About Us
Beacon Performing Arts is a group of theatre loving individuals who have come together to help bring quality theatre to the community. We all have a passion for performing, as well as a passion for cultivating a love of theatre for those who perform in and attend our productions. We started Beacon because we saw the need in our community for a safe environment for children and adults to come and share their
God given gifts and talents on the stage. We value each other's unique talents and callings and strive to help each person find their gifting,
and share it with those around them.

Amber Bird
​Founder/Director

Amber grew up in the Southeast's Largest Professional Children's Theater, and studied musical theater for over 9 years. She has performed in over 30 productions, directed and written over 5 full length musicals, and starred as the leading role in a BFA thesis film that won numerous awards, including first place at the Robert Redford Sundance Festival. Her favorite roles include​ Bonnie in Anything Goes, Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, and Annelle in ​​Steel Magnolias. Amber enjoys cultivating a love of theatre with her students.

Matt Bird
Co-Founder/Set Designer

Matt has been designing and creating since he was a child. He studied graphic design and is the sole graphic artist for Mason Jar Label, an apparel and accessories brand. Matt has designed the digital backdrops and set for over 5 productions, but his favorite creations were the many operating machines for Victory's Christmas productions of Milly Monka, and a Delorean for Back to the Nativity. He also dabbles a bit as an actor in roles such as Jesus in Godspell, Oz in Christmas Movies in Oz, and A Wise Man in Back to the Nativity.

Lauren Abell
​Music Director

Lauren is finishing her second year at the University of North Texas, where she is majoring in both Music Education and Vocal Performance. She has been the Music Director for Enchanted: The Musical, and Victory's Christmas production of Milly Monka, as well as taught voice and piano to students of all ages across the DFW area. On stage, her favorite roles include Miss Dorothy Brown in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Alice Beineke in Addams Family, and ensemble in Godspell and Mary Poppins.

Christian Anderson
Assistant Musical Director

Christian Anderson is a vocal music education major at the University of North Texas. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Beacon! He has had many roles in past plays and musicals. Charlie Brown in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, Cleante in “Tartuffe”, Will Masters in “Bus Stop”, Jake in “Band Geeks”, and Andrew Carnes in “Oklahoma!” are among his most recent. In addition to theatre, Christian teaches private voice lessons and is the director of music ministries at First United Methodist Church in Grand Prairie, Tx. He is looking forward to graduating and beginning perusing work related to theatre and choral conducting.

Olivia Faglie
Choreographer

Olivia is a competitive dancer, currently studying at The Sparks Academy of Dance. She has been in competitive dance for over 4 years, a gymnast for 7 years (4 years competitively), and a student helper in ballet & tap classes. She has graced the stage in Victory's Christmas productions of Milly Monka, Back to the Nativity, and ​Christmas Movies in Oz.

Rodney Mcmillian
Choreographer

Rodney is an undergraduate student at Texas State University, studying choreography & dance. He has appeared on stage as Chino in
 West Side Story, and other productions such asNewsies, Parade, and Singing in the Rain, which was chosen to perform at the South Korea theater festival.