I currently work as both a professional actor with American Immersion Theater and a paraprofessional program assistant for ISD 917 over at Cedar School. I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York in 2017. I attended both Burnsville High School and Metcalf Junior High, graduating in 2014. I have been the Artistic Director for the Drama Experience since 2018, and was a part of the Experience from 2008-2011. I've loved acting since I discovered it was something anyone can do, and not just for the people who lived inside of TV's. My goal as a director is to help teach actors lifelong acting tools while keeping healthy emotional boundaries with intense scenes. With the Drama Experience we work on heavy topics most other schools wouldn't attempt with this age. I love the conversations and real life learning we find in working with our material. I always hope to build on who an actor is as a person rather than them just trying to become someone else. Everyone can start from where they are right now to find the empathy of others' real life experiences. Acting is not being good at lying or pretending, it's about finding the truth within yourself to help tell a story. Every person is capable of telling their truth if you give them the chance.

My name is Jacie Strander, I am a junior at Burnsville High School. I am the Stage Mom for the Drama Experience. This experience is absolutely amazing because it truly gives everyone a chance to grow and discover who they want to be.  I chose to come back to the Drama Experience because I honestly just missed the environment. I missed seeing everyone around me grow. I love to see everyone get so passionate about what they are doing because they soon realize that they are the reason this whole experience comes to life. I am so excited to spend my time participating in drama because it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it blows away my expectations every single year.

Hello! My name is Alli Sloneker, I am a freshman at Burnsville High School. I’ve been a part of the Drama Experience for 3 years. In my middle school years, I had numerous roles such as acting, propsmaster, paint lead and so much more. This year I am the Paint Mentor and I love it! Coming back has really helped me cope with the hard year I’ve had and seeing everyone and being a part of something so special has filled me with so much happiness. Being able to put a beautiful set together and see it come to life slowly is one of the best parts of being a mentor. Watching these kids work so hard fills me with so much joy. Knowing that when I walk into the room I am welcomed and loved is one of the best things about the Drama Experience. Coming back was a hard decision, but I’m so glad I did, being able to see joy and hard work in one area is the most beautiful thing.

Hi! My name is Kloe Akins. I’m a freshman at Burnsville High School. I’m currently assistant directing ‘My Best Worst Day’. It’s my first year in this position. I came back to the Drama Experience because it has always been like a family to me. I love that the Drama Experience is so welcoming and easy to fit in with. I really enjoy my current role because I get to watch the actors grow comfortable and progress as actors while working with them. The Drama Experience will always contain funny memories, extraordinary people, but most importantly, the Drama Experience is a family. The Drama Experience will be something that sticks with me forever.

Hi! My name is Savannah Lee, I'm a freshman at Burnsville High School. I joined the Drama Experience 2 years ago. At Metcalf, I held the role of Business Lead for 'Letters to Myself' and continued the role at Nicollet during the depths of Covid. This year I am the Business Mentor for Crossover Chaos. I decided to return to the Drama Experience this year due to my love for the program and everyone a part of it. As business mentor, I've been given the chance to work with fellow students and other mentors I worked with during my years in Middle School. I love seeing everyone grow into who they are now as opposed to 2 or even 3 years ago. This experience will always hold a special place in my heart and I will never forget any of the people I've grown to love.

"All Things Are Possible" -- so many impactful people instilled this in me: my hope is that this comes through in all that I do. My name is Steven Orth, and I have been leading the Drama Experience since the spring of 1999, before we even had a name. Thomas B. Mraz, legendary director of Showtime at Burnsville High School, became a second father for me years ago. What he spoke, what he modeled, what he exemplified is that the extraordinary begins with the belief that there is more to life than the ordinary. Not because of our actions alone, but it is our reasons that propel us to a deeper purpose. The Drama Experience is more than a show: each production has the potential to permanently change the way those involved see themselves and their connection to others. My role in production is to fill in creatively and technically wherever needed: this often includes writing the scripts, overseeing set design and development, and coordinating technical elements. Without question, however, none of what we do would happen without this complete team.