CLAUDIA BLANTON, she/her (Ensemble, u/s Fate #3). Making her Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE debut, Claudia has appeared in productions including Matilda, Mean Girls (At the Ridge Theatre); Ride the Cyclone, Hadestown, Chicago, and A Chorus Line. She would like to thank her parents for all the driving and support, and her brother for sparking her love of theater.

MASON COX, he/him (Ensemble) is super stoked for his first production with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE!!

AALIYAH GHOTRA, she/her (Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of her first Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production! She has been doing theater for the past five years, including Village Theatre Institute for the past two years and is ready to put her skills to the test. She absolutely loves the energy given off by KIDSTAGE and is so grateful to be in this production.

MIDORI GOSPEL, she/her (Ensemble, u/s Fate #1, Dance Captain) is so excited to be in another show at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE. Previous KIDSTAGE credits include: Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 in Concert, Les Miserables: School Edition, Mean Girls: High School Version, KIDSTAGE Originals 2024, and The Prom. Enjoy the show!

NATHAN JOE, he/him (Ensemble, u/s Hades, Vocal Captain) is very excited to be in his second Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production, having previously played The Bishop in Les Misérables: School Edition. He would like to thank his mom, dad, and sibling for always being there to support him. He'd also like to thank his best friends, Sam Goff, Eli Jenkins, and Shrujan Shinde, as well as his choir teacher, Ms. Turner, and all of his amazing friends at school.

GISELLE KENDRICK, she/they (Fate #3) is thrilled to be participating in their eighth production at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE! Previous productions include Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 in Concert, Les Misérables: School Edition, Mean Girls: High School Version, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Prom. Giselle most recently played the role of Gomez in a high school production of The Addams Family. Starting in September, Giselle will be studying acting at the Manchester School of Theatre at Manchester Metropolitan University in England!

MARIA KNAUSS, she/her (Ensemble, u/s Eurydice, Lift/Trick Captain) is ecstatic to be a part of Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production of Hadestown: Teen Edition! This is her seventh KIDSTAGE show, and you may have seen her recently on the Mainstage as Cosette in the KIDSTAGE SummerStock Production of Les Misérables: School Edition. As her last show before going to college, she thanks her family, friends, and colleagues for the love and support that granted her the opportunity to pursue her next step at Roosevelt University's CCPA BFA program in musical theater!

JASON KOO, he/him (Ensemble) is a newcomer into theater with having played Mufasa and Ensemble in his school’s productions of Disney’s The Lion King and Grease. He's excited to continue his theater journey with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production of Hadestown: Teen Edition. He hopes you will enjoy the performance!

ROMI LANZADOR, she/her (Eurydice) is thrilled to be a part of Hadestown: Teen Edition! Her recent credits include Jack from Into the Woods (Ballyhoo Theatre) and Mary Bolkonsky from Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 in Concert (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE). “All she’s ever known” is that she has absolutely loved working with everyone involved in this production. She hopes that you enjoy the show “any way the wind blows”!

JORDYN LEACOCK, she/her (Ensemble) is so excited to be in Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production of Hadestown: Teen Edition! This is her first project at KIDSTAGE and she’s so happy to be sharing it with all of you. She’s so grateful for the cast and crew for making this show happen and would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her, especially Maya.

SAWYER MARSHALL, he/him (Ensemble) is thrilled to be in Hadestown: Teen Edition! For two years, Sawyer has been a member of Village Theatre Institute and participated in Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE first Summer Performance Intensive. He has also worked on Shrek the Musical JR. and Fiddler on the Roof JR. (Youth Theatre Northwest), and school shows. Sawyer’s favorite show so far was She Kills Monsters, and he is excited to be in his first KIDSTAGE show!

PEYTON MCCRERY, she/her (Fate #1) is so honored to be in this production of Hadestown: Teen Edition! She’s so excited to perform with some of her friends and so sad to say goodbye to the Seniors! She is involved in Village Theatre Institute and active in her school's drama program. Favorite roles include: DeeDee in The Prom, Chava in Fiddler on the Roof, Marya in Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, and Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress. “Now we're gonna sing it again.”

DOMINIC MIADOWICZ, he/him (Ensemble, u/s Orpheus). Hadestown was one of Dominic’s favorite shows when he did it for the first time back at Ballyhoo Theatre, and despite doing three more shows for a grand total of nine (this is his 10th!) and a year’s worth of school after, it’s still his favorite, and he is stoked to experience it once more with you and the Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE community.

