Once Upon a Mattress Jr. Creative

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Production Director
S. Winters
Stephanie Winters is the theater teacher and Production Director here at Heritage Middle School. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas, doubling her major in Art and Performance. With a minor in lighting design and stage management, Stephanie has been able to work in many positions in theaters across the United States. She received her MFA in the Humanities from the University of Dallas with a focus on Ancient World and Classical Theater. Stephanie has worked in Shakespeare festivals across the United States, taken classes and performed at The Globe Theater in London and the Royal Shakespeare Company in Warwickshire, England. She is a lifetime member of the International Thespian Society, a member of TETA, USITT, and the Tennessee Arts Academy. She is most proud of her two children: her daughter graduated from Vanderbilt last May and now lives in Boston where she is studying to be a lawyer, and her son is completing his sophomore year at DePaul University in Chicago majoring in film (and killing it!) Her own children and yours inspire her daily as well as her husband of 24 years who not only watches every show but supports the show in any way that he can. This is her 19th year teaching and mostly enjoys watching kids learn how to express themselves through the arts and introducing them to the magical world of theater.
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Music Director
Raymond Meza
Raymond Meza is the choir teacher here at Heritage Middle School and is currently in his fourth year of teaching, and loving it! He currently lives in Columbia with his lovely wife, Tristen, and his awesome dog, Emmett. He recently graduated from MTSU with a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance. Raymond also serves as the Performing Arts Chair as The Maury County Arts Guild where he oversees productions. He has played many roles such as Jean Valjean in Les Miserable, John Truit in Meet Me in St. Louis, and Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie. He has also been the music director for Little Shop of Horrors, Wizard of Oz and directed Into the Woods. Raymond is so excited to have an opportunity to work with all of these wonderful, fantastic students!
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Assistant Director
Charlotte Grant
Charlotte is in 8th grade and is Assistant Director. She has been in the crew for all of the plays and musicals since she was in 6th grade. In her free time she likes hanging out with friends and family. She would like to thank Ms. Winters for letting her be a part of every show since she was a 6th grader.
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Co-Stage Manager
Kendal Addison
Kendal is in 8th grade and is one of the show's Co-Stage Managers on the leadership crew. Kendal's favorite shows that she has worked on are Beetlejuice and Greek Mythology Olypiaganza. Kendal is also involved in the Woman's Choral and loves to draw. Kendal would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her and giving her the chance to do theater.
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Co Stage Manager
Madelyn Todd
Madelyn is in the 8th grade and is a co-stage manager. She has worked on The Wizard of Oz, Beetlejuice, and many more. When not working on a show she spends her time hanging out with friends and playing soccer. She would like to thank her family for giving her this opportunity.
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Co Assistant Stage Manager
Maddie McCarver
Maddie is in 8th grade and a co- assistant stage manager for this show. She has also participated in Beetlejuice and The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, which makes this her third show. When not in theater, Maddie plays violin, guitar, and drums, and also does arts and crafts. She would like to thank her friends, family, and teachers Ms. Winters and Mr. Meza for always encouraging her and supporting her.
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Co Assistant Stage Manager
Mollie Gerstenfeld
Mollie is a 7th grader in the leadership crew. She has been a part of the crew for Beetlejuice and The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza . Her other hobbies are art and she does karate. She is currently working on her junior black belt training. She would like to thank Ms. Winters and Mr. Meza, along with her friends in the crew and cast.
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Props Crew
Alexis Abram
Alexis is in the 6th grade and is in the Prop Crew. Alexis really loves drawing and art and playing her instruments. This is Alexis' first time working in a show. She would really like to thank her mom, her dad, and her instrument teachers for giving her the opportunity to do this despite the interfering schedules.
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Stage Crew
Lily Herb
Lily is in the 6th grade and is excited to be a part of the crew. She has previously done two shows: The Lion King and the Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. She likes to play tennis, crochet key-chains, read and write. She'd like to thank her parents for bringing her to the many rehearsals and her directors for this opportunity.
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Microphone Tech
Mariana Cota
Mariana is in 8th grade and is the Microphone Tech. She has done two shows before which include Beetlejuice and The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. She is in choir, plays the clarinet in band, and plays soccer. She’d like to thank Mr. Meza, Ms. Winters, and her family for always supporting her.
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Costume Head
Loralie Elgie
Loralie is in 7th grade and is the Costume Head. In her free time, Loralie enjoys annoying her siblings and doing crafts. Loralie also worked on The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. Lastly, Loralie would like to thank her mama and papa for allowing her to participate.
