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Once Upon A Mattress
Cast & Crew Biographies

Below is the complete biographies of the authors, cast, and crew involved with the WRHS musical Once Upon A Mattress

Show dates March1st - April 3rd, 2024

Students listed in alphabetical order by last name after teachers & adult volunteers.

* Indicates members of the International Thespian Honor Society

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Alexa Sheppard*

Director, Drama Teacher, & Troupe Leader

Miss Alexa Sheppard is a WRHS alumna who started her theatrical teaching career just last year. She is a proud member of Thespian Troupe 7142 and has made strides in the Tampa Bay Area since graduating from WRHS, PHSC, and the University of Tampa as an award-winning actress. Miss Sheppard loves sharing the world of theatre with her dedicated, talented, and passionate students who never stop making her laugh. Alexa is honored to be making her musical directorial debut with such an enchanting show, and is elated to share with you the magic of this fairy tale with you and her amazing Broadway Bound Bulls.

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Benjamin "Benji" Beckwith

Musical Director

This is Mr. Beckwith's first year at Wiregrass and he has been enjoying it thoroughly. He has worked with many performers and musicians in school, church, and community to prepare for musicals and productions over the years; he is grateful to be part of this year's musical, and for the opportunity to work with all of WRHS' amazing talent!

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Stephanie Duchesne

ASL Instructor & Interpreter

Stephanie Duchesne is one of the ASL teachers at Wiregrass Ranch High School. She started the ASL program at WRHS seven years ago and has been teaching ever since. Before becoming a teacher Mrs. Duchesne earned her degree from USF as an American Sign Language interpreter. She was a community interpreter as well as a staff interpreter for Pasco County School Board. Mrs. Duchesne is passionate about ASL and loves sharing her passion with her students. When given the opportunity to interpret the play, she eagerly accepted and was excited to give her students the chance to showcase their talents!

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Nicholas Colon

ASL Interpreter

Nicholas Colon is an alumna of Wiregrass Ranch High School. Prior to becoming a teacher last year, he studied ASL all four years at The Ranch and was an integral part of the program. He was a strong representation of the program and served as the president of the ASL Honor Society chapter and participated in interpreting the plays and this year's musicql. Now he is able to help students grow and have the same experience. He is passionate about ASL and is excited to see all of the students hard work come to fruition.

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Kearstin “Kiki” Alvarez

Ensemble, Scenic Design

Kearstin is a sophomore and is excited to be a part of her first theatre production. This has been quite an important experience for her because because she got to see just how fun acting can be and meet lots of cool fellow students involved in the musical. In her free time, Kearstin enjoys watching Miraculous Ladybug and writing poetry when inspiration strikes. She would like to thank her sister Jaidyn for driving her to and from rehearsals and letting her tag along to set building. Lots of love and enjoy the show.

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Jaidyn Alvarez

Scenic Design, Set Construction, Props

Jaidyn is a Senior who is new to the WRHS drama club as a set/prop designer. They love all aspects of theatre, and is very excited to be a part of this production. She loves crafting, gaming, baking, yapping, and getting to meet new people and hopes that in the short time she’s a part of theatre that she can become friends with some of the other lovely members. She loves getting to be a part of an environment that is so chaotically fun, and wants to remind y’all that if there’s a worm there is a way <3

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Kayla Arnst

ASL Interpreter

Kayla is a junior in high school in her third year of taking ASL. She has found a passion in learning ASL since freshman year and looks forward to expanding her knowledge in ASL four next year and in college as well. Though she has never interpreted a play before, she is thankful for the opportunity to make this year’s theater production more accessible and hopes that her signing skills will flourish through interpreting the unique situations that the characters find themselves in.

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John Bell

Pantomime Ballet Dancer, Sir Studley

Yeah I’m John in 10th grade and this is my first musical. Also, I like Breaking Bad (▀̿Ĺ̯▀̿ ̿)

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Bridget Bickford

Scenic Design, Set Construction, Stage Hand

Bridget is a senior in high school and has been involved in theatre all 4 years. She is excited to be working on her first production and is enjoying the technical aspects of theatre, specifically she is getting into set design and construction. This year she has become more involved in theatre as a whole, joining drama club and awaiting to be inducted into thespians this spring.