CHARLIE NEWTON, she/her (Persephone) is thrilled to be back at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE in Issaquah! She was last seen on this stage as Ensemble in Mean Girls: High School Edition and Ensemble in KIDSTAGE Originals The Lonesome Writer. Her most recent role was Jane Eyre in Jane Eyre: A Musical Drama at her high school and she just finished her first year at Cornish College of the Arts studying musical theater. She can’t wait to show you what she’s learned!

SPENCER NORMAN, he/they (Hermes, Lift/Trick Captain). Hey yall, you may have seen Spencer in a handful of Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE shows such as Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert, Legally Blonde: The Musical, or Chicago: Teen Edition. He also just performed in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s Rising Star Project of Jesus Christ Superstar as Simon! He can’t wait to make the switch over to Issaquah, as he typically performs in Everett. A huge thank you to my friends and family. Hope you all enjoy the show! Instagram: @Planet8.spencer

JOHN RIEDEL, he/him (Hades) is very excited to perform as Hades. John has previously been at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE as Lazar Wolfe in Fiddler on the Roof and Nick in The Prom. At John's high school, he has starred in roles such as Claude Frollo in Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Pabbie in Disney’s Frozen. John is thankful to his voice teacher Rachel Olson, his friends, and his parents for their constant support and love.

SADIE RUBESCH, she/her (Ensemble, u/s Fate 2, Vocal Captain) is so excited to be in her first Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE show! She was most recently seen as Ensemble and u/s Pilate in The 5th Avenue Theatre’s Rising Star Project: Jesus Christ Superstar. Some other favorite credits include Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice JR, Race in Disney’s Newsies, and Miss Honey in Matilda (Highline Musical Theatre). Much love to her family and friends for always supporting her!

HUGO SANTILLAN, he/him (Orpheus) is honored to be making his Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE debut as Orpheus in Hadestown: Teen Edition. His recent credits include Darry in The Outsiders (Seattle Rep) and u/s Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar (The 5th Avenue Theatre’s Rising Star Project). He is deeply grateful to the cast, creative team, his friends, and his family for their support, and is excited to share this story with you!

ZOE SCHELL, she/her (Ensemble) is beyond thrilled to be making her Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE debut this summer. She has been doing theater for four years and has done numerous shows in school and in the community. She has performed most recently as a Waiter in Hello, Dolly!, Nigel in Something Rotten JR., and more. Additionally, she received a double superior (National Qualifying) this year for Musical Theater Solo and Musical Theater Duet at Thespys West and is an inducted Thespian.

CAMERYN SCOTT, she/her (Fate 2). This is Cameryn’s Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE debut. Prior shows outside of KIDSTAGE include The Prom, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Mean Girls and Disney’s Mary Poppins. She is so excited to be a part of this production! She would like to thank her parents for their unconditional love and support.

CADENCE SPORE, she/they (Ensemble, u/s Hermes). Though Cadence has done many years of theater, they are very excited to join the local community theater space. She loves being able to gain opportunities to join the theater community of the greater Seattle area and plans to keep trekking onwards! You may find them at cadencespore.com.

SONJA WETMORE, she/her (Ensemble, u/s Persephone) is so honored to be in one of her favorite shows! She was most recently seen as Annie in Chicago: Teen Edition (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE) last summer. Some of her other favorite past roles include Van Helsing in Dracula and u/s Dragon in Shrek the Musical. She is currently pursuing her BFA in acting. She sends thanks to her family and friends for their love and support, and her teachers for their guidance!

INARA SHELDON, she/her (Director) is honored to make her directorial debut before heading to DePaul University to pursue a B.F.A. in theater arts. At Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE, Inara has performed in seven shows and written two musicals. Hadestown: Teen Edition is about hope in the face of despair, which is why Inara believes now is the perfect time for young people to make their voices heard. She's grateful to the team, Moy + Adam, and you, for supporting live theatre. Love to M+P.

KYLAH PALMER, she/her (Choreographer) is incredibly honored to return to Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE before beginning her second year of undergraduate studies at University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts. Previous credits include Ensemble/Dance Captain for Mean Girls: High School Version (KIDSTAGE) and Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music. Most recently, in college, she served as Assistant Choreographer on tick, tick…BOOM! and Tribe/Dance Captain for Hair. Special thanks to her phenomenal directing trio team, Inara and Adam. Enjoy the show!

