Amy Ippolito, Megan Carroll, Jeanie Cheek, Adam Holmes, Milly Blanchette, Chris Straight, Steve Wardall, and all of the parent volunteers and ambassadors!
Bios
CAST
(in alphabetical order by first name)
Addie Van Pelt -
Afton Love Underwood (Darcy) is a homeschooled 5th grader whose favorite role before Newsies was a Scuba Mask Dancer in Finding Nemo. Afton loves witchcraft, cats, dancing, bread, dragons, and nature. If you believe you can do it, then you can do it!
Amelia Jones (Ethel) is an 8th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Newsies was Bird Girl in Seussical the Musical. Amelia loves running in cross country and singing.
Analia Cruz (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 6th grader at Henley MS and this is her first play. Analia loves singing, reading, and biking. Analia has performed as a dancer since she was three and a half!
Anthea Shepherd (JoJo) is a 7th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Newsies was Bianca in Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief and favorite backstage role was director’s assistant for Aladdin. Anthea loves drawing, her cats, ballet, pizza, garden club, book club, playing trumpet in band, and theater class in school. She is excited to be back on the Wayne Theatre stage!
Asher Shepherd (Specs) is a 9th grader from WHS whose favorite role before Newsies was the Cat in the Hat in Seussical. Asher loves his cats, reading, playing video games, soccer, piano, and trombone in marching band. Come to home football games at WHS to see their amazing marching band!
Audrey Matherly (Cookie) is a 4th grader at BGES whose favorite role before Newsies was an Elfie in Elf. Audrey loves playing tennis and enjoying time with her five pets.
Aurora Cruz (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 2nd grader at Crozet Elementary and this is her first play. Aurora loves drawing, biking, and playing with chickens. She has been dancing on a stage since she was 2years old!
Ava Morgan (Magdeline) is a 7th grader at BRCS and her favorite role before Newsies was Aslan. When offstage, Ava enjoys reading.
Avery Luedtke (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 5th grader at BGES and this is her first play. Avery loves ballet, gymnastics, crafts, and axolotls!
Avery Short (Olive) is a 7th grader at KCMS and her favorite role before Newsies was Nemo in Finding Nemo Jr. Avery loves reading, drawing, swimming, singing, and hanging out with friends. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Avery Tewalt (Pigtails) is an 11th grader at Broadway HS whose favorite role before Newsies was Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family Musical. Offstage, she loves to read, play video games, and compete in business. Avery is so excited to be doing her first performance with the Wayne!
Bella Jacobson (Oscar Delancey) is a homeschooled 7th grader whose favorite role before Newsies was Sneerella Twerm. Bella loves chatting with friends and telling people about her character. She loves nature, swim team, and DONUTS!
Carolynn Eichelberger (Brooklyn Newsie) is a homeschooled 3rd grader whose favorite role before Newsies was Loki. Carolynn loves exploring outside, listening to audiobooks, and being a spy.
Charlotte Belsches (Buttons) is a 9th grader in Community Lab and her favorite show she’s been in before Newsies was She Kills Monsters. Charlotte loves playing cello and playing D&D.
Cyrus McQuain (Jack Kelly) is a 12th grader at Riverheads HS and Governor’s School and their favorite role before Newsies was Kitty Hawk in Sympathy Jones. Cyrus loves art and listening to music. Cyrus is happily celebrating 13 years of doing theatre!
Daniel Cole (Pulitzer) is a homeschooled 11th grader whose favorite role before Newsies was Col. Mustard. Daniel loves walking in the woods and sleeping.
Dash Holmes (Les) is a 4th grader at BGES and his favorite role before Newsies was Chip in Beauty and the Beast. Dash loves playing chess and practicing for yo-yo competitions.
Delilah Evans (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 3rd grader at WHES whose favorite role before Newsies was Ensemble for School House Rocks. Delilah loves spending time with her friends and family. When her dad was a boy, he watched the movie The Goonies in the Wayne Theater!
Dodger Holmes (Race) is a 7th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Newsies was Josh in 9 to 5. Dodger likes climbing Mt. Everest, doing several backflips, and lying about his bios.
Eleanor Graves (Pat) is a 6th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Newsies was Bruce in Finding Nemo Jr. Eleanor loves running on the cross country team and she LOOOOVES sushi!
Elinor Priddy (Hazel) is an 8th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Newsies was Jojo from Seussical the Musical. Elinor enjoys choir, watching films, and BSA scouts.
Ellie Sandercock (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 3rd grader at WHES whose favorite role before Newsies was Team Guppy in SpongeBob the Musical. Ellie loves gymnastics, dance, and being creative.
Emery Grubb (Katherine) is a homeschooled student and her favorite role before Newsies was Miss Hannigan in Annie Jr. Emery enjoys doing all kinds of crafts and playing piano. She has enjoyed working with the cast and crew so much and hopes you enjoy the show!
