KATE VANDER LINDEN
CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kids Director & Choreographer,

Youth & Teen Musical Director, Broadway Babes Director,

Class Instructor, Audition Coach

Kate founded Beacon Performing Arts Center in 2017 with her husband Jake and friend Tim, who she met while starring as Jovie in the First National Tour of Elf the Musical. Kate received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University, and in addition to being the Executive Director of BPAC, she teaches private voice and piano lessons. She is devoted to sharing her love of theatre and music with children and teens of all ages, and feels so blessed to be living in such a wonderful and supportive community as Beacon. When she's not directing or teaching, you can find Kate playing with her one year old daughter Lucy and golden dachshund Teddy.

JAKE VANDER LINDEN
CO-FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

BPAC Kids, Youth & Teen Director

Technical Designer & Director,

Class Instructor, Graphic Design & Marketing

Jake starred in the First Broadway National Tour of Ghost the Musical and holds many regional and NYC credits. He is an actor, director, improviser, and teacher, and holds a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Millikin University in Illinois. He has directed over 40 children's theatre productions in the Hudson Valley and teaches classes in scene study, movement, and improv. Jake is passionate about sharing theatre with young people, and is always blown away by how fast kids are able to grow in the arts!

Tim Grady

TIM GRADY
CO-FOUNDER & BUSINESS MANAGER

BPAC Youth & Teen Choreographer,

Dance Instructor, Videographer

Tim Grady is an artist based out of NYC. Recent performing credits include the Broadway National Tour of Elf The Musical, NY City Center, Radio City Music Hall, Maltz-Jupiter Theater, McCarter Theater, Riverside Theater, The Gateway and Ogunquit Playhouse. Tim co-choreographs the commercial break entertainment annually for the Tony Awards and is the red carpet correspondent for Actors' Equity Foundation and Backstage Magazine. He teaches master classes in musical theater jazz and tap in the Boston and Poughkeepsie area and is a proud graduate of Wagner College Theatre. Tim is also a freelance videographer at www.TimGradyFilms.com.