About Us

Vanessa Beyers studied fine art at the University of Witwatersrand in
Johannesburg, South Africa.
She has won many local art competitions in Texas. Vanessa has taught
successful art classes to both adults and children from her home in Nassau Bay.
Vanessa has been the set designer and set artist for plays and musicals at
Harbour Play House, Clear Creek Country Theater, United Methodist Players, and
Theater on the Bay.
Aside from working as an artist, Vanessa has produced,directed and co directed
children's theatrical productions for the past 9 years with Theater on The Bay and
Clear Creek Country Theater.
Please see the many recommendations we have from parents and students.
Upstage Arts is a non-profit organization committed to inspire, challenge, and
promote artists and art in our community. Aimed at Theater and Fine Arts,
Upstage Arts intends to contribute to our community members of all ages,
providing a hands on personal growth experience through a rewarding
participation in the arts on all levels, as artists, audience members, and
contributors.

telling them how wonderful, rather than how awful, they are.  Perhaps most importantly, it
telling them how wonderful, rather than how awful, they are.  Perhaps most importantly, it
is clear that Vanessa loves working with the children and watching them develop their
talents while growing as individuals.  The children’s performances reflect Vanessa’s
attitude towards them.
attitude towards them.


Vanessa’s ability is apparent in the shows she selects and the results she obtains.  She
does not select children’s shows or fairy tales to perform.  Twice, the children have
performed Gilbert & Sullivan plays and enjoyed every minute of it.  The other shows have
encompassed full-blown Broadway plays, not the condensed versions performed by other
children theater groups.  

The plays are also well-performed and staged.  Vanessa’s backdrops, which she paints
herself with help from her family and parent volunteers, are spectacular. Vanessa also
does not skimp on the sets or props, which, with help from local craftsmen (again parent
volunteers) are remarkable and often elaborate.  Some of these sets or props have been
requested and used for adult productions.

Also astounding is the teamwork and unity that develops between the children as they
rehearse and perform in a Vanessa production.  The children learn from each other and
develop a camaraderie in which age is not a barrier.  This camaraderie builds lasting
friendships that can and do endure beyond the production.

Parent:
This is a note to express what gratitude I have for Vanessa and her co-directors.  My son
(removed) participated in four productions with Vanessa (Oliver!, Pirates of Penzance,
Carousel, and Mikado).  It was an awesome time in (removed) growth and development.  
Vanessa has a talent for recognizing where young people's interests are and allowing
them to pursuing it.  (removed) loves the behind scenes operations of a show.  After
demonstrating his abilities, at the ages of 8-10, Vanessa entrusted (removed)with lots of
responsibilities that helped him grow in his confidence.  He is comfortable in working with
adults to problem-solve, which he learned by helping work through issues with props and
sets.  The performances were always great fun.  I'm a parent who goes to most all the
performances my child is in.  Fortunately, Vanessa's shows were truly a great joy to
watch.  Many roles were dual or triple cast so each performance was truly unique.  And
that many more young people had experience in a lead role.  The sets, costumes, and
props were incredible.  Of course, the productions were not a watered-down child's
version.  My son still gets a thrill when he recognizes a Gilbert & Sullivan tune used on a
commercial, cartoon, or some other musical reference.  He feels in the know.  Because of
the knowledge and confidence (removed)gained from these shows, he got himself named
assistant stage manager on the second day of 6th grade for the choir musical.

I would recommend to any parent whose child is looking for an opportunity to work in the
theater to join the cast of one of Vanessa's shows.

Student:
Vanessa has helped me develope my acting skills since the age of 5. I have gotton over
stage fright thanks to Vanessa! Vanessa's shows have been the best part of my summer
vacation, if Vanessa did them all year round I would probably do every single one of them.
Vanessa is the sweetest and most natural director I have ever seen! If her shows had
been bad I wouldn't have continued on doing theater since the age of 5. Her shows have
been fun to be in and fun to see on video tape. The JOY of being in a theater production
with Vanessa is probably the best joy I have ever had. I have seen very few shows as
good or better than Vanessa's shows in my life. Vanessa's artwork/backdrops are always
ssssooooo beautiful. Her ideas are bright and beautiful. If Vanessa was to run or even co-
run a theater the theater will be making lots of cash. The theater will probably be one of
the best. If Vanessa taught art I would also take all of those. She as I already mentioned is
a beautiful artist. Vanessa could be the next famous artist. Vanessa is a joy to be around
and great to work with when she directs. GO VANESSA! I would spend all my money just
to be on a show directed by her. Vanessa go on and prosper. I think I have been in the
best theater productions i could have possibly been in at my age. I think other children
should have the same opportunity I had and I guaranty they will enjoy it. Thanks again
Vanessa for making my life great!!!!!!

