Little Mermaid Jr. Cast

Emma Lybrand (Ariel) is so excited to hit the stage again! You may have seen Emma previously appear as Young Fiona in the Lexington 3, Shrek the Musical, or as a Les Files girl in the BLES production, Beauty and the Beast Jr. Emma also appeared as various dancing characters in both productions. Emma is in her fourth year on the CCPAC dance competition team, and will appear as Nala in this years CCPAC Lion King Production. Emma is also a member of the BLES Honors Choir. She cannot wait until middle school when other school sports and activities become available to her. Emma would like to give a special thank you to Mrs. Pugh believing in her talents and abilities, and Mrs. Higgins for her incredible growth as a dancer.

James Shealy is excited to play the role of Prince Eric. He is a fifth grader at BLES and is currently 11 years old. He has performed previously, being cast as Lefou, Gaston’s best friend in Beauty and the Beast Jr at BLES. James would like to thank his parents for supporting him in this opportunity.

Kai Trotter (Sebastian) is a 7th grade student at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School. Kai is classically trained on the piano and also enjoys running cross country, playing the trumpet, and playing soccer. Kai was last seen as Max in Bright Star, as Papa Ogre and a Duloc Guard in Shrek and as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. One day, Kai aspires to be a veterinarian. Kai would like to thank his family, friends, Mrs. Pugh, Ms. Higgins and all who made Little Mermaid, Jr possible.

Austin (AJ) Lybrand (King Triton) is a 6th grade student at BLMS. AJ has been working hard and excited for his first lead role. AJ has previously performed in various ensemble roles in the district musical Shrek, and in the BLES production Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Descendants Jr. AJ is also a member of the BL Archery Team and the BLMS choir.

Hadlie Rabon, 3rd grade, "Flounder" in The Little Mermaid Jr., has loved music and singing since before she could talk! She starred in the 2025 district play "Shrek" as the Shoemaker's Elf and at Christmas she was invited to sing at the Governor's Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the SC State House! Hadlie has been singing at church since she first learned "Jesus Loves Me" at 2 years old. She also loves softball and art. In her free time, you can find Hadlie drawing or writing songs and poems in her bedroom or in the yard or on the softball field doing what she loves most! Hadlie is kind, considerate and always empathetic and inclusive. She is a great friend and loves Jesus above all.

Addison (Addie) Lybrand (Scuttle), is a 3rd grade student at BLES. Addie previously appeared as the White Rabbit in the Lex 3 district Shrek the Musical. Addie is part of the BLES Honors Choir. This year is also Addie’s fourth year as a competitive dancer with CCPAC. Later this spring she will appear as Banzai in the CCPAC Lion King production. Addie loves all things art, to include dancing, singing, and drawing.

Katie Williams (Flotsam) is a 6th grader at BLMS. She is actively involved in Jr. BETA club, Panther Ambassadors, and theatre. Katie has held roles in Beauty and the Beast Jr., Shrek, The Little Mermaid Jr., and will be apart of the upcoming production The Phantom of the Opera. She is also actively involved in the youth program and choir at First Baptist of Batesburg

Hadley Schweitz plays the role of Jetsam in The Little Mermaid. She has also played in Beauty and the Beast as the egg lady and villager. Hadley dances with Dance Elements Academy (DEA) and takes jazz lessons. She loves playing with and caring for her animals. She thanks her mom, dad, friends, teachers, and fellow cast members

Jacob Cabrera is thrilled to be part of The Little Mermaid Jr. as Pilot and Chef Louis. This is Jacob’s first theatrical production, and he was born to be on stage. He is currently in third grade and has been taking piano lessons for over three years. Jacob loves to dance and sing and plans to audition again for future productions. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Camden Gunter, is a 6th grade student at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School where she is an active member of Beta Club, band and FCA. Camden is also on the Local Girl Volleyball club team and very involved with the youth group at Steadman Baptist Church. She is a lover of the outdoors and animals and hopes to one day become a veterinarian one day. Her love for music and dance has led her to participate in many of the past BLES musicals and she hopes to continue for many years to come!

Jordan Boyd is a 3rd grade student at BLES. She is a member of the BLES honor’s choir and made her musical debut as Dragon in Shrek: The Musical. She has a passion for singing, and hopes to have a long musical career. She would like to thank her parents, family and friends for all of their support.

Lyla McDaniel is a third grade student at Batesburg Leesville Elementary School. She has over five years of experience in performing on stage. Lyla was one of the Three Blind Mice in the Lexington School District Three musical, Shrek. She has also excelled in dance during those 5 years and is currently enrolled in Hip-Hop, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Acro at Dance Elements Academy. Lyla has also had roles in her school Christmas programs, piano recitals, and participated in local pageants. Lyla would like to thank her family, friends, teachers, and fellow cast members that have made this wonderful show possible!

Reagan Mobley (Attina) is a 6th grader at BLMS who's acting began before grade school. Her past roles have included Narrator One in Disney's Beauty and The Beast Junior, An Auradonian Student in Disney's Descendant's, and Mama Ogre/Cheshire Cat in Shrek the Musical. Reagan looks forward to continuing to learn and grow as an actress. Reagan would like to thank Jesus Christ, her friends, and her family for all of their support.

Addie Beth Herlong (Mersister, Allana) is currently a fourth-grade student at BLES. She has participated in several school musicals recently, including the district-wide musical that was held in the spring, Shrek. Her Grandmother, Beth Kirkland, who is a retired Choral Director from BLMS, has instilled in her a love for music and theatrics. She is a member of the BLES Honors Choir, a competitive dancer for Central Carolina Performing Arts Center, a Pantherette cheerleader and plays softball for B-L Youth Sports. She also enjoys spending time on Lake Murray and competing in pageants.

