MEET OUR STAFF
All of our senior teachers in dance and theater are current or former professional performers. They continually enhance their teaching skills with advanced workshops and classes around the country, performance work at the Playhouse, productions at other regional theaters and dance companies, and in New York training studios. Our student instructors have trained for years, and have performed with the Playhouse professional company and directors extensively.
Weslie Webster
Director of
Education
Glee, Private Instructor
Weslie has been teaching at CCP since 1993. She holds a BFA in Musical Theater from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and has trained and performed in cities all across the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, DC. She performed as Julie Jordan in the Original Broadway National Tour of Carousel. Weslie has directed many CCP productions including The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, Peter and the Starcatcher, Smoke on the Mountain, Sanders Family Christmas, Seussical, SpongeBob, Junie B Jones, and The Wizard of Oz. As a resident company member at CCP, you may remember her as Grizabella in Cats, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!, Madam Rose in Gypsy, Desiree Armfeldt in A Little Night Music, The Chaperone in The Drowsy Chaperone, the Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias, Emily Wheelock Reed in Alabama Story, Jessie Mae in A Trip to Bountiful, Mrs. Teavee in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. In 2016, Weslie was recognized with an Outstanding Teacher Award from the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts and was recently awarded a First Night Award for Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Play. She bought a house in the fall of 2012 and is now proud to call Crossville her permanent home!
Caitlin Schaub
Education Administrator & Lead Teacher
Advanced Ballet and Pointe
Caitlin has been teaching at CCP since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Science from Arizona State University. She began her training at three years old and has spent over twenty years learning and studying all forms of dance. She began competing at age six and won numerous high score awards, titles, and special awards throughout the East Coast. She trained at Northern Ballet Theater (Nashua, NH), New England Civic Ballet (Lawrence, MA), Dreyfoos School of the Arts (West Palm Beach, FL), The Harid Conservatory (Boca Raton, FL), and was a trainee at Boston Ballet. Caitlin has danced multiple Nutcrackers (Sugar Plum, Spanish, Dew Drop, Snow Queen, Soldier Doll and Harlequin), and at age 11, was the first non-company member to perform Clara with the Granite State Ballet’s Professional Company. She even got the chance to perform The Nutcracker in Culiacan, Mexico in 2004. She has performed as Cinderella in Cinderella and had the role of Hope created for her in Doreen Cafarella’s Coppelia. She has performed the Grand Pas de Deux from Don Quixote, and numerous original works while a part of the Northern Ballet Theater’s Youth Ensemble. She soloed with Chautauqua Summer Intensive and the American Ballet Theater’s Summer Intensive at Tribeca Center. Caitlin’s focus shifted to theater in 2006 when she worked with American Repertory Theater in their production of Romeo and Juliet, but ballet will always be her first love and she is so thankful that she gets to share her knowledge and passion with the students in the T3 program!
Peri Watson
Education Outreach Coordinator
Elem. MT/Acting, Int. Musical Theater, Private Voice Instructor
Peri grew up in Murfreesboro, TN and found her love for theater at The Arts Center of Cannon County where she worked as the Event Coordinator and as a consultant for the Arts Education Department. She taught acting classes for 2 years at the Summer Youth Conservatory and has been involved in several School Matinee Series shows, including Aladdin Jr. (Assistant Director / Music Director), Frozen Jr. (Director), Junie B. Jones Jr. (Director) James and the Giant Peach Jr. (Assistant Director), A Ghost Tale for Charles Dickens (Technical Director), and Finding Nemo Jr. (Director). Additionally, she has worked both on and offstage on several Mainstage shows in the Middle TN area, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Esmeralda), 9 to 5 (Maria), Titanic (Caroline), The Secret Garden (Ayah), Cinderella (Music Director), The Christmas Schooner (Alma), School of Rock (Co-Director), Bright Star (Lucy). Peri currently works at The Cumberland County Playhouse teaching Musical Theater classes and giving private vocal instruction. She was recently a clinician at ThesCon, and has been a guest speaker for theater classes at public and private schools in Middle Tennessee. Peri is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies and a minor in Music Industry. In her free time, she sings with the Middle Tennessee Choral Society.
Jensen Crain-Foster
Education Administration Coordinator
Elem. & Int. Contemporary, Intermediate & Advanced Jazz, Private Instructor
Jensen grew up dancing at the Playhouse and is so thrilled to be able to teach and share her love for dance in the same place that inspired her so much while growing up! She has been dancing for over 20 years and has been teaching for the last seven. Jensen studied dance at Western Kentucky University, where she participated in master classes from Alvin Ailey and Angelica Burgos.