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Karalyn Bittner

Scenic Design, Set Construction, ASL Interpreter

Kara is a junior at WRHS and is an ASL interpreter for the show as well as on the set design and construction team. She has been involved in past school productions such as Crazy 8’s, Chicago, Clue, and Lunchroom, in addition to a few productions in extracurricular theater programs. With a passion for learning all she can and a fascination with storytelling forms through history and across cultures, she hopes one day to explore the stars and inspire others to find a passion for learning and pursuing what they love.

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Kyara Blanch

Lady Larken

Kyara’s a freshman and is very excited to be apart of this production! Kyara loves being in musicals and meeting new people in the process. Working on this production has been so amazing, she can’t wait for next year’s show! Everything has truly been a journey and she’s very glad she got to be apart of it. She thanks her parents for encouraging her to join theatre from a young age, her family and friends for supporting her throughout all the productions she’s been in, and Ms. Sheppard for casting her in this wonderful production!! Hope you enjoy the show!!!

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Brock Boyette

Ensemble

Brock is a sophomore who is participating in his first high school production. He’s had a lot of fun with the musical, he loves the show and the fun times he’s had while making it. He also looks forward to doing next years production(and is hoping it’s a play, not a musical, he’s a bit musical’d out). Brock wants to thank his family for being so supportive and kind to him, and encouraging him to pursue his goals no matter what(For example: them helping him on his ongoing journey to Eagle Scout)

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Autumn Brandon

Sound

Autumn is finishing out her senior year this year! She is so proud to be part of the sound crew and a member of Ms. Sheppard’s theater class.

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Sydney Camp

ASL Interpreter

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Joel Cardona

Sir Harry

Joel is in 10th grade and is so excited to be involved in his first musical production! This role has really meant a lot to him. He has had so much fun with his friends in the cast and crew! In his free time, Joel enjoys playing video games, playing with his cast Sasha and Savina, and practicing Taekwondo. Joel thanks his friends, family, and Ms. Sheppard for their support and help when it came to learning lines.

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Chloe Carson

Costumer, ASL Interpreter

Chloe is in 11th grade and this is her fourth production here at Wiregrass where she has worked diligently as a member of our costume crew! Not only is she a part of our crew, but this will also be her first year being a part of the American Sign Language translation team. There is no doubting that she is passionate about the work she does, and she is so excited for you to see the final product of her and everyone’s efforts!

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Alyssa Colon

Costumer

Alyssa is in the 11th grade. She has been in the Wiregrass Ranch High school theater program for 2 years. She is apart of costuming for this production. She loves being apart of this production because she has made many friends in both cast and crew. She loves fashion and makeup as well as theatre! So for her to be apart of costumes was perfect. She loves school and learning new things. She loves art, reading and music and all forms of expression. She thanks all the friends she made in last year’s production for being so fun and welcoming. Because of them it encouraged her to do it again this year. Enjoy the show and have fun!

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Justin Diaz

Jester

Justin is in his 11th year of high school, and is so happy to be in this year’s musical. He’s from spring field Massachusetts and moved to Florida during his 4th year, and while always interested in the art, 6th grade hie found his passion for singing and acting. Moving on to high school to be an actor in this year’s musical would've made little Justin so proud. Outside of theater he enjoys singing, playing video games and being with friends. Justin sends his regards and hopes you’ll enjoy the show, leaving with a smiles.

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Jana Dolar

ASL Interpreter

Jana is a junior, ASL 3 student and secretary of the ASL club. Growing up in a culturally diverse household, she developed an early appreciation for languages and the art of communicating with people. This love of languages transferred when she started her high school career taking ASL levels 1-3 and plans to take ASL 4. Her passion for signing has flourished towards pursuing an ASL related career throughout college. She plans to be continuing her signing journey at the University of South Florida. Throughout learning this play, her signing has greatly improved in fluency and signing ability and hopes to do more challenging yet creative signing activities such as the play in the future.

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Sophia Ann Dragoo

Queen Aggravain, Scenic Design, Set Construction

Sophia is a Senior at Wiregrass and is taking her final bow as Queen Aggravain. She is our Thespian Honor Society Vice President, and has been in both Thespians and Drama Club since her Sophomore year. Sophia wants to thank all her friends in theatre for always supporting her, and Ms Sheppard for never loosing faith in her. She feels bittersweet about leaving but is excited for the future! For the last time, she proudly represents Troupe 7142.