ADAM TSAI, he/him (Music Director) is honored to serve as Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE’s youngest Music Director! Previous credits at KIDSTAGE include Fiddler on the Roof (Cello), Mean Girls: High School Version (Music Directing Assistant/Keyboard 2), Les Misérables: School Edition (Music Directing Assistant/Cello), and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 in Concert (Music Directing Assistant/Cello 1). Outside of theater, he's a proud member of Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Evergreen Philharmonic. He's excited to share his love of music with you!

TERA WINTER, she/her (Scenic Designer) is thrilled to be back for her third season with the Summer Independent Program! She's returning to the scenic team after Chicago: Teen Edition and Fiddler on the Roof. Other recent credits include Jesus Christ Superstar and Something's Afoot (The 5th Avenue Theatre's Rising Star Project), Proof and Falsettoland (Penguin Productions), and other shows as a stagehand of IATSE Local 15. When not building sets or managing shows, she enjoys swimming, guitar and crochet.

ADDISON JONES, she/her (Costume Designer) is honored to be part of Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, her dream show. Currently pursuing a BFA in costume design, she has worked on productions including Metamorphoses (Wardrobe Supervisor), Puffs, and Property Rites (Assistant Costume Designer), as well as Les Misérables (Stitcher). Her short film credits include: All Our Words Are Wasted and The Old Woman (Costume Designer), and Elysium (Assistant Costume Designer). She loves bringing creative visions to life through costume. Enjoy!

HANA O’CONNOR, she/her (Lighting Designer). This is Hana's first production at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE! She is very excited to be working on this show and has loved working with this team! Outside of KIDSTAGE, she has worked on shows such as Into the Woods, The Great Gatsby, The Haunting of Hill House and more! She would like to thank all her family and friends for supporting her!

JACKSON LECLAIRE, he/him (Sound Designer) is a student sound designer and audio engineer. He has worked with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE as an Audio A2 in seven productions such as: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Mean Girls: High School Version, and Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 in Concert. He has also worked with Everrise Theatre Company as the lead sound designer and audio engineer on Alice By Heart and Next to Normal. He is delighted to be working on this production!

EMMA LAVI, she/her (Properties Designer) is thrilled to be returning to Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE after working in the costume shop for Les Misérables: School Edition last year. She is currently studying to get a BA in technical theater with an emphasis on costume and props design.

CHRISTOPHER BURNSIDE, he/him (Dramaturg). This is Christopher’s first time working with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE. He hopes you enjoy the show.

SOREN CARPENTER, they/them (Stage Manager) is so excited to share Hadestown: Teen Edition with you! Their previous credits include Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 in Concert and Mean Girls: High School Version (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE), The Wave (and what came after) (Union Arts Center YCC), and Disney’s Mary Poppins JR. (Big Star Studios). They hope you enjoy the show!

LEAH CRANE, she/her (Assistant Stage Manager) is very excited to return for her second production with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE! She was previously a stagehand and dresser for Fiddler on the Roof. After this show, she will be returning to college where she is getting a BA in theater, concentrating on stage management. She hopes you all feel the incredible love and work that went into this production. Good show!

ELSA HARRIS, (Assistant Stage Manager)

ANAÏS MITCHELL, (Book, Music & Lyrics) is a Vermont-based singer-songwriter and the Tony and Grammy award-winning creator of the Broadway musical Hadestown, for which she wrote book, music and lyrics. Hadestown won eight Tony Awards overall, including Best Musical, as well as the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Mitchell was named to TIME’s prestigious TIME100 list in 2020, and her first book, Working on a Song – The Lyrics of Hadestown, was published by Penguin/Plume in the same year.

Dubbed by NPR as “one of the greatest songwriters of her generation,” Mitchell comes from the world of narrative folksong, poetry and balladry. Her Grammy-nominated recordings include her recent self-titled album Anaïs Mitchell (2022) and the self-titled debut of her folk-rock band Bonny Light Horseman (2020), whose third album will be released in 2024. Anaïs tours worldwide, and her music has featured in year-end best lists including NPR, The Wall Street Journal, MOJO, Uncut, The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Observer.