Leigh Ramsey | Creative Director/Instructor
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Leigh Ramsey first began teaching children’s theatre at the Arts Center in Stuttgart, AR the summer after her Freshman year of college. From that point on, she was hooked on children’s theatre! Leigh has a degree in Mass Communications from Henderson State University, where she focused on broadcast and print journalism, and minored in theatre.
After college graduation, Leigh worked for Sudbury Broadcasting as a disc jockey and salesperson. Leigh chose to be a stay-at-home mom as soon as she began having her five children, and eventually decided to homeschool them. She is married to David Ramsey. They are the proud parents of Will, Garrett, Ben, Daleigh and Eli. Throughout her years of being a homeschool mom, Leigh has stayed involved in children’s theatre. She directed preschool music, art and theatre for a mother’s day out program in Lake Charles, LA, and served for six years as the director of the K-4th grade program for a local children's theatre company. She has written and directed several one acts and has directed a full-length children’s show. Her favorite part of this job is encouraging and watching each individual child develop confidence and learn to trust their own unique ideas as they grow as a performer. Leigh is so excited to be a part of Rankin Performing Arts and cannot wait to see what God has planned for this amazing program! |
Candy Lee Dobbs | Asst. Programs Coordinator/
Choreographer |
CandyLee Dobbs is no stranger to the stage. She has been singing and performing for over fifteen years and is an experienced song writer and guitarist. Her modern, gritty and soulful sound lends itself to a wide variety of musical styles, and she is in constant demand as a performer. Currently, CandyLee sings lead vocals for the 15-piece Capitol City Stage Band as well as The Sessions—both highly acclaimed Jackson, Mississippi jazz groups.
CandyLee has a background in dance, community theatre and show choir. She loves working with kids and her magnetic personality and energy is contagious! CandyLee is excited to be a part of RPA and is looking forward to seeing it grow! Check her out on Facebook @candyleesings |
Sarah Little
Show Choir Camp Director |
Sarah Little began her teaching journey with eight blessed years of teaching choral music within the public school system. She has served as the Director of Choral Activities at Pearl Junior High School where she directed the superior-performing and award-winning Pearl Junior High Singers. She is also privileged to have worked with the renowned Mississippi Girl Choir and served as director to the 5th-7th grade choir, "Jubilate." Sarah also directs the 3rd-5th grade girls choir at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, of which she is a member.
She holds the Bachelor of Music degree from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. and is an active member of Mississippi Music Educators Association, Music Teacher’s National Association, and National Federation of Music Clubs. In 2010, Sarah received the Young Music Educator of the Year award for the state of Mississippi. She also enjoys serving as clinician and adjudicator to many regional music festivals and competitions. Sarah’s current endeavors include staying at home with her two precious girls, while also operating Studio Little, an in-home voice and piano studio. Sarah is married to the love of her life, Matt, and has two precious girls, Isobel and Carolyn, who keep their days busy and their hearts full. |
Noelle Jones
Musical Theatre Camp Counselor |
Noelle Jones is no stranger to the theatre, having been performing since a young age. She has participated in almost every aspect of theatre, both on stage and off stage, although her favorite is Stage Management. A recent graduate of Belhaven University, Noelle earned degrees in both Social Work and Theatre and will be heading to Abingdon, Virginia in the fall to begin working at Barter Theatre.
Noelle is so excited to be working with Rankin Performing Arts as a counselor! Having grown up performing, she hopes to give back to the next generation of performers and inspire them to be their best. |