Twin Cities Homeschoolers For The Arts

Michaela Leist is thrilled to direct with TCHA! She graduated from North Central University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a minor in Youth Ministries. Some of her favorite shows to direct in the past have been Robin Hood and Angel's Trumpet (a story about F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald). She also enjoys acting and her favorite role as an actress has been Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She loves the aspect of theatre that allows people to have an 'aha!' moment and learn something new about themselves or about the world around them. She finds joy in being able to artfully tell story, and most importantly, aspects of God's story. She resides in NE Minneapolis with her husband, Nick, and cat, Kona. In her free time, she enjoys finding new coffee shops, having game nights with friends, and training for marathons with her husband.

Sarah Phillips majored in Piano Performance, with a vocal minor, at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, has taught numerous piano students music theory, including her own 8 kids, whom she homeschools. She also leads the children’s choir at her church and accompanies the TCHA choirs for their performances. Sarah enjoys spending time in her kitchen baking numerous treats for special occasions as well as providing treats for TCHA production concessions and for Wednesday classes; she’s known by some as “the cookie lady”. Her favorite thing about homeschooling is teaching her children to have a passion and love for their Savior, encouraging them to dig deeper for spiritual insights, and pointing them to the Truth.

Angel Pieper began her dance training at the age of 2 at the Dance Connection. She started competitive dance at the age of 6, winning multiple awards as a member of groups, duets/trios, and as a solo performer. She has been to multiple dance conventions and has had the opportunity to do several small performances throughout her community. Angelica started assisting dance classes at the age of 12. She attended high school at St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists where she got the chance to learn from, and dance alongside some of the top artists in Minnesota. She has been trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, pointe, hip-hop, afro-modern, yoga, & Pilates. She currently works as an instructor at DanceXcel, where she gets the opportunity to work with all different ages and different styles of dance. Angel lives in St. Paul with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.

Dylan Sauder is a Twin Cities music educator and performer. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education in Vocal and Classroom Music from University of Northwestern-St. Paul, as well as a major in Bible and a Spanish minor. While much of his teaching experience has been PK-8th grade General Music, he has also taught choir for grades 4-12, beginning band and strings, piano and voice lessons, and musical theater classes, in addition to music directing and choreographing several elementary and middle school musicals. When not teaching, Dylan enjoys performing, especially on-stage in musical theater productions and singing in any number of genres. In his free time, he enjoys being outside in nature, spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling. He is so excited to create and explore with the elementary singers of TCHA this school year!

With 30+ years as a professional singer with the Christian a cappella quartet The Penny Loafers, and 30+ years as a professional actor & director, Michael is no stranger to the performing arts. His singing career took him across the U.S. and Canada sharing the stage with Southern Gospel music greats like The Gaither Vocal Band, Sandi Patty, Larnel Harris, Mark Lowry, Greater Vision, The Martins, The Hoppers, and Contemporary Christian artists like DC Talk, Audio Adrenaline, Todd Agnew, Cindy Morgan, and many more. But his favorite celebrity to work with was actor/comedian Tim Conway. Michael has sung with and directed numerous choirs in schools and churches, sung with several church praise & worship teams, taught private voice lessons, recorded several albums, sung on local and national radio and television, and traveled as a solo artist doing music & drama. His love for acting started in the 3rd grade as the Irish Tenor in the St. Patrick’s Day play, and has led him to professional theater, commercials, and film work. Michael has a BA in Vocal Music from Berea College (KY) and an AS in Physical Therapy from Vincennes University (IN). He & his wife Carol and their 4 children (Joanna, Jaben, Jocelyn, and Josiah) are MN transplants from KY, now making their home in Savage since 2016.

Michelle Swanson’s, found her passion for music and the stage as a young child. The flame for performance flourished as she grew, adding piano, organ, trumpet, guitar, dance, and theatre to choral and solo singing. This led to a BA in Music Performance with an emphasis on vocal jazz, touring as a lead vocalist in her band, and collaborating with various artists on recordings and professional jingles. She spent several years as a worship director, leading bands, choirs, and vocalists in a variety of church settings. After becoming a mom, she has dedicated the bulk of her adult life to home-educating her five amazing children. Michelle's passion for the arts led her to embrace production management, stagecraft, and theatre arts. Since 2022, she has been the Production Manager at TCHA Productions, where she oversees a range of productions. She now serves as Artistic Director within TCHA, curating and shepherding the theatrical process of our theatre productions. Additionally, Michelle works as the Chapel Producer at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, blending her expertise in production with her commitment to fostering creativity and excellence. Based in Lakeville with her husband David, children, and Archie the dog, in her down time, you’ll find Michelle traveling with her family, playing Dutch Blitz, or watching classic TV late at night. Michelle is devoted to empowering students in the fine arts. She provides opportunities for students to shine on stage and master behind the scenes production elements, seeking a bright future for the next generation of artists and professionals in our homeschool community.

