NYT Leadership

Justin Parks

Executive/Artistic Director

Justin has directed tons of musicals including Peter Pan, Godpsell, 24 Hr Musical and Charlie Brown for NYT. As an actor he has been featured in shows including Singing in the Rain, Blood Brothers, Footloose, West Side Story and Drowsy Chaperone. Justin co-founded CYT Chicago/Spotlight in 1997 and led that program through 2013. He was also a part of several start-up youth theaters across the country. His day job is running Theater by Design, a specialty costume and prop rental business.

He holds a BA in Religion with emphasis in Theology from Point Loma Nazarene College. Mr. Parks has served Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Willow Creek in artistic endeavors.

Justin and his wife, Rachel and five kids (Jillian, Micah, Liberty, Jackson and Saylor) live in Shenandoah.

Cassandra Teel

Production Manager

Cassandra and her husband Bryan have called Sugar Land home for all 23 years of their marriage. Together, they have four children – Annalicia, David, Luke and Clarissa – and enjoy staying active with family, church and friends. After a fulfilling career in sales with Johnson & Johnson, Cassandra transitioned to homeschooling her children, a journey she has been dedicated to for the past 12 years.

Cassandra earned her BA in Journalism with a minor in Marketing from Texas State University. Over the years, she and Bryan have loved watching, coaching and cheering on their children in a variety of activities, including theater, ice skating, basketball, football, baseball and dance. Now, Cassandra is thrilled to return to the theater world alongside her youngest and to share in the ministry of NYT. She feels blessed to combine her faith and her love of theater – an opportunity she sees as both a privilege and a joy!

Liberty Parks

Director

Hi! My name is Liberty and I’m super excited to be the director of Lion King Jr. this spring. I’ve been a part of NYT since 2014 and I’m so happy we are reaching other parts of Houston! Using the arts to glorify God is a passion of mine and I’m so happy I get to share it with these kids. I was the Camp Oz director for NYT west last summer and I had so much fun. After seeing Frozen Jr.I knew I wanted to be a part of Lion King Jr. and I’m anticipating what the Lord has in store for this show!

Tara Gilson

Vocal Director

“Tara Gilson is excited to have the opportunity to work with NYT West Houston as the vocal
director for this production of Lion King, Jr. Tara has had a passion for music from a young age
and has spent her life involved in music in various capacities. She graduated from Abilene
Christian University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and later earned a Master’s
degree in Vocal Pedagogy from Texas Women’s University. She has experience teaching
elementary music in the public schools and has maintained a voice and piano studio for over 20
years. Currently, she continues to enjoy an active studio, teaches a few elementary music
classes at Liberty Classical, leads worship at a weekly Bible study, and serves regularly in the
worship ministry at her local church. Tara desires to help the students she works with through
NYT grow in their love of singing and theater. She is looking forward to helping them develop
their musicianship and singing abilities and encouraging them to use these God-given gifts to
honor and glorify Him.
Tara’s most important “job” is that of being mom to her 4 kids and being heavily involved in their
homeschool education journey. She’s grateful to her husband, John, for his support and
partnership in their full life! Glory to God alone!”

Davison Huber

Choreographer

<“Davison was born in Calgary, Alberta, and moved to Houston at the age of six. From a young age, he was drawn to any art form that allowed him to tell stories—writing, drawing, and creating new worlds fueled by a vivid imagination.
At twelve, Davison stepped into the world of performance and never looked back. From choir and vocal competitions to dance, theater, and ministry performances, he discovered a deep love for storytelling through movement and expression. He continues to pursue every opportunity to learn, perform, and grow as an artist.
Davison has trained in a variety of dance styles including Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, Tap, Contemporary, Ballroom, and Partnering. He has danced with NYT’s Company 1 and Adult Company, as well as Magnify School of Dance’s Junior Company.”

Adam Kral

Choreographer

Adam is a true triple threat — a talented dancer, singer, and actor. He has
graced the stage with numerous local theaters, including performances with
the Houston Grand Opera and, most recently, in The Wizard of Oz with A.D.
Players. While a student at Houston Christian High School, Adam received the
2019 Tommy Tune award for Best Actor.
He continues to refine his craft and share his passion by teaching at local
dance studios and training at Uptown Dance Centre. While many pursue
opportunities in New York, Adam finds deep inspiration in Houston’s vibrant
arts scene and is thrilled to be serving with us at NYT West Houston.

Marshall Hunt

Director

Marshal is honored to be part of such a dedicated team and to have the support of an incredible community. With a passion for both theater and mentoring students, he has previously served on the directing team for NYT’s Totally 80s, The Music Man, and Matilda the Musical.

In addition to mainstage productions, Marshal has been actively involved in NYT day camps, church VBS skits, and summer camp dramas, helping young performers grow in confidence and creativity. He also brings a background in dance, having trained for several years at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, with a focus on ballroom and partner styles.

Marshal is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the NYT West Houston directing team and is excited to help bring productions to life.

Shelby Hunt

Vocal Director

Shelby Hunt has always held a passion for music and fostering a love for the
arts into the hearts of students of all ages. She studied violin for over 15 years
and graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor’s degree in
Music Education. In that time, she played as a member of the Sam Houston
Symphony Orchestra as well.
Shelby currently serves as the Music teacher at Hope Elementary, where she
cultivates a love and deeper understanding of music in students every week.
Shelby has enjoyed seeing NYT encourage students to develop meaningful
relationships with Christ and with each other in everything they do. She has
been so excited to join the directing team for this production opportunity and
looks forward to seeing the students shine with their incredible talents and
voices.