Daniel Black
Intermediate Acting
Daniel is a 27-year veteran of the Cumberland County Playhouse. This Crossville native started his career as an intern on the Playhouse stage. Since then, he has been a part of over 300 productions, here and all across the country. Popular credits have been Lord Farquad in Shrek, Jerry Gorman in Flight of the Lawnchair Man, Ellard in The Foreigner, Cosmo in Singin’ in the Rain, and of course, every male role in Smoke on the Mountain. Daniel has been a teacher for several years and has taken part in many summer camp performances. He is a musician of many instruments and has even learned to juggle! “Possibilities are endless in theater; we must embrace challenges with our eyes open and our hearts filled!”
Camille Conner
Dance Sampler, Mini Ballet/Jazz,
Tiny Dancers
Camille Conner is thrilled to be teaching Dance Sampler and Mini Ballet/Jazz. She has lived in Crossville most of her life and began dancing at age 3. Growing up she took ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and pointe classes, with her favorite being jazz and modern. She went to Tennessee Tech University where she was on the dance team for a year and a half. She has a degree in Early Childhood Education and is a PreK teacher at Homestead Elementary. She and her husband have 2 children. They enjoy playing outdoors and just simply being together. She is so excited to be teaching dance again. She loves helping little people find their love in dance while creating a strong foundation with their technique.
Karla Corder
Baton (all levels)
Karla Corder was 5 when she fell in love with dance and performing at Lisa's School of Performing Arts in Wytheville, Virginia. She participated in cheer, dance, weapons, baton, flag, and theater. She graduated Fort Chiswell High School as a 1 year Co-Captain and 3 year Captain for Dance and Colorguard. Karla competed nationally with Wythe Harmony and Fort Chiswell Forte. She continued performing throughout college and also began her teaching career at Fort Chiswell High School for Colorguard/Dance (2001-2003). In 2007, she became the Colorguard/Dance Instructor for Cookeville High School and now begins her 2nd season as the Colorguard/Majorette Instructor for the CCHS Jet Pride Marching Band. Karla has since acquired 5 certifications for specialized dance in Barre, Technique, DNCE, Hip Hop, and Jazz, which she has transitioned into Dance Conditioning and Fitness for college dance teams and professional performers.
Ashley Gentry
Int. Ballet, Pre-Pointe, Adv. Contemporary, Int. & Adv. Tap
Ashley is honored to be an instructor for the Education Program here at the Cumberland County Playhouse. As a young performer, the CCP is where she grew to love the arts. Ashley holds a BFA in Performing Arts with an emphasis in Dance from Western Kentucky University. She has worked in theatre and dance education since she was fifteen years old, when she was a student teacher here at the CCP. In 2008 she joined the staff at the Capitol Arts Theatre in Bowling Green, KY where she served ultimately as their Youth Theatre Coordinator until 2012. Ashley has trained in many disciplines including ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, musical theatre styles, and of course, tap! “Dance and Theatre education is so important in the lives of all young people. I am so excited to bring my training and experiences home to educate and inspire a new generation.”
Darbi Green
Elem. Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Clogging, Dance Sampler
Darbi’s love for theatre and dance began right here at CCP. She started taking classes in 2007 and soon after began auditioning for shows. Her teaching journey began in 2014 as a student teacher, and over the years, she has taught various levels of tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary. In 2019, Darbi moved to McMinnville, where she choreographed several productions for Dream Reality Group (Grease, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid) and The Arts Center of Cannon County (A Christmas Story). She then spent three years in Nashville, performing as a dancer with Scott Bass Productions and 70s Jukebox Countdown. During this time, she also worked as a dance teacher for an after-school program, helping to bring the arts to middle schools. Additionally, she trained in line dance and country two-step at Country Fusion. Darbi is thrilled to be sharing her passion for the arts with so many and is excited to continue inspiring students through dance and theatre!
DeAnna Helgeson
Intermediate & Advanced Clogging
DeAnna began clogging at 4 years old with the Clogging Cuties. She then joined Thunder Edition Cloggers, beginning her 11-year career as a competitive clogger. She won countless awards throughout her career, culminating with the Southeastern Clogging Company winning the 2007 World Championship. DeAnna is a returning resident company member and artistic assistant to the Producing Director.
