DR. SAM GERMANY

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Dr. Sam R. Germany, Jr. is the Founder and Director of Family Music Theatre, and serves as the President of Generations Institute for the Creative Arts. His acting career (which included over 30 roles in musical theatre, summer stock, and opera) gave way to directing as a major focus in 1993 with the founding of Family Music Theatre.

Dr. Germany holds a B.A. in Music Education, M.M. and D.M.A. in Vocal Performance. This musical training, combined with 38 years as music faculty member at Cedar Valley College (DCCCD), provides him a unique and profound platform from which he serves as music director, vocal coach, and rehearsal/performance accompanist and piano conductor for FMT performances.

Dr. Germany's tenure as a professional educator at Cedar Valley College was noted for accomplishments with 2000 and 2001 Community Service Awards, several Excellence in Teaching Awards, and most notably the 2007 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award. He is also a Texas State Minnie Stevens Piper Professor from 2007.

He began his adventure with FMT when his sons Brandon and Samuel were quite young. Knowing how time consuming the job would be, he wanted to be able to bring them with him to rehearsals. This is why the value of keeping our productions "safe for the entire family" came to be. Eventually his children would join him on stage and literally grow up in this safe, family environment.

This deep value has become a cornerstone for the FMT family. Over the years, Sam and his wife Teri have enjoyed watching countless people from all walks of life make this group their family and home.

Today, Dr. Germany continues to influence multiple generations with his musical and life leadership.

STACIA WOODLAN

CHOREOGRAPHER

Stacia Woodlan is the owner and primary teacher of Stacia's School of Dance. She has an extensive background in dance training, teaching, and choreographing dating back to age 6.

Stacia began her dance training under the instruction of Jill Rauscher in Houston, Texas where she studied ballet, tap and jazz. She took classes from Patsy Swayze, mother of film star Patrick Swayze, during her teenage years.

Stacia began her musical theatre career when she choreographed her own high school senior musical, "Guys and Dolls." Stacia then went on to Southern Methodist University where she was captain of the Pom squad, and led them on an international performing tour to Tokyo, Japan.

Stacia graduated from SMU in 1984 with a BFA in dance performance and dance education. She spent her summers performing in various shows at the Moody Outdoor Theatre in Galveston. After graduation from SMU, Stacia began teaching classes for Texie Waterman, the founder of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and took the drill team director position at DeSoto High School. In 1987, she opened Stacia's School of Dance where she continues to teach classes for ages 3-18.

In 2007, Stacia joined Dr. Germany's team as the choreographer for Family Music Theatre. She has choreographed The Music Man, Suessical, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, Singin' in the Rain, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Into the Woods, Newsies, 42nd Street, and many more. She was nominated for Column Awards for her work on FMT's Newsies and FMT's Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Stacia completed her Masters of Fine Arts in Dance at Southern Methodist University in December 2010.

DEE LONGINO

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Denise Longino serves the Technical Director for Family Music Theatre and Vice President of Generations Institute for the Creative Arts. She is a professional educator, ardent advocate of servant leadership, and has invested decades in educating and mentoring youth, peers and professionals.

Denise holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technologies and a Master of Education in Instructional Technologies from American Continental University. She is also a Jill-of-all-trades, applying her skills in everything from set design and lighting in theatre, and creative lesson planning for her Career and Technical Education courses. She is always willing to take on new projects, and is always willing to take on challenging or "Impossible" tasks.

Denise approaches life with wonder and joy, and is devoted to passing this on to everyone she meets. She is a true visionary, and invaluable member of the FMT leadership team.

DAVID JOHNS

STAGE MANAGER

For more than a decade, David Johns has served as the Production Stage Manager for Family Music Theatre. During his tenure he has helped to produce more than 40 shows, and is deeply loved and respected by all he has worked with.

David also serves as the Director of Financial Operations for Generations Institute for the Creative Arts. His leadership in this area provides the organization with the systems, processes, and accountability necessary to insure both fiscal responsibility and long-term success.

In addition to all of his responsibilities with FMT and GIFCA, David works as an Office Manager for a local real estate office and is a licensed Texas Realtor^®. He also volunteers at his church, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Cheryle and their son, Michael.

DAVID CURRY

PROP MASTER

David is an honors graduate of Harvard University and has been performing since the age of six with Dallas Summer Musicals, Garland Summer Musicals, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma City, and Reagle Players of Boston, along with many outstanding appearances onstage with Family Music Theatre. He has served as the Prop Master of FMT since 2012 and takes great pride in bringing true-to-period props and pieces to each production.  David's generous provisions of authentic props are carefully selected to appropriately compliment the vision of each production.