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Audrey Durst

Ensemble

Audrey is a 10th grader and a member of our ensemble! This is nowhere near her first show, but despite her previous experience, Audrey is just as excited for ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ as she was for any of her past performances. She’s had so much fun during this production and wishes to continue participating in theatre projects into the future. Audrey’s current goal is to be a voice actor, but she has also taken an interest in playwriting, stage acting, and musical theater in general. In her free time, Audrey enjoys reading, writing, drawing, and listening to music. One of her favorite subjects is character analysis and how one’s character should affect their performance, both on the stage and in a recording studio. Besides character behavior, Audrey also enjoys the emotion and connection that music can bring to a story. She might play a small role here, but without a supporting cast, how would one even perform a play? Enjoy the show, and remember, ensemble is what makes the production possible!

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Reda Ettouati

Ensemble

Reda is a junior and he is so honored to be part of the play this year! He joined the play because it’s an extracurricular that enhances creativity. His favorite artist is SZA and his favorite movie is Whiplash! Can’t wait to see you all!

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Isabelle Gallo

3rd Knight

Isabelle is a 10th grader with a passion for cats and art, as well as video games and being dramatic. She would like to thank her friends and family AND TEACHERS <3 for being supportive and keeping her up during this hard year for her and specifically Mr.Willis for taking the time to realize her theatrical ability. This is her first time actually being in a production and she couldn’t do it so well without the amazing people (and cats) in her life, so thank you all.

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Matilda Gawthrop

Scenic Design, Stage Hand

Matilda is a freshman and new to theater. She's loved every moment with the cast and crew! She’s learning ASL and working to become a teacher. Matilda is a huge fan of Taylor Swift, you can often find her blasting Taylor’s tracks to push out the world! She is a proud
Australian! Matilda wanted to thank her Mum & Dad, Christine, Alex, Amelia and their family as well as her best friends McCartney & Violet and her friends from the cast and crew Sydney, Sai, Manu, & Kelly and everyone else she met along the way who have heavily encouraged!

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Kyra George

Lucille, 3rd Lady-in-Waiting

Kyra George will be performing in her last high school performance at Wiregrass Ranch High School. She has been in the drama club since her sophomore year, when she was costume crew for the play: Clue. Later she became Mary Sunshine in the musical Chicago and Ms. Parry in Crazy 8’s. She’s loved the theater program throughout her high school career and has done her best to be an active part of it. She’s developed strong bonds in the program and has loved her friends like family. These productions are her favorite part of high school.

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Grace Guinness

Costumer

Grace is a junior and she has been in theater since 8th grade. She is in drama club and thespians, she is also in theatre 3 honors and made her first appearance on stage during Crazy 8s. She is excited to continue to do theatre throughout her high school career.

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Andres Gutierrez

Costumer

Andres is in the 12th grade and he is so excited to be involved in this year’s production. He was apart of the costumes and helped with the heavy lifting of moving the bins.While being apart of this production he has made and gotten closer to friends. He explored a new side of the arts while on costumes. He liked the community and the expression of the theatre. He came to every meeting and was very hardworking at whatever he was set todo. He is very kind to all the other staff and never fights. He enjoyed this year’s production and was happy that he could be apart of it on hid last year.

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Sarah Hanley

1st Knight

Sarah is a junior who is originally from New York. Throughout Sarah's high school years, they have been in many productions including "Clue", "Chicago" and most recently "Crazy 8's". Sarah wants to be a future actor and plans to continue theatre for the rest of high school and into college. Sarah is also an inducted thespian and won an excellent in the costume design category.

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Jacob Hurlburt

Lighting

Jacob is a freshman in Wiregrass High School who loves to work with technology! It’s his first year helping with theater and he hopes it will be a great play

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Elliot Hurlburt

Stage Hand

I’m excited to watch the musical even if it’s back stage especially because it’s the first musical I’ve ever seen in person! I’ll be stage hand this year and I’ll hopefully be quick with the sets (idk what else to write sorry)

