Actor/Creators: Amani Velada, Anahi Jimenez, Anna Frick, Isaiah Hyde, Jayden Terry-Olson, Josh Miller, Kaia Rubin, Leah Steege, Logan Yao, Mateo Cabral, Natalia Mata, Sanjana Anand, Za’Nia Hooker
Director/Devising Mentor: Porscha Shaw
Music Director/Audio Editor/Devising Mentor: Aaron Norman
Video Editor: Joseph Oh
The devising process is a method of theatre-making and writing for theatre, using actors as both creators and performers. Using theatre techniques such as improvisation, character development, and free-form writing, the theatre-makers generate a wealth of material around a central theme, idea, character, plot, or concept. The material generated through these exercises is then pieced together into a completed show. The devising mentors guide the theatre-makers and curate the rehearsal space to the needs and skill sets of the participants.
“This group of high schoolers find themselves being transported to a mysterious world because of a hidden pool in their school’s building, and with it discovering new powers not known to them. They find themselves filling roles they were never meant to fill. Scared and confused, nervous and sad, they all must find their way back to the normal world, or risk losing everything in the process. They must learn to trust, and lead, and do what they can to escape. Will this fantasy realm bring them closer together, or only pull them apart? Art Without Boundaries is a POC student group devising project.”
“The importance of prioritizing BIPOC student creators and giving them a space to create stories that honor them and their cultures is priceless to me. The stories they wrote and the songs they sing show just a glimpse of the talent these young creators possess. It has been an absolute honor working alongside Porscha Shaw and Blaire Smith to invest in this group of creators. This is what Art Without Boundaries can look like.”
-Aaron Norman, Music Director/Devising Mentor
Amani Velada is excited to participate in another KIDSTAGE production as a writer and actor in this newly devised work. Her favorite roles from past shows include Tomika in School of Rock and Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical Jr. She is proud to be a part of something that lets her express herself and get to know other students alike.
Anahi Jimenez is 16 years old, a junior in high school, and ecstatic to be part of this unique original piece. Previous involvements with KIDSTAGE include Institute, Performance Show Choir, playing Carla in In the Heights, and most recently, Agnes in She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms. She thanks Aaron Norman for his constant encouragement, and Aarron and Porsha both for their inspiration and guidance throughout this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Anna Frick is excited to be performing in her second KIDSTAGE production. Her most memorable role was playing Sour Kangaroo in Seussical Jr. Anna is grateful for the variety of things she has gotten to learn and work on in Art Without Boundaries.
Isaiah Hyde is a seventh grader who loves to sing, dance, act, and write. He has played many roles in the past such as Billy (School of Rock), Rodney (Out of Bounds), James (Willy Wonka Jr.), and much more. He has done theatre training at Village Theatre and he has done fundraisers. He is so excited to be in this production and hopes that you love what he has helped created.
Jayden Terry-Olson is ecstatic to be in her 13th KIDSTAGE production! Past credits include Little Inez in Hairspray at Village Theatre Mainstage and a Salon Girl in In the Heights. Thanks Mom, Dad, Nana, Auntie, and Aaron Norman for support.
Josh Miller is very excited to be a part of this process!! This is his third production and his first writing project with KIDSTAGE. Previous roles include Evan Goldman in 13 the Musical, Flounder in The Little Mermaid, Young Terk In Tarzan the Musical. Thank you for coming!
Kaia Rubin is so excited to be working on this show! Past roles include Dolly/Colt in Black Beauty at SCT, Youth Ensemble in Little Mermaid at Village Theatre, Oliver in Oliver at Studio East, and Wendy in Peter Pan at Studio East.
Leah Steege Leah is excited to be in her first KIDSTAGE production. Favorite past roles include Rafiki in The Lion King and Eponine in Les Misérables. Leah is thankful to be a part of such an amazing project with amazing people. Thanks to Mom and Dad!
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Logan Yao is grateful for this unique opportunity to participate in a creating a show focused on BIPOC stories. He loved learning how to create and devise original work! His favorite KIDSTAGE shows include In the Heights (Ensemble; u/s Graffiti Pete) and School of Rock (Gabe Brown).
Mateo Cabralis excited to have worked on this incredible project with the Art Without Boundaries Team! He has really been enjoying devising. A favorite past role would be Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka Jr. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Natalia Mata is ecstatic to participate in Art Without Boundaries. Previous roles include Ariel in Footloose, Theo in School of Rock, and Nina Rosario in In the Heights. She would like to thank KIDSTAGE for giving her this opportunity. Enjoy the show!
Sanjana Anand is thrilled to be doing her sixth KIDSTAGE production! She aspires to create representation for South Asians in theatre by creating and performing. Her favorite KIDSTAGE credits include Aladdin Jr. (Jasmine) and Aida (Modern Aida/Ensemble). Thanks to family, friends, and mentors. Enjoy the show!
Za’Nia Hooker is excited to be a part of Art Without Boundaries. She has participated in several KIDSTAGE classes in the past but is thrilled to have the chance to work on a show. She thanks Aaron Norman, Porscha, and the cast.
Porscha Shaw (Director/Devising Mentor) is a recent graduate of the Professional Actor Training Program at the University of Washington. She is a native of Richmond, Texas and a graduate of Santa Fe University of Art and Design where she majored in Drama under the training of Jon Jory. Her recent Seattle credits include: Seattle Rep’s Shout Sister Shout and NINA SIMONE’s Four Women; Upstart Crow’s Richard III, The Last World Octopus Wrestling Champion, Lamplighter, 12 Ophelias, By The Way, Meet Vera Stark; Sound Theatre’s Hoodoo Love, As You Like It, The Octavia, Iphigenia and Other Daughters; Wooden O’s Love’s Labour’s Lost, Force Continuum.
Aaron Norman (Music Director/Devising Mentor) has a background in vocal performance and vocal health/technique. Aaron has performed in a wide range of musical arenas from singing the lead role of Cesare in Handel’s Giulio Cesare to singing backup for Stevie Wonder, and now currently works as the director of music at Emerald City Bible Fellowship in Seattle. In his years with KIDSTAGE, Aaron has worked on many shows, including: Hairspray, The Lion King Jr., Les Misérables School Edition, Willy Wonka Jr., and Aladdin Jr. Aaron looks forward to future productions and classes with Village Theatre.
Blaire Smith (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be returning to work with the Village Theatre artist after her work as Assistant Stage Manager for Urinetown, performed at KIDSTAGE Everett. She has been seen on stages for over 25 years, most recently working as a Tour Actor/Director with the Missoula Children’s Theatre touring internationally and domestically everywhere from Bellevue to Bahrain! She can’t wait to work with this amazing group of artists and would like to thank the Village family, her mother and friends that are a constant support, thank you to all who consistently believe in the power of theatre and support local works. We got this, WA!
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kidstage@villagetheatre.org
Questions about KIDSTAGE Productions
(425) 392-1942
KIDSTAGEproductions@villagetheatre.org
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