Charissa (Orstad) Fuchs

Owner/Artistic Director

In the Light (ITL) was founded by Charissa Orstad Fuchs. Charissa was encouraged to participate in the arts at a young age. Dancing, singing and acting herself all the way to New York, she spent time away―living in the Big Apple―with her brother while auditioning and getting parts in various movies and television shows. She grew to love dancing and developed a passion for movement right here in the Kansas City area. Her love of music and theater was encouraged by the best high school theater in the state, led by Todd and Pam Schnake, Mike Beahm, and Karla Penechar. Charissa went on to earn a degree from the UMKC Conservatory of Music in Dance with a minor in theater.

She has produced over 100 shows here at ITL. Her passion for the arts is only surpassed by her passion for people―with a heart that believes that dance, theater, and music should not only be for the kids that “can afford it” but for anyone who wants to grow in their gifts. This generation is hungry for spiritual truth and relevance; there is not a better way to express that then in the arts. The staff at In the Light has degrees and/or are professionals in the area they teach. That, among other amazing qualities, set ITL apart from other studios in the area.