ABOUT CENTER STAGE THEATRE
Our Mission:
In a world full of uncertainty and negativity, we at Center Stage Theatre want you to be able to enjoy a few hours of hope and happiness as you walk through our doors. Center Stage Theatre's mission is to create world class entertainment in Eastern Idaho that the whole family can enjoy together.
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We believe that live theatre can provide opportunities for anyone to learn something new about themselves, and see how wonderful life really is! We hope to become not only the number one "thing to do" in Eastern Idaho, but to bless the lives of all those who walk through our doors. Whether that be a patron, actor, or staff member, we want all to leave better than when they came.
Our Founding Team:
Justin DaBell
Born and raised in Pocatello, Justin has grown up onstage in eastern Idaho. since 2004, he has been performing and directing in the Pocatello, Idaho Falls and the Rexburg areas. Justin was fortunate enough to perform for 5 summers at the well-respected Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone, Montana (2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016). He has performed in Pocatello at the Old Town Actors Studio, ISU Summer Repertory and most frequently at the Mystique/Palace Theatre in Chubbuck. At the Palace Theatre, Justin was able to perform in over 20 main stage shows and assistant direct and act in the 2013 production of “The Wizard of Oz” as well as direct the hit 2018 fall production of “Sister Act” the musical, 2020's "A Christmas Carol Live Radio Show" and the 2021 Spring Production of "Cinderella". Justin also has experience working in the type of theatre he is hoping to produce here in Eastern Idaho. While living and working in the Salt Lake City Area, Justin was able to perform and learn from the owners and producers of the Hale Centre Theatre in West Valley Utah as they moved from their old location to their new state of the art performing arts Centre in Sandy, Utah. Here he was able to learn what audiences in the Idaho and Utah areas expect in entertainment- a family-based experience with no sacrifice to quality. Upon moving back to Idaho his goal has been to create the same setting for the people in this area as well as the aspiring actors, directors, choreographers and other artists that make this collaborative art happen. Justin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre with an emphasis in Performance and Direction from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
Steve and Lesly Morton
Steve and Lesly Morton have called Southeast Idaho home for more than 30 years. They have loved raising their four daughters here and love the family values that are supported by the community. While raising their children, the Mortons were heavily involved in community theater. Steve and Lesly consider those theater experiences as wonderful, bonding times for their close family. As a result, their family members have a lifelong love of performing arts, and they greatly value the power of good story telling.
Both Steve and Lesly are educators. Lesly teaches middle school English while Steve works as a high school administrator. They have shown by example the high priority that education has for their family. Lesly has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and Steve has a doctorate degree in Educational Administration. They are excited to join their love of theater and education at the Center Stage Theatre and the opportunities that it brings to the community. Families can enjoy wholesome story telling together and maybe even share the stage by participating in performances. The Broadway Academy offers aspiring performers a chance to hone their skills and learn the various aspects of theatrical performance. Steve and Lesly are both super excited to be a part of such a worthy endeavor.
Steven and Rachel McKee
Steven and Rachel McKee are thrilled to be joining the Center Stage Theatre team! They have a love for the theater and always dreamed of someday taking part in one, so when the opportunity presented itself, they jumped on it! Performing in local theater venues is where the two met and eventually started dating, and the rest is history! They both consider theater and performing a large part of their youth that helped shape them into who they are today. They are excited to take part in bringing the amazing vision for Center Stage Theatre to life! What a blessing this theater will be to Southeast Idaho.
Steven is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He loves his profession as a counselor and currently runs Center Counseling in Pocatello. Rachel earned her degree as a registered nurse. After working off and on for several years, she now stays busy at home "full time" with their 5 awesome kiddos. Steven and Rachel also began a new business: Proactive Living, where they offer individual life coaching and an array of group trainings focused on self improvement and emotional management. They love living and raising their family in Southeast Idaho and are excited about this new venture to bring wonderful family entertainment to their community!
Brad and Emily Forsyth
Brad & Emily Forsyth are excited to be a part of the development of the Center Stage Theater and are eager to bring quality entertainment and education to southeast Idaho. In addition to supporting CenterStage Theater, they both work full-time in the consumer healthcare product industry and run a successful real estate business. Both are BYU graduates and hold MBA degrees. Brad’s work experience includes product development engineering, project management, and team management. Emily works in regulatory affairs evaluating product development strategies, formulas, labeling, and marketing for children’s supplements. Both are dedicated to strategic business analysis, and bring organizational, project management, risk mitigation, and financial advisement skills to the CenterStage Theater organization. Growing up, both valued developing musical talent, which has given them an appreciation for seeing the arts thrive in strong communities. They live in Salt Lake City with their toddler and also enjoy hiking, climbing, and traveling.
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Brandon and Mikayla Taylor
Brandon and Mikayla are thrilled to play a role in bringing family friendly entertainment to southeast Idaho. They are both passionate about the Center Stage Theatre and can’t wait to see it grow over the coming years.
Brandon is a corporate business attorney and real estate developer in the Rocky Mountain Region. Brandon’s experience in the legal field, federal government, and private sector provides him with a comprehensive background to help Center Stage grow into a thriving business. Brandon’s professional career has taken him to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and a prestigious Natural Resource Firm in Denver, CO, before returning to the Rocky Mountain Region.
Mikayla is a 5th Grade Teacher with a passion for education and empowering youth with knowledge and zeal for life. Mikayla is particularly excited to help provide insight and direction to the Broadway Academy. Mikayla has travelled the world on humanitarian trips and loves to serve in her community.
Brandon and Mikayla are ecstatic to be working alongside so many capable individuals to make Center Stage a reality. They can’t wait to share the incredible vision of the Center Stage Theater with you!