Summer Arts Academy - Meet the Cast & Crew

Nathan Cloud as "Ladahlord"

Nathan Cloud is a freshman at Eastside High School and has been with the theatre program since last year. He likes to practice with his friends and read. Nathan has worked as a light technician during Eastside’s one-act show (Les Infants Terribles) and has stared as “Lord Farquaad” (Shrek the Musical), “Captain Phoebus” (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), “C.C. Showers” in Eastside’s one-act play (The Diviners), and “Beetlejuice” (Beetlejuice, Jr). Nathan is very excited to be playing the mysterious role of "Ladahlord."

Siyere Williams as "James"

Siyere Williams is a rising fourth-grader at Union Primary School. Since he was a small child, he has been known for his energetic personality, loud voice, and propensity to entertain crowds with singing. Last summer, he found his love for performing during his debut as “Nigel” in Matilda Jr. This spring, he was part of the ensemble in Union High School’s performance of The Little Mermaid. Now, he has been given an opportunity to be in James and the Giant Peach and he is eager to display the adventurous and courageous traits of “James.”

Taylor Wolfard as "Spiker"

Taylor Wolford (a.k.a. Spiker) is beyond thrilled to be stepping into James and the Giant Peach for her 8th musical! In just the past two years, she’s been in more shows than most people have unread emails—over 20 productions and counting. A Central Forensics powerhouse, Taylor has twice placed at State and starred in not one, but two state-winning one-acts: Ernest and the Pale Moon and Silenced on Barbour Street.

Her roles range from the fabulous Wardrobe in Beauty and the Beast to the terrifying Miss Trunchbull in Matilda, plus Auntie Diva Fester (Addams Family), Clopin (Hunchback), and Jack’s frazzled mother in Into the Woods. Taylor’s love for the stage is loud, proud, and probably wearing glitter. And yes—she’s just getting started.

Hannah Coffey as "Sponge"

DISCLAIMER: Hannah is not as wicked as she appears onstage. Hannah Coffey is so excited to be a part of the WCPS Summer Performing Arts Academy for the fourth time! She is a rising Sophomore at Eastside High School and has been a part of the arts for almost a decade. Since her start, she has played a number of roles but her favorites include, "Squidward" (The SpongeBob Musical), "Pugsley" (The Addams Family), "Female Storyteller" (The Terrible Infants), and "Norma Henshaw" (The Diviners). Additionally, Hannah is a member of Eastside’s state-winning one-act and forensics teams. Over the past two years, she helped her one-act team win their tenth and eleventh consecutive state championships, and is the back-to-back speech champion in 1A Storytelling. Hannah would like to thank everyone who makes this program possible.

Braxton Hood as "Grasshopper & Mr. Trotter"

Braxton Hood is a rising senior at Central High School. He has been in Forensics for two years, doing Impromptu his first year and Original Oratory his second. On stage with the 9:00 Club, Braxton played "Mr. Beauregarde" in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and "Rapunzel’s Prince" in Into the Woods. During 2024’s One Act season, he composed and performed an original score onstage for Ernest and the Pale Moon. Last year during the WCPS Performing Arts Academy, he played the role of "Jehan Frollo" and a "Soldier" in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In his free time, Braxton plays several different instruments and composes music both electronically and acoustically. He is eager to take on the role of "Grasshopper" in James and the Giant Peach!

Kaylin Butler as "Ladybug & Mrs. Trotter

Kaylin Butler is an upcoming freshman at Central High School with a growing passion for theatre. She has showcased her talents in several productions with the WCPS Summer Performing Arts Academy, including The SpongeBob Musical, The Addams Family, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This year, she is excited to take on the role of "Ladybug" in James and the Giant Peach. In addition to her summer theatre experience, Kaylin recently completed her first year as a member of the Central One-Act team. Her team won the state competition for their performance of Earnest and the Pale Moon.

Aiden Bowman as "Earthworm"

Aiden Bowman is going to be a ninth grade student at Union High School. He is so excited to be portraying “Earthworm” in James and the Giant Peach. Aiden has also been on stage with Camp Create and All An Act Theater Project Players. Aiden’s previous roles include “Mr. Wormwood” in Matilda, Jr., “Santa” in Elf the Musical, Jr, and “Sebastian” The Little Mermaid. He has been a member of the UMS chorus for three years and is a member of both the UHS One Act team and Speech team. Aiden has had so much fun working with and learning from cast members and directors.

Austin McCoy as "Centipede"

Austin McCoy is an upcoming Senior at Eastside High School and has been participating in the performing arts since the eighth grade. He enjoys anything involving people and rehearsing with his friends. Austin has previously been cast as, “Adam” (Beetlejuice JR.) “Buddy Layman” (The Diviners) “Donkey” (Shrek the Musical) “Danny” (Walkin' Suzie) “Jonas” (The Giver) and “Anton” (A Monster Calls). He is thrilled to be portraying “Centipede” in James and The Giant Peach.

