COMPANY

Sam Allen is a sophomore at Northwest High School. In addition to school productions such as Trap and A Wrinkle in Time, they've also been in shows throughout the community, such as Sister Act Jr., Shrek the Musical, and Matilda Jr. Sam is also involved in Aurora Show Choir, Noteworthy Jazz Choir, and the Royal Brigade during marching season. When they're not performing, they enjoy hanging out with friends, writing, and crocheting.

Jack Andersen is a senior at Northwest High School. Jack is also currently the Vice-President of Thespian Troupe #10623. He has extensive theatre experience, appearing onstage in Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Ramona Quimby at The Playhouse, as James in School of Rock at Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT), and in many other productions at DMYAT. He has also participated in all shows and thespian events in Waukee since 6th grade. In the spring of 2022, he played SpongeBob and was the Publicity Head Designer for the SpongeBob Musical, both of which earned him an Iowa High School Musical Theatre Award. He also played Rosencrantz in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, King/Prince in Poe: Dreams of Madness, and Fred Casely/Harrison in Chicago: Teen Edition with Waukee Northwest High School. Backstage at DMYAT, he has designed costumes for Boy at the Edge of Everything, worked on run crew for 13, and on sound crew for Treasure Island. At Northwest, Jack is the Vice-President of Troupe 10623, Web Editor for the Tenth Street Times, President of Random Acts of Kindness, PR Coordinator for National Honor Society, and is a member of the school's activities counsel. He is also in Northwest Singers (Northwest's varsity choir) and EOS, Northwest's Varsity show choir. When not on stage, Jack enjoys having fun with friends and family, baking desserts, crafting, and designing! Next year, Jack plans to attend the University of Missouri to study Journalism and Theatre Arts.

Gabriella Avilez is a sophomore at Northwest High School. This is her first year involved in a theatre production. She is involved in jazz band, show band, marching band, and always on that grindset mindset.

Avari Baldwin is a senior at Northwest High School. This is her first year doing the musical! Outside of the musical Avari is involved in cross country, track and field, and competitive dance. Avari is planning on attending Iowa State University in the fall.

Avari Baldwin is a senior at Northwest High School. This is her first year doing the musical! Outside of the musical Avari is involved in cross country, track and field, and competitive dance. Avari is planning on attending Iowa State University in the fall.

Kejli Bektic is a senior at Northwest High School. This is her third time appearing on stage after appearing in Chicago and Willy Wonka. She’s very excited to join this cast for this production! She participates in Show Choir, FBLA, Curricular Choir, Marching band crew, and construction crew. In her free time Kejli enjoys shopping and hanging out with her friends!

Aiden Berrier is a sophomore at Northwest High School. Aiden participated in theatre for the first time this year with the Mean Girls: High School Version. He wants to continue working in theatre throughout his highschool years. After highschool, Aiden has the dream of becoming a firefighter or going to trade school to learn more on how to build and create things. Aiden balanced his 30+ hours of time spent on the musical with his part time job at the Palms Theater and Imax. 

Mr. Andrew Bleskacek is a student teacher at Northwest High School. He is currently student at University of Northern Iowa, studying as a student teacher with Mrs. Payton and her classes.

Delaney Boldt is a junior at Northwest High School. She first got into theatre in 6th grade, but started participating in theatre more often in 8th grade. She has been in plays including Summer Shorts (DMYAT), Will and Whimsy (Prairieview), Trap (Prairieview),  Poe: Dreams of Madness (NWHS), Chicago: Teen Edition (NWHS) and most recently played Leading Lady in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead this fall. She has also participated in the musical Descendants at Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. She has participated in IHSSA and speech and debate. Delaney also enjoys reading, art, music, spending time with friend, color guard and show choir.

Emma Boston is a junior at Northwest High School. Emma has been involved in theatre since seventh grade, but didn't start with sound design until the Prairieview play "Trap" in 2022. She is also involved in marching band and winter guard.

Lucie Buck is a senior at Northwest High School. This is her 4th Northwest mainstage performance. She has majorly focused on singing and music, EOS (the varsity show choir), large group speech musical theatre, jazz choir, and the Northwest Singers (the top audition curricular choir). She is looking forward to pursuing music in college.

Sophie Bumgardner is a sophomore at Northwest High School. Sophie has worked on costume crew for Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead and wardrobe for the sixth grade play. They enjoy cosplaying, drawing, and attending conventions. She’s also a member of GSA.