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Leah Ifill

Princess Winnifred

Leah Ifill is a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High School and is so thrilled to be in Once Upon a Mattress and act in the theatre program again! Delving into comedy for the first time in her acting journey, Leah finds immense joy in exploring this facet of performance. Building meaningful connections with fellow cast members has enriched her experience as well. Leah shares her passion as an assistant teacher at Jansen Dance Project, nurturing young talents in musical theatre and dance. Engaged in various campus activities, including leadership roles, president of WRHS Black History Committee, President of recruitment and engagement for Students Agaist Destructive Decisions, Vice President of WRHS Concert Chorus, and President of the Thespain Troupe 7142 at WRHS! Along with that, she does ballet, tap, jazz, piano, sings at Bible Based Fellowship Church on the praise team, and does musical theatre shows at several places such as Jansen Dance Project and Stagelights! Some of her favorite roles she has played have been Rusty from Footloose (Jansen Dance Project), Roxie from Chicago (Wiregrass Ranch High School Theatre), and Miss Trunchbull from Matilda (Jansen Dance Project). Leah's future aspirations lie in studying Musical Theatre and Journalism after graduation! She would like to shout her nana for always believing in her! Leah invites audiences to revel in the enchanting tale of "Once Upon a Mattress." #Troupe7142

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Kaylee Johnson

Lady Mabelle, Set Construction

Kaylee is a 9th grader who started theatre in 7th grade and is extremely excited to keep performing throughout high school. She's looking forward to representing the theatre department as a freshman representative. She wants to thank her parents and friends for being so supportive throughout. She says to remember to enjoy the show and bless up.

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Nailah Katbeh

Stage Hand

Nailah is in 10th grade and is so excited to be involved in this years production. They have met so many new people in the cast and crew. This years musical has been such an amazing experience and has been fun for them.

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Sara King

ASL Interpreter

Sara is a sophomore and is excited to be back behind the curtain. She has previous acting experience from earlier years and is just now getting the chance to dive back into theatre. Sara is a former Thespian and actor who is glad to be here as a volunteer to help in every way possible! Sara congratulates the cast and crew for what will be an amazing performance along with her sister who is helping translate the show into ASL.

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Aby King

ASL Interpreter

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Gauge Kinley

Sir Luce

Gauge likes the normal things that literally any other teenage boy would like but he's a Star Wars fan and an android user. '-'

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Terri-Ann Lambus

ASL Interpreter

Terri-Ann is a 12th grader who is trying something new this year in our theater department. Terri-Ann has been in different productions before but is taking a break from the cast and joining the crew. She is a part of the lovely ASL club and has enjoyed working with the interpretation committee for the past few months. As much as this is out of her comfort zone, she loves the spotlight and is super excited for the play's turn-out. Terri-Ann sees this opportunity to show off her signing skills as a nice ending to her senior year in high school.

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Jackson Lenczden

Prince Dauntless

Jackson is a sophomore this year and is thrilled to be making his musical debut! He is so glad to be alongside a cast he knows loves and supports him, and couldn’t have wished for better cast mates. He would like to make a special thanks to his mom for her patience and reassurance throughout this year of school; he couldn’t be more grateful to have her in his life. He would also like to thank his friends for never failing to make him smile.

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Autumn Lewis

Props

Autumn Lewis is a senior and is absolutely thrilled to be part of the tech crew in her second production on the props team. Autumn enjoys reading, writing, and drawing in her free time with her cat, Kilo. Working on this show has been a wonderful time for her, and she is excited for everyone to see it! Autumn wants to thank Ms. Sheppard and all her friends for making her last year of high school a year to remember! She hopes for everyone to enjoy this silly musical!

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Kelly "kelkel" Lopez

Front of House/Publicity

Kel is the silly friend who loves basketball, doing random crafts, and some pieces of theatre. Kel began with vocal lessons for little kids, and as she got older she joined chorus, and did small pieces in school musicals. In the last 3 years Kel had walked out with 6 excellents and 1 superior via Thespians. This year Kel put herself in tech for the very first time! This year she did publicity for the musical you are reading the playbill for. ;)

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Amarah Lowe

Stage Hand

Amarah is a sophomore who is from Bronx New York and this is their second year working backstage as a stage hand. They enjoy working back there and all the experiences they have gotten with the work and the crew.

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Baylie Lucas

Costumer, Hair & Makeup

Baylie is in her senior year, and this is her last production. She is so excited and happy to see the amazing production we worked so hard on come to life!

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Lia Marrero

Set Construction

Lia is a freshman and it’s her first time being in a show! She’s very excited and has meet many friends. She’s so excited to put in her part and hopes you enjoy the show!

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Lilli Marshall

Front of House/Publicity

Lilli is a freshman from Florida, She really enjoys art and hopes to work as a photographer or in technical theater in the future. Shes been interested in theater ever since seeing a play for the first time.

