THEATER

Theater

WITH FOUR PRODUCTIONS EVERY YEAR

STUDENTS HAVE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE

 

FINE ARTS

DEVELOPING  GIFTS AND TALENTS

Brentwood Academy offers both Set Design and theater arts classes in addition to performance opportunities. Students in the theater program showcase their talents and learned skills as performers, av techs, set designers, hair/makeup techs, production team members, and well-rounded artists.

Each year, students have multiple opportunities to audition for and be a part of the several theater productions with the fall play, The middle school play/musical, and the upper school musical.

Shortly after school begins, auditions take place for the fall play, a straight show with no music. The middle school play or musical is often a student’s first stage performance, and the show supports cast members with all levels of stage experience. In the spring, Brentwood Academy presents the annual upper school musical with a rich history of being one of BA's most-loved shows. 

1 PETER 4:10 (NIV; BA THEME VERSE 2001-2002)


Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

BOX OFFICE

To view our upcoming performance dates and to purchase tickets, please view the BA Box Office.

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MEET THE FACULTY

KELSEY SUMRALL
CARI CHEETWOOD
SHANE McCONNELL

 

KELSEY SUMRALL

Kelsey Sumrall is originally from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She has an undergraduate degree from Harding University in Theatre Education. After teaching at Harding Academy in Searcy, Arkansas she moved to New York City. While in New York, Kelsey completed a Master’s equivalent program at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting. 

Kelsey has been a part of numerous theatre productions both on stage and off. Some of her favorite roles include Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth," Maggie Cutler in "The Man Who Came to Dinner," and Wednesday Addams in "The Addams Family Musical." 

Prior to teaching at Brentwood Academy, Kelsey led the theatre program at Ravenwood High School for 4 years. Each musical production was nominated/awarded Nashville High School Musical Theatre Awards in categories such as Direction, Lighting, Costumes, and more. 

Kelsey attends Otter Creek Church where she sings on the praise team very regularly.  

Kelsey joined Brentwood Academy as the Theater Director and Theater Arts and Appreciation Teacher in 2024. She is delighted to be a part of the Brentwood Academy family.

 

CARI CHEETWOOD

Cari Cheetwood is originally a California native who moved to the Nashville area 6 years ago. She is absolutely thrilled to be part of the Brentwood Academy family.

Cari graduated with an undergraduate and Master’s degree in Theatre and Education from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. She has been both a teacher and performer in the Theatre for more than 20 years. Cari has performed in hundreds of shows over her career and found her passion in creating choreography for musicals while working in Los Angeles.

Since 2002, Cari has been certified as a Dale Carnegie and Associates Trainer where she was recognized as one of the top trainers within her local California organization and was then heralded as #7 of the top 10 trainers worldwide for the Dale Carnegie International Corporation.

Cari is very proud of her family and believes they are her greatest gift and accomplishment. Derk is her husband of 17 years, and she has three beautiful children Kylie (15), Audrey (12), and Cody (8).

 

SHANE McCONNELL

Shane McConnell has been a Nashville studio singer for 20 plus years. He can be heard on recordings by Garth Brooks, Wynonna Judd, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, The Newsboys, Natalie Grant, Dolly Parton, Chris Isaak, Rob Mathes, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney, Call of Duty, and The Sims video game. He has also been part of the Michael W Smith and Amy Grant Christmas Tour for nearly 10 years.

Since 2006 he has been a member of the Gaither Homecoming family, performing on Homecoming videos, studio projects, and at live events. He also owns his own studio where he enjoys producing and recording with some of the top artists in Gospel Music. Shane joined Brentwood Academy as Theatre Tech and Set Design Instructor in 2022.

ADMISSION


Our intentional class sizes vary by grade and discipline, all led by faculty who are accomplished in their fields of study, creating an ideal environment for academic growth and success.

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