Aubrey Johnson as "Spider"

Aubrey is an upcoming freshman at Eastside High School. She was a part of EHS Theatre's production of Shrek, the Musical, and Summer Academy productions such as The Addams Family and SpongeBob, the Musical. She loves being on stage and, above all, following Jesus. She is thrilled to playing "Spider" in James and the Giant Peach!

Addie Ayers as "Reporter 1 & Featured Chorus"

Addie Ayers is a rising eighth-grader at St Paul Elementary and enjoys every opportunity to participate in visual and performing arts. Addie began recreational dance training at the age of three and has been involved in school performances since PreK. Most recently Addie participated in SPES Spring Dance Showcase as an emcee and featured performer and in the Lyric Children’s Chorus presentation of Seussical Kids as "Thing 2." This is Addie’s second summer performing with WCPS Summer Performing Arts Academy and she looks forward to continued performance opportunities with the Eastside Theatre program in the fall.

Caysen Hill as "Principle Dancer, et al."

Caysen is an upcoming sophomore at Union High School. She enjoys singing, dancing, and acting. Caysen has been seen in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Annie, The Addams Family, and Spongebob. Caysen is super excited to be performing for you in James and the Giant Peach.

Madison Humphreys as "Principle Dancer, et al."

Madison Humphreys is a Junior at EHS and has been in the performing arts for 2 years. She enjoys reading, dancing, and having fun with all her friends. Madison’s previous castings include “Ensemble” in The Terrible Infants, ”Wicked Witch/Dancing Dragon/Dancing Rat” in Shrek, The Musical, “Melvin/Ensemble” in The Diviners, and “Dead Parachutist/cheerleader/etc” in Beetlejuice. She is excited about meeting new people while having fun putting together this performance!

Cheyenne Mullins as "Principle Dancer, et al."

Cheyenne Mullins is a sophomore at EHS and has been in theatre since 8th grade. Her hobbies are watching theatre performances, dancing, and listening to music. Previous castings include, “Ensemble” (The Terrible Infants), “Captain of the Guard” and “Happy People” (Shrek the Musical), "Ensemble" and "Dead Jockey" (Beetlejuice, the Musical). Cheyenne is excited to be playing "Principle Dancer," "Billy-Bobby Cop," and "Garden Guild" in James and The Giant Peach.

Samantha Mullins as "Principle Dancer, et al."

Samantha Mullins is a rising freshman at Eastside High School. Her hobbies include listening to music and learning new dances. Samantha’s previous castings include “Happy People” (Shrek, the Musical) “Mourner," “Cheerleader," “Beetlejuice Clone," and “Lawyer” (Beetlejuice Jr). She is extremely excited to be playing “Bobby-Bobby Cop," "Principal Dancer," and “Reporter” in our performance of James and The Giant Peach this summer.

Caroline Sexton as "Principle Dancer, et al."

Caroline is an upcoming senior at Eastside High School and has been with the theatre program since her sophomore year. She enjoys writing and reading. She has played “Basil Bennet” in Eastside High Schools’ one-act performance of The Diviners, and she portrayed “Maxine Dean” In Beetlejuice Jr. She is excited to dance and portray “Bitsy Botana” in James and The Giant Peach with the Summer Arts Program.

Cash Engle as "Featured Chorus, et al."

Cash is an upcoming 8th-grader at St. Paul Elementary School and has been working with the theatre program for two years. He enjoys crocheting, singing, and watching movies. Cash has performed in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Addams Family, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Elf, and Suessical. He has also performed in many variety shows. Cash is very excited to be playing multiple roles in James and the Giant Peach.

Sophia Lawson as "Featured Chorus, et al."

Sophia Lawson - Sophia is an upcoming 7th grader at St. Paul Elementary School. Sophia enjoys singing, reading, and swimming. She performed in her first musical this past spring in Suessical. She looks forward to performing in James and the Giant Peach. Sophia enjoys acting and hopes to be in many more plays.

Madison Luther as "Featured Chorus, et al."

Madison is an upcoming sophomore at Eastside High School where she has been a part of the theatre program for 4 years. She enjoys art, singing, and swimming. Madison has participated in multiple plays including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Addams Family, and Spongebob. She has multiple roles in James and the Giant Peach and is very excited for this adventure.

Katie Mullins as "Featured Chorus, et al."

Katie Mullins is a sophomore at Union High School. This is her second year being part of the Drama Club. She is also a participant in the UHS Marching Band. Katie has been an ensemble member for Annie ,The Musical, a member of the tech team for the One-Act play Mother Hicks, and has played “Flotsam” and “Atina” In The Little Mermaid. She plans to continue doing theatre until she graduates High school. Katie is extremely excited to be a part of the “Featured Chorus” in James and the Giant Peach.

