TCT Teaching Artist Faculty

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Drew Baker (Artistic Director & Teaching Artist) brings over a decade of artistic leadership to Tuscaloosa Children's Theatre, where she has served as Artistic Director since 2022 after joining as Artistic Coordinator in 2009. Her approach to children's theatre education is rooted in the belief that performing arts provide essential life skills that extend beyond the stage.

Mrs. Drew has become a beloved mentor at TCT. Students and parents alike cherish her playful spirit, colorful storytelling, and infectious enthusiasm during rehearsals and classes. Her signature blend of theatrical wisdom and childlike joy creates a magical learning environment that has shaped generations of young performers.

Mrs. Drew's teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive environment where young performers can build confidence, develop their unique creative voices, and learn the value of collaboration. She is known for her patient guidance and ability to draw out the best in students of all experience levels, helping them discover their artistic potential while fostering discipline and dedication.

Cole Cabiness (Program Director & Teaching Artist) is an accomplished director, choreographer, arts educator, and performer with extensive experience in theatre and dance. 

A multifaceted artist, Cole holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts Communication (Creative Media & Theatre) and a Master's in Business Administration with a specialization in Film through the CREATE Path program at The University of Alabama. His professional experience includes performing with Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama, and working extensively as a freelance director, choreographer, and arts instructor for various theatre groups, schools, and studios.

Through his diverse talents and commitment to the arts, Cole continues to make significant contributions to the arts community in Alabama. Whether directing, choreographing, or teaching, Cole remains dedicated to fostering artistic growth and excellence in Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas.

Kelley Brown Davis (Teaching Artist) is a seasoned choreographer and director with a lifelong connection to Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre. Her passion for the performing arts began at age nine when she took the stage in her first TCT production. Over the years, she performed in nearly 20 TCT shows, laying the foundation for a creative career rooted in youth theatre.

Kelley graduated from the University of Alabama in 2010 with a degree in Communications (Telecommunication and Film) and Theatre. While in college, she began choreographing for TCT and has since contributed her talents to numerous productions, helping bring stories to life through movement and stagecraft.

In Fall 2023, Kelley expanded her creative role by directing her first TCT production. She is thrilled to return to the director’s chair for Moana Jr. in Fall 2025.

In addition to her work with TCT, Kelley has served as the Director of Bibb County Children’s Theatre since 2015. She is grateful for the partnership and support of Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre, especially the generous sharing of set and costume resources that help bring productions to life for young performers in Bibb County.

Kelley is passionate about nurturing creativity, confidence, and collaboration in young artists and remains dedicated to enriching lives through the performing arts.

Emma Foughty (Teaching Artist) is a Texas native who grew up in the Dallas area, where she trained for nine years at Chamberlain School of Ballet and later became a member of the Chamberlain Ballet Company. She also honed her skills in tap and jazz at Ballet Conservatory. In the summer of 2022, Emma expanded her dance and performance knowledge by attending the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment Summer Intensive at Oklahoma City University.

An award-winning choreographer, Emma has also served as dance captain in several musical productions, including Theatre Tuscaloosa’s recent production of The Addams Family. Emma's performance experience includes school, university, local, and regional theatre productions. Her teaching experience spans two years at the Chamberlain School of Ballet, where she taught Musical Theatre Dance, Tap, Stage Makeup, and the History of Jazz.

Currently pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at The University of Alabama's School of Theatre and Dance, Emma is thrilled to be joining Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre, where she looks forward to sharing her love for dance and performance with the next generation of artists.

Alexa-Grace Lindley (Teaching Artist) is a dedicated teaching artist with over seven years of experience inspiring students of all ages and skill levels. She is currently studying at The University of Alabama to receive her BFA in Musical Theater. She trained for 11 years with the Briarwood Ballet studying ballet, jazz, and modern. She has also had the wonderful opportunity to teach ballet, jazz, and coached many performers through the audition process in the Birmingham community. She considers it an honor to nurture a love for dance and performance in her students. Alexa-Grace recently honed her craft at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School’s Musical Theater Intensive in New York City and has showcased her talents at The Green Room 42 in the Amy Murphy Creative Covers Cabaret as well as performing “Part of Your World” at Don’t Tell Mama NYC. She also served as a Teaching Artist Trainee with Atlanta’s renowned Alliance Theatre.

With a rich background in musical theatre, Alexa-Grace has performed in over 15 musicals and choreographed more than seven productions. She is thrilled to bring her passion and expertise to the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theater, where she empowers young artists to grow in confidence, creativity, and joy through the magic of performance.

 Jessica Prather (Resident Costumer and Teaching Artist) is the Resident Costumer at Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre, where she has been a dedicated member of the creative team for over three years. She brings more than eight years of experience in theatrical costuming, including five years as a costume assistant at Theatre Tuscaloosa. Jessica holds a degree in English Language Arts Secondary Education from the University of North Alabama. Outside the theatre, Jessica enjoys life with her husband and their two children.