Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Bird.
Hi Amber, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the Southeast’s largest professional children’s theatre, where I found my passion for the arts. I started at just 9 years old, and loved it so much, I continued until I graduated. Theatre for me as a child wasn’t just dressing up in costumes and singing on a stage, it was a community, it was a life, it was a passion. I made friends, I learned confidence, self discipline, how to handle rejection and persevere, I learned how to express myself, I learned about other people, cultures, stories, history. I learned how to serve my community. As an adult, I set my love of theatre aside as I couldn’t figure out how to fit it into my Christian life. Years passed, and while attending a talent show, the Lord spoke to me and told me to do theatre with our Church. The pastor’s wife asked if I would direct their Christmas play, and it was a hit! I continued writing and directing the Christmas plays for 5 years, and we watched the cast size grow, the community loving the shows, and the bonds formed within the group. We weren’t just performing with our church members, we had people from all over, coming to join us to perform for not just church members but for people from all over Wise County.
Matt (my husband) is a graphic artist and would create the backdrops for our Christmas plays, and build the sets. Previously he just helped backstage and built sets, but when I begged him to be in one of my Christmas plays, he reluctantly said yes. Then the acting bug bit him and he looked forward to performing each year. Meanwhile I acted in a few shows at community theaters around DFW, and Matt actually joined me on stage in Godspell, landing the role of Jesus. Theatre became something we enjoyed doing together, whether performing or watching shows at other theaters.
Getting more involved in theatre outside of church really stirred up the desire to start a theatre group in Wise county, but starting one was not pressing. Then Matt & I went to see a play at a theater with a cast consisting of 15-18 year olds. During one dance number, the girls came out in outfits that were borderline pornographic! Matt turned away and asked me when it was safe to look, while I was trying not to look either. We were appalled that a theatre group would not only allow children to dress that way, but to actually costume them in those provocative outfits. Despite the inappropriate costumes, the production quality was absolutely amazing and as we discussed the show on our way home, I told him I want that quality, but I NEVER want our theatre kids to think they have to dress that way, or kiss on stage, or do anything inappropriate just to get a part. I want our theatre kids and adults to know that they will get a part because of their talent, not their willingness to compromise their morals/ethics/beliefs.
So we decided we needed to act on this! We needed to create a theatre group where adults and children could come, take classes, learn skills, and perform, multiple shows each year. But we didn’t just want to teach the skills of theatre, we also wanted to provide a safe place for them to come and be who they are, while being a shining light to our community, and thus Beacon was born. We stand strong on making sure our actors are comfortable. No costumes that make anyone feel uncomfortable, no kissing on stage for anyone under 18, and in the case of adults, if a role calls for a stage kiss, but the adults aren’t comfortable with it, then there’s no kissing, and we are ok with that as Directors/Producers. There are certain subjects that we will not perform, and for sensitive topics, we will educate both the cast and community before the performance, so parents can decide if they want to bring their child to that particular show. We decided to create an alternative to how the main stream does theatre, and decided to tag Beacon as “theatre without the compromise” So we had a name, we had a slogan, we had the actors, we had a vision, but no place.
Our church graciously allowed us to put on our first production of Annie at their facility, and we ended up with a cast of 70 people and 1 dog. We had a lot of our experienced actors, but also a lot of new actors as well. We sold out of all 4 performances and opened up an overflow section. We were also nominated in Broadway World Dallas in over 10 categories for our production of Annie! We knew then and there, that we were on the right track with what God wanted us to do.
We met with a friend, who’s family had a rental space available and we went to work creating a Black Box Theater. We opened our new theater in August 2025 with out production of Oliver! Our new theater seats 72 audience members, has a dance studio, music studio, and 2 dedicated dressing rooms. Our stage has a unique rotating floor feature which allows us to utilize the space more efficiently and adds a “wow” factor for our audience. We host weekly classes for children to come and learn acting, singing, and dancing, and plan to have monthly community events in the near future, in addition to 4 main productions a year.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not!! Trying to find a place to host classes and performances has been a stuggle, but God has provided for us each step of the way, from cast mates opening their homes for rehearsals, local churches offering location space, donations from the community, and friends just plain helping out!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My husband and I work together in our main business, Mason Jar Label, an apparel and accessories company sold in over 1000 stores across the US and Canada. We also own a short term rental (you can actually see it on House Hunters!). We are the proud parents of 2 wonderful sons, whom we homeschool. Our eldest graduated college at 16 with a BS in Grpahic Design, Cum Laude & Dean’s List. We are creative people and are well known in our town for not just Beacon, but for the past 7 years, we have written, directed, and produced the Christmas plays at our church, which have over 500 attendees every night!
As for our role at Beacon, what sets us apart is our passion, not just for the arts, but for those involved. We always say “you’re not just a part of the cast, you’re family”. This is eveident by the testimonies found on our website from some of our cast members.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I don’t drink coffee!! Seriously, people ask me how I do so much, and how much coffee it takes, but I don’t drink any caffeine. I believe when the Lord gives you something to do, He also gives you the strength and energy to do it 🙂
Pricing:
- $18 tickets
- $148/mo classes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BeaconPATX.com
- Instagram: @BeaconPATX
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558781046896
Image Credits
Joe Duty Photography
Spoli Co
Taylor Collins
