Staff
Holly and Steve Hanson
Owners and Directors
Welcome to Drama Kids of North Columbus! We are Holly and Steve Hanson, Owners and Directors of Drama Kids of North Columbus. We grew up in Ohio, graduated from The Ohio State University, and have lived in the Olentangy area for almost 20 years. Our children are Olentangy lifers and we are avid supporters of our local schools.
Holly has been very active in our school district’s committees, boosters, and PTOs. She also served on the DACC school board. Steve has been in sales, marketing and training since entering the workforce. He is a skilled public speaker and has conducted countless sales training courses throughout his professional career. We both know the importance of public speaking; possessing self-confidence; and the ability to share ideas and work together in diverse groups of people.
Drama has played a large part in our family’s life as both of our children have been active in school and community theater. Our children are very confident and are able to speak up for themselves in group settings. They have gained these skills and much more through drama classes and performing in front of others. These crucial skills can be taught and fostered through classes and camps at Drama Kids.
Grant
Lead Drama & Acting Teacher
Grant is passionate about education. He’s working as a Language Arts teacher in the Olentangy Local School district. He has a Masters of Education with a license to teach English in grades 7-12. He has experience teaching in Olentangy, Dublin, Whitehall, and Southwestern City schools- all at the middle or high school level. All throughout college, Grant has been teaching with Drama Kids. Grant says, “For me, the best part of teaching for Drama Kids is watching my students become the most confident versions of themselves. Through theater, I’ve witnessed students increase their social skills tenfold, and can’t help but feel proud to be involved in that process. Teaching is more than a profession; it’s a calling to help others in a unique and meaningful way.
Cheyanne
Lead Drama & Acting Teacher
Cheyanne was born and raised in Columbus. She has been acting for more than a decade and began her acting career in high school in musicals like The Wiz and Cinderella. Also, she was cast in short plays that she helped write and improvise. She’s worked with PAST Productions of Columbus and was cast in Ceremonies in Dark Old Men. She’s a Theatre grad of The Ohio State University and was in many productions at OSU like Marisol, Execution of Justice, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, InterAct, and Lab Series: She, Too, Sings America. She continues to pursue her dreams as an actress, director, playwright, and Drama Kids teacher!
Maggie
Lead Drama & Acting Teacher
After graduating from Ohio State with a minor in theatre, Maggie moved to Japan to teach English. That was where she got her first taste of teaching theatre, helping her school’s English Speaking Society rehearse for their annual drama competition. Maggie returned to the U.S. to earn her Master’s in children’s literature. Since then, she has continued to build her career in education, working as a curriculum designer and classroom teacher. Her favorite things to teach are creative writing, public speaking, and—of course—theatre. This is her first year with Drama Kids, and she couldn’t be more excited!
Scott
Drama & Acting Teacher
Scott has been teaching theater for more than 35 years at numerous schools including Green High School, University of Mount Union, Kent State Stark and Stark State College. He has directed nearly 100 plays! You might say that theater is his PASSION!
Scott says, “The unbridled energy and creative, fun-loving spirit makes teaching for Drama Kids joyful!”
Brenda
Drama & Acting Teacher
Ms. Brenda has been teaching with Drama Kids for two years. She has 11 grandchildren from ages 1-16. Along with being a busy grandma, she is a Broadway fanatic, seeing all of the “greats” on and off-Broadway! Ms. Brenda loves teaching drama. “I love how children respond to creativity. It’s so natural and free-spirited for them. It also gives me purpose and makes me happy when I see all of the smiling faces and accomplishments these kiddos make in this program.”
Chris
Drama & Acting Teacher
Chris is so excited to join the Drama Kids family for the 2022-2023 school year. Drama has always been a very important part of Chris’ life, starting on the stage at the age of 4. Chris slowly progressed through community theater, singing lessons, dance classes, and acting opportunities to continue refining his craft. Chris is now in his third year of pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Theater and Spanish at The Ohio State University. Chris stays active in drama outside of the classroom as well through opportunities such as stage managing and choreography whenever the opportunity presents itself. Not only is Chris passionate about theater, but he loves working with kids as well, making Drama Kids the perfect place for him. Dance classes, drama camps, and gymnastics lessons have all provided Chris with opportunities to work with children from his community. Through educational or entertaining activities, Chris loves staying social and energetic to make all others around him smile. Chris is still able to think back to coaches and teachers that left a lasting impression on him, and he hopes he will become an inspiration to the next generation of actors.
Mickey
Drama & Acting Teacher
Mickey started doing theatre in their last year of middle school and has explored many different areas in the theatre, both on and off stage. They really found their footing in teaching and dramaturgy and graduated from Wittenberg University in May 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Theatre. Mickey loves working with kids and even more so loves to teach kids about theatre and acting. They say, “Drama Kids is the perfect place for me to do what I love. It allows me to go back to the basics of theatre and help kids have fun and hopefully discover their own passion for theatre.”
McKenna
Drama & Acting Teacher
McKenna is so excited to be a new part of the Drama Kids staff. She started theatre her senior year of high school and never looked back. Since graduating from Ohio State with her B.A. in theatre, she has explored every aspect of the stage from sound design to stage managing and couldn’t imagine her life without theatre in it. She has always enjoyed children and the energy they bring to a room so Drama Kids is the perfect fit. She says, “Getting to pass on all I’ve picked up over the years while also learning from a student’s own experiences is incredibly rewarding!”
