About Us:

Beyond the Stage is a non-religious theatre company for children and youth ages 5 to 16. We aim to nurture the theatrical voice and sense of self-confidence in all children through a variety of dramatic programming.

Our Staff

  • A smiling woman with glasses takes a selfie outdoors on a bright day, with buildings and colorful trees in the background.

    Chelsey Kolenda - Director, Owner & Founder

    Chelsey Kolenda is an acting instructor, director, and elementary school teacher in Surrey. She began acting herself at the age of eight, finding a home and her sense of self on the stage. She then went on to obtain a degree in English Literature and Theatre and another degree in Elementary Education from the University of British Columbia. She has now spent seventeen years introducing children and youth ages two to sixteen to the world of theatre. Overall, she has directed thirteen shows for children and youth and has taught numerous drama classes both in person and virtually through companies such as The Drama Class, the City of Surrey, Outschool and now Beyond the Stage. She loves to help young actors find themselves through acting, helping them to discover their creative voices and self-confidence so that they may truly shine both on and off the stage.

  • A woman with long wavy brown hair and blue eyes looking at the camera with a slight smile, wearing a black top against a neutral background.

    Beth Cantor - Improv Instructor

    IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4204335/

  • Judith Cerny - Costume Designer and Stage Manager

    Judith Cerny is a costume designer with a diploma in costuming from Capilano University. She has previously worked as costume designer on children’s theatre shows through CTORA, including designing and dressing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mean Girls Jr, Finding Nemo Jr, and the Wizard of Oz. Other notable achievements include an internship at Cappelleria Bertacchi and working as a stitcher at Lace Embrace Atelier.

    Judy’s philosophy to theatre is all about the cast! While she loves to create and build unique and crafty costumes, what matters most is ensuring the theatre remains a safe, fun, and inspirational space. She is extremely excited to join Beyond the Stage and continue working in children’s theatre, and hopes to always bring out the best on kids.