This fall, something magical is happening in Lebanon—not just on stage, but in the hearts and minds of students. Stage Local, a community-focused performing arts company, has teamed up with Anchor Academy, a hybrid education program for grades PreK–12, to offer theatre programming specifically for homeschooled students. Together, they’re shining a spotlight on creativity, collaboration, and community.
For Anchor Academy co-founders and certified educators Brandi Craig and Tori Ruis, the partnership felt like a natural extension of their mission. “We LOVE theatre, and we are so excited to have Stage Local here in Lebanon,” says Brandi. “Sarah and Bethany are both amazing women, and we knew that a partnership with them would align with the mission and vision we have for our tutorial.”
At Anchor Academy, education isn’t just about textbooks and tests—it’s about nurturing the whole child. Theatre, they believe, offers something more than just entertainment. “By partnering with Stage Local, we are able to tap into a creative outlet of learning for our students where they can express themselves uniquely,” Tori explains. “The arts provide confidence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate—skills necessary for success in the classroom and beyond.”
Stage Local’s Sarah Collins and Bethany Harrison couldn’t agree more. Originally launched as a community theatre, Stage Local’s vision quickly grew to include arts education. “Once we announced our vision, we realized the need to provide more opportunities for students of all ages,” Sarah says. “With the recent increase in homeschooled students in our area, we saw a unique opportunity to make an impact.”
That impact begins this fall, as Anchor and Stage Local launch their joint homeschool theatre program. It will include a Drama Club for PreK–6th graders, meeting twice weekly, and theatre classes for middle and high school students. The collaboration also includes cohorts and tutorials open to homeschoolers across the area, making it one of the most comprehensive performing arts offerings for homeschoolers in Wilson County.
What makes this initiative stand out? For one, convenience: classes are hosted during the school day and on-site, meaning no additional shuttling for parents. But more importantly, it’s about shared values. “This partnership allows us to connect students with different schedules and backgrounds to meaningful projects,” says Bethany. “We’re helping foster a family-like culture—something Anchor already does so well.”
For homeschooled students, these programs open up new social and creative possibilities. “We hope it will provide another avenue for families who’ve chosen homeschool as the best fit,” says Brandi. “We want our students to have the same opportunities that their public and private school peers have.”
Feedback so far? "Everyone is so so excited!" the Anchor team reports. And excitement is only the beginning. Both organizations have big dreams for the future, envisioning graduates who pursue musical theatre in college or even professional careers in the arts.
But at the heart of this partnership is something even bigger: the belief that every child deserves the chance to create, collaborate, and shine—whether they’re in a classroom, on a stage, or somewhere in between.
“We believe theatre is a tool that prepares kids to go into the world and create,” says Sarah. “In a homeschool setting, where learning is more individualized, we can truly ignite a passion—not just for the arts, but for life.”
Want to know more about Anchor Academy’s hybrid model, Stage Local’s homeschool theatre offerings, or how your child can get involved this fall?