Justun
Drama & Acting Teacher
Justun is a current student at The Ohio State University who has many interests. He has been acting in both school and community productions since he was in elementary school. He has taken part in productions such as Willy Wonka, Anon(ymous), Twelfth Night, She Kills Monsters, The Great Gatsby, as well as many others and some films produced by local filmmakers. In his free time, he enjoys painting, drawing, reading, and doing volunteer work. Many of his jobs have involved working with children, both in the caregiving and teaching setting. He has a passion for providing essential skills for development of youth, and that is one of the many reason he loves Drama Kids!
Akky
Drama & Acting Teacher
Akky has been doing local theater for the past five years. Starting out with high school productions, he has found his passion in this collaborative art. After his first show, he was addicted. He has recently graduated from OSU with a B.A. in theatre and communications. Currently, he is signed with an agent and working with local writers and is determined to keep theatre in his life. He says, “I want to be the drama teacher I never had. Theater has changed my life for the better, and I am blessed to share this with the community!”
Ashley
Drama & Acting Teacher, Choreographer
Ashley has been active in theatre for more than twenty years. She’s primarily a stage actor but has also appeared in a few short films, and is a regular voice actor with the scripted podcast, It’s All Been Done Radio Hour. She is also a writer and is about to graduate with her English degree. She’s worked as a former preschool teacher, and is very excited to teach the subject she’s most passionate about! When not doing theatre, or working on school assignments, Ashley enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and spending time with her husband, children, and two dogs, Poppy and Leo.
Maddie
Drama & Acting Teacher
Maddie is an education student at Otterbein University. She has been involved in theater since she was 6 years old. She has been involved in numerous productions, including Songs For a New World, Clue (Mrs. Peacock), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood), Into the Woods (Wicked Stepmother), and many more. Maddie also has been involved with the leadership team of Summer Theater Workshop and the Marysville Swingers Unlimited show choir. Maddie is so excited to be working with Drama Kids and can’t wait to share her knowledge and experiences with the kids. She says, “Acting is a brilliant way to express oneself. I would love to help these kids find their voices and become comfortable in their skin!”
Mackenzie
Drama & Acting Teacher
Mackenzie is a current education student at Otterbein University and although she has only been involved in theatre for two years, she has racked up quite a few credits. Some of her favorite roles include Snug/Peaseblossom in A Midsummers Night’s Dream, Irene Rudolph in Radium Girls, and P.B in One Slight Hitch. Mackenzie is so excited to introduce what changed her life to the next generation!
Akeesha
Drama & Acting Teacher
An Intervention Specialist and Social-Justice Educator, Akeesha has spent the last eight years working in education and youth development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Education policy. Outside of teaching, Akeesha enjoys theater, baking vegan cupcakes, reading, and learning about different cultures through her travels.
Mya
Drama & Acting Teacher
Mya is a dedicated theatre and communications student at The Ohio State University. Her fascination with entertainment and performing arts has flourished from a young age. This passion led her to hone her skills through acting classes, participation in short films, and engagement with various other art forms such as poetry, music, painting, and ceramics. Embracing her innate creativity, Mya also holds the role of Outreach Coordinator at Mad Royal Film Society, where she finds joy in collaborative endeavors with fellow creatives.
With unwavering commitment to the art of storytelling, Mya’s creative passion shines through in all her endeavors. Drawing inspiration from holistic approaches to life, she’s thrilled to inspire and guide the next generation of Drama Kids. Her dedication lies in helping them unearth their unique voices and emotions through the transformative power of acting!
Sophia
Drama & Acting Teacher
Sophia is a third-year student at The Ohio State University studying fashion and communications. Sophia has been involved in theater in the cast and crews of different shows since 6th grade! Sophia says, “I am excited that our Drama Kids get the opportunity to start learning about theater even sooner than I did!” Outside of theater, Sophia loves traveling, staying active, and her pet cat, Dobby.
Dyna
Drama & Acting Teacher
Dyna, a Columbus native, is a senior at Ohio Wesleyan University. She will be graduating with a double major in Theatre and Film Studies and with a minor in Art History. In college, Dyna has had the opportunity to participate in many productions with various roles, from Actor to Designer to Director. Her most recent work was as a Director for 365 plays/ 365 days. Dyna’s adoration for theatre can be linked all the way back to kindergarten when she participated in the musical as a scarecrow. She knows just how important it is to be creative as a child and to have a safe space to do so. She is beyond excited to work and grow with Drama Kids!
Jade
Drama & Acting Teacher
Jade is an elementary education and Spanish major at Otterbein University. She has done theater since middle school and continued into her freshman year of college as a theater minor. Jade has been apart of multiple theater productions that she has either acted in or worked as crew. She was drawn to Drama Kids because she believes that theater is an amazing way for children to hone their social and communication skills and help them grow their confidence!
Emilee
Drama & Acting Teacher
Emilee is an Ohio University alumni who studied Child and Family Studies. Outside of Drama Kids, Emilee is a foster care and adoption caseworker who is very passionate about advocating for and helping families in need. She strives to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for everyone to feel comfortable expressing themselves. “I am very happy to have the opportunity to work with and teach some very creative kids!”