Penelope Sturgill as "Featured Chorus, et al."

Penelope is an upcoming 7th-grade student at UMS. Bringing sass, class, and attitude to the stage has never been an issue for this girl. Her curiosity and love of the arts fuels her desire to perform. Penelope has been lucky enough to participate in two shows with UHS theatre, including her very first show, Annie, as an "Orphan." This past spring she played "Adela" in Disney's The Little Mermaid. Penelope is thrilled to be a part of WCPS Summer Performing Arts Academy for the first time. Penelope is very excited to be portraying various roles in Roald Dahl's James And The Giant Peach. She thanks you for coming and hopes y'all enjoy the show!

Bristol Ayers as "Ensemble, et al."

Bristol is an upcoming 5th-grader at St. Paul Elementary School. She enjoys singing, dancing, painting, and tumbling. Bristol has been involved in dance for seven years, where she has competed in competitive dance. She loves theatre and has performed in Elf, Suessical, Littlest Christmas Tree, and many school plays. Bristol is excited to be in James and the Giant Peach and looks forward to being in many more plays.

Kassity Brumett as "Ensemble, et al."

Kassity is an upcoming 5th-grader at LF Addington Middle School. In her free time, she enjoys playing the fiddle. This is Kassity’s first play she and is very excited to join the world of theatre by being in the "Ensemble" in James and the Giant Peach.

Lydia Bowman as "Ensemble, et al."

Lydia is an upcoming 5th-grader at Union Middle School. Lydia loves theatre and has performed in Elf: the Musical and Matilda. She enjoys dancing, traveling, and soccer. Lydia is very happy to be joining the cast of James and the Giant Peach.

Ireland Burke as "Ensemble, et al."

Ireland is an upcoming 8th-grader at St. Paul Elementary School. Ireland enjoys reading, watching Marvel movies, and listening to musicals. This is Ireland’s first theatrical performance, and she is happy to get the opportunity to showcase her acting abilities in James and the Giant Peach!

Isabella Burke as "Ensemble, et al."

Ireland Burke - Ireland is an upcoming 8th grader at St. Paul Elementary School. Ireland enjoys reading, watching Marvel movies, and listening to musicals. This is Ireland’s first theatrical performance, and she is happy to get the opportunity to showcase her acting abilities.

Andrew Burke as "Ensemble, et al."

Andy Burke is a 2nd-grader at Norton Elementary School. He loves to play baseball and basketball. He currently plays on his travel team, “Lighting” and also on the minor league team for Norton Little League. He is excited to perform in another Eastside Theatre show. His past roles include “Little Shrek” in Shrek, the Musical, “Howie” in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and "Mini Beetlejuice Clone" in Beetlejuice, Jr. He is very excited to be a part of the "Ensemble" in James and the Giant Peach.

Jenna Burke as "Ensemble, et al."

Jenna Burke is a rising fourth-grader at Coeburn Primary School. In her free time, she enjoys studying gymnastics, reading, and playing outside with her friends. Among her favorite musical theatre performances are Elf, Jr. with All An At Theatre and Seussical, Kids with the Lyric Children's Chorus.

Aryonna Collins as "Ensemble, et al."

Aryonna is an upcoming 8th grader at LF Addington Middle School. She enjoys singing, dancing, and drawing. Aryonna is excited because this is her first theatrical performance. Aryonna wanted to continue with acting and maybe become an actress in the future. She is so excited to be a part of the amazing cast of James and the Giant Peach!

Sophia Kennedy as "Ensemble, et al."

Sophia Kennedy is an 8th-grader at Coeburn Middle School and has been in the theatre program since her 6th-grade year. She enjoys memorizing and working with her friends on scripts. She also was tech in her first year of middle school for the Addam's Family Musical. For her class plays, she also played "Glenda, Aunt Carol" in Oz, "Ashley" in Appropriate Audience Behavior, and "Ensemble" for The Unknown Part of the Ocean. She is very happy to be doing her first musical and can't wait to improve her skill in performing.

Mason Kennedy as "Ensemble, et al."

Mason is an upcoming 7th-grade student at Coeburn Middle School. He enjoys playing video games and spending time with his family and friends. Mason enjoys theatre and helped with stage design for Addams Family. Mason is very excited to join the acting side of theatre for this show!

Kris Oliver as "Ensemble, et al."

Kris is an upcoming junior at Eastside High School and has been in the theatre program since the 8th grade. He enjoys spending time with friends and traveling. Kris has been in the cast of Spongebob, Addams Family, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Beetlejuice. Kris is very excited to be cast as "Joe" and "Reporter" in James and the Giant Peach.

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