Heather McCall
Dance 360, Private Instructor
Heather grew up at the professional ballet school, Carolina Ballet Theatre in Greenville, SC. Her dancing experience lasts for upwards of 25 years and she is thoroughly trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Flamenco, Pilates, and Strength and Conditioning. She has been teaching ballet and voice lessons professionally for over 6 years now and enjoys spreading the love and knowledge of music and dance. Heather has also music directed many junior musicals, such as The Jungle Book, Willy Wonka, and Aladdin, and hopes to continue to inspire young minds and growing professionals throughout her career.
Regina Pullin
Advanced Musical Theater
Regina joined the CCP family in 2023 and she is so excited to take on her newest role as part of the T3 staff! Born and raised in Sparta Tennessee, Regina began singing at two, rooted in the gospel church. But her love for theater came later in high school. Regina attended Trevecca Nazarene University majoring in musical theater. However, in 1999 she joined the US Air Force, thinking her dreams of singing and acting were over. But as fate would have it, two years later she was selected to be a vocalist for the US Air Force band in Washington DC where she remained for 18 years. She has performed all over the world and for the world's highest military officials to include six US Presidents. She also entertained troops on eight deployments and shared the stage with many celebrities such as Kool and the Gang and jazz greats George Duke and Al Jarreau. Regina retired from the Air Force in 2020 after serving 21 years. She moved back to her hometown with her husband Jake and son Chance who also performs at CCP.
Michael Ruff
Advanced Acting, Hip Hop
Michael graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2004 with a double BA in Musical Theatre/Acting/Directing. Michael has been a student teacher at the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival (2001-2004) and the Assistant Director of the Chorvetts Stageworks Company (2003/2004). He was a Camp Counselor for Camp Wishbone in 2001, a camp for kids infected with and affected by HIV. Michael loves teaching the kids here at CCP, and started the Hip Hop program at the Playhouse in 2008. He truly believes that the children are our future.
Marian Sullivan
Glee Accompanist
Marian Sullivan has called Crossville home for the past 25 years. Not long after moving from California, she was invited to join the pit musicians for a production of ANNIE with Annie Crabtree as music director. Annie then introduced her to Weslie Webster and a lasting friendship was born. They are returning to their roots with this collaboration of Intermediate Musical Theater. Marian has been the accompanist for GLEE and, most recently, was the music director for THE SPONGE BOB MUSICAL, YOUTH EDITION. In addition to her work at the Playhouse, she also gives private piano lessons, currently working with ages 7-70+. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Biola University and a post-graduate certificate in Liturgical Studies from Notre Dame.
Ron Smith
Tumbling
Coach Ron Smith has had decades of experience in the sport of gymnastics, both as a competitor and coach. A two-time national trampoline champion and world silver medalist, Ron was selected as the USA team coach to several international championships throughout the world. A retired teacher and gym owner from Mobile, Alabama, Ron has had the opportunity of working with fine arts students, many of whom went on to scholarships and professional careers both on Broadway and various fine arts institutes. Ron is now looking forward to adding a fourth threat (Tumbling) to our students' achievements. Ron and his wife, Marisa, have fallen in love with our area and enjoy hiking, kayaking, pickleball, and, of course, coming to our CCP shows. Feel free to contact Ron for further information on the tumbling program.
Kristin Walker
Broadway Babies, Mini Musical Theater
Kristin's first onstage experience was right here at CCP, back in the 1980s. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and is a teacher at South Cumberland Elementary. She enjoys sharing her love of musical theater with all of her classes.
Jenna Williams
Mini Tap, Mini Hip Hop, Extraordinary Dance/Tap, Private Instructor
Originally from Flagstaff, Arizona, Jenna moved to Crossville in 2019 and joined our teaching staff in fall of 2020. She has been dancing since she was 5 years old and received her B.S. in Dance from the University of Idaho. Although she is trained in jazz, tap, hip-hop, and ballet, her main passions are hip-hop, jazz, and tap. She has performed in Arizona, California, Idaho, and New York with different dance groups. Jenna has coached for the cheer and dance team for the Special Olympics and loves to perform and teach all ages!
Carson Brown
Elem MT/Acting, Int Acting
Carson has been at the Playhouse for 2 years and is looking forward to many more! This is his first year assisting with classes after assisting with SPARC summer camp earlier this year, and he is super excited! He loves the opportunity to help teach the great, growing talent at CCP.
