ABOUT SUMMER STAGE

Practice
Summer Stage introduces young people (ages 9-18) to the infectious joy of the performing arts! Young actors have the opportunity to study with seasoned theater professionals in a nurturing environment as they develop skills through theater games and hands-on activities. At Summer Stage the young people do it all–from designing and painting sets, props, and costumes to running the box office and lights. Young Actors will find their artistic voice and develop self-confidence as they sing, dance, act, create hilarious improvisations, tell stories, and perform for friends, family, and the community.

Julie Tucker – Executive Producer and Tresurer

Julie’s daughter and younger brother participated in the first Summer Stage and her son joined in 2022. Julie enjoyed the first season so much that she made over 150 mini cupcakes for the cast party!  Since then, Julie has joined the staff as our Executive Producer and Treasurer. Her wisdom has kept the program on course for the past 9 years!

“Our community has so many talented young actors and actresses. They are amazing and I look forward each year to seeing them perform. This year’s musical is going to ROCK your socks off!” she said recently about Olympus: The Greek Rock Musical.

Jenna Turner – Music Director

Jenna Turner is an Elementary Education major at Virginia Tech University. She has been involved in theatre since her middle school years in Grayson County Schools. Favorite roles include Olaf from Frozen, Jr. at Grayson High School and Ariel from Little Mermaid, Jr. at Summer Stage 2023! When she is not studying or coaching singers and actors, Jenna can be found playing softball and rooting for her favorite team—the Atlanta Braves!

“I love music and theatre; it makes me feel at home. This is my second year as an intern and I’m so excited to be back!” Jenna Turner said recently.

Ian Montgomery

 
Ian Montgomery is a Hillsville native who has loved music ever since he was a young child because of the joy it brings to people. He is returning for a third season as a music intern with Summer Stage. Past music accolades include Virginia Honors Choir, the All District Chorus, and the very prestigious All Virginia Chorus! He has participated in the American Choral Directors Association Conference and currently leads the praise and worship team at Reed Island Baptist Church.
“I am absolutely excited to be returning to the Summer Stage family!” Ian said recently.

Allyson Martin

Allyson Martin is a rising senior at Grayson County High School and is returning for her second year as an intern at Summer Stage. She has been acting since 2018 at both Summer Stage and Grayson County High School. Out of her many roles, the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz and Miss Hannigan in Annie Jr. are her favorites. Allyson won a Silver Key in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her poem “Fractured Echoes.” She aspires to become a Motion Picture actress and a writer. She is a bubbly and enthusiastic individual who hopes to “enlighten every mood around her and show young individuals how to be their best self.”

Noah Wilkes

Hi! My name is Noah Wilkes, and I played Charlie Cowell in Music Man Kids (2019) and the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (2022) at Summer Stage. I grew up in Mt. Airy NC and now attend Liberty University where I am majoring in Film Production and Content Development. I have performed in many plays and musicals at the Andy Griffith Playhouse and now act and travel with the Kings Players Drama Ministry at Liberty University.
“I love movies, music, and Jesus. I’m so excited to be working as an intern at Summer Stage!”