Beauty and the Beast - 2024

Jack Austin is a critically acclaimed singer, actor, and award-winning songwriter. As a frequent performer at the Tony Award-winning 54 Below in New York City, Jack has shared the stage with Broadway stars from Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Into the Woods, Back to the Future, Parade, and other notable productions.

He originated the leading role of James in the premiere of the new musical Boy on Billboard, which made its NYC debut last summer to a sold-out audience at 54 Below. Jack is also featured on the show’s newly released cast recording.

Jack has built a loyal online following through his TikTok presence, where his vocal content has earned over 80 million views and more than 140,000 followers.

Beyond the theatrical stage, Jack is an accomplished songwriter and recording artist. His original song "GET AWAY" won Rock Song of the Year at the Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry, where he’s a nine-time nominee. This year, he's up for Pop Vocalist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, and Pop Song of the Year for his song "I Got a Love!"

Jack’s music is available on all major streaming platforms.

Tsea is a choreographer, comedian, and writer based in Chicago. They are currently performing around Chicago at locations like The Annoyance, iO!, and The Second City. They have performed independently and with their group, Backpack Full of Rats. They are currently working on a collection of poems and short stories about mental health. 

Tsea has choreographed full-length musicals since 2010, working for Battle Creek Junior Theatre, Lakeview High School Performing Arts, What A Do Theatre, and Center Stage Theatre in Southwest Michigan. Tsea has choreographed many notable musicals like Disney’s Mary Poppins, Newsies, Godspell, and The Music Man. 

They have also choreographed for dance intensives, showcases, classes, and ensembles, with a style emphasis of modern, contemporary ballet, and tap. Tsea was also the resident choreographer for the Lakeview Spartanaires in Battle Creek for nine years. 

Tsea is also a classically trained musician and dancer, and has had years of Shakespearian studies, play analysis, acting for the stage, and improv and sketch writing. Tsea is so excited to return for Unity’s third year.

Logan has had multiple years of performance experience in both Theatrical and Choral institutes. He has participated in multiple theatre companies in the Marshall, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo areas. Many of these places are the reason his passion for music education developed.

Logan has been an active member of the arts in the Kalamazoo area during his schooling at Western Michigan University. He has more recently sung in small group ensembles for graduate students at the college and for local composer events, both in and outside of the school. He was a member of the University chorale for 3 years and also sang for the Millwood Methodist Churches choir. He has also had performance experience in WMU’s Opera program, The Barn Theatre, and multiple other venues in the area. Logan has also had multiple internships at Kalamazoo and Portage public schools, ranging from elementary to high school music education. 

This will be Logan’s 3rd year music directing for Unity Theatre! He is so excited to get back to working with these fantastic kids! 

Zachary is an actor, playwright, and director who recently graduated with his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Western Michigan University. He’s spent the past few years diving into everything from performance to directing.

On stage, Zachary has tackled a wide range of roles in musicals, including Patrick Star in SpongeBob: The Musical, King Charlemagne in Pippin, and the green ogre himself in Shrek: The Musical.

While studying at WMU, Zachary discovered a real passion for writing and directing. For the past three years, he’s written and revised scripts for the university and even co-wrote and directed a short film with fellow students. Musical theatre quickly became his favorite playground as a director, where he's had the chance to stage pieces from shows like Guys and Dolls, Urinetown, and Bonnie & Clyde.

Zachary is beyond excited to be joining Unity Theatre Company this summer, guest directing Shrek, and can’t wait to jump into the creative fun ahead!