Meet the Staff
Meet the people who make the magic happen!
Here at HART, we are a small staff with huge hearts! We are hardworking, passionate people who care about the survival of live arts. Our small team works tirelessly to bring as many theatrical opportunities to the community as we can. That’s why we depend on seasonal hires, interns, and volunteers to help us create unforgettable magic on the stage. If you are interested in helping or joining the HART team, head over to the “Get Involved” tab to learn about the many opportunities we have at HART
Candice Dickinson
Artistic Director
Candice Dickinson is a director and actress passionate about furthering the performance arts and their impact on our community. Her roles at HART as Artistic Director include production manager, volunteer coordinator, and Artistic Direction of the Theatre. Candice has been on the stage since she was 5 years old and has never left. Although performing is what sparked her passion for theatre, Candice has loved growing into a director and producer having now produced 3 original plays, 2 of which premiered in NYC, as well as directing countless other pieces. Candice has a BFA in Musical Theater and Professional Acting from East Carolina University where she was trained in the Meisner Technique. After Graduation, Candice spent time in NYC furthering her craft, as well as traveling around the country to act and direct. She has sung in over 50 cabarets, taught workshops and classes on acting, improvisation, directing and musical theater performance, and has raised over $20,000 for charities through self-produced showcases. Candice now resides in Cruso, North Carolina and is proud to call HART theatre her home.
Julie Kinter
Operations Manager
Julie Kinter began as a volunteer in HART’s box office. This led to her involvement backstage, then as a stage manager, then as a director and finally to leading roles in Cabaret and Chicago. She has served as HART’s Board President and been one of the theatre’s most diligent volunteers and supporters. She became officially a part of the staff in 2017.
Shelia Sumpter
Education Director
Shelia has been involved with HART for many years and has worked as a freelance choreographer. Working with HART Executive Director, Steve Lloyd, Shelia developed KIDS AT HART, our youth drama program. In just a few years she has built it into a major part of HART’s annual programming.
Tom Bastek
Technical Director
Tom comes to HART with 30 years of technical, marketing and performance experience. On the technical side, he has worked in event construction and production, theatrical lighting and sound management and training for 10 years in Atlanta, worked in radio and film production, and even built tiny homes! He cut his teeth in loyalty marketing at the oldest and newest casinos on The Strip in Las Vegas and has helped build loyalty programs with both for and non-profit organizations. Tom is a 30-year veteran of performance in theater, film, orchestra, radio, standup, sketch and improv comedy. Although recently returning to the stage for full length plays and musicals, Tom has spent the last ten years teaching and performing improv comedy and producing and directing one-act stage plays in the Atlanta area. He looks forward to bringing his wide cross-section of talents to HART and the surrounding community.
Kristen Hedberg
Box Office Manager
Kristen Hedberg is an accomplished performer, teacher, director, and musician. We look forward to what excellence she will bring to the staff. Full bio coming soon!
Nichole Sumpter
Graphic Designer
Nichole made her stage debut at age three in The Nutcracker. She has worked behind the scenes at HART for main stage productions such as All Shook Up, Billy Goat Gruff, Facility for Living, Say Goodnight Gracie, Stardust, The Foreigner, A Christmas Carol, The Bridges of Madison County, and for Kids at HART to name just a few. Let’s just say that she was born into the arts world. She has been volunteering with HART for several years now, and is happy to have joined this wonderful staff.