Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Norris.
Renee, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story begins in a small Pennsylvania town called Charleroi, known to us as “the magic city.” It was a place where community was at the heart of everything. We learned from every religion, denomination, lifestyle, and ethnicity what it meant to be mindful people and loving humans. My days were filled with dance classes and playing outside until dark, with imagination at the center of it all. Sundays were sacred—devoted to God and family. That little girl has never left me.
In the parish hall of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, I found myself creating plays, making people laugh, and learning from so many different cultures. It was there I discovered the value of understanding others—and even something as simple but important as cleaning up after yourself. Ours was a working-class town where everybody did everything, and the spirit was truly “all for one and one for all.”
In 1989, my family moved to Texas. I graduated from Arlington High School, where I was active at Creative Arts Theatre and School—a place I later returned to as a teacher and director. My journey in education continued with a 30-year career as a theatre teacher in Birdville ISD. Along the way, my husband and I performed all over the DFW area, and our children grew up stepping into theatrical opportunities right beside us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve always believed obstacles are really just opportunities in disguise, and I’ve never been afraid to face them. After Covid, I was given the chance to help Artisan, and it was truly a joy to bring resources into that space and keep it running as long as possible. What could have felt like a setback became a gift—the opportunity to provide jobs and future shows for artists in our community.
The greatest blessing in all of it has been the friendships made and sustained during those challenging times. I owe much thanks to Jessie Beebe, Executive Producer at Stand Performing Arts Ministry, who opened her doors and made so much possible. Because of her vision and generosity, we’ve not only continued—we’ve grown and grown.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I serve as the Artistic Director and Education Director at Stand Performing Arts Ministry, where my heart is to connect people. I see myself as both a resource and a guide, creating opportunities for students and artists of all ages to grow theatrically, emotionally, and spiritually. My goal is to provide high-quality entertainment that is not only engaging, but also thought-provoking and even healing for those who experience it at our theatre. My degrees are in Theatre and English from Texas Wesleyan University.
Currently, I am directing Over the River and Through the Woods alongside my son, Dominic, a musical theatre major at UTA. As an Italian family with deep roots, this project is a true passion piece for us. We’ve been able to pour our heritage and life experiences into the storytelling and design while collaborating with an extraordinary team of artists—helping them grow while also crafting a production that gives audiences more than “just a Friday night show.”
This particular production is presented as a dinner theatre, but at Stand every show is rooted in our mission: Created to Create. From the moment audiences enter the lobby until the conversations they carry with them after leaving, we strive to craft a holistic experience. Concessions, merchandise, programs, preshow elements, raffles, speeches, gallery art—all are intentionally woven into the director’s vision and brought to life by the creative team. My role is to see that vision through fully, from the first rehearsal to closing night, ensuring that every detail contributes to a meaningful and memorable community experience.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Waking up on Saturday mornings and rolling out of bed to walk to dance class. That studio and the women in there provided hope and possibilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://standministries.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standministries
Image Credits
Headshot by Ellen Lumpkin Chapter2Photography
