Alachua Children’s Theatre was created by Ms. Amber & her supportive husband in 2023 to share the joy of theatre with their three children and the youth of our community. Ms. Amber received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Southern California with a minor in Business Administration. She studied Shakespeare at the British American Drama Academy in London, England, and has performed internationally aboard Oceania Cruises where she served as Onboard HR Manager. Very active with Theatre in her youth, Ms. Amber received training in acting, singing, and dancing, performing both on film sets in Hollywood & on stage. Some of her favorite roles include ‘Annie,’ ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ & the evil ‘Barnaby’ in Babes in Toyland, complete with top hat and mustache! For years she was a Disneyland Castmember, telling jokes aboard the ‘World-Famous Jungle Cruise,’ helping guests at ‘City Hall’ as a Guest Relations Hostess, & training new Castmembers as a ‘Disney University’ Instructor. After graduating from USC, Ms. Amber earned her 'Multiple Subject Teaching Credential' from Cal State Fullerton. With a wealth of experience working with children as a former Elementary School Teacher and Youth Activities Counselor aboard ‘Disney Cruise Line’, Ms. Amber is thrilled to lead the A.C.T. Family!

Ms. Alison is blessed to have been a part of ACT since its founding in 2023. She grew up performing with Riverside Children's Theatre, where she met and became lifelong friends with Ms. Amber. Within RCT, she played such roles as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz”, Maleficent in “Sleeping Beauty”, and Nancy in “Oliver Twist”. In addition to musical theatre, she also trained and performed extensively in the ballet arts, with various companies such as California’s Riverside Ballet, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and the Joffrey Ballet in New York City. She enjoys creating and inspiring youth today, to gain poise and confidence in the performing arts. Supported by her wonderful husband and children, she enjoys assisting ACT with classes, directing, stage managing, and set design/building.

Cata Cunha is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator with extensive experience in performance and competition settings. She currently serves as Company Manager and instructor at Momentum Dance Arts, where she teaches a wide range of styles including jazz, tap, contemporary, ballet, and acro. Cata holds both a BFA in Dance and a Master of Science in Management (MSM) from the University of Florida. She is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Acrobatic Arts, and also judges for Fusion National Dance Competition. Passionate about mentoring young dancers, Cata strives to bring artistry, technique, and joy to every stage.

Colin Yokomi is a classically trained choral singer and semi-professional musician known for his warm, inclusive approach to vocal performance. With many years of service in leadership roles on community choir boards, including several years as choir president, Colin blends musical excellence with a genuine spirit of community. He has performed the tenor solos in beloved works such as Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Coronation Mass with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Chorus, along with additional solo engagements with the OSOC, Gainesville Master Chorale, and other ensembles. In all his musical endeavors, Colin brings a blend of elegance, humor, and joy, creating a space where every voice can flourish.

Ms. Priscilla is a lifelong lover of music and a passionate singer. Her love for music took root at home, where she spent countless hours singing along with her sister. She also grew up singing in churches. In high school, she blossomed musically, immersing herself in choir and exploring classical solo performance. Music performance became the foundation through which she discovered confidence in her voice, developed public speaking skills, and grew as a leader. Though she didn’t major in music, Priscilla continued to prioritize choir during her university years, finding joy, creativity and balance through music. Since then, she has participated in several community choirs and continues to keep music as an important part of her life. Today, one of her greatest joys is sharing the passion for music, singing and performance with her own children.

Kaylee is excited to be part of the A.C.T. creative team and to work alongside her family on Into the Woods, Jr. She loves sharing her passion for music with her father, Colin, and enjoys being part of a production that brings her family together, especially with her younger brother having been involved with A.C.T. for the past year. With experience in both choral and solo singing, she enjoys exploring different styles of music and growing as a performer. She is especially passionate about using music to tell stories and connect with others. Kaylee is grateful for the opportunity to work with the A.C.T. team and is thrilled to help bring this production to life through music.

Christine has loved performing and being on stage since she was 2, and is now passing that love on to her daughter! She danced, participated in theater, and was an artistic swimmer all throughout high school and college. While she misses the stage, she utilizes some of those skills in her 4th grade classroom. She's been with A.C.T. since its beginning and is thrilled that A.C.T. allows her to use her creativity in many ways.

Bob and Alison, are a husband and wife team who love working together to help support ACT. Both grew up with a love of the performance arts. Now, as proud parents, they enjoy utilizing their building and artistic knowledge to design and create theatrical sets, props, and to help manage the stage during ACT productions.

Selena is so excited to join the ACT team on ‘Into the Woods, Jr.’ She has been involved in theatre since she was 6, acting in productions including ‘Annie,’ ‘Matilda,’ ‘Pippin’ and ‘Steel Magnolias’ before transitioning to stage management in high school. Now a sophomore at UF, she has been consistently involved with the university’s School of Theatre + Dance for over a year. She served as Production Assistant on ‘Spring into Dance’ and ‘Rent,’ and currently, is a Deck Stage Manager for ‘The Visit.’ She finds the organizational side of stage management to be fascinating and loves facilitating the creativity that accompanies a production. Selena has a long history of working in educational environments and is thrilled to have found a place to combine her passions of children and musical theatre!

Yasemin is cast member Mila Castineyra's mother and is grateful to support Alachua Children’s Theatre by filming and editing performances as a volunteer. A lifelong tech enthusiast and self-described total tech geek, Yas simply loves putting technology to good use by helping the children and their families turn these performances into lasting memories. In her day-to-day life, she works as Head of AI at a large marketing company and is also a retired professional freediver. What inspires her most about A.C.T. is the love, passion, and dedication behind everything they do to help children grow, gain confidence, and better themselves. That spirit is exactly why she is so happy to lend a hand and be part of something so meaningful.

Lara, cast member Mila Castineyra's sister, is a 15-year-old student leader and accomplished young musician who is passionate about helping children grow through performance arts. She assists with preparing the younger ensemble members at Alachua Children’s Theatre, bringing patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm to every rehearsal. Lara is a Florida Debate Champion and also coaches the Kanapaha Middle School debate club. She sings with multiple choirs, a member of the Florida All-State Chorus and has performed in several local Broadway vocal performances. She also is an avid cello, piano and guitar player. A strong believer in enriching life through learning, music, and service, Lara also volunteers at Wiles Elementary School, where she helps K–2 students learn and thrive.