MEET THE TEAM
MARLENE
DICKINSON
MUSIC.LYRICS.SCRIPTS
Marlene Dickinson is a playwright, songwriter, director, singer, actor, and choreographer who has worked at the intersection of Christianity and theatre for over 40 years. She believes the Lord is the Author of all artistic expression. Marlene is devoted to equipping the next generation of performing artists to contribute to the professional Stage and TV/Film industries with confidence in the Lord and excellence in their craft.
In theatre, Marlene has a life long list of credits producing, directing, choreographing and/or performing in over 50 musicals, revues, and projects for professional theatre, colleges, schools, and conferences, both nationally and internationally. Favorite venues/projects include Indiana Repertory Theatre, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Narrator/JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING…, and Godmother/CINDERELLA. She traveled Asia, Europe and Hawaii with Operation Appreciation, a USO type outreach to the U.S. military, and has worked on numerous cruise ships.
Continued...
In ministry, Marlene served as Theatre Arts Director at Church at the Crossing (IN) for 9 years. and toured the US and Canada with Jim Van Hook/Brentwood Music's "Bridge." In the TV/Film industry, Marlene was an Atlanta based Commercial actress represented by Alexander White Agency.
Marlene has been married to Curtis Dickinson for 37 years, with whom she co-produced (with some help from the Creator) Lily, 27 - a former NYC actress/singer-songwriter/dancer, and Tommy, 20 - a Film Editor and Light Tech - who has had to sit through more shows than any growing boy should be required.
Marlene believes that raising kids in the business has uniquely equipped her for her current pursuits. Tommy is pursuing film editing in the Atlanta on-camera industry. Lily’s credits include working Off Broadway; the MAMMA MIA! National Tour; The Alliance Theatre (ATL) and The Engeman Theatre (NYC.) In 2017, Lily and Marlene co-produced “MotherWorks,” a benefit for at-risk teens featuring Mother-Daughter performing teams, directed by Tony Award winner Shuler Hensley.
The Dickinsons are active at His Hands Church in the Atlanta area. Marlene attended Belmont University, and was a full scholarship recipient and summa cum laude graduate of Northern Kentucky University’s Theatre Performance program. She has continued lifelong studies at the Dramatists Guild Institute (NYC), Actors Connection (NYC), Second City Improv (CHI), Upright Citizens Brigade (NYC), Steps and Broadway Dance Center (NYC) and Georgia Ballet (ATL), among others. Marlene is past Board Chair and 25 year volunteer with Christians in Theatre Arts www.cita.org. She is a member of The Dramatists Guild of America, Working Title Playwrights, and Nashville Songwriters Association International.
Sarah Stipe
Sarah Stipe is an actress, singer, director and writer living in Atlanta. Sarah can be seen on networks such as Netflix, HBO, NBC and most recently Pure Flix, in the upcoming movie, "Divine Influencer!" Sarah oversees both creative and administrative aspects of FBSM. She is a proud member of the improv group Güd Time Gang and loves to make people laugh. Sarah is active at Northpoint Church, GA. For more on Sarah you can go to her website: www.sarahstipe.com.
Bella Yantis
Bella loves stage and screen. She is best known for her stage work in the Broadway National Tour of WHITE CHRISTMAS and the premiere of EVER AFTER, playing the younger version of Broadway legend, Sierra Boggess, and step-daughter of Rachel York. She has done several national commercials, her favorite for ABC, playing Young Carrie Underwood. Bella can also be spotted on PBS Odd Squad. Bella brings an authentic youth voice to our repertoire development table. Bella volunteers with The Penguin Project and serves at First Baptist Cumming, GA.
James Dawson Fobes
After a fulfilling career in children’s theatre, James’ studies took shape at a performing arts high school in Atlanta (CCCEPA.) He then trained in the BFA Musical Theatre program at The University of Michigan. Following junior year, 2020, he made the difficult decision to leave U of M for the sake of a debt free life. In 2022, James married Indigo - the woman of his dreams! In addition to rep development, James is involved in marketing efforts for our team. Above all, James is defined by Christ. James and Indigo attend Church of the City, NYC.
Indigo Fobes
Indigo is delighted to be part of the team at Faith Based Student Musicals. She has a passion for theatre and telling meaningful stories. Having received a BFA in Musical Theatre, she has stepped into a professional career in the performing arts, most recently playing Demeter in CATS at City Springs, Atlanta. As a certified web developer, Indigo also handles our tech and marketing needs. She is grateful for the grace of Jesus and seeks to honor Him in the work she does, whether on stage, on the web, or behind the scenes. Indigo and her husband, James, attend Church of the City, NYC.
Tommy Dickinson
Tommy is a hard-working, 21-year-old Film/Video Editor. He's worked on film sets, school news broadcasts, created a short film, and has worked for Stream MOKO (now Stream YOYO,) a new streaming platform. He has been a Christian as long as he can remember and was baptized in 5th Grade. Growing up, he served the Church running lights in Elementary and Middle school. He now runs lights for the main service. Tommy has enjoyed serving on mission trips to Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Lighthouse Ministries for childhood cancer.
Arrangements & Piano Paul Tate
Video Editor Tommy Dickinson
Marketing Consultant Mark Campbell
Marketing & Graphics Olivia Mangiaracina
Studio Production
Chris Arias, Shebang Studio, GA
Zach Sicherman Studio, New York, NY
Nick McClure, First Baptist Church Woodstock, GA
David Burke Studio, GA
Marshall Young, Mt. Paran Christian School, GA
Dennis Dearing, Menace Music, Nashville, TN
Tim Gowens, Summer Street Productions, GA