Emily Blanchette (Dorothy) is a homeschooled 8th grader whose favorite role before Newsies was Peach in Finding Nemo Jr. Emily loves training and showing sheep and goats.
Emma Fitzgerald (Ingrid) is an 11th grader at Appalachian Christian School and her favorite role before Newsies was Emeryth in The Orphanage. Emma loves writing, cosplay, and walks with her dog, Roscoe.
Emma Loyacano (Elmer) is an 8th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Newsies was Adam in As You Like It. Emma is a member of the American Shakespeare Center Drama Club and is currently in rehearsals to perform in Macbeth. She also has loved being a part of KCMS musical productions and ballet productions with the Staunton Academy of Ballet including the Nutcracker. Emma also loves to draw!
Evalee Cole (Gertrude) is a homeschooled 6th grader whose favorite role before Newsies was either Wacky Cat in Aristocats or Fritz in the Nutcracker. Evalee loves art, ballet, martial arts, and horseback riding.
Gabe Fitzgerald (Teddy Roosevelt) is a 9th grader at Appalachian Christian School and his favorite show he’s performed in before Newsies was James and the Giant Peach. When offstage, Gabe enjoys playing video games and food.
Graeme Walker (Bill) is a 6th grader at Ridgeview Christian School and this is his first play! Graeme loves reading, especially biography and history books.
Holden Levin (Bunsen) is a 9th grader at Community Lab School and this is his first play. Holden loves video games, Kungfu, and his pet lizard and dog. He is really excited and nervous about doing this for the first time!
Hudson Northern (Albert) is a 7th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Newsies was Rico the penguin in Madagascar. When offstage, Hudson loves cross country. He wants to say thanks to his amazing directors and fellow cast and crew for all their hard work.
Izzy Moore (Seitz) is a 7th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Newsies was Little Debbie in Zombie Prom. Izzy loves singing, calling friends, having sleepovers, playing Roblox, and watching musicals. She loves to act and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Jackson Almarode (Weisel) is a 5th grader at WPES whose favorite role before Newsies was Kai the Sea Turtle in Finding Nemo Jr. His previous credits include Matilda Jr. (Ensemble), Madagascar Jr. (Ship's Captain), Finding Nemo Jr. (Ensemble) and SpongeBob (Security Guard, Spongesemble). When not on stage you can find Jackson drawing or reading. Jack is a proud member of Signature Singers at WPES.
Kathryn Carroll (Medda) is a 10th grader at WHS whose favorite role before Newsies was Spiker in James and the Giant Peach. Offstage, Kathryn loves hanging out with friends and reading.
Kiera Mahoney (Crutchie) is a 10th grader at WHS whose favorite role before Newsies was Sponge from James and the Giant Peach. Kiera loves stalking celebrities and watching movies. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Lauren Anderson (Nancy) is an 8th grader from Stuart Hall School whose favorite role before Newsies was Michael in Elf at the Wayne Theatre. Lauren says Studio Wayne prepared her for the role and it was somuch fun. Lauren loves doing art and spending time with friends and family.
Liana Maccarelli (Hannah) is a homeschooled 9th grader whose favorite role before Newsies was Coral in Finding Nemo Jr. Liana loves aerial silks and is a Pittsburgh Pirates fan!
Lily Wendtlandt (Snyder) is an 8th grader at Shelburne MS whose favorite role before Newsies was Peaches (twins with Little Debbie) in Zombie Prom. When offstage, she enjoys hanging out with friends. She wants to say thank you to her mom, Sarah Wendtlandt, for being an amazing mom and supporting her journey in theater.
Lucy Graves (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 3rd grader at BGES whose favorite role before Newsies was Ensemble for Finding Nemo Jr. Lucy loves listening to music and traveling to new and exciting places.
Lucy Grey Haynie (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 4th grader at WHES whose favorite role before Newsies was Amelia in Moon Dream. Lucy loves reading, writing, and exploring with her family. She is writing a book and has a cat named KJ.
Maxwell Roberson (Scab 3) is a homeschooled 6th grader whose favorite role before Newsies was a Guppy in The SpongeBob Musical. Offstage, he enjoys creating art and playing with his little brother.
Myla Lineweaver (Morris Delancey) is a 7th grader from Stewart MS whose favorite role before Newsies was Bloat in Finding Nemo Jr. Myla enjoys math, gymnastics, and singing. She has done theater since she was five years old.
Nick Saum (Scab 2) is a 4th grader from Hugh K. Cassell Elementary and his favorite role before Newsies was Team Guppy in The SpongeBob Musical. Nick loves being with cast members, friends, and family. He is a talented artist and drummer and plays baseball, football, and basketball. Nick is also a budding historian and enjoys going to battlefields and historical landmarks.
Nora Kirtz (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 3rd grader at WHES and this is her first play. Nora loves swim team, playing piano, and hanging out with friends.
Penelope Puffenberger (Ada) is an 8th grader at Wilson MS whose favorite role before Newsies was Laurey Williams in Oklahoma. Penelope loves shopping, sleepovers, and going to the movies.