Brixton Carlisle is a junior at Northwest High School. They must have been hit by a bus, as they did not turn in a bio.

Tilynne Cartmill is a junior at Northwest High School. She began her theater experience by participating in the annual Christmas plays at Lutheran Church of Hope. She continued at school by first participating in the 7th grade school play. She has always had a love for singing and dancing since a very young age. She enjoyed being a part of the Chicago cast last year as Squish/June. She is very involved in the music department participating as a member of Choir, Show Choir, and Jazz Choir throughout middle school and high school. She was honored to be a part of Opus Honor Choir, All State Chorus, and All State Vocal Jazz ensembles. This year was a part of Large Group Speech with the Musical Theater Ensemble “Six” that was recognized with an All State Festival nomination. She is excited to be a part of the Mean Girls cast this year.

Sela Clark is a sophomore at Northwest High School. They must have been hit by a bus, as they did not turn in a bio.

Nolan Craig is a junior at Northwest High School. They must have been hit by a bus, as they did not turn in a bio.

Ayohnna Cross is a senior at Northwest High School. They must have been hit by a bus, as they did not turn in a bio.

Jonahs Custer is a senior at Northwest High School. He has been involved in theater since WMS's 7th grade play titled The Trial of the Wicked Witch. He was the Lighting designer for most main stage performances such as Poe: Dreams of Madness, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, the Spongebob Musical, and Chicago: Teen Edition. He is also involved in the Waukee Indoor Percussion Ensemble and is a member of the thespian board.

Rowan Decker is a junior at Northwest High School. She was got into all-state on French Horn and also plays trumpet. She also enjoys reading, rock climbing, and hanging with friends.

Leila Eddington is a junior at Northwest High School. She is excited to be a part of Mean Girls this year! This is her first year being in the musical at Northwest, but has always loved musical theatre. This past year she has also been involved in EOS, Northwest Singers, and Keynote, Northwest's three varsity choirs.

Rin Evans is a sophomore at Northwest High School. This is their third year helping out with costumes for school productions, but her first year in a assistant crew head position! Outside of theatre, Rin plays tennis and has been on the Northwest tennis team for two years. She also enjoys baking and playing card, board, and video games with her family and friends. They plan on continuing their passion for costume design throughout the rest of their high school career!

V. Finken is a sophomore at Northwest High School. They have been involved in a handful of school productions, but never in a musical. They are delighted to experience this new theatre format, and to work with a different set of cast members.

Ella Friedel is a sophomore at Northwest High School. They must have been hit by a bus, as they did not turn in a bio.

Brett Giltner is a senior at Northwest High School. He has participated in theatre throughout high school, participating in Check Please at Mt. Zion High School, Poe: Dreams of Madness, as Policeman #2, at Waukee Northwest, and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, as Fortenbras/Shakespere, at Waukee Northwest. He was also participated in the 2023 musical, Chicago, as part of the set, and run crew. In his freetime, Brett enjoys reading, gaming, and going to Ihop.

Olivia Griffin is a sophomore at Northwest High School. Olivia is excited to be part of this Northwest theatre arts production. Outside of theatre, Olivia is in the high-school swim team. When Olivia is alone she likes to read, sleep, and game.

Ryker Haas is a sophomore at Northwest High School. He has been involved in theater since 6th grade, playing Puck in A Mid Summer's Night Dream. In 7th grade he played Tanner in Super Happy Awesome News. In 8th and 9th grade at Prarieview he was on Marketing/Publicity crew for Trap and was the head of the crew for A Wrinkle In Time. This school year he was assistant publicity head for Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are dead and was also on photography and FOH crews too. Ryker has also been working at the palms for the last year and is involved with the JV showchoir Aurora.

Chase Hamilton is a senior at Northwest High School. He is in concert band and Jazz band and enjoys playing saxaphone in his free time. He plans on going to UNI next year to persue a degree in education.

Brody Haugh is a sophomore at Northwest High School. Brody is in many bands at Northwest including pit band, show band, jazz band, and concert band, as well Des Moines symphony. He enjoys taking walks and hanging out with friends, as well as many other exciting joys of life.

Ari Hernandez is a junior at Northwest High School. In the past, Ari participated in Chicago: Teen Edition as a member of the ensemble. During her free time, she enjoys dancing and napping.

Abigail Imm is a junior at Northwest High School. Abigail has been involved in the fine arts for five years, participating in theater, choir, show choir, and jazz choir. She enjoys the community and excitement of performing, as well as cultivating leadership and teamwork skills.

