Our Mission
To create connections, spaces, and stages for students to grow in their desired skill sets, specifically in performing arts, as well as social and emotional learning. We currently focus to help 6-12th grade students, meeting them where they are and helping them get to where they want to be, both in school and beyond. We look forward to expanding our programming, age range, and specialties in the future.
Our Team
Dan Parrish,
Talent Recruiter
Dan is an Industry Coordinator for us who helps create connections and recruits students to participate in various opportunities. Dan is a parent of an active performer who has been in local DMV as well as Off Broadway productions in NY. Dan works by day as an acupuncturist at Loudoun Wellness. Dan also partners with many arts organizations in the area and has a passion for building bridges for students who wish to pursue an arts career beyond high school. Dan brought in some of the artists who have worked with us in the past and continues to help us build partnerships for future opportunities. Dan also helps bring in new talent into our programming to stay up-to-date with the arts industry as it changes.
Addie Schafer Benko,
Owner, Artistic Director
Addie is the Artistic Director of Creative Stages. She was a K-12 classroom teacher in Loudoun County for several years, where she also graduated from as a student. Addie is also a National Geographic Educator and was a 2019 fellow. Addie was a Fulbright Teacher in 2015 in Malaysia. She has traveled and taught English and arts skills nationally as well as internationally. She also is working with Rock Ridge High School to expand their summer programs along with doing contracting work on the side. She is the Executive Director of Virginia Thespians, Executive Director of Blue Ridge CAPPIES, and is excited to expand programming for Creative Stages as well. She still performs locally in various private and public events with Stagecoach Theatre Company, Singalong Storytellers LLC, and more!
Catina Anderson,
Office Administrator
Catina joined the Creative Stages team in 2022 bringing with her over 25 years of experience working with high school and youth performers as a visual designer, director and choreographer for color guard, show choir and small vocal ensemble. Since 2017 she has worked as a music director, choreographer, and assistant director for educational youth theatre, also leading student teams in costumes, props and scenic. Catina holds degrees in Music and Biology as well as a Masters in Education with VA teaching endorsements in Vocal Music K-12 and Biology. She was a featured columnist for Halftime Magazine and has been a vocalist with the Clear Harmonies Carolers. A photographer, Catina can often be found behind the camera documenting our Creative Stages workshops and events and assisting with media and marketing.
Rett Dean, INTERN
Rett is a graduating senior from Woodgrove High School and has been involved in almost every production along the way at his school. Rett plans to attend American University in the fall to study History and minor in Theatre. Rett was a Virginia Thespian Officer for the statewide Virginia Thespians too. He will focus on expanding our online platform/ summer program opportunities as well as social media management with us this summer. You can find Rett performing in Grease as Eugene and as an MC for the 2024 Blue Ridge CAPPIES gala this spring. Rett has taken classes with us under artists such as Karlah Louis and Jacob Thomas Carr.
Catie Cantwell, INTERN
Catie is graduating from Rock Ridge High School and the Academies of Loudoun in their film department. Catie plans to pursue a BFA in Acting at either Slipper Rock or Baldwin Wallace in the fall. She will focus on video production, editing, podcasting, and social media management this spring/ summer with us. You can find her in the local improv troupe called the Unruly Theatre Project or as an MC for the 2024 Blue Ridge CAPPIES gala this spring. Catie has taken several of our classes in person with artists such as Nicholas Cunningham, Judy Mclane, Coco Cohn, Danielle Sirinsky, Rebecca Fuller, and more. She has also performed in our community cabarets.
We are always looking for more locations, teaching artists in the industry, and students to help in the area. Visit our Contact Us page with any interests or inquiries. Thank you for visiting Creative Stages. We hope to see you at one of our Events soon!