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Props Crew
Ayva Disher
Ayva is in 8th grade and she is on Backstage and Props Crew. She loves crafts, rollerblading, and being outdoors. She would like to thank her mom, her sibling, and her director Ms. Winters for the experience.
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Stage Crew
Elena Nelms
Elena is in 8th grade and is part of the Backstage Crew. In Elena's free time, she likes to write and she is also involved in choir. Elena worked on the backstage crew for GMO too. She would like to thank her friends and family for being there for her.
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Sound Tech
Kavya Patmor
Kavya is in the 8th grade and is the Sound Tech. She has participated in all shows since 6th grade, but some of her favorites are The Wizard of Oz and Beetlejuice. In her spare time, she enjoys dance. Kavya would like to thank Ms. Winters for giving her this experience.
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Backstage Crew
Riley Ramza
Riley is in the 8th grade and is in the Backstage Crew. When not working on plays, Riley writes poetry and makes short films. Riley was a part of the backstage crew for The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. Riley would like to thank Ms. Winters and Mr. Meza for this opportunity and their support.
Choreograher
Kayli Sturgeon
Kayli Sturgeon is in 8th grade and she is one of the choreographers for this musical. This is the first show she has worked with and she loved the experience. Outside of musicals, she likes to do cheer and dance. She would like to thank her director Ms. Winters for the opportunity to be a part of this show.
Choreographer
Addi Small
Addie is in the 8th grade and she is one of the choreographers for this musical. This was her first show to work on and she enjoyed her time with the cast! Outside of the musical Addie loves to dance and cheer. She would like to thank Ms. Winters for the opportunity to choreograph.
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Costumes/Greeter
Kennedy Eschete
Kennedy is in the Greeters and Costume Crew and participated in The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. She participates in tennis, track, and chorus. Kennedy is thankful that Ms. Winters gave her this opportunity and her friends for making theatre even more fun than it already is.
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Costume Crew
Morgan Junious
Morgan is in the 8th grade and is on the Costume Crew. Recently, she has been in costumes for Beetlejuice. She would like to thank her friends for encouraging her to sign up for crew and Ms. Winters for letting her join the show.
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Stage Crew
Billie Cervantes
Billie is in the sixth grade and is making her debut on crew. She would like to thank everyone in the cast and the crew because they have all been so nice to her and so helpful. She is excited for the next play at school.
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Stage Crew
Ivory Cervantes
Ivory is in the 6th grade and is making her debut on crew. When she is not helping with a show, she is watching other plays and productions! Ivory is very excited to hopefully be a part of next year’s production. She would like to thank Ms. Winters for helping her discover her love for theatre.
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Stage Crew
Emily Myers
Emily is in the 6th grade and is a part of the Backstage Crew. This is her first production and she is excited to participate. She would like to thank her sister Haley for inspiring her new love for theater!
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Stage Crew
Myra Khanzode
Myra is in the 6th grade and is on the Backstage Crew. When not participating in theatre, Myra also participates in soccer, orchestra, and learning about space. Once Upon a Mattress is Myra's second show, and she's glad to have had the opportunity to join and learn more about theatre.
Head Greeter
Rilyn Winebrenner
Rilyn Winebrenner is in 8th grade and is a part of the Greeters Crew. She has not been in a show but has loved her experience in Once Upon a Mattress. She loves to play volleyball and works at a pet shop. She would like to thank her family and Carolina for supporting her.
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Costume Crew
Emma Geasley
Emma Geasley is a 8th grader and is a part of Costume Crew. This is her second show but by far her favorite. In her free time, she does dance and rides horses. She would like to thank Ms.Winters for giving her a chance in crew!
Crew
Sophia Killingbeck
Sophia is in 8th grade and this is the first show that she has worked on. She has helped in both costumes and stage crew. She hopes you enjoy the show!
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Props Head
Reagan Brunette
Reagan Brunette is in the 8th grade and is the Props Lead. When not doing shows, she loves to just sit in the outdoors or play volleyball with friends. Her most recent show was the fall show, Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. She would like to thank her mom for encouraging her throughout this experience, but also Charlotte Grant and Keaira Gallagher for being the good friends she needed throughout this musical.
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Stage Crew
Kieara Gallaghar
Keaira Gallagher is in 8th grade and is on the stage crew. Her favorite show that she has done was Beetlejuice. Keaira's other interests are doing tennis and band. She would like to thank her family because they have supported her for every show.

Original Creative Team