Soda City Studios 2026 Winter youth production

With over 45 years of theatre experience, Debra E. Leopard is a true force in the world of performance and education. As an accomplished actress, director, and educator, Debra has directed more than 100 productions and performed in over 150 shows. Her extensive expertise includes professional voice-over work, improv performance, and even playwriting.

Debra holds a BFA in Acting and an MFA in Directing, with over 40 years dedicated to teaching at universities and modeling agencies. She’s also the founder of three successful children’s theatre programs in the Midlands, where she’s inspired countless young performers.

Passionate about every aspect of theatre—onstage and behind the scenes—Debra’s leadership promises to bring our Summer Youth Production to life in extraordinary ways.

John is excited to join the Soda City Theatre Company for this production! With extensive experience as a music director and performer, his credits include Nunsense Jamboree, 9 to 5, Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray, Gilligan‘s Island: The Musical, Oliver, The Diary of Adam & Eve, Footloose, Rock of Ages, The Addams Family, and Mary Poppins.

As an actor, John has appeared in productions such as Gilligan’s Island: The Musical (Alien), The King and I (Kralahome), Bull in a China Shop (Kramer), and The Diary of Adam & Eve (Serpent).

A graduate of Furman University and the University of South Carolina with degrees in music theory, John currently serves as the pianist at North Trenholm Baptist Church in Columbia. Outside of the arts, he works as a claims analyst for Palmetto GBA.

John would like to thank God for His continuous blessings and extends his gratitude to the patrons and supporters of the arts who make these productions possible.

Christie Burgess is the proud owner of Dance Elements Academy in Batesburg-Leesville, SC, where she inspires students of all ages with her passion for dance and the performing arts. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Christie has choreographed and taught a variety of styles and served as Associate Choreographer for productions like Seussical Jr. and The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken, Christie earned her degree in Communications with a minor in Fine Arts. During her college years, she choreographed and participated in numerous theater productions and served as captain of the USCA Dance Team in her junior and senior years.

Outside of the studio, Christie is a proud mom to three children, who are active in dance, sports, and musical theater. She is thrilled to bring her creativity and expertise to this year’s Winter Youth Production, sharing her love for the arts with the next generation of performers.