ABOUT SUMMER STAGE

Summer Stage is a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt organization (non profit) serving the young people and families of southwest Virginia and northwestern North Carolina. These rising stars gather each summer to make lifelong friends, develop their talents, and perform for their community.

Mission Statement To develop the creativity and leadership skills of youth through outstanding theater performances for the community.

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.

Leadership and Board

Vicky Town (Executive Director) is a storyteller, director, choreographer, and playwright with over 40 years of arts education experience. She is the winner of three Parents’ Choice Awards

Amber Watkins—Music Specialist has performed as a vocalist and musician on the national and international stages. She is a member of the North Carolina Music Educators Association with over 35 years of teaching, coaching, directing, and mentoring young vocalists and musicians in the south east. Amber is currently the Music Education Director at Graham County Schools in Robbinsville, North Carolina and a founding member of Summer Stage.

Angie Fleming—Music Director

Angie Fleming has been creating wonderful music with children, teens, tweens, and adults in the North Carolina and Virginia area for over 30 years. This is her third season with Summer Stage coaching vocalists, creating soundscapes, and encouraging even the shyest singers. She enjoys watching her singers grow in skill and confidence! Other favorite music projects include directing summer music camps, creating music for Vacation Bible Schools, coaching youth music bands, and everything else in between! Angie is currently a substitute teacher in the Surry County School system. “I know that music can lift the spirit of all who listen, sing, and/ or play. It draws people together and creates an atmosphere of joy for the young and old alike,” she said recently.

Clint McCain—Sound Designer has been fascinated by all things electronic since he was a young man. For many years he could be found hauling sound equipment from place to place for his work as a professional DJ. He is currently the guidance counselor at Independence Middle School in Independence, Virginia. With over 30 years of experience, Clint has worked as a sound designer with the choir department at Grayson County High School, local churches, youth programs, community theatre troupes and more! Clint has been producing the Summer Stage sound since 2018 and looks forward to designing a system for our new space this season!

Young Directors Series

Ian Montgomery

Ian Montgomery is a Hillsville native and a 2025 graduate of Carroll County High School. He’s loved music ever since he was a young child because of the joy it brings to people. For the past two years Ian has been chosen for Virginia Honors Choir, the All District Chorus, and the very prestigious All Virginia Chorus! He recently traveled to Texas to participate in the American Choral Directors Association Conference and is eager to share many new ideas and techniques from the workshops. Ian is excited to start his new journey with East Tennessee State University where he will major in music.

“I am absolutely excited to be returning to the Summer Stage family!” Ian Montgomery said recently.

Jenna Turner

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.

Laurn Tate

Laurn is a rising senior at Grayson County High School. She has been acting with Summer Stage since it started in 2018. Favorite roles include Violet from Wonka Kids and Carlotta from The Little Mermaid, Jr. Laurn excels at comedy improvisation and loves to make people laugh. Karaoke Day was started by Laurn in 2022 and thanks to her leadership it has become a favorite annual event in our program.

“I’m really friendly and can’t wait to start the fun at Rising Stars and Summer Stage this year!” Laurn Tate

Tilda Edwards

Tilda Edwards has been a Summer Stager since 2021 when she performed in High School Musical, Jr. as part of the Thespian group. Since then, she has performed in the Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, Jr., and

Annie, Jr. She has studied voice since 6th grade when she joined the Grayson County Middle School Chorus. Tilda’s passion is technical theatre and she enjoys creating magical props and scenic designs for Summer Stage and Grayson County High School where she is a rising junior. “I’m very excited to work on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jr.! We’re going to create some fabulous special effects and props and I’m excited for all the amazing things we’re going to learn!” Tillda said recently.

Allyson Martin

Allyson Martin is a rising Junior at Grayson County High School. She has been acting since 2018 at both Grayson County 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. Recently Allyson won a Silver Key in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her poem “Fractured Echoes.” Allyson 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.

Bethany Melton

Bethany attends East Tennessee State University and is majoring in Music Education. She has assisted in directing several choirs including the one at Carroll County High School. She enjoys learning new techniques and recently traveled to Texas where she participated in the American Choral Directors Association Conference. Currently, Bethany works as a private vocal and performance coach in the Bristol, Tennessee area and feels passionate about helping young singers and actors experience the joy of performing arts. She has appeared in many different musicals and plays in high school and is excited to collaborate with Summer Stage. Born and raised in Fancy Gap, Virginia, Bethany enjoys the outdoors and gardening.

Our Board of Directors and Friends of Summer Stage are visionaries who understand non-profit governance and raise funds to drive the organization and help offer programs free-of-charge or at low cost for the community

Board Members

Julie Tucker
Debra Martin
Stacie Tate
Vicky Town

Brian Spencer
Mandy Archer
Teresa Nale
Margie Quesenberry
Myra Leonard
Clint McCain
Glenna Myers
Janet Brown
Betty Town
Rose Leonard
Steve Turner
Donald Trausneck
Pat Sexton