About Us
Bridget Burrows - Director/Owner
Bridget Burrows has been changing lives through the power of music in Union County, North Carolina for the last ten years.Prior to teaching music education in Union County, Mrs. Burrows attended Appalachian State University and graduated in 2008 with a degree in Music Education K-12. During the course of her career, Mrs. Burrows has received numerous awards, grants and fellowships on the national level for her programs. Including but not limited to:
The Union County Community Arts in our Schools Grant - 2012, 2014-2017
Lift Grant - Union County Education Foundation - 2014 & 2017
Teacher of the Year 2013-2014
World Affairs Council Scholar - 2014
Freddie G Fellowship 2017
Teacher of the Year 2017-2018
CATO - Charlotte Community Arts & Science Council Excellence in Teaching Award - 2018
My main goal and purpose as an educator is to help students realize their purpose in life. To help young people feel more confident on stage and inspire students to strive for nothing less than perfection, because that is what EVERY student is capable of; perfection. Never settle, ESPECIALLY in the world of musical theatre.
In her free time, Bridget enjoys nothing more than spending time with her husband and their two children. They love to travel and explore the adventures that await them!
About Us
Taylor Reed- Assistant Director/Choreographer
Taylor Reed attends East Carolina University, completing a Theatre Arts BFA with a concentration in Theatre for Youth. Her teaching credits include leading workshops at Smiles and Frowns Playhouse in Ayden, North Carolina, being a guest artist at the Pitt County Theatre Clinic, and teaching a dance workshop at the Shrek Special Music Festival in Union county. Taylor works as the secretary of the Theatre for Youth Dramatist Guild where they work to produce and support original and adapted TYA pieces for the stage. Taylor is also a member of the Educational Shakespeare troupe, performing and work-shopping Shakespeare pieces and making them accessible for young audiences. She has recently appeared in shows including “The Wind in the Willows”, “The Mischief Makers”, and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. She is trained in ballet and jazz as well as stage/film acting and singing. She also has many hours of stage combat, being trained in unarmed, quarterstaff, and broadsword skills. Taylor strives to help students unlock their potential and see the greatness inside of them. Watching students express themselves on stage, performing incredible work, and excelling past their limits to success makes her fall in love with theatre all over again. She is ecstatic to continue this incredible journey through Innovation Drama Academy.
Heather Locklear- Teaching Artist
Heather Locklear attends Appalachian State University, completing a Theatre Arts BA, currently with a General concentration, and a business minor. Heather has participated in choral and theatrical productions for about 15 years. Choral training and experience since age five, and theatrical training and experience since age 13. Heather has appeared in over 30 theatrical and musical productions combined. She has recently appeared in the Appalachian State production of “Flight from the Mahabharata,” and The Appalachian State Musical Theatre Club production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Heather has participated in as well as helped to produce several workshops and festivals catered to Special Needs theatrical education and inclusiveness. She works as an assistant costumer in the Appalachian State University Costume shop. She also participates in many extracurricular hours of accapella where she competes and performs frequently throughout her semesters. Although not predominately a dancer, Heather has been trained in Modern and African Dance. She has attended the Junior Theater Festival for 3 years and is so excited to continue this journey through Innovation Drama Academy. She says that working with the children over the last few years constantly reminds her of every reason she fell in the love with theater as an art form and it’s values of inclusiveness and creativity.
Casey Huntley- Teaching Artist
Casey Huntley attends Appalachian State University, completing a Theatre Arts BA with a concentration in Theatre Performance. This will be her 10th year working in theatre arts. Her teaching credits include: 3 years of student directing, Working with elementary students on a musical in Indian Trail, North Carolina, Running production for NCTC hosted at Porter Ridge High School in Indian Trail, North Carolina, and teaching an acting workshop at the Shrek Special Music Festival in Union county. Casey works as a member of the team in the Costume Shop of the Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance where they work to produce costumes for all department associated pieces for the stage. She has recently appeared in shows including “The Drowsy Chaperone”. She is trained in ballet and modern dance as well as stage acting and singing. Casey has gone to the Junior Theatre festival for 3 years and is so ready to expand and continue this journey through Innovation Drama Academy.