TIMOTHY KIERNAN - Executive & Music Director
Although new to the North Carolina area, Timothy Kiernan has been involved in the performing arts for quite a few years. He offers experience on both sides of production…as a performer and as a director. Many prior students have moved on to do professional work in the Recording Industry, Film Industry and Broadway. He is joined by wife Lauren who also has experience directing children’s theater. They arrived as faculty members of Thales Academy and are joined by son Lanister. We look forward to helping foster student success these coming years.

LAUREN KIERNAN - Administrative & Costume Director
Lauren has many talents and wears many “hats”. She is an experienced office manager with great organizational efficiency and teats everyone like a “lifelong friend”. She has been working in the theater world for over a decade and brings great expertise to the Carolina Theater Company. She is also a talented costume designer. She has great vision and passion for bringing productions to life through costuming. She is excited to bring these talents to North Carolina. With a focus on personal interactions and a proactive approach to problem-solving, she is dedicated to contributing to the continued success and growth of the Carolina Theater Company.

STEVIE MELVIN - Dance Instructor
Stevie Melvin is from Raleigh, NC. She studied jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, and contemporary at CC&Co Dance Complex for 9 years where she became a company member and competitive dancer. Stevie also assisted dance classes for younger children while at CC&Co. During her high years into college, they taught at Wild At Art for three years as the Company Dance Teacher. During their time at Meredith, she was heavily involved with the Meredith College Dance Department. Stevie founded and was the president of the Meredith Angels Dance Team and participated in the annual student-led spring concert, Dance Works, as both a performer and choreographer.

TAYLOR SPEAR - Drama & Dance Instructor
Originally growing up in Southern California, I started competitive dance at a young age. Lyrical and jazz dance classes being my favorite put me forward in the technical training side of things. I was then introduced to theater in junior high and was completely  enthralled with it. Although I loved the production and choreography side of things the most. Being a nanny for 4 years really brought out my patience and taught me having kids be apart of my career was a necessity. My love for kids and passion with dance brought me the opportunity to teach and I am thrilled to plant the seeds of creativity and watch them grow throughout the Carolina Theater Company!

BETHANY DUSTER - Drama Instructor
Bethany is originally from PA where she started dancing at the age of two. After 15 years of competitive dance and theater, she continued performing throughout her college career at Penn State University where she was accepted into the dance minor program. She was also a member of Penn State's Orchesis Dance Company where she choreographed for their showcases, parades, and other campus events. Bethany became involved with the Carolina Theater Company in 2023 at Thales Academy where she also teaches fourth grade. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she is delighted to share her love of the performing arts with her students!

CANDICE RIGGAN - Administration
Candice was born and raised in NC. Her passion is working with children and watching them discover their talents. Currently she is  starting year 13 of teaching at Thales Academy where she teaches 2nd grade. In addition to teaching, Candice also holds a degree in Business Administration. After volunteering with Carolina Theater Company for the past year, it was evident that she had to join the team.

CAROLINE BELL- Drama Instructor
Caroline was born in Guildford, England but raised in North Carolina. She started doing musical theater when she was in 5th grade and continued throughout college. She later discovered her love for working with children and got her B.S. in Child Development from Meredith College. She began teaching first grade at Thales Academy, which is when she joined the Carolina Theater Company team. She loves watching children discover their talent and passion for performing!