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Carlos Matias

Stage Hand

Carlos Matias, a junior at WRHS, is thrilled to embark on his journey as a stagehand for the school play. With a passion for the performing arts, Carlos has committed to the improv troupe and next years play. Eager to explore the technical side of theater, he brings a keen eye for detail and a willingness to learn. Excited to contribute behind the scenes, Carlos looks forward to ensuring the smooth execution of the production. Outside of theater, he enjoys playing guitar and spending time with friends. Carlos is grateful for this opportunity and eager to make his mark backstage.

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James Maughan

King Sextimus the Silent

James is in 10th grade and is thrilled to be a part of this fantastic production. This is James second time being in a theater production. James is coming from doing school sports. His favorite sports have been running cross country and track. James enjoys performing and learning magic, running, and getting into trouble. He would like to thank his parents for supporting him through this and everything he does. James also wants to thank Miss. Sheppard and Nick Prada for putting up with me these last few months. From The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes “Enjoy the Show!”.
 

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Avery "Violet" McKeever

Scenic Design, Stage Hand

Avery "Violet" is a sophomore and is so excited and happy to be apart of her first product and be apart of the crew! She's always wanted to be in and join theater and is so happy she's finally doing it. She's met so many good friends and made memories with them. In her free time she loves hanging out with friends, playing videogames such as "the last of us" which is her favorite video game! She also does art and plays music. Avery "Violet" would love to thank her best friends Matilda, Sydney, and Sarah and other friends sai, autumn, and Paige. Also her mom and dad for encouraging her with this amazing experience!

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Mar Medina

Scenic Design, Set Construction, Stage Hand

Mar is in 12th grade and has been apart of the shows for the past three years in set design and construction, having worked on past shows like this one. He is an active member of the drama club and they are the current Thespian Historian. They are creatively driven, intuitive and a bit of a rat. as loud as he is he excels in the behind the scenes environment and is going to Flagler college for theater arts in the fall.

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Sai Mejia

Scenic Design, Stage Hand

Sai is an 11th grader who just joined theatre and is really excited to start helping and joining the community. He’s a stage hand and plans to be part of the next play with a role. He likes to lie down and do nothing all day but will definitely try his best for the play. Have fun watching :)

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Maria Eduarda Mesquita

Front of House/Publicity

Name Maria,i am freshman and from Brazil. I’m a happy and handsome person! I like something,but my favorites is watching F1 and soccer. I love music and dancing,my favorite singer is Billie Eilish. In must the time i am extrovert person ,but i am shy person.I love my dog, my family, and my friends!

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Milo Mola

Ensemble

Milo is a freshman, This is his first musical performance and is so excited to be a part of this play. He loves cats and Pokemon. Enjoy the show :)

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Linette Montes de Oca

Assistant Stage Manager, Set Construction

Linette is a junior who tried out tech on a whim. With a love for showbiz, she realized that the operations backstage were essential to crafting marvelous shows. Her current role as assistant stage manager coupled with her previous acting experiences has enriched her love for plays, musicals, and all entertainment.

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Maggie Moore

Pantomime Ballet Dancer, Kitchen Wench

This is Maggie’s first show at Wiregrass and she is so excited to be a part of it! However, she has more experience in theatre ranging from ensemble in her latest production of White Christmas, to JoJo in Seussical the Musical. Outside of school, she is participating in a competing acting and singing group, and is working on a production of Big Fish. She has had such a fun time getting to know her cast mates and is so excited to put on this show!

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Selena Morgan

Set Construction, Stage Hand, Front of House/Publicity

Selena’s in her senior year, and is enthusiastic about being a part of this year’s crew. She’s originally from Illinois and moved to Florida when she was 11. She joined theatre in hopes to boost her confidence and learn express herself. Being in theater through the years has helped her greatly to accomplish these goals. Outside of school She enjoys art, videos games, and music. She hopes you enjoy the show!

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Danielle Myers

ASL Interpreter

Danielle is an 11th grader and is so thrilled to be apart of her first school play for interpreting. This role is very important to her because this has made her practice her Asl skills more than ever before. She had the ability to work on her glossing skills and her memorizing sign skills. She thanks Ms.Duchesne for giving her the ability to work on a musical play and pushed her to join and improve. She hopes that you enjoy the beautiful acting and especially the interpreters and the hard work that everyone put into this play for your enjoyment.

