Our Story

The Performing Arts Academy began in the summer of 2000, in a small local church in Middletown, Ohio. What started as a modest children’s theatre program, led by interim music director Nina Markle and children’s director Dawn Cooke, quickly blossomed into something much greater. Initially called the Children’s Community Theatre, the program rapidly grew in popularity, serving youth from across the community and beyond.

With every passing year, our need for space grew alongside our students’ talents. Over the last 15 years, we’ve moved ten times to meet the demand for more room, more programs, and more performances. Today, PAA proudly serves more than 290 students from 13 surrounding communities, offering high-quality instruction in theatre, dance, and music.

We offer year-round private music lessons for students of all ages. What began with two passionate educators has expanded into a talented team of instructors specializing in voice and piano.

THEATRE FOR ALL

We nurture confidence and creativity through inclusive theatre programs for students from grades 1 through adulthood.

MUSIC EDUCATION FOR LIFE

Year-round private lessons in voice and piano help students grow in skill, expression, and love for the arts.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Students shine on stage in full productions, building teamwork, discipline, and lifelong memories.

FAITH & COMMUNITY

We are guided by purpose, generosity, and a mission to uplift our community through the performing arts.

Meet Our Staff

Mrs. Nina MarkleExecutive Director
A retired music specialist, Nina taught 31 years in the public schools and one year at Miami University, Middletown. Nina graduated with a BS in Music with a major in voice and has her Masters in voice performance. She studied at Asbury College, Morris Harvey College, Miami University and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Nina has performed leading roles in musical theatre as well as opera.
Mrs. Dawn CookeAssistant Director
Dawn is an accomplished pianist, accompanist and clarinetist. She served eight years as a Children’s Ministry Director at the University Baptist Church, and has been a Reading First tutor and substitute teacher in the Middletown City Schools. She has her BS in Elementary Education from Miami University.
Ms. Leah Busick
Ms. Leah has always had a passion for working with children, beginning her career as a teacher and now serving as the Children’s Ministry Director at her church. She has a lifelong love for theatre, music, and the creative arts, and recently launched a children’s podcast, Tales of Zeke and Elliot. Leah is grateful to her family and friends for supporting her—especially when she bursts into song at unexpected (and often loud!) moments. She gives all glory to God. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.” – 2 Samuel 22:2
Ms. Kandy Keller
Kandy Keller is a 2000 graduate of Ozark Bible Institute and College (Neosho, MO) and has been a director at PAA since 2016. She is a playwright, songwriter, and co-founder of Tales of Zeke & Elliot, a children’s podcast. Kandy recently co-wrote her first children’s book inspired by the podcast series and is already working on her second.
Mr. Mark Norris
A Middletown native, Mark’s performing journey began in Middletown High School’s very first show choir under the direction of Nina Markle. He went on to train at CCM, Indiana University, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, and more. His career has taken him from performing at King’s Island to dancing with River North Chicago Dance Company and choreographing for Royal Caribbean International, where he also served as a resident director for 27 years. Mark has danced and choreographed internationally, and he is thrilled to come full circle in his career by working alongside his original mentor.

Meet Our Board

Mr. Jon Stiles | Board President
Jon Stiles is the President and CEO of The Party Source and serves as Board President for PAA. He also sits on the board of the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and the Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Retailers. With decades of business and nonprofit leadership, Jon brings strong vision and community engagement to the Performing Arts Academy.

Mr. Mike Trent | Board Secretary
Mike Trent is a Miami University graduate with over 30 years in banking and finance. A longtime Middletown resident, Mike has volunteered with local schools and charitable organizations. He believes in the importance of fine arts education and has proudly supported his daughter Catie’s involvement in many PAA productions.

Mr. John Ginter | Board Member
John Ginter is a retired digital media instructor and lifelong supporter of the arts. He’s performed with local theatre groups, including PAA, and serves as Ebenezer Scrooge during King’s Island Winterfest. John and his wife, Roslyn, have two children and three grandchildren and are celebrating 40 years of marriage.

Mrs. Carina Vickers | Board Member
Carina Vickers is a team lead at Pole Zero, where she’s worked for over 15 years building military communication systems. A dedicated parent and faith-driven volunteer, she joined the board after seeing the impact PAA had on her son Elias, who has autism. Carina is passionate about fundraising and inclusion.

Mr. Jim Barnes | Board Vice President
Jim Barnes serves as Vice President and Building Superintendent at PAA. He spent 27 years in the chemical industry specializing in operations and maintenance and later served as Administrative Services Manager at Gospel Light Publications. Jim is active in local church and community groups and lives in Monroe with his wife, LaVonne.

Ms. Shirley Butts | Board Member
Shirley Butts is a retired teacher and lifelong arts enthusiast who brings a spirit of service to the PAA board. She’s active in several civic and faith-based organizations including P.E.O. and Keep Middletown Beautiful. Shirley has two daughters and twin granddaughters and has supported the arts and her community for decades.

Ms. Angela Phillips | Board Member
Angela Phillips is CEO of Phillips Tube Group, Inc. and a longtime supporter of PAA. She stepped into company leadership in 2009 and holds degrees in Political Science and Economics from Hiram College. Angela has two children and is dedicated to advancing arts education in the Miami Valley region.

Mr. Trent Noble | Board Member
Trent Noble works in the HVAC industry and has been married to his wife for 19 years. They have three sons—Logan, Brock, and Luke—two of whom have grown through theatre and voice lessons at PAA. Guided by his faith in Jesus Christ, Trent values the way PAA builds character and community, and he is grateful for the lasting impact it has had on his family. In his free time, he enjoys reading, tabletop games, and painting.

Mr. John Beagle | Board Treasurer
John Beagle is CFO of C.F.R., Inc., a Middletown-based tech services firm. A graduate of Monroe High School and The Ohio State University, he brings financial expertise and a deep personal connection to PAA as the grandson of co-founder Nina Markle. John currently resides in Columbus and is proud to serve the PAA mission.

Mr. Bob Evick | Board Member
Bob Evick is a teacher and coach at Madison High School with a passion for performing. He has appeared in several PAA productions, including Annie and Frozen. Bob and his wife, Terri, have three children and six grandchildren and are proud supporters of youth theatre and education.


Mr. Dan Schaub | Board Member
Dan Schaub is a Realtor and Worship Arts Pastor in Lebanon, OH. He spent 20 years as Worship Pastor at Breiel Boulevard Church of God and has served on the Sorg Opera board. Dan and his wife, Kathy, also own the Gift Shop at The Golden Lamb and are active in the arts community.