Our Stories

As the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program celebrates its 10th Anniversary, we are catching up with alumni whose journeys have taken them to incredible heights. And, in the case of Jonah Bixby, these heights are sometimes literal.

A 2021 graduate of Fox Valley Lutheran High School and a two-time Center Stage Outstanding Lead recipient (2020, 2021), Jonah draws heavily on his Center Stage experience to this day. While you might have seen him under the spotlights at your Fox Cities Performing Arts Center a few years ago, today you’re more likely to find him in a flight simulator or behind an ESPN microphone.

A Launchpad for Communication

Jonah’s time in the program was unique, occurring during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many saw masks and virtual rehearsals as a barrier, Jonah saw them as a masterclass in communication.

“I learned that vocal tone and clear articulation were essential when in a virtual setting or with limited visibility due to masks,” Jonah remembers. “It forced me to hone in on the use of body language and posture to communicate. Those same skills have been invaluable in my work as an instructor and on-air broadcaster.”

Life at 30,000 Feet (and on your TV)

After graduation, Jonah traded his scripts for flight manuals, earning his Associate’s Degree in Aviation Flight and a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. By his telling, Jonah is now “wearing a few different hats” in Oklahoma:

• In the Air: He serves as a Flight Instructor and is preparing to transition to flying passenger jets in the fall of 2026.
• On the Air: He works as a broadcast analyst for ESPN and as a Conference Replay Technician for the American Conference college basketball and football games.
• Behind the Scenes: He continues to give back to the arts through lighting design and programming for theatrical productions here in the Fox Valley.

Theater Skills in the Cockpit

It might seem like a leap from musical theater to aviation, but for Jonah, the connection is seamless. Every day, he teaches students with zero flight experience how to manage complex aircraft systems – a task that requires the leadership and confidence he developed through the Center Stage program.

“Honestly, stepping in front of a camera for ESPN feels natural because of the time I spent performing on stage,” he says. “Performing taught me how to confidently connect with others, and that translates directly to teaching and broadcasting.”

More Than a Showcase

For Jonah, the Center Stage Program was never just about the (many) accolades he received. It was about the camaraderie, the discipline, and the national recognition that opened his eyes to possibilities he never knew were available to him.

“The Center Stage Program is so much more than a showcase for theater talent,” Jonah says. “For me, it was a launchpad that built confidence and opened doors I didn’t even know existed. It gave me the tools and mindset to pursue experiences I never saw coming. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.”