Staff
Tara Lamey
Executive Director
Tara Lamey brings over 15 years of experience in operations, growth, and people leadership, with a focus on building strong, sustainable teams and systems. Throughout her career, she has worked across high-growth startups and mission-driven organizations, leading initiatives in hiring, operations, and strategic planning.
Her path to Dakota Stage has been anything but traditional. With an early background in acting and modeling, Tara developed a deep appreciation for storytelling and performance before building her career in operations and leadership. After getting involved in the local community, she began volunteering with Dakota Stage, supporting productions behind the scenes—from technical support to working closely with young performers. That hands-on experience deepened her connection to the organization and its mission.
Tara is passionate about the role the arts play in bringing people together and strengthening communities. As Executive Director, she is focused on supporting Dakota Stage’s continued growth, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for artists and audiences, and building a strong foundation for the future.
Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending time with her kids, planning events and game nights, and doting on her seven animals—most of which are exotic. She is also part of ND Legend Derby, alongside her kids in the junior league, and spends her free time hiking, roller skating, and geocaching. She’s excited to be part of a community where creativity, storytelling, and connection can be shared across generations.
Amanda Perry
Artistic Director
Amanda Perry spent most of her adolescent life involved in music and community theatre here in Bismarck. She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and has a BFA in Theatre Performance, with emphasis in acting, directing and design. Amanda moved back to Bismarck in hopes of inspiring and cultivating a new love of theater arts in the community she grew up in. For the last 20 years, Amanda has worked with Dakota Stage, Shade Tree Players, DWAC, Bismarck and Mandan Public Schools, Capitol Shakespeare, Sleepy Hollow and other organizations to educate students, train actors and directors, and create unique theatrical productions and other artistic events and opportunities.
In her career, Amanda has directed over 60 productions, Sweeney Todd, Puffs, The Underpants, The Little Mermaid, Doll’s House Part 2 and A Dusty Echo being the most recent. She specializes in children’s theatre, and has directed many of her own adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays. As an artist Amanda also enjoys designing sets, costumes and makeup, and took over as costume manager for Dakota Stage a few years ago.
Amanda has two children who will undoubtedly be very involved with theatre, music and art as they grow up! She is honored to be Artistic Director for Dakota Stage and Shade Tree Players!
Alicia McNeil
Media and Communications Manager
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