Kidstage: Fiddler on the Roof

ADDISON SMITH, she/her (Tzeitel) is thrilled to return to Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE for her fifth show! Her past roles include Annabeth Chase in The Lightning Thief: the Percy Jackson Musical, The Witch in Into the Woods JR. (KIDSTAGE), and Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda (Studio East). In her spare time, she enjoys singing and reading!

ALEXANDER “SASHA” BRASSELL, he/him (Russian, Ensemble) has been involved in numerous Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE summer camps and classes since third grade and began participating in the Village Theatre Institute program last fall. Fiddler on the Roof is his first KIDSTAGE production. Sasha has also participated in several performances in his high school’s theater program, most recently playing Uncle Fester in The Addams Family.

AZARIA BUEHRER, she/her (Bielke, Ensemble) is excited to live in the storytelling of Fiddler on the Roof! Past Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE shows include The SpongeBob Musical and Into the Woods JR. Other favorite performances include Disney’s Newsies JR., Mean Girls High School Version, Seussical the Musical JR., and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Zari would like to thank her instructors for their wisdom and kindness, as well as all the support from her family, friends, and especially Thea! Enjoy the show!

CONOR CRAGGAN, he/him (Perchik) is beyond excited to perform in his first show at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE! He was last seen as Colonel Gillweather in the Rising Star Project’s Something’s Afoot (The 5th Avenue Theatre). He has been performing since he was eight years old with Hi-Liners Musical Theatre, performing in over 20 shows. Conor is forever grateful for the opportunities he is blessed with.

DYLAN BLUE, (Russian, Ensemble) is super excited to be making his Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE debut! He has participated in the 2023-2024 Village Theatre Institute Program. When he is not pursuing his love of theater he enjoys playing trumpet, scouts, skiing, and biking. He is very thankful for the support of his family and friends.

ELI SNOW, he/him (Mendel, Ensemble, u/s Perchik) loves theater. His first theater experience was in his school's production of The Magic Key, and he's been hooked ever since. This is his first production with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE and he is super excited to be playing Mendel in this year's Fiddler on the Roof!

GISELLE KENDRICK, she/they (Fyedka) is beyond excited to be in her fourth production with Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE! She has most recently been seen as Vexis in the KIDSTAGE Originals production of A Pirate's Pact. Other KIDSTAGE productions include Holiday Cabaret and The Prom. Giselle has been in Village Theatre's Institute program for two years! She performed at KIDSTAGE's annual gala, Sing It Forward, in the fall. Giselle would like to thank her friends and family for their support!

HILA TOR, she/her (Golde) is overjoyed to return to Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE in Fiddler on the Roof! Past credits include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (KIDSTAGE) and Lady Grace in the Rising Star Project production of Something’s Afoot (The 5th Avenue Theatre). Hila is incredibly grateful be sharing a Jewish story that so closely resembles that of her own family. She is pursuing a BA in theatre and astrophysics at Yale. She’s endlessly grateful to her parents and Tracey Grimaldi! IG: @hila.tor

INARA SHELDON, she/her (Avrahm, Ensemble, Swing) has previously performed at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE in While They Last, The Prom, and Holiday Cabaret, and most proudly was a writer/librettist for A Pirate's Pact and The Lonesome Writer (KIDSTAGE, Seattle Rep Youthfest). After her first successful year in theater, she is excited to continue exploring all its different facets. She's grateful to her family, friends, and mentors for challenging and encouraging her. To life!

JADA HARRISON, she/her (Yussell, Ensemble, u/s Hodel) is very thrilled to be a part of this production of Fiddler on the Roof. This is Jada’s first production with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE, and she is very excited to make her debut. Words cannot explain how grateful she is for this opportunity to expand upon her experience from her high school production of Mean Girls that she previously performed in.

JOHN RIEDEL, he/him (Lazar Wolf, Ensemble, u/s Tevye) is thrilled to be in Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE production of Fiddler on the Roof. Last summer, John performed as Nick in The Prom (KIDSTAGE). John is a member of his high school’s drama program, having the roles of Robert Colleymore in The Play That Goes Wrong, Gabe Ugliano in The Lightning Thief: the Percy Jackson Musical, and Pabbie in Disney’s Frozen. John thanks all his family and friends for supporting him.

JOSEPHINE GEHRKE, she/her (Shprintze, Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of this production. Josephine has been acting at Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE and Studio East for years. She was most recently in Disney's Finding Nemo JR. (KIDSTAGE). Josephine also played Rajah in Aladdin at her middle school. Josephine also likes playing volleyball and writing and singing songs in her free time.

