Tennessee Valley Theatre Board Members
Tony McCuiston - President/Director of Theatrical Productions (Adult and youth)
Tony has been doing live theatre for over 40 years, most of which has been here at TVT. Through the years, he has had the opportunity to do amateur and professional theatre, TV, and film documentaries, as well as a few movies! His family has always been involved as well.
He has done plays with his two daughters, his son, and his wife! His youngest daughter does theatre here, and in a couple of regional playhouses. His son is a professional actor and has done plays in New York and been in movies. He met his wife in the first TVT play he was ever in.
Dan Frank - Vice President / Director of Facilities
Dan has trained in acting in Beverly Hills, Chicago, and the College of Lake County. He came to Tennessee in 2006 and found his way to the theatre in 2008. Dan has played many roles and directed several plays. He joined the board in 2016. "A warm heart with a smile is a reflection of a passion realized."
Matthew McEvoy – Treasurer
2023 was Matt’s first year volunteering at TVT. Matt is excited to get involved in the area and to get to know the fun and enthusiastic theater folks. He was introduced to the theater through Anessa VanHorn. (If anything goes wrong, it’s her fault!)
A native of Maine, who after traveling the states with his family for two years decided to make the local area home. Growing up shy and with a speech impediment discouraged him from participating in theater. Although he did make his grand debut in the Wells Elementary School production of the Wizard of Oz, as a munchkin (no lines).
Anessa VanHorn - Secretary/Director of Theatrical Equipment
Anessa has been a member of TVT for over 20 years now. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was her first play, and that was all it took. She was hooked. She has been in many plays, directed a few plays, been assistant director for several, and has worked countless plays behind the scenes doing lights and sound, tickets, concessions, and stage manager. She joined the board in 2020 and is looking forward to helping make the theatre great.
She is a mother to two teenagers, so if you see her eye twitching, just look the other way. She's married to an amazing man that graciously puts up with her. She loves to hike, kayak, read, and take pictures in her spare time. She's a lover of animals, cool rocks, and amazing sunrises/sunsets (as well as storms rolling in.)
Caroline Powers -Director of Props/Costumes, Play Selection/Purchasing
Caroline got involved with the theatre when her kids were younger and attended the summer workshops. After the first play she stage managed, she performed in her very first play at TVT and she was hooked! Since then, she has performed in about 15 plays, directed one, been assistant director for three, and worked lights and sound for one!
Dakota McClellan - Director of Guest Services
Dakota has been involved in the theatre since he was 6 years old.. He has been in multiple shows over the years. When he's not on stage, or behind the scenes, Dakota is a teacher at Bright Beginnings Academy. He enjoys cooking, baking, drawing, and watercolor painting. This is his first year on the board at TVT and he is greatly appreciative for this opportunity. He enjoys being on the board because he can be even more involved in what is going on at the theatre. And because he has made many new friends since.
Ava Wilson - Director of Events/Box Office
For Ava, Tennessee Valley Theatre is much more than a place to perform—it's a place to serve the community and help the arts thrive. As a member of the Board of Directors, she is passionate about supporting local theatre and creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience the magic of live performance.
Ava has been involved in community theatre both on and off the stage, enjoying every aspect of bringing productions to life. One of her favorite roles has been portraying the iconic Lizzie Borden, a challenging character that allowed her to explore a wide range of emotions and storytelling. Whether performing, volunteering behind the scenes, or helping guide the theatre's future as a board member, she believes that community theatre brings people together in a truly special way.
Outside of the theatre, Ava enjoys singing, volunteering throughout the community, and finding new ways to support local arts and organizations. She is honored to serve on the Tennessee Valley Theatre Board and looks forward to helping ensure that live theatre continues to inspire audiences for generations to come.
Hoss Whitt - Grants
Hoss relocated to Rhea County in November 2021 to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Rhea Medical Center. He and his wife of 33 years, Shawn, reside in Dayton with their adult children.
Although he was raised in Texas, Hoss is proud to call Tennessee home. Hoss is deeply committed to preserving access to quality healthcare in rural communities and to serving the community he now calls home. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, Rhea County United Way, The Rhea of Sunshine, the Spring City Lions Club, and the Tennessee Valley Theatre.
In addition to his professional and civic leadership, Hoss has a lifelong appreciation for the fine arts, with a particular passion for music and theatre. He enjoys performing live music and has appeared in numerous theatrical productions, including Mamma Mia!, Sister Act, Legally Blonde, 8-Track: The Sounds of the 70s, and Murder at the Masquerade.
As a member of the Tennessee Valley Theatre Board of Directors, Hoss is dedicated to encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones, become involved in the theatre's productions, and help strengthen the organization connection with the community.
Erin Couch - Director of Children Productions
Erin has been involved in theatre ever since she was in kindergarten. She has grown up in the youth theatre program and majored in theatre in both high school and college. She joined the board in 2025 in hopes to help educate children and further their interest in the arts.