Michelle has been a seeker of creativity & wonderment since childhood. Raised in Madagascar and Minnesota, as a young girl Michelle fell in love with the internal landscape of books and story, and the external narrative of nature and the outdoors, with music woven throughout both worlds. As a teenager she filled her days with theater, choir, speech, and music and found in those spaces both her strengths and gifting, as well as her people and belonging. Michelle received a BA in Music Performance with a vocal emphasis from Colorado Christian University, and spent the following years touring with various groups and working as a studio musician and vocalist for commercial and corporate events. Michelle has also led worship for over 25 years, recorded on various worship albums featuring her original music, and released two solo albums as a singer-songwriter. Teaching voice and piano from her home studio, Michelle has also taught and mentored songwriting for several summers at The Junior Composer’s Institute, and directed four years of Christmas choir and orchestra performances of Handel’s Messiah. In 2013 Michelle joined the founding board of Twin Cities Homeschoolers for the Arts and is passionate about providing faith-based quality performing arts opportunities to the homeschooling community. Michelle has a special love for working with teens, enjoying the role of music director for TCHA musical productions since 2018, and is now thrilled to be directing the TCHA teen mixed choirs and female select ensemble. She has two college-age children, Kenoy and Paris, and lives in Eagan, MN.

Andie Moore has been involved in the Improv Community for the last nine years. She has performed with various teams across the Twin Cities. She loves nothing more than to make people laugh. She also has acted onstage and commercially. She has worked in Youth Ministry for the last 24 years and Middle/High Schoolers are her jam! This is her first year working for TCHA and is new to the homeschooling community. She is excited to share her love of acting and improv with students.

Eva Opseth is a Voice Professional who has experience in teaching and performing throughout the Twin Cities and upper Midwest. Eva has a Bachelor’s degree in Music (with an emphasis in Vocal Performance) and over 10 years of vocal training. Her professional experience includes performing at Shell Lake Arts Center, University of Wisconsin River Falls, Orchestra Hall and more. She is a TCHA alumni and was involved in choir and theater during her time as a student. Her experience on stage has shaped her teaching pedagogy and given her skills to help her students pursue their passions and grow their abilities. Eva currently teaches private voice and piano lessons from her home studio as well as Concert Choir at Journey Homeschool Group in River Falls, WI. In lessons, Eva helps students create high and achievable goals. She is passionate about equipping students with not only musical knowledge and vocal techniques, but also rehearsal tips, vocal anatomy, and portraying a character through song.

Lydia Thoreen has been a freelance theatre artist in the Twin Cities for almost 15 years. With a deep love for all aspects of theater, from acting to directing and beyond, Lydia thrives on bringing stories to life on stage. Her passion extends to nurturing the next generation, as she finds immense joy in working with students, guiding them to discover their own artistic voices. Offstage, Lydia’s creative spirit shines through her hobbies, which include cosmetology, photography, as well as being a devoted fan to the worlds of Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Marvel. Beyond her creative endeavors Lydia works in the fast-paced world of real estate title where she meticulously processes property transactions.

Jaylin Hustedde is an actor, director, and teaching artist based in the Twin Cities. She is a recent graduate of the University of Northwestern St Paul with degrees in Theater and Communication Arts and Literature Education. She has worked with students of all ages at Locally Grown Theatre and Blue Water Theater Company. Some past Directing and Choreography credits include: The Jungle Book (Director), Pickle Chiffon Pie the Musical (Choreographer), Spring Break Cabaret, 2022 and 2023 (Choreographer), These Shining Lives (Assistant Director). Jaylin is passionate about inspiring artists of the next generation and is excited to work with the students of TCHA!

Lizzie Zanto is an actor, choreographer, TCHA alum, and teaching professional based in the Twin Cities. She is a graduate of University of Northwestern - St. Paul with a degree in Youth and Emerging Adult studies and minors in theatre, psychology, and Bible. She has choreographed 6 musicals and taught private lessons in Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theatre styles of dance. During her time teaching, Lizzie has worked with students ages 5 - 65+! Some past professional credits include: Mary Poppins (Choreographer), Wizard of Oz (Choreographer), Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Choreographer) Matilda (Asst. Choreographer). Lizzie is passionate about supporting students as they develop their gifts, unleash their potential, and she is thrilled to return to TCHA as an instructor!