JULIETTE HAROON, (Yente). This is Juliette's first Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE show, and she was a part of Village Theatre Institute this year. Juliette is excited to play Yente in this show. She has done some school productions and professional productions. Along with theatre, she enjoys volleyball, hanging out with friends, and swimming. She is excited to perform for you and hopes you enjoy the show.

LANIE SHAPIRO, (Nachum, Ensemble) is so excited to be in her first show with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE! Previously, she was in Village Theatre’s Institute program, and Lefou and a Silly Girl in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Mr. Boddy in Clue at her high school.

LAUREN HALL, she/her (The Fiddler, Ensemble, u/s Tzeitel, u/s Chava) is ecstatic to be part of her first Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production. Lauren's past productions include Taylor Wedell in Mean Girls, Elsa in Disney’s Frozen JR., and Cap’n Frank in The Fearsome Pirate Frank. She is passionate about musical theater and choir. She would like to thank her family, friends, and vocal instructor Serena for their never-ending support.

LYDIA VAN KLEY, she/they (Hodel) is so excited to be taking part in her third show at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE! She has featured as an ensemble member and featured dancer in Summer Independent’s Urinetown and Bright Star. Lydia will be attending the Theatre Gap Initiative in North Carolina this fall and would like to thank their friends at Village Theatre, Westlake Dance Studio, and her amazing family for all their support!

MAEBRY SMITH-PAUL, she/her (Mordcha, Ensemble, Swing) is delighted to be back for her third Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE production! You might have also seen her as Crush in Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. or as Ancestor and u/s Lurch in The Addams Family Young@Part (KIDSTAGE). Maebry would love to thank her favorite uber driver, her mom, for driving her to every rehearsal, and to Leah, Emma, and Iyla for supporting her! She hopes you enjoy this classic and spread the word!

MARCIE FREUND, (Rabbi, Ensemble, Swing) is super excited to do Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE for the third time and build up her repertoire and experience. She was previously seen as Gomez in The Addams Family Young@Part and Mr. Hawkins in The Prom (KIDSTAGE).

PAIGE PARK, (Shaindel, Ensemble) is so happy to be a part of Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE production of Fiddler on the Roof! She would like to thank family, friends, and fellow castmates for all the love and support they have shown over the summer.

PEYTON MCCRERY, she/her (Chava) is ecstatic to be in Anatevka with this amazing cast! She can’t wait to share the stage with some of her friends and get to know her new castmates! Previous roles with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE: Holiday Cabaret, and Shelby in The Prom. Big Star Performing Arts: Trunchbull in Matilda JR., Pearl in The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition, and Jovie in Elf JR. She would like to thank her family, coaches and friends that had her back! She wouldn’t be here without you! The Daughters, TRADITION!!

REAGAN MAGEE, she/her (Grandma Tzeitel, Ensemble, u/s Golde) is so excited to be in Fiddler on the Roof at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE this summer! She has done multiple shows with KIDSTAGE and at her high school. Her latest show credits include Fiona in Shrek the Musical and Agnes in She Kills Monsters at her high school. She would like to thank her family, friends, and the team for their constant support. Enjoy the show!

RIVER DEJONG, he/him (Tevye) is a Seattle-based actor. Notable credits include The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Holiday Cabaret (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE); Rising Star Project 2024: Something’s Afoot, Rising Star Project 2022: Mixtape, ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence (The 5th Avenue Theatre); Uncle Vanya (Seattle Waldorf High School); and Little Shop of Horrors (Ballyhoo Theatre). Offstage, he plays violin, guitar, and ukulele. He also enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, and surfing. He plays football and wrestles for his high school.

ROSLYN NICHOLAS, (Constable, Fruma-Sarah, Ensemble, Dance Captain) is pumped to be in her sixth Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE show, and her first Summer Independent production! Last seen at KIDSTAGE: Dory in Disney’s Finding Nemo JR., Ensemble in The Prom, and Uncle Fester in The Addams Family Young@Part. She is especially excited to be exploring the world of classical theatre, and hopes you join in! Special thanks to her family, friends, and her own participation in keeping the tradition of theater alive.

RYAN AFRUMA, he/him (Motel) is extremely grateful and excited for this opportunity, and hopes you enjoy the show! Previous performance credits include Student Ensemble in The Prom (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE), Vice Principal Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chuck Biggs in She Kills Monsters, Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night at his high school, and Snow Flurry Color Guard in Snowflake Lane.

