OUR STORY

Wishing Star Stage Company began life in April of 2016 as Texas Theatre for Young People (TTYP). Founders Joe Sturgeon and Jeremy Blaido partnered with the folks at E.A. Young Academy in North Richland Hills where the duo expanded their program, refined their vision, and experienced steady growth.  In 2016, Lance Lyda joined the team, and TTYP reformed as Wishing Star Stage Company and relocated to Southlake.  They currently serve as the Resident Theatre Company at the Southlake Arts Center. 

Joe Sturgeon
Artistic Director

Joe is a professional actor, director and playwright who has acted and directed in more than 60 productions and written twelve plays, all produced professionally for the stage. In 2010, his modern adaptation of "The Revenger's Tragedy" written for The American College Theatre Festival, was one of four plays selected nationally to be performed at The Kennedy Center. Additionally, Joe has served as a casting associate for major regional, Off-Broadway and Broadway shows. For several years Joe served as Resident Director and Director of Theatre for Youth at Casa Mañana Theatre in Fort Worth. ​

Jeremy Blaido
General Manager

Jeremy has enjoyed an interesting and eclectic career which has encompassed a wide variety of business disciplines, including theatre, design, marketing and construction. He was previously Sr. Director of Marketing Communications for CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E Cheese, where he also held the titles of Director of Design, and Director of Entertainment for the brand, and he has provided the voice for Jasper T. Jowls since 1999.   In addition to his role with Wishing Star, Jeremy works as Director of Construction for Parkway Construction in Lewisville, TX, and as Director of Contemporary Worship at Grace Lutheran Church in Arlington, TX.

Lance Lyda
Scenography & Design Director 

Lance is a designer, graphic artist, entrepreneur, and creator of unique and technically awesome sets and props for stage & screen.  For more than 20 years, he has been self-employed through companies he has co-founded or owned, each providing unique creative opportunities.  He was previously the Director of Operations for E.A. Young Academy and Creative Director/CEO of Camenae Group,
Lance has been fascinated with the behind-the-scene aspects of theater since he was a child. He  was first exposed to the technical world of theatre at TCU where he received a degree in design and marketing.  He also enjoys performing and can be found sneaking in a minor role whenever possible.  He has performed in the past at Casa Mañana, Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, and TCU,