Artistic Director

As the Artistic Director at The Fox, Tavian brings a lifelong passion for the stage to the St Charles community. A native of nearby Bartlett, Tavian has spent years honing his craft both on and off the stage.

With over 30 acting credits to his name, Tavian has brought many characters to life, including beloved roles like Will in Big Fish, Willard in Footloose and Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

In addition to his prolific acting career, Tavian has a rich background in directing and choreography. His unique vision has been showcased in 9 productions he has directed at Steel Beam Theatre, as well as 16 productions he has choreographed.

His absolute favorite part of this job is getting to work with the talented young actors, and he is excited to continue creating compelling and memorable theatre experiences for audiences and artists alike.

Music Director & Board Officer

Ariela is an actor, singer, music director, educator, and vocal coach. She currently teaches K-5 general music at Waterbury Elementary School, in Roselle, IL where she directs Waterbury’s 4th and 5th grade chorus and Spring Musical. 

In addition, Ariela music directs productions at The Fox, with shows such as “Mean Girls the Musical,” “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” “Into the Woods Jr.,” and “Frozen Jr” under her belt. She loves making theatre a safe and enjoyable creative playground for all ages alongside her talented creative team.

Ariela completed her bachelor’s degree at Augustana College in Vocal Music Education studying under Dr. Michael Zemek, Dr. Jon Hurty, Ms. Shelley Cooper, and Dr. Michelle Crouch. Her most noted performances include Lucy in “Jekyll and Hyde,” Diana Morales in “A Chorus Line,” Brooke/Vicki in “Noises Off,” and Shoshanna in “Island Song.”

Ariela has a deep love for getting lost in a good book, continuing education, competitive board games, her family, and her two cats Artie and Charlie. She is eager to serve the Fox Youth Stage and the vibrant community of St. Charles with gratitude and care.

Board Secretary

Dana is a theatre kid turned stage mom and loves how life has truly come full circle.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Acting and Directing from DePaul University in 2005. She particularly enjoyed children’s theatre during her time in theatre school.  After some time working in local community theatre, Dana made a career pivot after a life changing illness redirected her purpose and completed her Master of Science in Nursing from Rush University in 2010. Dana worked for over a decade as a labor and delivery nurse and has found fulfillment teaching future nurses as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at DePaul University, where she has taught since 2015.  

Outside her professional life, Dana loves traveling with her family, enjoying theatre any chance she can get, reading, walks along the Fox River, time in nature, photography and sending greeting cards (a lost art). Dana is also a co-founder of a new nature-based school, Headwaters Academy.

While education, the arts and nursing are so meaningful to Dana and her life’s path, her most cherished work is being a mom to her sons, Rowan and Bodhi. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board of The Fox Youth Stage; she is dedicated to enriching the community and creativity of youth through the performing arts.

Board President

For as long as she can remember, Kelly has been a lover of the arts and a musical theater enthusiast. As a mother of three, [including -shameless plug - the theater's Artistic Director] she is a proud theater mom who has spent countless hours supporting her family's passion for the stage. For over a year, she has channeled that lifelong love into her role as the Front of House Manager at Steel Beam Theatre.

Beyond the box office, she also has a passion for set building, costume design, and makeup artistry - all of which she leans into to help bring each show at The Fox Youth Stage to life.

Kelly finds immense joy in being the first smiling face patrons see when they arrive, creating a warm and welcoming experience for everyone who walks through the doors. She is dedicated to the growth of The Fox and is passionate about ensuring every audience member has a wonderful, memorable time. She is thrilled to be a part of the team, helping to bring the magic of live theater to the community.