Alex Johnson is a junior at Northwest High School. Alex got involved in theater through a summer camp and has continued to do theater for his high school career. Alex has done large group speech and gotten a non-performing all state nomination for No More Mr Nice Guy where he played Sheldon Grimes (2023), and A Chorus Line (2024). Alex has been in many plays over the years such as Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, where he played Polonius, Of Will and Whimsy where he played Josh, and also TRAP where he played Clifton Barnes. Alex was in Poe Dreams Of Madness where he played Police #1 and Chicago: Teen Edition where he was in the ensemble. Alex also discovered he loved sewing during a technical theater class. He has been a Costume Construction Head for Chicago: Teen Edition and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead.

Avery Jones is a senior at Northwest High School. Avery Jones has been on set and props crew since since 6th grade. They were head of props for The SpongeBob Musical and Poe: Dreams of Madness, an assistant stage manager and run crew head for Chicago: Teen Edition, and a stage manager/run crew head for Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead. Avery is also in marching band, wind symphony, and large group speech. Avery enjoys art and spending time with friends.

Katerina Kassioti is a junior at Northwest High School. She has been involved in theater since 6th grade and really enjoys it. Outside of theater Katerina has been involved in Large Group Speech, Aurora Show Choir, FBLA, violin, and martial arts.

Carson Kleppe is a senior at Northwest High School. This is his third year participating in the musical as part of crew, outside of the musical Carson is involved in EOS, Northwest's varsity show choir and is also apart of Northwest Singers.

Caera Knowles is a junior at Northwest High School. This is her second year in the pit orchestra. In her free time, she participates in jazz choir (Keynote), show choir (EOS), Northwest Singers, band (Wind Symphony), marching band, and loves to spend time with friends and family. Caera is excited for the work that gets to be done with a talented crew and cast in Mean Girls: High School Version!

Xavier Lago is a junior at Northwest High School. In the past, Xavier has participated in the Pit Orchestra for Chicago: Teen Edition, playing accordion and trombone, Guildenstern (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead), and Timon (Lion King Jr.). He also recieved 1st Place Group Acting at the 2023 Iowa Thespian Festival (A Fine Kettle of Fish) and Best Tech and Best Overall play (24hr Play Fest). In Speech Xavier recieved Large Group 1's at State for his Short Films (2023, 2024) Individual All-State Improv, and Large Group Improv. (2024). He is in a plethora of activities within the school, which include El Presidente de Los Latinos Unidos, NW FBLA Chapter Corresponding Secretary, NW Baseball, Concert Band (Tuba), Jazz Band (Tenor Trombone), Theatre, Publications, Speech, Minority Club, and Pit Orchestra (Bass Trombone, Trombone, Accordion). Outside of school, Xavier is in ENGin, a nonprofit organization connecting English-speaking volunteers with motivated young Ukrainians for online speaking practice and cross-cultural exchange, Community Jazz Center, and Surveying for Mycelic Research. In band, he is an All-State Tuba player (2023). He has performed with the Drake Honor Band (2022, 2023) and with the Java Jews (2022). In jazz Xavier has received an Outstanding Soloist Award (2023) and has preformed with the Drake Honor Jazz Band (Trombone 1, 2024). He is also a member of the JV NW Baseball Team. After high school He hopes to pursue a degree in Meteorology with a Minor in Broadcast Journalism while also continuing his surveying in mycology.

Sydney LePorte is a junior at Northwest High School. Sydney has found herself loving any and all activities that have to do with the fine arts during her high school career. She has been a dedicated member of Chicago: Teed Edition, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, and other performance events in the theatre department. Outside of theatre she involved in show choir, jazz choir and her church community. In her free time she enjoys music, traveling, crafting, and cuddling her cat. Sydney is so lucky to have found a place where she feels loved within Northwest and can’t wait to see what next year brings!

Max Linberg is a junior at Northwest High School. Max makes music sometimes and also likes making other things too. Max was featured as the composer for Northwest's fall play Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead.

Ash Marshall is a sophomore at Northwest High School. Ash has previously been ensemble for Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead at Northwest Highschool, directed Mrs. Katie Payton.

Lola McCurnin is a sophomore at Northwest High School. They must have been hit by a bus, as they did not turn in a bio.

Lola McCurnin is a sophomore at Northwest High School. They must have been hit by a bus, as they did not turn in a bio.

