MEGAN JOHNSON DAVES

MEGAN & TINA

Roughly, when did you work/study/perform with Tina? (years?)

1988

Did you take voice lessons with Tina?

Yes

Did you take acting lessons with Tina?

Yes

Were you in one of Tina's performing groups?

Yes, Starmakers.

What is your favorite memory of your time with Tina?

I had the last singing lesson on Monday nights and then Tina drove me home. After my lesson was done, but before we left, I could occasionally convince her to sing something for me. I would sit and watch her with just awe. Her confidence was inspiring. It was my own private concert.

What was your favorite song that you sang for Tina?

I so wish I could remember! I have tried to remember it so many times over the years. It was a challegne and it was fun, and it was the one song that just felt amazing every time I sang it. If I could remember it, I would sing it everyday still!

Did you perform in any community theater musicals with Tina? If so, which ones?

The Christmas shows, Starmakers summer shows

At which theaters did you perform for Tina?

Cypress Creek Christian Community Center, Tina's Studio in Popolo Village, & Tina's Studio in Greenwood Forrest.

Did you ever go to Jojo's restaurant after the shows?

Yes

Do you have a fun/funny memory from Jojo's?

I remember SO MANY MILKSHAKES! Non-stop laughter and milkshakes!

What is the most valuable lesson you learned from Tina?

If I worked hard enough, I could hit those dang high notes you said I could. Tina taught me to believe in myself on things I never thought were possible.

What did you go on to do in life/career?

Paramedic and Craft Blogger

What is your favorite memory of Manny?

Singing Vogue by Madonna at the top of our lungs when he was driving me home one night.

Is there anything you'd like to say to Tina on the occasion of her retirement?

You are simply amazing. You brought out the best in us and never let us settle for less. You helped form friendships and you let us be kids. Starmakers was a place where I could show up, leave all the drama from school and extracurriculars outside, walk in the door and know that the next few hours would be fun. You encouraged us to try things, like letting me be on a spotlight with the oven mitts, to even running the house lights and calling the lighting cues. You gave me other leadership opportunities as well, like letting me stage musical numbers and scenes with the younger kids. You never put a limit on us and what we could do.

Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Stop signs with white rings around them are not optional - they all lied to you!! My favorite show we did was the murder mystery. And as a young teen, I got to do the adult show (which was such a big deal to me.) Tina asked me do it even with my TERRIBLE French accent. Tina, I am forever grateful for you and the positive influence you had on me as a teenager. What you created enabled some of my best moments of my childhood to take place. You gave me skills that have lasted throughout my lifetime, like public speaking. You led a life based on creativity and belief in others, and that, my sweet mentor, is not something many are capable of doing.