The Front Porch Team
Meet the people who bring Front Porch to life—encouraging our students, creating our productions, and making the magic happen both onstage and behind the scenes.
Meet Our Founders
Tim Lindeen
Owner & Artistic Director
Drama Director
“After 50 years of acting and directing, I am still excited for every new semester, every new show, and every new student. But the greatest fulfillment comes from the opportunity to guide and challenge each young person to become the best actor they can be. That’s what reminds me I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
There’s also an incredible joy in watching a vision for a production come to life on stage—the sets, props, costumes, blocking, choreography, and, most importantly, the unique characterization each actor brings to their role. Seeing all those pieces come together never gets old!”
Linda Lindeen
Owner & Artistic Director
Costume Designer
“Teaching children and teens the joy of music and theatre has been my lifelong passion and continues to bring me great joy. I love seeing students light up when they learn something new, discover an ability they didn’t know they had, or find lasting friendships through a shared love of the arts.
My love of costuming has deep roots, too. As a young teen, I designed and sewed my own clothes, and later our children’s clothes, crafts, and quilts. I’ve always loved watching patterns, colors, and fabrics come together to create something beautiful. Today, I get to continue that creativity by designing costumes for each Front Porch production. Seeing our students’ excitement when they receive their costumes is a highlight of every season!”
Meet Our Creative Team
Tyler Scheller
Assistant Drama Director
& Stage Manager
Showtime & On Stage
Drama Director Explore
“My passion is telling great stories, and I love working with the God-given talent each student brings to the table. Guiding those individual gifts into something cohesive and collaborative that truly means something to both the students and the audience is incredibly rewarding. Along the way, I want to create a space where every student can grow in confidence, creativity, and countless other ways.”
Joshua Lindeen
Assistant Drama Director
On Stage & Explore
“In my acting journey, my directors could make or break my experience. I love helping kids reach their full potential and watching their confidence grow throughout the process. When they step on stage and bring something they’ve worked hard on to life, I know I’ve done my job. It’s incredibly rewarding and reminds me why creating a positive, encouraging environment for young performers is so important.
Kelly Hart
Vocal Director
Showtime
Office Manager
Abi Jones
Vocal Director
On Stage & Explore
“Teaching kids how to find their voice brings me joy like nothing else! There’s something so special about watching my students’ faces light up when they make a big breakthrough. Seeing their confidence and abilities grow is my favorite thing about being a teacher!”
McKenna Barth
Choreographer &
Dance Teacher Showtime
“Dance has always been one of my favorite ways to tell a story, and I love sharing that passion with young performers. I’m honored to help students grow in their confidence, and bring each show to life with choreography that challenges and inspires!”
Katelyn Smith
Choreographer &
Dance Teacher
On Stage
“Teaching kids to dance is one of my greatest joys. My goal with every child is to help them express themselves through movement while creating a positive, encouraging, and uplifting environment where they can grow in confidence.”
Maliha Philstrom
Choreographer &
Dance Teacher
Explore
“Working with kids brings me so much joy, and it’s so fulfilling to see them grow in their confidence throughout the semester! Putting all of their energy into dances is what I love to do. I’ve grown up at Front Porch and have loved my experience! It’s my hope to provide that same experience for others.”
Emma Nyquist
Dance Teacher
On Stage
“I love teaching dance because I enjoy sharing my love for dancing with others. My goal is to help each kid build their skills, have fun, and experience the joy and happiness dance can bring while feeling supported and included.”
Stacey Sutkowski
Costume Manager
Social Media Manager
& Theatre Mom
“I love getting to know our students and watching their confidence and connectedness grow from the first rehearsal to the final performance. I also love sharing that magic through social media—getting our community excited about our shows and helping more families discover Front Porch!”
Shea Lehrman
Costume Manager
& Theatre Mom
“I love costuming because it’s about so much more than finding the right outfit—it’s getting to know each kid and helping them see themselves become a character. There’s something pretty special about watching a kid light up when they put on their costume and suddenly feel ready to step on stage.”
The Behind the Scenes Team
Ashley Bendickson
Graphic Designer
“I love using design to bring each FPMT production to life. As a former student, creating the graphics and playbills is a fun way to stay connected and support a place that means so much to me!”
Erik Lindeen
Sound Engineer & Theatre Dad
“I enjoy making sure every actor is heard, and helping their voice come alive. What these kids do on stage is amazing!”
Kristin Lindeen
Website Manager & Theatre Mom
“Theater meant the world to me growing up, and I love that my children have a place to express themselves. Helping FPMT share what makes this community special brings me joy!”
Sam
Smith
Box Office Manager
“I love being part of a family-led, Christ-centered theater company and doing my part to make it a welcoming place. Running the box office lets me connect with families and help make their Front Porch experience a great one.”