Clay Cooper Theatre’s Management Team

I was born and raised in California, my family moved to Missouri in 1996.  I’ve been married to my best friend Dave for 46 years and we have 3 amazing children and 3 awesome grandchildren.  We enjoy every minute we get to spend together!   In 2010, I began working at the Clay Cooper Theatre and shortly after, moved to the Group Sales and Marketing department to work for Pat Veach as her administrative assistant.  Some of my favorite things to do are sing in my church choir and work in my garden!  

Cassidy, the daughter of Clay and Tina, holds a psychology degree from The University of North Texas, and fulfills the role of Social Media Manager within our organization. Despite residing in Plano, Texas, Cassidy frequently visits our premises. Alongside her dedication here, Cassidy manages her own photography enterprise and oversees multiple social media platforms. Renowned for her exceptional creativity and vibrant personality, Cassidy brings a dynamic energy to her work.

Cassidy is frequently asked about her musical talents, albeit she humbly acknowledges her ability to sing while candidly admitting to grappling with stage fright. Her childhood was marked by a fondness for donning Country Tonite outfits, inspired by the girl dancers, which fostered her passion for performance arts. As an ardent supporter, Cassidy takes immense pride in being Colton and Caden's most devoted fan, showcasing her unwavering dedication to the Clay Cooper Theatre.

During Clay Cooper shows, Cassidy's enthusiasm knows no bounds, as she finds it challenging to remain seated, eagerly immersing herself in the spectacle.

Marlene was born in New York but raised in the shores of Santa Barbara, California. With her husband's calling as a pastor guiding their path, they crisscrossed the map from the golden hills of California to the lush forests of Oregon, the misty landscapes of Washington, and the windswept plains of Oklahoma. In 1986, they settled in Branson to support their daughter's career in entertainment. Branson became more than just a waypoint; it became home—a place of enduring love and belonging.

With roots now firmly planted in Branson, Marlene has cultivated a profound affection for the vibrant community. Her professional trajectory commenced during her high school years, when she joined employment under the tutelage of the County Auditor of Santa Barbara, California. Like pieces of a puzzle falling into place, she discovered an innate knack for numbers and the precision of financial management. From that moment on, accounting became not just a career but a lifelong pursuit of excellence, a passion she has diligently pursued. Whether engaged in corporate ventures or overseeing the financial intricacies of her enterprises, her acumen in accounting has proven indispensable.

Her trajectory took an exciting turn when Clay and Tina invited her to join them in their theater venture in 2010. In theater accounting, there is never a dull moment, each day bringing fresh challenges and unexpected joys, a testament to the magic of the stage and the indomitable spirit of those who bring it to life. From the moment I stepped foot into their bustling theater, I knew I had found my niche. The pulse of creativity, the whirlwind of activity, and the thrill of the spotlight—it was a world where numbers danced to the rhythm of storytelling, and every day brought a new adventure. Since that fateful day in January 2010, she has been a proud member of the theater family, watching in awe as the curtains rise and fall, each performance a symphony of artistry and dedication.

Howdy!! My name is Tony Wilson. My family and I moved to the Ozarks 19 years ago from Mississippi. I’m married to Sheila Wilson, and we’re blessed to have two children. Dathan our son is 35 years old, and he is married to Denae, and they live in Bentonville, AR. Dathan is church administrator of Calvary Church Bentonville and Denae is a Disney Travel Agent. (how fun is that?) 

Sydney is 20 years old, and a Junior at MO State in Springfield, MO. We originally moved to this area and pastored Christ Tabernacle Church in Blue Eye, AR on the Southside of Table Rock Lake. We had the opportunity to be pastor for seven years. When we were no longer pastoring, we had fallen in love with this area and decided that the Ozarks was the place to be. 

