Leadership
Jackson Rader - Company Manager
Jackson Rader is a trained actor and theatrical director from Maryville, TN. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Lee University holding degrees in Communications, Theater, Digital Media, and Graphic Design. During his time at Lee, he traveled across the United States with the University's prestigious traveling theater troupe, Kingdom Players. He also trained under the Technical Director of Lee University's theatre program and helped design, build, and execute plans regarding scenic layouts and set pieces for many shows. Jackson performed in several shows at the university with his favorite show being Tuck Everlasting (The Man in Yellow).
Jackson currently works with the award-winning children's theater company Broadway Center for the Arts, as their Company Manager and Director of Education. In these roles, he directs 8-10 shows per year, teaches acting classes, trains the Junior Theater Festival team, and directs their summer camp programs. He has trained hundreds of students in their craft. In his spare time, Jackson is a professional digital artist who enjoys traveling to comic conventions and regional art festivals where he displays and sells his creations.
Amanda Rader - Producer and Co-Founder
Amanda Rader: Amanda is a 1994 cum laude graduate of Wake Forest University with degrees in Speech Communications and Sociology. She has worked in the television and radio industries for over 35 years (Gateway Radio Works, WXII-TV, WVLT-TV and Beyond Media Television). She is the former Director of
Development and Marketing for The Episcopal School of Knoxville. She enjoys giving back to the community and has been an active volunteer and served in leadership positions with various organizations over the years including Big
Brothers/Big Sisters, Akima (a local Women’s Service Organization), The Knoxville Advertising Federation, and various ministries at Cedar Springs Presbyterian church.
She is also one of the co-founders of Broadway Center for the Arts and is very dedicated to creating opportunities for children to experience the joy of theater and the arts. As the parent of a child with special needs, she is passionate about making
the arts available to neurodiverse and physically diverse populations. Mrs. Rader has most recently joined the staff at Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs as their Marketing Coordinator. Amanda also serves as the Executive
Director of Arts for All, a local non-profit dedicated to supporting local theater companies, schools and artistic organizations as well as advocating to make the arts
accessible to all audiences.
Dustin Rader - Artistic Director and Co-Founder
Dustin is a 1996 graduate of the University of Tennessee with
degrees in Broadcasting and Business Management. After many years in the television industry, Dustin founded Beyond Media Television where he has dedicated his professional career to producing over 1,000 hours of television programming for
over 21 networks, including winning a Regional Emmy among other professional awards. Dustin became involved in children’s theater when his oldest children (now adults) “caught the theater bug.” After several years as an active volunteer and
board member in a local theater organization and also teaching theater classes, Dustin discovered the need for additional opportunities for children to experience the joy of theater in the East Tennessee area. To that end, he and his wife founded
Broadway Center for the Arts in 2019. Dustin now divides his time professionally between producing shows for HGTV, serving as an adjunct theater professor at Maryville College, and traveling to direct live events and concerts all over the country.
Dr. Hannah "Dr. Costumes" Barnett - Lead Costumer
Laura Taliaferro - Principle Music Director
Laura Taliaferro has her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Music Education from Carson-Newman University and The University of Tennessee respectively. She also has a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Baptist University of Florida. Laura has over eighteen years of private voice instruction for students of all ages. Formerly, she was an adjunct vocal instructor for Walters State Community College in Sevierville, TN. She has
music-directed dozens of shows, including children's community theater, high school productions, and on the collegiate level.
Matt Mimbs - Guest Music Director
Matthew Mimbs is a Knoxville-based singer, actor, music director, and collaborative pianist and holds a Bachelor of Music in Church Music with a Minor in Theatre from Carson-Newman University. He has been involved in over 30 shows with CNU, Encore Theatrical, Word Players, Clarence Brown Theatre, and BCA. He is an active member of Knoxville Choral Society and Knoxville Chamber Chorale and has been a featured soloist with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Matt is the Director of Music and Arts at 2nd Presbyterian Church in Knoxville and Adjunct Music Faculty at Walters State Community College.
Jenny Ribble - Guest Music Director
Jenny Ribble has been teaching voice students for the past three years and recently completed the "Every Child Can" early education course through the Colorado Suzuki Institute. She is a design major at Maryville College and is a member of the MC small choral ensembles and concert choir. Some of her favorite roles with BCA have been Ursula (The Little Mermaid), Nancy (Oliver!), and Miss Hannigan (Annie JR.).
What is BCA?
What is BCA?
What is BCA?
Broadway Center for the Arts is an award-winning children's theater company dedicated to serving East Tennessee. We believe in the transformative power of theater and its positive impact on communities, children, and audiences alike. Each year, BCA brings 8-10 shows to life on various stages including the fabulous Nutt Theater and Flex Th
Broadway Center for the Arts is an award-winning children's theater company dedicated to serving East Tennessee. We believe in the transformative power of theater and its positive impact on communities, children, and audiences alike. Each year, BCA brings 8-10 shows to life on various stages including the fabulous Nutt Theater and Flex Theater at the Clayton Center for the Arts allowing many opportunities for children and our community to experience the joy of top-tier theatrical productions.
Opportunities
What is BCA?
What is BCA?
From classes and camps to a traveling Junior Theater Festival team and hilarious 24-Hour Musical experiences, we provide a variety of engaging opportunities for children to be creative, forge friendships, have fun, and grow. Join us in our journey to nurture young talent and create unforgettable theatrical experiences for everyone.
Mission
What is BCA?
Mission
Our mission is to inspire creativity, grow confidence, and foster an appreciation for the arts in an inclusive environment.