Our Story
Stage 2 began in 2010, when Susie Johnson brought together a small group of teenagers who loved theater and wanted a space to learn, perform, and grow. What started as a handful of students exploring acting and improv has blossomed into a thriving program of nearly ninety members between the ages of 13 and college. From day one, Stage 2 has been about more than performance—it’s been about connection, creativity, and community.
Over the years, students have learned to do it all—sing, dance, act, and take charge behind the scenes through costumes, sets, props, advertising, and fundraising. The group’s weekly Monday night meetings are filled with laughter, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Whether they’re rehearsing for the annual December showcase or preparing for a major summer production, members take ownership of every part of the process. Each performance is an opportunity for students to express themselves and build confidence while working together toward something bigger than themselves.
In 2025, Stage 2 entered a new era under the leadership of Hunter Dungan, a proud Stage 2 alum and Meridian native. With Hunter as Artistic Director, the organization is embracing its next chapter with the same heart and purpose it was founded on—developing character, inspiring creativity, and giving back through service. Today, Stage 2 continues to prove that theater changes lives—not just for those on stage, but for everyone who experiences the joy, teamwork, and sense of belonging it creates.
What We Believe
Stage 2 exists to inspire and empower teens and young adults through the performing arts. We provide a creative and inclusive space where students can explore acting, music, dance, and production while developing leadership, confidence, and character. Through performance, teamwork, and community service, Stage 2 helps young people discover their potential—both on stage and in life.
Our vision is to create a lasting legacy of young artists who use their creativity, compassion, and confidence to uplift their communities. We imagine a future where every Stage 2 member carries forward the values of teamwork, empathy, and excellence—proving that the arts can shape not only performers, but strong, purposeful individuals who make a difference.
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We encourage imagination, originality, and self-expression in every rehearsal, performance, and project.
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We believe theater builds responsibility, confidence, empathy, and resilience—qualities that extend far beyond the stage.
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Every success at Stage 2 is shared. Collaboration, trust, and mutual respect are essential to everything we do.
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We are deeply connected to our community and use our talents to give back through service and outreach.
Board of Directors
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Brandon Davidson
PRESIDENT
Brandon Davidson has been involved with Stage 2 since 2010 and credits the organization with helping spark his passion for the arts and community involvement. He has supported Stage 2 both onstage and behind the scenes, contributing to casting and production efforts over the years. Brandon teaches science and choir at West Lauderdale High School and assists with the boys’ soccer program. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership with hopes of becoming an assistant principal. Brandon and his wife, Libby, are active in their church, enjoy traveling, and are committed to community service.
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Jeanna White
VICE PRESIDENT
Jeanna Willis White has been teaching for more than 30 years and is a National Board Certified educator at Poplar Springs Elementary in the Meridian Public School District. She holds a Master of Science in Education from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Mississippi. Jeanna is actively involved in community and arts organizations, including Meridian Little Theatre, Hope Village, Junior Auxiliary, United Way initiatives, and First Presbyterian Church. She is married to Bo White and their daughter is Virginia White. Jeanna is passionate about supporting youth, education and the arts.
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Douglas Coleman
TREASURER
Douglas Coleman is a partner at Rea, Shaw, Giffin and Stuart, LLP, and serves on the Stage 2 Board of Directors. He is also a current board member of the Community Foundation of East Mississippi and has previously served on the boards of the Meridian Symphony Organization, Meridian Council for the Arts, and Care Lodge. Douglas is actively involved in the arts community and is a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he sings in the choir and has served multiple terms as a deacon. He is married to Katie Crowe Coleman and has two adult children, Mac and Ella.
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April Sellers
SECRETARY
April Sellers is a native of Columbus, Mississippi, who moved to Meridian in 2017 with her husband, Brian, and their children. She quickly became involved in the community through organizations such as Junior Auxiliary, Meridian Symphony, Hope Village, Leadership Lauderdale, and Stage 2. April founded Clean Plate in 2018, which later expanded into Fare on Eight, a downtown Meridian restaurant. Through her professional work and volunteer involvement, April is passionate about community development, service, and supporting organizations that enrich the local arts and culture.
