Keeping Christ Center Stage: An Interview with Deric Spurgeon of Marshmelodrama Productions

Created to Create Coalition
Nov 7, 2025
4 min read

Where Faith Meets the Spotlight

At Marshmelodrama Productions and its growing extension, Marshmelo School for the Arts, creativity and faith move in harmony. Guided by the motto “Keep Jesus Center Stage,” the organization offers students a place to discover their gifts, deepen their faith, and find belonging in a family of fellow artists.

“We teach homeschool students all over the middle Tennessee area — from age 8 all the way up to 18 years old — who Jesus is, that Jesus loves them, and that He’s always there for them,” shares volunteer Deric Spurgeon. “The most important thing is that they take Jesus home with them and spread His light in their own communities.”

Founded in 2010 by Diane Cater, Marshmelodrama Productions began from her love for children and her dream of a space where the arts could reflect God’s heart. She named it Marshmelo because, as she said, “kids are sticky” — they’re meant to connect, to hold on to each other, to grow together. Though Diane passed away in 2019, her vision lives on through the students, families, and alumni who continue her mission of Keeping Christ center stage.

A Community Built on Light

With the growth of homeschool education across Middle Tennessee, Marshmelo has become a vibrant center of creativity and connection. Each rehearsal, production, and class reflects the ministry’s purpose — to teach the arts while sharing the love of Jesus through every act, song, and dance.

“Our desire is to impact students, their families, and our community by letting them know through the arts who Jesus is and how much we need Him,” Deric explains. “Students develop their talents while building a culture of family that extends beyond the theatre walls.”

Through Marshmelodrama Productions and Marshmelo School for the Arts, students gain practical experience both on and off the stage — learning acting, vocal performance, dance, lighting, sound, costuming, and set design, all while nurturing their character and confidence in Christ.

Moments That Make the Mission

Ask anyone involved with Marshmelo what makes it special, and you’ll likely hear the same answer: family.

“One of my favorite things is seeing how these kids show up for each other,” Deric says with a smile. “We’ll go to a Friday night game after rehearsal, and there’s everybody there again — cheering one another on like a big family reunion.”

It’s not just about theatre; it’s about community. At talent shows, local events, or church gatherings, Marshmelo students are known for their encouragement — cheering for their own castmates and even for the students they’re competing against. That spirit of kindness and unity defines the Marshmelo experience.

Deric loves seeing former students return to help the next generation of performers. “It’s amazing to see the same kids who once stood nervously on stage now teaching, leading, and pouring back into others,” he reflects. “They’ve taken what they learned about leadership and faith and are living it out.”

Growing in Grace and Creativity

Out of challenges, Marshmelo has only continued to bloom. What began as a theatre ministry has expanded into the Marshmelo School for the Arts, now offering over 30 courses ranging from improv dance and show choir to creative writing, stagecraft, Biblical studies, and even crochet.

“After Covid, people began asking about other forms of art,” Deric explains. “We decided to branch out and find ways to teach not just theatre but other arts as well.”

This growth reflects a deeper truth — that creativity, when rooted in faith, multiplies. Each new class offers students another way to express their gifts and glorify God through artistry and excellence.

Collaborating for the Kingdom

Marshmelo’s impact doesn’t end at its own stage. The organization has built a network of collaboration across the arts community — both locally and beyond. Students and alumni have gone on to work with Angel Studios, Netflix, and other national productions, while others continue to serve right here at home, mentoring younger performers and volunteering in their churches.

Partnership is part of the ministry’s DNA. Deric shares how Marshmelo regularly connects with other theatre programs, exchanging ideas, sharing materials, and encouraging one another. “It’s about community over competition,” he says. “We all win when we’re lifting each other up.”

Faithfulness in Every Note

If Marshmelo had a theme song, the choice was unanimous — “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” It’s more than a hymn; it’s a testimony.

From humble beginnings to packed performances, from laughter backstage to prayers before curtain call, God’s faithfulness has been the steady rhythm of Marshmelo’s story. “We’ve seen His hand in every step,” says Deric. “Students discovering their gifts, families growing closer, communities being reached — it’s all Him.”

Experience the Heart of Marshmelo

The best way to understand Marshmelodrama Productions is to experience the joy for yourself.

🎭 Upcoming Events

November 8, 2025: Marshmelo School for the Arts Showcase — a celebration of student performances and visual art exhibits.
November 10–15, 2025: 101 Dalmatians (ages 8–12) and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (ages 13–18), both at First Baptist Church in Lebanon, Tennessee.