Matthew is a second-year Food Science major with a minor in Theatre Arts. He's always had a passion for theatre and got involved with it at Cal Poly best (and only) improv team Smile & Nod! He only recently decided to pick up a theatre minor after his amazing experience playing Officer Lockstock in Urinetown. He is most excited to inspire the little ones with this special, silly story! His favorite plant is the Titan Arum, or the corpse flower.

Daphne is a 2nd year Computer Science major, Theater minor and she is thrilled to be involved in this touring production of Alder. When she was younger she thought random theater visiting her elementary school was corny, so now she is very excited to get to be the corny one to current children. Her most recent work at Cal Poly was Hannah in Puffs and a character who also had a name in Student Stage’s 24-hour show It's Faire Game. Her favorite plant is the apple tree.

Bennett is a graduate student at Cal Poly studying Electrical Engineering, but often enjoys participating in many different performing arts in his spare time. He is an active member of choir, theatre, and ballroom dancing. Bennett is so thankful to everyone involved with the production and hopes you enjoy the show! His favorite plant is a magnolia tree!

Léanne Ngounou is a 4th-year Microbiology major with a minor in Theatre Arts. She's so excited to be part of a play that blends her two interests, theatre and science, and is glad to present both to inspire and educate young minds. Alder has inspired her to pursue more ways to connect and communicate scientific concepts through theater. She's been involved in performances since she was young, with a longtime passion for musical theater. She hopes to pursue voice acting and wants to voice a cartoon that influences a generation. Her favorite plant is pink stargazer lilies.

Brooke is a second-year Communication Studies major with minors in Theatre Arts and EPEM. She grew up doing musical theatre and continues working with her hometown junior theatre. This is her first show with Cal Poly's Theatre Department, and she couldn't be more excited! Please, enjoy the show! Her favorite plant is fig trees.

Zoey is a second-year Theatre Arts major who has been singing and performing since she was around 6 years old. Throughout her theatre journey, she has been involved as both an actor and a scenic painter, and she loves seeing shows every chance she gets. This is Zoey's first time working with Staging Change, and she's incredibly excited to get to share the joy of nature along with the magic of storytelling! Her favorite plants are sunflowers and willow trees.

Grace is a fourth year Theatre Arts major at Cal Poly and is so excited to be a part of this show! Grace has been performing since the 5th grade in numerous shows, and most recently had a blast in Cal Poly’s production of Urinetown: The Musical as Hope. This play is super important Grace and everyone as it highlights the special powers of friendship, the environment, and teamwork! Her favorite plant is the tulip.

Giselle is a second-year Business major pursuing a minor in Theatre Arts. She began her artistic journey as a dancer at age four and has continued for 16 years. Giselle discovered her love for acting in high school and has since performed in various plays and musicals. She has also worked as a recreational dance and gymnastics coach, combining her passion for the arts with her love of working with children. Giselle is thrilled to be part of Alder, as it reflects her belief that no one is too small to make a difference and that courage and kindness can create meaningful change. Her favorite plant is flowers.

Jenny is a second-year Communications major at Cal Poly and a Cal Poly Scholar, aspiring to enter the film industry. Alder is her first theatre production, inspired by an introductory theatre class that sparked her interest in storytelling and performance. Originally from Orange County, she is excited to explore a creative space, grow as a performer, and share this experience with young audiences! Her favorite plant is all types of flowers.

Caitríona is a second year Computer Science major, Theater Arts minor. She has had the pleasure of participating in theater since middle school, working as an actor, director, and crew member. She also has spent years working with kids, so this show is an amazing intersection that she is so proud of. She hopes that this show will inspire others to love the arts and the natural world just as much as she does. Her favorite plant is her basil plant specifically.

Isaiah is a second year Theatre Major with a focus in costume design! Thus far, they have participated in community, conservatory, and collegiate theatre programs, enjoying every second of it! To Isaiah, the play Alder surrounds environmental issues as well as generational pressure.  Their favorite plant is lilies.

Arden is a second-year Environmental Management and Protection Major with a minor in Theatre Arts! Growing up doing theatre since she was very young, Arden has always been passionate about singing, dancing, acing, and all things showbiz. She is hoping to not only inspire young hearts and minds with the show, but also teach and educate everyone on the importance of community and keeping the Earth beautiful! Her favorite plant is air plants.

Cydney is a third year Child Development major with a minor in Theatre. She has been doing theatre since middle school and loves both the onstage and technical aspects of theatre. She loves to be outside and explore our environment, so getting to inspire kids to take care of their world through this show is a dream come true! Her favorite plant is the wisteria.

Hannah is a second-year Child Development major, also completing a minor in Theatre Arts. She is so excited to be returning to TYA for the second year in a row! She’s been doing theatre since 1st grade and loves every opportunity to welcome the next generation of theatre kids. Whether here at Cal Poly or back home working at theatre camps, TYA will always have a special place in Hannah’s heart. She is so excited to be a part of Alder and can't wait for everyone to see it! Her favorite plant is sunflowers.

Mia is in her second year at Cal Poly earning her B.A. in Environmental Management and Protection. With her passion for building community and the future of environmental science, she sees the value in Staging Change and hopes to make a positive impact on the audiences. She did theatre for two years in high school, so she is very grateful for the opportunity to be performing again! Her favorite plant is willow trees.

Aiden Jantz is a 2nd year physics major with a theatre arts minor. In junior year of high school, he auditioned for a play on a whim and has been in love with live theatre ever since, performing in several plays and musicals over the past few years. He highly values the ability of stories to spark curiosity and wonder and is excited for the opportunity to present this play to so many schools and get children excited about the natural world. His favorite plant is the Pinus Ponderosa, or ponderosa pine.

Amani is a third-year Theatre Arts major who has been by Dr. Phyl’s side and taking part in the Staging Change program every year of her time at Cal Poly. She is about to graduate this June, and can not think of a better way to spend her final quarter than Choreographing and Assistant Directing this special production. Amani can't wait to witness the joy of Alder touch the lives of these kiddos– uplifting the importance of community, determination, and care for the natural world! Gooooo TYA! Her favorite plant is the Adiantum Jordanii.

Jessie Rizvi is a second year Theatre Arts major and this is her 7th stage management experience at Cal Poly. She has had the best time working on this show from the early planning stages, to the in class rehearsals, to the final performances. This is her last production at Cal Poly and she is so grateful to have had the best class and team to work alongside. Enjoy the show (booya)! Her favorite plant is the Bird of Paradise.

Zach is a 3rd year Theatre Major. He has worked many different shows and roles, and is super pumped to be a part of this production. 

Liam is a fourth-year Theatre Arts and Child Development major. During his time at Cal Poly and beyond, he has gained experience in acting, directing, and scenic construction. Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) beautifully combines his passions for theatre and child development, and he is excited to use his knowledge and talents to help bring this production to life! His favorite plant is the Monstera.

Jessica is a third-year Theatre Arts transfer from Santa Maria, CA. Her favorite part of being a theatre major is the creative community here at Cal Poly. She loves creating theatre for children, and thinks that they're the most fun critics and the most fun to perform for. She believes it's very important to learn that change takes a community, and it is a lot harder to do it on your own. She hopes you enjoy the show! Her favorite plants are lavenders and hyacinths. 

Alena is a fourth-year Graphic Communication major with minors in Linguistics and Theatre. She became more interested in theatre last year and has been finding new ways to learn more about design within the theatre realm. That said, this is her first TYA show! In addition to being part of the set and props team, Alena is also the marketing lead for Staging Change, using her GrC background to update the website, create graphics, and make promotional content. Her favorite flower is the tan hua.