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Hunter Dungan
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Hunter Dungan is a Stage 2 alumnus and serves as the program’s Artistic Director. A lifelong Meridian native, Hunter is passionate about using theater and the arts to strengthen his community and support young people. Through his leadership at Stage 2, he focuses on helping teens build creativity, collaboration, and confidence while discovering their sense of purpose. Hunter is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of artists and leaders and believes strongly in the power of the arts to inspire growth both onstage and beyond.
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John Burton
BOARD MEMBER
John Burton has been involved with Stage 2 since shortly after its founding and remains a strong supporter of community arts. He is the owner and operator of Custom Frame and Gift and Burton Awards. John holds four degrees in engineering, languages, and international business. His global experience includes living in seven countries, studying nine languages, and visiting more than 100 countries. He recently married his wife, Daniela, who is from Argentina, and together they have three children: Giuliana, Bautista, and Isabella. John also serves as a board member of the Rose Hill Company of Players.
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Jan Freeman
BOARD MEMBER
Jan Freeman has lived and worked in Meridian for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Tré, have three children: Will, Mary Margaret, and Catherine. Jan is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where she studied fine art with an emphasis in interior design. Her involvement with Stage 2 began when her children joined the organization, and she has remained an active supporter ever since. Over the years, Jan has assisted with events, costuming, and organizational support. She now serves as a board member and is excited to continue supporting Stage 2’s mission and growth.
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Nancy Gibson
BOARD MEMBER
Nancy Gibson has been an educator for more than 33 years and is currently teaching kindergarten at West Lauderdale. She has been involved with Stage 2 since its beginning in 2010, supporting weekly meetings, productions, and organizational efforts. Nancy has long been active in the local arts community and values the role creative programs play in education and youth development. In her spare time, she enjoys taking long walks in the woods and reading. Nancy is proud to support Stage 2’s mission and is grateful to be part of an organization that fosters creativity, confidence, and community connection.
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Emily Harrison
BOARD MEMBER
Emily Harrison is a 24-year-old resident of Little Rock, Arkansas, where she lives with her husband, Tucker, and their two dogs, Bellie and Ozzie. She is a graduate of William Carey University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Emily discovered her love for the arts at a young age and has remained involved in creative pursuits throughout her life. She was a member of Stage 2 for five years and is excited to return in a new capacity. Emily values creativity, collaboration, and supporting organizations that foster artistic growth and community connection.
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Zena Limerick
BOARD MEMBER
Zena Limerick is a dedicated Stage 2 volunteer with more than ten years of service and a longtime supporter of the arts in Meridian. He has served on the boards of the Meridian Little Theater, Meridian Symphony, and Meridian Council for the Arts. Zena holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Mississippi State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Community College Education. He is employed by Waters International Truck and the Meridian Symphony Association. Zena enjoys traveling, visiting historic sites, and supporting arts organizations that enrich the community.
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Lucus Orndorff
BOARD MEMBER
Lucus Orndorff is the Choral Director at East Central Community College and has been involved with Stage 2 since December 2010. Originally from Augusta, West Virginia, he lives in the Decatur, Mississippi area, where East Central Community College is located. Lucus studied at Alderson Broaddus University and The University of Southern Mississippi and is a graduate of Hampshire High School. A longtime member of the Stage 2 family, he has supported the organization for many years through the audition process and as part of the directing team. Lucus is passionate about music education and supporting the arts.
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Apryl Sharp
BOARD MEMBER
Apryl Sharp is a lifelong Meridian native who lives in Meridian, Mississippi, and is a graduate of Meridian High School. She studied at The University of Southern Mississippi and has been part of the Stage 2 family for many years, where she has supported the organization through music direction and piano accompaniment. Apryl is passionate about using music to enrich performances and support young artists. She is also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church choir and enjoys contributing her talents to both her church and the local arts community.
