and scholarships for students.  There are many ways to support Studio B and we offer many levels of sponsorship. 

UPCOMING SPONSORSHIPS NEEDED:

Set Sponsors, Costume Sponsors, Photography, and more... For:

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH

COCKTAILS WITH MIMI

ENCHANTED SLEEPING BEAUTY

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

Interested in being a Studio B Sponsor? Please contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Fidelity Charitable - The Jusinski Family

The Highland Village Parks Foundation

The City of Highland Village

UPS Store - Flower Mound

 Tickets to the City

Verf's Grill & Tavern, Highland Village

 

 

 THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY DONORS:

Adam & Jennifer Auten; Jeff & Kara Broeker; Theresa Carrell; Ron & Lynn Chapman; Judith Collins; Walter Collins; Josh Duré; Fran Hackley; DD Haines; Vicki Hart; Jessica & Olivia Johnson;
Dee & Harrison Leggett; Connie Lott; Brad, Monica & Brynn McClatchey; Scott & DeAnna McDearmont; Patirck Meyer; Jarrette, Shelbri & Franki Moore; Trish & Zoe Pappas; Melissa & Logan Politz; Vicki Politz; Deborah Powell; Emily & Emma Powell; Joe Ray; Shelley & Marissa Rohlik; Terry Ross; Johnny, Morgan & Sarah Sanchez; Karlie Saumier; Talitha, Taylor & Laine Schmidt; Sasha, Alexis, Teagan, Harper & Olive Taylor; Buster & Karen Tipton; Jeffrey Widyn; Hilary & Makai Williams; Greg, Shannan & Juliet Wolter; Tickets to the City; and Multiple Anonymous Donors!

 

 

Studio B relies on lots of volunteers and we love people (of all ages) who come to help out! We train our students (and parents) to not only work on stage, but to work behind the scenes, too. They often assist with set building, painting, prop making, costume making, working backstage and running the lights and sounds. The Highland Village Parks Foundation supports us in many ways, but also keeps our theater and building in shape. The Studio B Volunteer Committee works alongside the Board of Directors and are often found behind the scenes, running our box office, and assisting/coordinating community events. 

 

  

 Interested in volunteering and/or joining our Volunteer Committee? 

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how you can help!


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