Benjamin Ausmus is a 4th grader making a splash in his first musical as the Seahorse in The Little Mermaid Jr. When he’s not under the sea, he loves football and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. He would like to thank his mom, dad, and younger brother for all their love and support.

Myles Shuler is a fourth grader at BLES. He is excited to make his theater debut in this production The Little Mermaid Jr., where he proudly plays the roles of a Sailor and a Chef. Outside of theater, Myles enjoys staying active by playing baseball with BL Youth Sports and wrestling for the Twin City Wrestling Club. He is the oldest of three boys and loves spending time with friends and his two younger brothers. After college, Myles hopes to pursue his dream of becoming a famous actor. Myles would like to thank his family, teachers and everyone who has made this wonderful show possible.

Tyler Dozier is an eleven‑year‑old 5th grader at BLES. This year, he stepped out of his comfort zone and auditioned for the Little Mermaid Jr. production—something he never imagined himself doing. With no prior acting or theater experience, he didn’t expect to be selected, but the good Lord clearly had a plan. Tyler is thrilled to make his stage debut as both a soldier and a sea turtle. He is excited to perform for his teachers, family, and friends, and he would like to give a special thank‑you to Mrs. Pugh for believing in him and recognizing his potential.

Tre’ McDowell is a vibrant 10-year-old 5th grader who shines both on stage and on the field. As the youngest of four children, he is surrounded by a loving support system that encourages his many talents. Tre’ has enjoyed sports from an early age and began playing soccer at just 3 years old.In addition to athletics, he has a true passion for music. Tre' has been singing in church for as long as he can remember, and performing has become one of his favorite ways to express himself. Tre’ is excited to bring his energy, creativity, and love for performance to The Little Mermaid Jr.

Nora Barr, Princess/Mermaid. She previously performed in Beauty and the Beast Jr. as a villager and an especially wiggly fork, and she also sang with the BLES Honors Choir. When she’s not performing, she loves reading, karate, archery, and learning new things at school. She dreams of earning a major role in a future production. Nora would like to thank all of her amazing teachers and her very supportive family.

Blake Hall is thrilled to be making her musical debut in the school's production of The Little Mermaid Jr., as a Princess and a Mermaid! She dances with Central Carolina Performing Arts Center and has previously appeared in their productions of Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo. Blake is excited for this opportunity, and to take the stage with her cast mates!

Ali Wheeler (Princess 3 / Mermaid) is 12 years old and attends Batesburg-Leesville Middle School in 6th grade. She is excited to participate in this production of The Little Mermaid Jr. Ali has enjoyed being in several plays and shows before including her favorite Beauty and the Beast Jr. Besides being on stage, Ali loves coloring,drawing and playing volleyball. Ali is very grateful for the support of her family and friends and for Mrs. Pugh for making this play happen!

Harmon Zimmerman (Mermaid, Princess): Harmon is excited to return to the stage after appearing in last year's musical, Shrek. A third grader at Batesburg-Leesville Elementary, Harmon enjoys riding her electric scooter, playing soccer and dancing. She would like to thank her family and friends for always encouraging her to reach for the stars!

Nori Simon (chef/shark) Nori is extremely excited to continue her newfound love of acting. She has previously worked with The Panthers Player Theater in District Three's Shrek the Musical as Grumpy. She is currently a 3rd grader at BLES. She enjoys reading and being creative with her arts and crafts projects in her spare time. She would like to thank her family and friends who have taken a role in encouraging and supporting her as she continued to step in her love of acting.

Bryson is a student at Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School. This is his first year participating in a musical where he will have the roles of Chef-4, a sea creature, and a seagull. This is his second year in Honors Choir. In 2025 he sang Die with a Smile at the BLES Talent Show and won Best Over-all. In 2020, Bryson took acting classes with actor Robert Vito and actress Hannah Kathryn Jones. When he grows up Bryson wants to be a singer/actor. He would like to thank his mom and grandma for their love and support.

Sarah Kay, in her first role as a gull in this production of The Little Mermaid Jr., has had a lot of fun learning the process of performing in a play. Sarah is in the 3rd grade at Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School. She has participated in Honors Choir since the beginning of the year, and is currently a blue belt in karate, studying at Columbia Martial Arts. She formerly trained in gymnastics at Mega, and she is looking forward to participating in future productions.

Aubree Boozer is a talented third grader who is thrilled to make her theater debut as a Sea Creature in The Little Mermaid Jr. She loves to dance, sing, and create art, and she is known for being innovative and hardworking both on stage and in the classroom. Aubree is also proud to be a member of her school’s Honors Choir. When she’s not performing or learning something new, she enjoys spending time with her friends at school, and her family.

Aaralynn Parker is excited to appear as Octopus #1 in The Little Mermaid Jr. This is Aaralynn’s school theatre debut, and she is thrilled to bring her love of performance to the stage. She has previously participated in several church productions, including lead roles such The Angel in True North, and supporting roles such as Bat Girl in A Superhero Christmas, and a City Kid Cousin in The True Meaning of Christmas. Outside of theatre, Aaralynn is a dedicated student who dreams of attending University of South Carolina to pursue a medical degree.

Tatiana Parker is excited to appear as Octopus #2 in The Little Mermaid Jr. This is Tatiana’s school theatre debut, and she is thrilled to bring her love of performance to the stage. She has previously participated in several church productions, including lead roles such as Claudia Crab in True North, Spider Girl in A Superhero Christmas, and Emma (City Kid) in The True Meaning of Christmas. Outside of theatre, Tatiana is a dedicated student who dreams of attending Harvard University to pursue a medical degree.