KYLE GERSTEL, he/him (Director) is kvelling over this show and this team. He is a high school student and the Producing Artistic Director of Penguin Productions, curating bold programming and developing new works programs for youth. Directing credits include Indecent, Everybody, and Hand to God. Kyle would like to thank his mom for consistently prioritizing his desires over her needs. If you want to know more about Kyle, he recommends looking at his sick LinkedIn page.

ANNABEL RIMMER, (Choreographer) is thrilled to join the SIP creative team this year! Previously, she has performed in Spamalot! at her high school and Hand to God with Penguin Productions. This fall, Annabel will be pursuing a BA in theater and kinesiology at Miami University. She wants to give huge thanks to her family and friends for their unwavering support in her theater journey. Go Redhawks!

TEDDY GOLDMAN, he/him (Music Director) is a professional jazz saxophonist and is getting his degree from The New England Conservatory. This is his first time being a musical director for a musical, but not his first time in the pit. He wants to thank his directing associates Kyle Gerstel and Annabel Rimmer for bringing him onto the project.

LEVIN RITZEN, he/him (Scenic Designer) is a young theater designer in the Seattle area. Levin is excited to be scenic designing for Fiddler on the Roof, his first show with Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE. His recent lighting design credits include Chess (Cornish College of the Arts) and The Wedding Singer (Fife High School).

CADEN GREEN, he/they (Costume Designer) is a recent graduate from Cornish College of the Arts, graduating with a BFA in costume design. During his time at Cornish, he has designed costumes for Chess, Fun Home, and Head Over Heels. You can check out his website to see more of his work: cadenevergreen.com

EVAN MELTZER, (Lighting Designer) is captivated by the fusion of art and technology, which has driven him to pursue lighting and projection design. He has contributed to productions at The 5th Avenue Theatre, including Something’s Afoot and Project: Mixtape through the Rising Star Project. Additionally, Evan worked as the lighting designer on numerous productions throughout high school such as Puffs, She Kills Monsters, and Spamalot.

QUIN DRIER, (Sound Designer) is very excited for her first major solo design position after three years of working in sound. She can’t wait to help put on an amazing show!

SEV KRAUSS-MCCLURG, he/him (Properties Manager). Previous properties experience: The Prom (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE), Something's Afoot, Into the Woods (The 5th Avenue Theatre), The Addams Family, Radium Girls, Phantom Tollbooth (Eastside Preparatory School). Currently pursuing a BFA in technical direction from the University of Southern California.

CLAIRE JONES, she/her (Dramaturg) is honored to be one of the dramaturgs for the Summer Independent Program! Previously, she worked as a Stage Management Assistant for Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE) and Apprentice Stage Manager/Assistant Dramaturg for The Addams Family at her high school. Claire has also performed in many KIDSTAGE productions with some favorites including: Morticia in The Addams Family Young@Part and Featured Performer in Holiday Cabaret. A huge thank you to the whole SIP team for an incredible experience while working on this show!

TERESA RIOS, she/her (Dramaturg) is beyond grateful for the opportunity to work on Fiddler on the Roof through the Summer Independent Program! This is her first time working on the team, however previous performance credits at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE include Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Edna and u/s Margo in Bright Star, and Jen in KIDSTAGE Originals The Lonesome Writer. Thanks to the staff at KIDSTAGE who have helped her grow over the last few years.

LYLA COHEN, she/her (Stage Manager). After finding stage management three years ago, it has been her dream to bring her newfound passion to a broader audience and she is beyond grateful for all the amazing individuals who have helped her strengthen her skills through this process. She would like to thank all of her friends, family, and mentors who have graciously supported her through this experience.

SYDNEY COE, he/they (Assistant Stage Manager) is incredibly excited to be participating in his first year in the Summer Independent Program, especially with a show so near and dear to his heart. Past tech credits include several years of costuming at Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE, and Backstage Manager and Props Lead for Macbeth in high school. Many thanks to Mom, Dad, El, and the Berry family for all the love and support throughout the years. Enjoy the show!

MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI) is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists, and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials, and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high schools. 

MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City with additional offices in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).

MOISES "MOY" HINOJOS, he/him (Directing Mentor, Production Management Mentor) comes from El Paso, TX. He has an M.F.A. in directing from the University of Memphis and is a trained Intimacy Choregrapher. Previous directing credits include The Lonesome Writer for KIDSTAGE Originals (2024), R & J & Z by Melody Bates, The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson, Or by Liz Duffy Adams, and Private Lives by Noel Coward.

AIMEE HONG, she/her (Music Directing Mentor) Village credits: Music Director for Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. (Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE), Assistant Music Director for Little Shop of Horrors, Pit Musician for Mamma Mia!, and Village Theatre Institute Instructor. Aimee has worked with The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, The Seattle Repertory Theatre, the Seattle Opera, and the Seattle Symphony, just to name a few. She has music directed over 50 shows across the King County area (and beyond!). Thank you for supporting live theater!

