PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

Having begun her own theatrical training at Dayspring, April has a unique understanding of the program and how to help students achieve their full potential in a limited amount of time, all while passing on her love for theater to the next generation. With a BFA in Theater from Stephens College April has directed more than 30 musicals here at DaySpring. Some of her favorites include Finding Nemo (2024), Les Miserables (2021), Beauty and the Beast (2018), and Jane Eyre (2015).

Michaela graduated from Missouri Baptist University in 2025 with a B.M.E in Vocal Music Education and a B.A in Worship Leadership. She is currently employed as an elementary music teacher in the Francis Howell School District. She has previously worked at Dayspring as the music director for the Mini Mary Poppins and Mini Moana musicals. Michaela is very passionate about inspiring young musicians and building music literacy skills in students of all ages!

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Katie Orr is an actor, props designer, scenic artist, and teaching artist working for professional theatre companies in the St. Louis area as well as at DaySpring (as a musical theatre and tech theatre instructor). Teaching, especially in the arts, has been a passion of hers since she was in classes herself. Being a quirky kid from a small town, the arts provided her with a sense of belonging, and it was then that she made it her mission to continue to give kids that same opportunity.

Some professional tech theatre credits include: Cabaret (New Jewish Theatre Company), Eddie & Vinnie (Metro Theatre Company), Galileo Galilei (Opera Theatre St. Louis), White Christmas (Missouri Baptist University), Professor House (Contraband Theatre Company), Romeo & Zooliet (Shakespeare Festival).

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Jenny graduated in 2024 with a BA in Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Missouri Baptist University. She has performed in a variety of roles over the past fourteen years, participating in over 40 shows as a performer, choreographer, director, painter, lighting designer, set designer, and more. Most recently, Jenny has performed with The Paul Bunyan Playhouse and STL Rhythm Collaborative in their professional seasons. Jenny also loves teaching and works as a dance instructor, musical theatre teacher, and acting coach.

I have always loved building things, being taught by my grandfather and father in their respective woodworking shops the basics of how to bring an idea to life from scratch. I graduated from Samford University with a degree in Theatre, where I quickly put my skills to work building sets for multiple grand stage performances. After college, I worked with high school-aged kids as the Technical Director/Shop Foreman for a performance of "High School Musical", where I continued to use my gifts and my love of the arts to bring things to life.

Fast forward 20 years and an ongoing career in Workers Compensation, my family has been a part of DaySpring for a few years now with my children having taken dance/theatre classes. Getting connected again with my love of building things and the arts through DaySpring this past summer has been a great blessing, and I look forward to imparting my knowledge and love of the arts to the next generation for years to come!