Student:
My name is (removed), and this is my story. My high school was wasted away with
countless hours of soul searching. I attempted most activities and career paths in order to
find the one that was fit to play in society. Time passed and I neared the summer of my
senior year with nothing in mind beyond science and engineering. By logic I figured myself
to be some sort of engineer because of NASA and the fact that it was a simple subject to
attest to; its not like its rocket science or anything! That summer before my senior year
(Summer 2005) I decided to go audition for the Mikado at Clear Creek Country Theatre
and this being my first musical I expected some family support, which of course consisted
of a ride to the location where I was conveniently delivered to the front door alone and
afraid. For my audition I was required to sing and dance and well I was a bit flushed, being
my first time and all. My dancing was comical for a lack of better dancing skills and of
course I sang happy birthday as my audition piece because I did not have a song
prepared. I was called after a dreadfully long 4 or 5 days and I got the part of the Mikado.

From then on there was no pressure whatsoever and I found that my time of soul
searching was long gone. Vanessa helped me find a beautiful world of theatre and music
and she demonstrated the meaningfulness of being involved in something so fulfilling as
an actor or a person. I gained experience in every level, ranging from building set pieces,
to helping with costumes, and even learning great warm up games! The Mikado was my
very first musical but thanks to Vanessa and her guidance I went to do another play, and
another, and another! Now I am a student at the University of Houston aiming to obtain a
double major in theatre and music, as an actor and vocal performance major. Its not easy
by any means, and my road has only just begun but at least I know that this road was the
right one, that this road is my path to my passion, that thanks to Vanessa Beyers I was
able to see light at the end of the tunnel, which has brought me more happiness in the
world than I can recall,

So, to whom this may concern, Vanessa was my channel to the life I lead and she is an
inspiration to myself and everyone in the cast of the Mikado. Vanessa and Pat made the
show magical and an unforgettable experience to anyone who's anyone.

Sincerely and thank you for your time,

Parent:
Comment from (removed) after his first experience in one of Vanessa's summer youth
productions (The World We Live In), where he played a butterfly and a soldier ant: "Mom,
this was by far the MOST fun thing I have ever done, bar none."
Comments from (removed) mom: He had not realized that he could dance or be a ham,
but Vanessa brought both out in him the next summer as King of the Rats in The Pied
Piper of Hamelin. He had not realized he could sing, but she brought this out in him the
next year as the Artful Dodger  in Oliver. He would polish all three skills in the following
three summers in Pirates of Penzance, Carousel, and the Mikado.
Vanessa has many artistic, interpretive, and conceptual skills, but the most impressive by
far is her astounding ability to inspire young people to perform far beyond the capabilities
they thought they had. She draws out their talents and celebrates them, leaving a trail of
delight behind.

Parent:
My daughter, (removed) has been in two of Vanessa's summer youth apprentice
productions at Clear Creek Country Theatre, Carousel (which she directed with her
daughter Aimee), and The Mikado.  (removed) was a novice to theatre, but Vanessa has a
way of making children feel like stars even if they have only a small part.  (removed) came
away from both of these shows with an enthusiasm for drama and a love of acting on
stage.    
Vanessa has a way of commanding respect from the young cast without using harsh
discipline.  Her love of teaching and directing is evident by the way that the cast responds
to her.  I have observed her interaction with the kids from the point of the audition to the
final professional product, and I can truthfully say that I have never seen anyone mold
small (and large) drama kings and queens into professional actors/actresses such as she
can.
Vanessa's creativity and eye for the perfect scene as well as the perfect set, is shown in
the final production.  The final product is extremely professional, especially for a youth
apprentice program.  Seeing my daughter in both of these productions has made me
proud that she has had a chance to be a part of such a wonderful theatrical experience,
and to work with such a professional.
(removed) has loved working with Vanessa, and would enjoy working with her again.  

Parent:
I am thrilled to be able to write a letter on behalf of Vanessa and her productions.  Our
daughter, (removed) received her start in theatre under Vanessa's wonderful guidance.  
We lived in Clear Lake when Vanessa was producing Oliver, and enrolled (removed) as a
means of addressing her shyness in front of crowds and helping her to find a passion.  
Vanessa's warmth and patience helped (removed) to overcome her shyness, and she
blossomed .  Vanessa produced/directed amazingly high quality shows given the
limitations of her extremely low budgets.  I often wondered what Vanessa could do if she
was provided with substantial funding for her shows.