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Virginia White
BOARD MEMBER
Virginia White is a proud Stage 2 alumna who continues to support the organization as a board member and longtime advocate for arts education. She majored in Integrated Marketing Communication at the University of Mississippi. Virginia currently works as an Executive Assistant with World Class Sports, where she supports sponsorship development, media outreach, and event logistics for film and sports initiatives. She is a member of the Meridian Symphony Chorus and is actively involved with the Ole Miss Young Alumni Council and Young Professionals of Meridian. Virginia also serves as Secretary for the Public Relations Society of America’s Entertainment & Sports Section.
Leadership Team
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Cooper Sellers
LEADERSHIP PRESIDENT
Cooper Sellers is the son of April and Brian Sellers and is a senior at West Lauderdale High School. This fall marks his third year with Stage 2. A passionate and dedicated musician, Cooper is actively involved in both choir and band and has been playing the piano for seven years. He enjoys continuing to grow musically while balancing his academic and extracurricular commitments. Cooper sends love and appreciation to his incredible support system, including his family and friends, who encourage him to pursue his interests and support him in all of his creative and personal endeavors.
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Cooper Tibbetts
SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR
Cooper Tibbetts is a high school junior and the daughter of Chad and Dixie Tibbetts. This fall marks her fourth year with Stage 2. She has been involved in musical theater since childhood and plans to pursue it professionally in the future. Outside of Stage 2, Cooper enjoys participating in and coaching gymnastics, spending time with her friends, baking, and driving while listening to music. She is grateful for the friendships and experiences she has gained through Stage 2 and appreciates the continued support of her family and peers as she works toward her goals.
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Meira Smith
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE
Meira Smith is a sophomore at Meridian Community College and is excited to return for her third year with Stage 2 this fall. A true creative spirit, Meira is a ballerina who enjoys exploring many artistic outlets, including painting, crocheting, playing the piano and ocarina, line dancing, and hip-hop. Creativity runs deep in her family, as her brothers are also involved in the arts and her father has written plays. Meira sends her love and thanks to her parents, Lisa and Mickey Smith, for their constant encouragement, support, and belief in her creative passions.
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Avery Agent
SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE
Avery Agent is the daughter of Randy and Anita Munn and is entering her senior year at Anchor Christian Homeschool Co-op. She is also dual enrolled at East Central Community College. This fall marks her fourth year with Stage 2, where she continues to be an active and committed member of the organization. Outside of Stage 2, Avery enjoys reading, singing, baking, and being involved in her youth group and worship band. She also has a soft spot for cows. Avery sends a big thank-you to Maddox Davis for always keeping things organized and to the Simpson family for being her reliable ride crew.
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Maddox Davis
JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE
Maddox Davis is a 16-year-old homeschooled junior and is entering his fourth year with Stage 2 this fall. He is a talented musician who plays guitar, bass guitar, and trombone. Maddox performs regularly with his church’s youth praise band and is also a member of the MCC Jazz Band. A dedicated and self-motivated learner, he taught himself how to play the guitar. Maddox is grateful for the opportunities Stage 2 has provided to grow creatively, collaborate with others, and continue developing his musical skills both on and off the stage.
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Elizabeth Simpson
SOPHOMORE REPRESENTATIVE
Elizabeth Simpson is a sophomore at Anchored Christian Academy and is excited to return for her second year with Stage 2 this fall. When she is not involved with Stage 2, Elizabeth enjoys reading, running, and crocheting. She is also the proud owner of five cats, which keep her very entertained. Elizabeth is thankful for the encouragement and support she receives from her parents, Ben and Christy Simpson, and appreciates her brother Eli for always helping get her where she needs to go. She looks forward to another season of learning and growing through her involvement with Stage 2.