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Alejandro Olivera

Publicity, Set Design, Set Construction

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Olivia Pilkinton

ASL Interpreter

Olivia was born and raised in Tennessee and moved to Florida in 3rd grade. Olivia is currently a Junior in High School in ASL 3. She plays 3 sports, swimming, weightlifting, and track. She is a Dual Enrollment student and has plans to get her AA before graduating High School. Olivia has plans to become a pediatrician and travel the world when she gets older. She loves jumping at opportunities to help the community.

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Nick Prada

Stage Manager

Nick is excited to be working on this production as the stage manager for his last year of high school. In his first production, he worked as a stagehand before taking the role of assistant stage manager for last year’s show, Crazy 8s. As he has become more involved in the productions, so too has he become more involved with the program as a whole, joining the improv troupe, helping with our one-acts competition, being inducted into our Thespian Troupe, and performing monologues at our district Thespians competition. Overall, Nick is just happy to be here working with his friends.

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Taylor Redfield

Princess No. 12

Taylor is a senior and is excited to be included in the production of Once Upon a Mattress. She is an almost inducted member of Thespians, and is excited to head to States for the first and last time. Taylor plans to head to Orlando for college and study music production this fall. She has had so much fun in Wiregrass' theatre program and is excited to see what the future holds!

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Kyle Reece

Minstrel

Kyle Reece is a senior who previously acted in Clue, Chicago, and Crazy Eights. He is the President of WRHS Drama Club and a regular host of the Bulls On Parade Improv Troupe. A proud member of the International Thespian Society, Kyle is attending the Florida Thespian Festival this year for monologue performance. Reece and comedic partner Justin Diaz received critical acclaim for their recent performance in “And Scene… of the Crime”, and both are ecstatic to share the stage once again. When he’s not acting like an idiot onstage, Reece enjoys writing songs, hitting things, weird indie bullcrap, and vibing out.

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Paige Richter

Choreographer

Paige is so excited to be part of this production. Currently in her junior year of high school, she is thrilled to have worked with such an amazing cast and director. This show marks her third production with Wiregrass Ranch High and twelve years of performance experience.

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Emma Rinaldi

ASL Interpreter

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Sarah Estrada Rivero

Wizard, Nightingale of Samarkand

Sarah is a Junior who’s always dreamed of being in a theatre production. Through hard work she got in. This is her first musical production for theatre that she’s done. Even though it’s been stressful, she’s managed to push through! She has made so many new friends that she didn’t know she needed in her life. In her free time she’s an aspiring artist, drawing everyday in class. She has her teacher Ms. Shepard, and her friends to thank for helping her get this far!! God bless everyone and enjoy the show!

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Giannaly Ruiz

Stage Hand

Giannaly is a freshman who loves musical theater. She's always been a big fan of musicals but this year she decided to finally get involved and learn more. She hopes to continue to be a part of theater productions for the rest of her high school year.

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Natalie Serene

Luce's Lady

In her second year in high school, Natalie is participating in her second high school production! Natalie’s excited to once again become a character that she can have fun with. In her free time she enjoys reading and watching movies, mainly romcoms and movies from the 90s and 2000s because her parents are huge movie nerds. She would like to give a huge thanks to them for always driving her around and waiting on her for these long rehearsal days, and to her brother for always being inspiringly comedic and for being her dance partner when practicing! Praise God evermore!

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Sky Sinclair

ASL Interpreter

Sky's interpreting for the play in American Sign Language. She's a student who's graduating a year early at 17. She's been in ASL with Mrs. Duchesne for the past 3 years. She's taking on one of the main roles as the queen and Sky is super eager to show her skills and fluency. As her last year in ASL Sky would like to thank Mrs. D- Money for providing her with new knowledge daily, Big dawg Shepp for being her English teacher! Sky is wishing all of you guys to enjoy the play!

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Chloe Smallwood

Emily the Chambermaid, Set Construction

Chloe is thrilled to be working in the musical this year!It’s her first musical and first year of high school. She is loving all the aspects of the production and can’t wait to be in the next!

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Talia Spence

Lady Helena

Talia is a sophomore this year and is very excited for her first musical. Talia is very grateful to be apart of this wonderful and loving cast. She loved getting to learn and experience this new show and take new steps as an actor. Talia would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her and can’t wait for what’s to come.

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Genevieve "River" Steward

Pantomime Ballet Dancer, Lady Sarah

Genevieve is a sophomore who is in a musical for the first time. Learning all of the dances in this show has been a lot of work but they enjoyed it thoroughly. Being able to be in this show has been a great experience for Genevieve. They are thankful for their mom giving them rides everyday and for not being annoyed at the constantly repeating songs while they rehearsed.