Penny Chappel (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 2nd grader at BGES and this is her first play. Penny loves playing with neighborhood friends and her favorite color is either pastel pink or pastel teal.
Penny Coggins (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 4th grader at Guy K Stump Elementary whose favorite role before Newsies was a Seagull in Finding Nemo Jr. Penny loves hanging out with her friends, singing, and skiing. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support. She has loved being in this show!
Petra Shepherd (Spot Collins) is a 5th grader at WHES whose favorite roles before Newsies include Mice Dancer in the Nutcracker, Ensemble for Artistocats, and Ensemble for Matilda. Petra loves ballet, her cats, art, food, piano, tumbling, safety patrol, and pandas. She is excited to be in another Wayne Theatre musical!
Rachel Goodberry (Romeo) is an 8th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Newsies was a guard in Aladdin Jr. Rachel enjoys reading, playing the flute and piano, painting, and drawing.
Rae Gary (Muriel) is a 9th grader at WAHS whose favorite roles before Newsies include Lilith in She Kills Monsters and Toffee in Zombie Prom. Rae loves spending time with friends, reading, and listening to music.
Rebecca Bussey (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 4th grader at SDES whose favorite roles before Newsies include Mort in Madagascar Jr. and Fletcher in Freaky Friday. Rebecca loves dance, gymnastics, and playing with her puppy.
Sophia Stamm (Davey) is an 11th grader at Riverheads HS whose favorite role before Newsies was Luke in The Lightning Thief. Sophia loves sleeping, baking, Roblox, and hanging out with friends.
Tommy Belsches (Tommy Boy) is a 7th grader at Henley MS whose favorite role before Newsies was the Young Prince in Beauty and the Beast. Tommy loves painting, playing D&D with his friends, and Newsies is one of his favorite musicals.
Tyler Chappel (Brooklyn Newsie) is a 5th grader at BGES whose favorite role before Newsies was Ed the Hyena in Lion King. Tyler loves drawing, playing with friends, and reading graphic novels. She has two dogs, her favorite color is purple, and she’s into fantasy.
Zach Sandercock (Police Chief, Scab 1) is a 7th grader at KCMS whose favorite role before Newsies was Omar in Aladdin Jr. Zach loves making music.
CREATIVE TEAM
(in alphabetical order by first name)
Corey Holmes (She/her) trained in Cecchetti ballet and Luigi/Hatchett style jazz in South Florida. She earned her BFA from Florida Atlantic University and two master's degrees from MBU/ASC. Corey served as the Artistic Director with StepVa, now chair of their board In 2020, Corey was nominated and confirmed Virginia Commission of the Arts Teaching Artist Roster in both dance and theatre. Corey creates socio-emotional theatre curriculum for the National Educational Theatre Association and is on the steering committee for the Arts Education Dashboard working for the Virginia Coalition for Fine Arts Education. She is co-chair for VTA’s youth theatre division. She is the director of education at the Wayne and the State Chair of the nationwide competition Poetry Out Loud.
Katey Hallock (she/her)holds a BA in Music with a concentration in Education from Bridgewater College. She has been working with Studio Wayne since 2021 where she has music directed and taught many classes. Favorite Studio Wayne credits include Matilda Jr, Madagascar Jr, and Zombie Prom: Atomic Edition. Katey has also been on stage at the Wayne Theatre and some of her favorite roles include A Christmas Story: The Musical (Miss Shields), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Lucy Van Pelt), The Little Mermaid (Ariel), and Murder on the Orient Express (Mary Debenham). She has also music directed a few Wayne Main Stage shows including Elf The Musical and The SpongeBob Musical. When she’s not on stage or teaching with Studio Wayne, Katey teaches middle school chorus in Augusta County.
Kaylee Babb (she/her)Kaylee is 19 years old and became serious about theater within the last few years. She has fulfilled duties as backstage and tech crew, acted as a production assistant, puppet creator, and all-around artist for many shows. Kaylee has stage-managed or assisted in multiple shows to include Murder on the Orient Express, Orphanage, and 9 to 5. Kaylee enjoys drawing, gaming, pin collecting, listening to music, and sleeping when she is not at The Wayne Theatre.
Rhys McRoberts is a dance artist and dance educator located in Staunton, VA. She began studying dance in Northern Utah when she was eight years old, taking musical theatre, tap and jazz. Since then, she has competed in Ballroom Dance (winning silver at State), competed in National Dance competitions with her competitive hip hop/jazz team and has taught and participated in various community theatres in the area. She is a constant advocate for keeping Arts Education alive in the community and is committed to helping educate and advocate for all artistic programs. She has been working at the Wayne Theatre since 2023, and has helped in a variety of their productions; Favorites include Finding Nemo Jr., SpongeBob the Musical and 9 to 5. Rhys has also performed on stage at the Wayne Theatre as well; favorite roles included Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, & Georgiana Darcy in Pride & Prejudice.
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