Bella Montiel is a senior at Northwest High School. Bella Montiel has been involved in cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance all throughout her life, but this is her first year in musical theatre. She loves performing and the arts and enjoys acting and dancing the most. She hopes to stay active in the arts throughout college!

Breanna Newberry is a sophomore at Northwest High School. Bre is a fun energetic person. She loves spending time with her friends and working hard. One of her favorite hobbies it taking care of her plants.

Izzy Oltmanns is a sophomore at Northwest High School. Izzy plays for Northwest Jazz Orchestra and Northwest Wind Symphony. She enjoys reading, writing, and playing music.

Greta Paulsen is a junior at Northwest High School. As well as being part of Northwest Theatre Arts productions, Greta Paulsen has been involved in community shows at Des Moines Young Artists Theatre, Iowa Stage Theatre Company, and the Des Moines Playhouse. Outside of theatre, Greta is part of student council, EOS show choir, Northwest Singers, Keynote jazz choir, girls tennis, and Random Acts of Kindness club. In her free time, Greta enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching period dramas, and hanging out with her cat and dog.

Faith Rinehart is a sophomore at Northwest High School. Faith Rinehart has been acting since her 6th grade play and has been singing and dancing since way before that. She likes reading, baking, and joking around with friends.

Claire Sargent is a junior at Northwest High School. She has been involved in theater since 6th grade. Claire's first play was her 6th grade play were she played a student. Then she participated as Nala in The Lion King until it was cancelled due to covid. She was also part of Chicago: Teen Edition last spring. Outside of theatre Claire participates in show choir. Some things she enjoys are listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with her friends. 

Krish Sehgal is a junior at Northwest High School. They must have been hit by a bus, as they did not turn in a bio.

Ashlyn Smith is a sophomore at Northwest High School. Ashlyn is very excited to be participating in this production.

Preston Stock is a sophomore at Northwest High School. This is his 1st year in theatre and 2nd year doing speech and debate events. He played the role of the ambassador in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead and now Kevin G in the amazing upcoming musical Mean Girls: High School Version. He participated in speech for group improv and recieved a 1 rating at state. He participated in basketball and baseball for 8 years and currently participates in track and field, running several sprint events placing occasionally 1st and 2nd. He has won awards in basketball and gone to many places in Iowa for it. He likes to try new things and enjoys being with friends. 

Tyler Tenborg is a sophomore at Northwest High School. They must have been hit by a bus, as they did not turn in a bio.

Marin Tribolet is a junior at Northwest High School. Marin has two brothers and a dog. She likes art, pizza, and movies.

Micah Vera is a senior at Northwest High School. Micah first started his theatre career in production by running sound for the 6th-grade play- The Comic Book Artist. Afterwards, he played the role of Willy Wonka in the 7th-grade musical Willy Wonka Jr. Micah has most recently acted as Player 2 in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. Micah has submitted multiple short films to cinema festivals across the state. These shorts have received much praise for their use of 3D animation and VFX. His short film ANEMOIA was accepted to the 2023 UNI Thespian Festival and co-assistant directed the short film The Fable which received a I rating at IHSSA Large Group State. Photography has been one of Micah's largest passions and has been a professional photographer since 2023. He also received an internship at the Lutheran Church of Hope under their Studio Communications department and helped run lights, sound, cameras, and other crew roles during various Christmas, VBS, and Easter programs. Micah has acted in many other plays and short films and was accepted into Stanford's Jazz Institute. He hopes to continue his animation education in college.

Zaida Wetzel is a junior at Northwest High School. She has been in various productions including Chicago: Teed Edition, Will and Whimsy, and Trap. She has been doing Theatre since she was in 6th grade. Some activities she is involved in are choir, band, and dance. In her freetime she enjoys dancing, hanging out with friends, and playing with her dog. 

Ashlyn Yu is a senior at Northwest High School. She has been involved in many theatre productions, such as Chicago: Teen Edition (Velma Kelly), The SpongeBob Musical (Sandy Cheeks), and Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (Lily Polkadot) at the Des Moines Playhouse. Ashlyn is also involved in EOS Varsity Show Choir, Keynote Varsity Jazz Choir, Best Buddies, and Speech Team. Outside of her activities, she enjoys thrifting, cooking and trying new coffee shops. 

Emma Zheng is a junior at Northwest High School. Emma loves music, reading, and writing. She has played piano for 11 years and violin for 13. Outside of music, she does oil painting and math problems. She is looking forward to her senior year.