Getting in the travel industry was a funny thing for me, not everyone can get paid for talking and that is something that I can do well. (too much according to Sheila Ha, Ha) Working at The Clay Cooper Theatre is amazing. Clay is known for saying “We’re just real people having a real good time.” I can say that I’m having the time of my life. To sum it up I’m still in the ministry, also I own Southern Hospitality Tours, and The Pie Hole. (Man, I’m Busy)

Keaton Biddle was born and raised in small town Winfield, Kansas where she grew up dancing and singing from a very young age. While in high school, Keaton completed her Associate of Arts degree from Cowley College in 2017 before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada to pursue her dancing career. While in Las Vegas, she attended the Theater Arts Preparatory School for 6 months before starting her first professional job at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Keaton had the opportunity to work for Cedar Point, Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Illumination Sensation show at the Texas State Fair for one season before moving to Branson, Missouri in 2020. 

Since 2020, Keaton has performed in Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Hot Rods and High Heels, and  Dean Z- The Ultimate Elvis. You may also see her offstage as she is also the Clay Cooper Theatre Gift Shop Manager. Keaton loves reading, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with her little kitty, Elmer.

Kelly Johnson is an experienced Box Office Manager with a longstanding dedication to the entertainment industry. Relocating to Branson in 2011, Kelly transitioned from being a vacationer to a valued member of the community. With a foundation at Shepherd of the Hills for two years, Kelly found her professional home at Clay Cooper Theatre, where she has flourished for the past decade.

In addition to her professional achievements, Kelly is a devoted parent to two children, a daughter, and a son, based in Arkansas. Embracing the role of Nana, Kelly finds joy in her granddaughter's and grandson's lives. With a passion for family and her career, Kelly's enthusiasm extends to every interaction with customers, enriching their theater experience.

Grateful for the opportunity provided by Clay and Tina Cooper, Kelly embodies dedication and gratitude in her role, consistently contributing to the success and vibrancy of Clay Cooper Theatre.

Ron Carter is from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he spent his formative years before relocating to Bryan College Station, Texas, to pursue his education. Following the completion of his studies, he furthered his career journey in Illinois, culminating in a tenure at Monsanto Chemical in St. Louis, MO. During his 22-year tenure at Monsanto, he held the role of Production and Maintenance Manager until his departure in 1998. Subsequently, he returned on contract for a Special Project in 1999, concluding his second stint with the company in 2001.

Transitioning into a new chapter, he became involved in sound system management for religious gatherings and special events at a local church, dedicating his Sundays, Wednesdays, and additional occasions to this endeavor. In 2009, Ron relocated to Branson, Missouri, to contribute to the establishment of a new show in the area, which unfortunately had a brief two-year run. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Joey Riley, initiating his collaboration with the Joey Riley Show while concurrently working at a local restaurant.

In early 2012, while touring with Joey, Ron had the pleasure of meeting Clay Cooper. Shortly after concluding the tour with Joey, Ron was offered a position at the Clay Cooper Theater, initially in a part-time capacity within the Maintenance department. Over time, his role expanded to encompass both maintenance duties and usher responsibilities, a commitment he upheld until Joey's passing.

Since then, Ron has dedicated himself fully to the Clay Cooper Theater, where he has served in the capacity of Maintenance and Usher Manager for several years. His tenure with the Clay Cooper Theater now spans a total of 12 years, reflecting his steadfast dedication to the organization.

Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, I grew up immersed in two distinct worlds. On my father's side, I was surrounded by the creative energy of a recording studio, Crystal Recording. On my mother's side, I gained hands-on experience in a cable company, Ozark Cable, and a heavy machinery shop where I honed my DIY repair and welding skills.

My diverse skill set includes songwriting, audio engineering, and playing multiple instruments such as drums, guitar, and bass. I’m also a proficient DIY mechanic, carpenter, plumber, and electrician. After my father's passing, I felt a strong pull to return home from my road work with the band, leading to a theatre job with Boxcar Willie and Ferlin Husky. Since then, I've enjoyed a dynamic career working with both local and nationally signed artists, singers, songwriters, dancers, and musicians.

In 2013, I made the decision to leave the road with Jim Stafford to join Clay Cooper for a second time. I’ve been dedicated to my work at the Clay Cooper Theatre ever since.

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