SHANE BURKE, DIRECTOR

Shane Burke has been teaching at Eastside High School and Coeburn Middle School since 2009. During his time with Wise County Public Schools, he has directed eleven state-winning one-act plays and numerous school musicals and plays. He received a Bachelor's in Music Education from East Tennessee State University and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction: Theatre Pedagogy from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Shane lives in Norton, VA with his beautiful and talented wife, Amber, their three children, Matthew, Jenna, and Andy, a clumsy poodle named Dolly, and a dramatic chihuahua named Cricket. He has enjoyed working on James and the Giant Peach with such a talented and committed group of young artists.

MELISSA GALLIHER, MUSIC DIRECTOR

This is Melissa Galliher‘s 5th summer as music director and it is such an honor for her to be a part of the WCPS Summer Arts Academy team. Melissa has taught for 27 years and this will be her 20th year teaching in Wise County. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy and a Master’s degree in Music Education from Florida State University. Along with working at St. Paul Elementary School, Melissa is a very proud mom, a teacher with the Lyric Children’s Chorus, and a church musician. She is so proud to have the privilege to watch these fabulous students blossom on the stage.

AMBER BURKE, CHOREOGRAPHER/COSTUME DESIGN

Amber Burke holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from East Tennessee State University and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from James Madison University. For the past 14 years, she has taught vocal music in public school systems, where she continues to share her passion for music and performance with students of all ages. Outside the classroom, Amber enjoys directing youth musicals with All An Act Theatre Project and has choreographed a wide range of productions. She believes strongly in the power of the arts to build confidence, discipline, and community. Watching young performers discover their voice—both on stage and off—remains one of her greatest joys. Amber lives in Norton, VA with her husband, Shane, and their three children—Matthew, Jenna, and Andy.

ALYSSA STIDHAM, ASST. MUSIC DIRECTOR

Alyssa is thrilled to serve as the assistant musical director for James and the Giant Peach with WCPS Summer Arts Academy. Alyssa is the choir director/music teacher at L. F. Addjngton Middle School and Central High School. With many years of experience in the arts, Alyssa has worked with talented casts and creatives to bring musicals to life, overseeing music direction, conducting, and working behind the scenes on a variety of productions, including SpongeBob the Musical, The Addams Family Musical, Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Annie, and The Little Mermaid. She is thankful to get to spend another summer working with the Performing Arts Academy cast and crew! 

TREY STIDHAM, ASST. DIRECTOR

For as long as he can remember, Trey has been a passionate advocate for the arts, especially throughout Southwest Virginia. He is honored to serve as the Assistant Director for James and the Giant Peach with the WCPS Summer Performing Arts Academy. Trey currently works as the Theatre Director at Union High School, where he has directed and produced a range of productions including Wiley and the Hairy Man, Clue: On Stage, Tuna Fish Eulogy, Annie: The Musical, Mother Hicks, and The Little Mermaid. Trey is grateful to be working with such a talented and dedicated group of students and staff, and he looks forward to the continued growth of young performers in the region.

HEATHER MARCHANT, TECHNICAL DIR./SET, LIGHTING DESIGN

Heather Marchant is the technical director for the theatre department at Eastside High School. She is also the forensics coach and assistant theatre coach. She studied theatre at UVA Wise where she focused on technical design and production. Some of her favorite shows she has worked on include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, and SPONGEBOB, THE MUSICAL. Heather enjoys working with young people in the arts. In her free time, Heather enjoys playing Mario and Zelda, watching bad sci-fi movies, and listening to Taylor Swift.

ANGEL MCREYNOLDS, COUNSELOR

Angle McRenynolds is the nother of two children and grandmother of the love of her new life, Isabella and Johnny. Ms. Angel works for the Wise Co. School system and this is her second year working with the summer arts program. She enjoys travel, spending time with family, and helping children. She is blessed with this opportunity to work with the summer arts program!