The enormous power behind mother-daughter duos (think iconic legends Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher!) continue to mesmerize us. This dynamic is also at the heart of Genesis Children’s Theatre in Plano, where mom Neicole Woodall and daughter Megan Demsky bring their passion for mentorship, storytelling, and building connections to their work.
For young people, theater can be a powerful tool for learning and growth. Various programs at Genesis provide the best of both worlds: students learn real-life skills such as using eye contact, building confidence, and practicing on-the-spot problem-solving, as well as soft skills like empathy, storytelling, and creative visioning.
However, Genesis’s impact goes way beyond the stage. “Our kids call Genesis their second home,” says Megan. “We purposefully keep our casts small; we are able to witness each kid for what they are and provide invaluable one-on-one mentorship this way. No matter what part a child gets in our productions, they are supported and shine bright; they are featured and encouraged. We are actually a mentorship program disguised as a theater!”
“Genesis was started because we saw a need in the community for students and families to have a safe space; to provide young artists a second home where they could be seen and loved,” reflects Neicole, who is affectionately known as the theater’s grandmother.
Uplifting students through one-on-one mentorship is further reflected in the theatre’s unique customs. For example, Love Notes is a Genesis tradition where directors handwrite personalized messages to each student at the close of a Main Stage Production. This simple act of love and recognition deepens the connection between teachers and students and emphasizes the value of community building (in fact, some students have graduated college and still have every Love Note!).
The power of kind and encouraging words permeates the rehearsals and the theatre itself. “In fact, there have been several students that I have seen utterly transformed by being a part of our theatre,” shares Megan. “We have several students on the spectrum, students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, anxiety, and people who deal with all types of sensitivities. I have seen them break through barriers, year after year; their growth is palpable.”
Megan and Neicole’s enthusiasm is infectious. Putting students first is something they do daily, and Genesis’s staff is no different. An exceptional faculty of professional actors, directors, and teaching artists--masters of both performance and pedagogy--know how to draw out the best in every student while leading with kindness and empathy. Alumni come back year after year to teach younger students.
Genesis is truly reshaping the idea of what “good theater” is for the local community. By challenging antiquated ideas about theater (such as ‘it’s only for extroverts’ or only for those ‘pursuing a Hollywood career’), it brings the conversation back to earth. In other words, it recognizes that at the end of the day, the arts help us to express ourselves, and most importantly, to FIND ourselves.
Want to learn more? Contact https://genesischildrenstheatre.org/
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Wizard of Oz, Youth Edition: July 18, 19, 20, 2025
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