STACY JONES
Stacy Jones (Founder & Artistic Director) has loved the theater since she first step foot on the stage as one of the Snow children in Carousel, when she was 5 years old. That love of theater and a passion for teaching students is what propelled her to create Black Cat Theater & Academy.
Stacy holds a B.A. in Telecommunications from Kent State University, along with a concentration in Theatre. She has continued her education with various theater classes throughout the years, but is especially proud to be an improv graduate of the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center, based in LA. Stacy also recently auditioned for The Groundlings’ Improv Core Track and was accepted into their program, which is also based in LA.
She has worked with hundreds of students throughout the years through school based drama clubs and after school music programs. Most recently she was the Director of Education for another local theater school, while also teaching classes in acting, improv and musical theater performance.
She is especially proud of her recent work directing, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The 39 Steps, Bright Star and Frozen JR., to name a few. You may have even seen her on stage in local productions of The Odd Couple (Cecily Pigeon), It’s a Wonderful Life (Ma Bailey), and A Christmas Carol, The Musical (Mrs. Fezziwig/Mrs. Mops).
Stacy resides in The Woodlands, Texas with her husband and two daughters and is very proud that both daughters share her love of the theater!
MATTHEW PETERS
Matthew Peters (Director of Adult Improv) has been teaching for the past 13 years after graduating from Texas A&M University. For the past 9 years he has been teaching Theater 1, Productions, and Musical Theater at The Woodlands High School. He is a speech coach and the director in charge of the 2021, 2018 and 2016 Best High School Improv Troupe in Texas, the TWHS Improv Troupe (Funky Bunch!). He is also the current President and State Festival Director of The Texas Thespians Governing Board.
Matthew found his love of theater by performing as an elf in St. Peter's Childcare Holiday Production in Pasadena, TX. From there he has had the opportunity to perform and direct at The Alley Theater, Miller Outdoor Theater, The Hobby Center and at various community theaters throughout Houston.
When he is not teaching or directing a show (which is rare!), Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife Claire, his sons Mason and Connor, his best dog friend Gus, and his "adopted" cat Trooper. He is an avid Houston Astros and Texas A&M sports fan, which can lead to many depressing weekends.
LINDSAY ENGLISH
Lindsay English (Choreographer) is an alum of Northwestern State University with a major in Musical Theatre and a double minor in Dance and Kinesiology. Mrs English is thrilled to return to Black Cat Theater & Academy!
As a choreographer for almost 30 years, Lindsay loves to inspire, encourage and truly bring out the performer in everyone who graces the stage! Her love for movement still continues to grow today through Dance, Aerial & Pilates. Needless to say, but her choreography style is “energetic and athletic”!
She considers herself an “eternal student” and will always have a thirst for knowledge when it comes to the body and health. Her passion in life is to inspire others (young, old and in between) to take control of their health and keep the body moving! Lindsay truly believes that a healthy body, will generate a healthy mind and soul!!
BRENDA KENNEDY
Brenda Kennedy (Music Director) is originally from Minnesota and graduated from Bemidji State Univeristy with a B.A. in Vocal Performance. She decided to pursue her Master’s Degree and moved to Texas to attend West Texas A&M University where she graduated with a M.M in Vocal Performance.
While attending both schools, she participated in many choral activities and musicals. She also taught voice lessons, conducted for the TEXAS! Musical drama and sang in multiple operas. She has been performing for most of her life and has performed both nationally and internationally in choirs and solo performances. She currently teaches private voice at Magnolia High School and Grand Oaks High School.