Kerry Arthur Onxley, Artistic Director

Kerry A. Onxley is a drama specialist for young people ages 5 to 18. He conducts workshops in acting, musical theatre, creative movement, mime and Shakespeare for the amateur to the professional child actor. His workshops are entertaining, as well as educational and stress growth in confidence and self-esteem. Mr. Onxley is a graduate of McNeese State University in Mass Communication/Theatre Arts and also studied at The Juilliard in New York City. He also serves as the Director of Theatre for Westlake High School. In addition to staging productions, he coaches young actors for television and commercial work. He is a state evaluator for Louisiana’s Talented Arts Program.  He has served on the committee for Theatre Arts for the Louisiana State Department of Education. He is Festival Chair of the Louisiana Thespian Festival for the Educational Theatre Association and continues to serve in various leadership roles for the Association.  He is a recipient of the 2009 Citizen of the Arts awarded by Lake Charles mayor Randy Roach.  Mr. Onxley received the 2012 American Idol Mentor Award by American Idol finalist Joshua Ledet.  Onxley was Ledet’s acting coach for 4 years and received an all-expense paid trip to Hollywood to watch Ledet perform in the finale.

Shelly Appleby, Production Coordinator

Shelly Appleby has played a vital role at The Children’s Theatre Company over the past twenty (+) years. Ms. Appleby writes all of the grants that fund our many projects and productions. Additionally she oversees our volunteer staff that do anything from build set to selling concessions. Ms Appleby has served on the Louisiana Thespians state board for many years and currently serves as it’s Chapter Director.