MACKENZIE MALHOTRA, she/her (Choreography Mentor) is thrilled to be mentoring a Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE show! Mackenzie received a BFA in musical theatre at the Chicago College of Performing Arts. She choreographed Holiday Cabaret and directed High School Musical JR. (KIDSTAGE), and has been teaching here for six years. Mackenzie is also a performer; previous Village Theatre credits include The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes and the Village Theatre Beta production of MISS STEP. Love to Sean.

JEREMY HOLLIS, he/him (Scenic Design Mentor) is excited to be back at Village Theatre, where he was previously an Assistant Scenic Designer for MISS STEP. Recent designs include Patrimony (Red Rover Theatre), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Cortland Rep), and the premiere of The CiviliTy of Albert Cashier (Permoveo Productions). He is a recent transplant to Seattle by way of Chicago. jeremyhollisdesign.com

ESTHER GARCIA, (Costume Design Mentor) has designed for opera, modern dance, theater, and burlesque, including Village Theatre’s She Loves Me, Million Dollar Quartet, Hello, Dolly!, and the most recent production of The Fantasticks. Esther has a BFA from the University of Oregon with an emphasis in costume design. She has designed for Taproot Theatre, Eugene Opera, Lord Leebrick Theater, Lane Community College Theater and Dance Department, and the University of Oregon School of Music. Favorite designs include Hello, Dolly!, She Loves Me, Million Dollar Quartet, Pagliacci, Carmen, A Little Night Music, and HMS Pinafore.

LIZ HASTINGS, (Props Coordinator Mentor) was raised in Mukilteo, WA before spending over a decade doing theatrical prop carpentry, furniture restoration, and luxury TTRPG accessory production across the country. Credits include: Stages St. Louis, Barter Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They hold a BA in theatre from Western Washington University and an MFA in production technology: props from Ohio University.

ALEX BERRY, (Lighting Design Mentor) grew up in Issaquah at Village Theatre designing scenic and lighting for over 100 shows, also designing the theatre you are sitting in. Village design: Matilda, Into the Woods, A Proper Place, Billy Elliot, Jesus Christ Superstar. Scenic and Lighting: The Who’s Tommy, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Cats. He is the owner of AlexBerryDesign LLC designing corporate events, E-sports, product launches, and experiences all around the world. Love to Heather, Aresa, and Eliot.

LISA FINKRAL, (Sound Design Mentor) has been a professional audio engineer for over 17 years and has been designing for the last 11. Favorite past designs include: Spring Awakening (Balagan Theatre), Light in the Piazza (Showtunes Theatre Company), Macbeth: A Rock Musical (Seattle Public Theatre) and Goblin Market (Sound Theatre Company). When Lisa's not doing sound, she is a licensed attorney. Love to the Happy Husbean!

BRAD BIXLER, (Technical Director Mentor) has worked as Technical Director at Village Theatre for 24 years. He has also worked at many local theaters including ACT Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, and Intiman Theatre. Brad graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in technical theatre. He would like to thank all of his talented coworkers for making it an enjoyable place to work!

LEXI WARDEN, she/her (Dramaturgy Mentor) is a theatre artist, educator, and advocate based in Seattle. She was a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow at Dartmouth College and is thrilled to share her passion for research as a dramaturgy mentor for Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE! Past dramaturgy projects include last summer’s The Prom (KIDSTAGE) and All My Sons (University of Washington School of Drama). When she isn’t doing dramaturgical work, you’ll see her throughout Washington as an actor, choreographer, director, and teacher.

NOAH SARKOWSKY, he/him (Stage Manager Mentor) is thrilled to be back with the Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE team for the summer. Noah is a corporate events producer and stage manager for live theater. Past KIDSTAGE: The SpongeBob Musical, Shrek, 9 to 5, Playing Fair, and Peter Pan. Congrats to the Stage Management Team and everyone involved with putting on this wonderful show!

ANNIKA EVENS, she/her (Assistant Stage Manager Mentor) is excited to be back at Village Theatre for her first time mentoring with KIDSTAGE. Some favorite credits include: The Prom (KIDSTAGE), The Fantasticks, Sense and Sensibility (Village Theatre); The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Merry Wives of Windsor (Seattle Shakespeare Company); Disney’s The Little Mermaid (The 5th Avenue Theatre); and KÀ (Cirque du Soleil). Annika is a graduate from Carnegie Mellon University with a BFA in stage and production management.