Our mission at Echo Theatre is to share the gospel and teach moral principles through family-friendly productions. We are dedicated to imparting the dramatic arts to all ages, striving for excellence while ensuring that every participant enjoys the process and builds lasting friendships.
Since its inception, Echo Theatre has experienced remarkable growth. Madison’s journey began with an internship in artistic direction after graduating high school, following her studies in a homeschool co-op’s theater group. When the co-op’s theater group dissolved due to the pandemic, Madison and Sjona seized the opportunity to continue its legacy by founding Echo Theatre and acquiring the co-op’s theater equipment.
In just three years, Echo Theatre has expanded from a small team of about 15 members to over 50. Our productions have included beloved classics such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "A Christmas Carol," biblical plays like "Queen Esther," and fairy tales such as "Beauty and the Beast," which notably saw attendance from the mayor of Pickens County.
Echo Theatre is committed to community outreach through meaningful, family-friendly productions that unite people and celebrate the art of theater. Our work has garnered attention through podcasts, newspapers, and TV interviews.
We are excited to announce that we are currently preparing for our 5th original production, "Nutcracked," with auditions scheduled for August 22nd and 24th, 2024, and performances set for December of the same year.
What sets Echo Theatre apart is our dedication to teaching the dramatic arts to individuals of all ages and skill levels. We believe that everyone has the potential to learn and grow in theater, and we are honored to support that journey.
Echo Theatre was founded in the spring of 2021 by Sjona Lindquist and her daughter, Madison Grubbs, emerging from the challenges of the COVID-19 epidemic. Driven by a passion to make the performing arts accessible to families regardless of financial constraints or prior experience, Sjona and Madison established the theater to foster a comprehensive and supportive environment for students. Their goal was to offer a space where individuals of all skill levels could explore the dramatic arts and develop their talents.

Who We Are: A Brief History

Our Directors:

Sjona (Shawna) Lindquist - Executive Director

Sjona is an active homeschooling mom whose career began 27 years ago, with another 7 years of homeschooling ahead. Her love for her children and her entrepreneurial spirit fuel Echo Theatre. Her confident direction fosters a secure environment where people can invest their time, energy, resources, and trust. Sjona is a wonderful cook and has remarkable sewing skills, which she has applied to most of Echo’s productions, including nearly all the costuming for Queen Esther. She has three grandchildren (with one on the way!) and dedicates much of her extra time and energy to teaching Greek and Latin classes. Sjona enjoys language, history, and spends significant time researching and reading the Bible.

Madison Grubbs - Artistic Director

Madison has been studying theater for over 13 years. Her passion for the art has expanded her vision and opened up opportunities beyond her imagination. Her positive attitude and hard work set the tone for both rehearsals and performances. When she's not immersed in the dramatic arts, Madison enjoys singing, dancing, baking, and building her home with her husband of seven years, Daniel, and their four pets: Ginger, a golden retriever; Valkyrie, a great dane; Bear, a bernedoodle puppy; and Bilbo Baggins, their only cat. Madison works part-time as an English tutor for elementary-aged students, teaching reading, phonics, and speech. She has a fondness for working with young people and finds great joy in seeing her students grow in knowledge and understanding. Madison hopes to have her own children someday who will also be invested in theater and love it just as much as she does.

What Makes Echo Unique?

Artistic Director Madison Grubbs shares what makes Echo Theatre unique, highlights artwork from our original shows, and reveals what’s next for the team.