As for (removed), sure enough, she found her passion. When we moved to The Woodlands
three years ago, (removed) had gained enough experience and confidence to succeed in a
top rate, high budget theatre called Class Act Productions.  She received the role of Marta
in The Sound of Music and the title role in Annie, Jr.   In 2004, (removed) became interested
in film acting, and after receiving training by a top film acting coach, was accepted by
Pastorini-Bosby Talent Agency.  She has performed commercials for Fortune 500
companies, such as British Petroleum, starred in a feature film (The Bracelet of
Bordeaux), and is currently being considered for a voiceover role in a major animation
series.

It all started with the skill and tenderness of Vanessa...and as a parent, I am grateful to
her.

Parent:
My daughter was a cast member in two of the summer musicals for youth put on at Clear
Creek Country Theater, “Carousel” and “The Mikado”.  Working with Vanessa on both of
those productions was no less than life-changing for my daughter, and a real treat for me
as a parent.  (removed) had been very involved in her choir in junior high, and it was her
director who posted the opportunity for auditioning for “Carousel” just at the end of her
eighth grade year.  Other than a bit part in a junior version of  “Annie” put on in 6th grade,
she had no real theater experience, and had never auditioned before.  I stayed to offer
moral support, but also got to see how the process worked.  Vanessa was very
professional, but had a real gift for making the kids feel at ease, even if their nervous
systems were in overdrive.  Once the parts were given out, everyone had a role, and the
major parts were double cast to give everyone a chance to shine at some point.  At the
time, I don’t think I really appreciated the value of how that would work, but by the end of
the run of shows, it was just amazing to see the growth in those kids, especially in the
ones who didn’t start out very confident.  They grew into a family and were all proud of
what they had accomplished.  Most of all, they all couldn’t wait until next year to do it
again!  The finished productions were very professional, not “school play” fare, but
something everyone in the community could enjoy, and did enjoy.  It all came together.  
The sets, the lights, the music all made for a good entertaining show for the audience.  All
the hard work paid off.

(removed) gained more experience and confidence in the next summer’s production of
“The Mikado”, and learned more facets of the stage.  The kids were a year older and
sometimes with that can come the inevitable conflicts that can arise when you have “too
many divas in the kitchen” so to speak, but things were ironed out fairly and in the end, I
think everyone knew the value of doing the job the right way.  I don’t envy the position
Vanessa was in, having to be in control but yet letting the kids be creative and have some
fun, but she did a great job with it.  She had a vision of what the end product should be
and I have to think it came pretty close.  She had a lot of help in the process with some
very creative adults pulling the sets together and gathering or making the necessary
costumes, and as a helper I must say it was a lot of fun.

I think Vanessa has given a lot to the kids who have learned from her,  and hopefully will
continue to have those experiences in the future.  She’s a great person and really needs
to keep doing what she’s been doing…she’s so good at it!  (removed) has moved on from
those experiences to play a part in another musical, and this year is using some of what
she learned to do some backstage work on the senior musical at her high school.  She
had an excellent teacher and a great beginning…one that will serve her well no matter
what she ends up doing.  

Parent:
My son (removed) has participated in many productions that Vanessa has directed such
as “Pirates of Penzance”, “Carousel”, and “the Mikado”.  Vanessa has made each one a
very positive experience that he still talks about to this day.  In fact my son’s very first
experience with a Vanessa production “Pirates of Penzance”, was so positive that he has
continued his musical and theater career on into high school.  My son has also
participated in other shows that were not directed by Vanessa and I must say they were
not as positive of an experience and in fact a couple of shows were down right miserable
for him. I believe that if he had one of those experiences with theater first he may not have
the love for theater & music that he has today.
As a parent knowing nothing about theater when my son first started, Vanessa was very
friendly and open.  She would answer any question I might have no matter how stupid the
question might be.  As everyone that has kids in theater knows, you have to have
volunteer help to help put on the shows and Vanessa made that a very positive
experience for me as well.  In fact, when the show was over, I looked forward to the show
for next summer.
My son (removed) started with Vanessa in the 6h grade and is now a 10th grader in high
school. He plans on continuing his musical & theater career through out high school and
on into college.  Yes I’m sure, that if Vanessa called him up to be in one of her productions
he would jump at the chance.
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