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John J Sweeney

Assistant Stage Manager, Set Construction

John Sweeney is a 10th grade student who has an uncontrollable addiction to trying new things. From Boy Scouts, to gardening, theatre tech was inevitable for John's chopping block. Originally being born in South Korea, and raised in Maryland for 9 years, John still longs for the days of snow. His free time is usually taken up by instruments, sleeping, videogames, and work, all day, everyday, though sounding sad, this is quite enjoyable for him. John is extremely excited for this new opportunity of meeting and having fun with his colleagues.

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Jovana-Maria Tabchi

Vocal Mentor/Coach, Front of House/Publicity

Jovana, a senior, is the vocal coach for this year's extraordinary performance. She has never been much of a so-called "theatre kid" (shocking as many of her friends are theatrical), but her love for music and showcases swayed her into taking on this role. With an outgoing yet sarcastic demeanor, Jovana strides for artistic expression in all the music she creates and presents to her audience. She wants to thank Ms. Sheppard for the fantastic opportunity given to her this year. Without her, Jovana would not have had the faith and courage needed to coach the vocalists on her own.

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Phoebe Taylor

2nd Knight

Phoebe is a Junior and is proud to be performing in her 2nd show in the WRHS Drama Department. She has always had a passion for musical theater and other creative arts. Phoebe has also appeared in shows such as Into the Woods, Godspell, Seussical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and she is currently working on Steel Magnolias and The Lightning Thief outside of school. She is excited to perform Once Upon a Mattress and would like to thank her friends and family for always having her back.

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Manuella Tonietti

Front of House/Publicity

Manu is a 15 year old and freshman at WRHS. She is originally from Brazil, moving here 2 years ago, and with a lot of passion about theater, even though this is her first experience with it. She likes reading books, watching soccer, films, - not TV shows though - and cooking/baking. She's an introvert, but once you know her, she becomes the most loud person in the room. She also can't take things seriously, having a doubtful sense of humor. I hope you enjoy and appreciate her effort into this play, even though she is part of the backstage people!!

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Jackson Turner

ASL Interpreter

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Alessandra Volino

Costumer, Hair & Makeup

Alessandra or Allie is a sophomore who started theater freshman year in thespians, she loved the atmosphere and actors so much she decided to work on the play. Allie Learned about fashion and how to create dresses in a fashion and interior design class, she also taught herself how to do cosplay makeup, she is now working with the costumes and makeup. She loves working with the actors to figure out there characters.

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Courtney Werth

Rowena, 1st Lady-in-Waiting

Courtney Werth is a Junior this year and has been in theatre for three years. She has starred in productions such as Chicago, and A Little Ditty About Jacques and Diane. She also enjoys dancing in the genres of hip hop and tap. She is an inducted Thespian. Courtney is also an artist and hopes to be a digital animator or voice actor. Courtney would like to thank Miss. Sheppard for encouraging her to strive for her best.

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Sydney Wilkerson

Merrill, 2nd Lady-in-Waiting

Sydney is a freshman excited to be in this years production of Once Upon a Mattress!! Sydney comes from a very musical background that includes singing with her family, years in chorus, and a year playing guitar! She’s made so many friends here and is excited to be playing in her first theatre production!

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W. Woods

Stagehand, Props

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Emily Wright

ASL Interpreter, Scenic Design, Set Construction

Emily Wright is a Junior at Wiregrass Ranch High School and a new addition to the drama club as a set designer. Being an aspiring architect, set design seemed like a perfect marriage between Emily’s love of art, fabrication, and construction. As a student who is also proficient in American Sign Language (ASL), she will be assisting as one of this year’s interpreters for the production. Outside of school, Emily is an avid gamer, baker, artist, and designer. Emily wishes to thank her friends and family for their ongoing support and she hopes you enjoy the show.

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Madeline Wright

Stage Hand

Madeline Wright is a Freshman at Wiregrass Ranch High School. As a stage hand, she’s instrumental in helping the actors with their costumes, set transitions, making scenery adjustments, and working behind the scenes. Maddy was a member of the Marching Band’s Color Guard.  At home, she enjoys baking, spend time with family, and gaming.  She’s also an avid reader who completes no less than two novels per week and appreciates fiction based on fantasy, drama, and post-apocalyptic themes. She’s also fascinated by true stories and historical accounts. Maddy wants to thank her friends and family for always supporting her endeavors.

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