Taylor Dearman
Teacher Substitute/All Classes
Taylor is a graduate of Stone Memorial High School and a proud former T3 student. She has danced at The Playhouse since she was 3 years old and has been an assistant teacher for 5 years. She has performed on the CCP stage since she was 6 years old, starring as Tinkerbell in Shrek the Musical in 2014. Since her start at the Playhouse, she has performed in many other CCP professional productions as well as Dance performances. Taylor is so happy to be able to teach “her babies” what she loves- a passion and love for dance.
Zoey Detweiler
Dance Sampler, Tiny Dancers, Tiny Twirlers, Spotlight Majorettes,
Int Jazz, Contemporary
Zoey has been attending classes at CCP since 2021 and has loved every second of it. She is so grateful for this opportunity to help assist this year and share her love of theatre with the littles.
Harper Hadden
Dance Sampler,
Elem Contemporary
Harper is a dedicated CCP T3 student who has been part of the program since 2021. She brings energy, focus, and a genuine love of performing to everything she does. Harper is excited to work with and encourage our newest rising stars as they begin their own journeys.
Piper Hamby
Mini Ballet/Jazz, Joy of Tap, Elem Ballet
Piper has been an active member of CCP for five years, beginning her journey with the SPARC Summer Camp, where she most recently served as an assistant instructor for younger students. Her performance credits at CCP include The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2022), Frozen Jr. as Young Elsa (2023), ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (2024), and The Wizard of Oz (2025). Piper continues to refine her talents through eight classes in the T3 Triple Threat program and as a member of Glee, performing at various events throughout the community. She considers CCP her second family and cherishes the opportunity to grow, perform, and create lasting memories alongside her “Bestie for the Restie” and closest friends.
Elle Lisic
Elem Jazz, Elem Tap
Elle began dancing at the age of 3 and hasn’t stopped since! She first performed at CCP at age 6 and has since appeared in 12 stage productions, gaining experience in multiple dance styles. Her favorites consist of Lyrical, Jazz, Baton, and Ballet. In 2024, she stepped into the spotlight as Nemo in Finding Nemo Jr., with other credits including Frozen Jr., Wizard Of Oz, Peter Pan, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Elle loves sharing her passion for dance with others and enjoys helping younger dancers build confidence, develop their skills, and discover the joy of dancing.
Ava Lillie Moody
Elem MT/Acting, Int Acting, Broadway Babies, Mini MT, Int MT
Ava Lillie has been at the Playhouse for 9 years. She has also been in 8 shows and taken 3 years of classes. This is her first year assisting with classes, and she is stoked!!!! She loves kids, and is so excited to have the opportunity to help out this year!
Sarah Norris
Elem & Int Hip Hop,
Joy of Dance
Sarah has been a T3 student and CCP performer since 2017. Past favorite roles include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Elsa in Frozen Jr., and Beth Bradley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Sarah is excited to share her love of music, theater, and dance with the next generation of Triple Threat students!
Hannah Parrent
Mini Tap, Mini Hip Hop, Ext. Dance
Hannah is a 14-year-old who has danced at CCP for 8 years and has been in many plays over the that time.
She is so excited to be assisting with mini tap, mini hip hop and Extraordinary Dance this year!
Breanna Sias
Broadway Babies, Mini MT,
Ext. Dance
Breanna has been dancing and acting at CCP since 2022 and continues to grow in her talents under the dedicated training of CCP’s expert staff. She is excited to share her passion for the arts with upcoming T3 students and can’t wait to see them shine! Breanna’s fun-loving and creative nature easily draws the littles into attentive learning collaboration.
Kendall Walker
Int. Contemporary, Jazz,
Elem. Clogging
Kendall has enjoyed being a part of the T3 program since 2015. She has taken classes in every form of dance offered and has been in over 16 CCP productions. Kendall loves sharing her passion by assisting in classes with the up-and-coming future stars of the Playhouse!
Henley Willis
Mini Ballet/Jazz
Henley has been a part of the T3 Program for 5 years and has enjoyed her time training in a wide variety of dancing, singing, and acting classes. She has performed in 10 CCP productions, where some of her favorites include Middle Elsa in Frozen Jr., Britannia Sneed in Twas the Night Before Christmas, and the ensemble of The Wizard of Oz where she also served as Dance Captain. She is so excited to assist in teaching, and to help introduce younger performers to this place she calls home.