Amanda Simmons is in her 19th year of theatre education. Currently, she serves as Theatre Director and Teacher at Mercy Academy, Louisville, KY. While at Mercy, she has taken students to perform at The Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland with the American High School Theatre Festival, chosen as Chapter Select representing KY Thespian Festival the International Theatre Festival and have brought in artists to develop plays for the students. Amanda received the “Catherine McAuley Service to the School” award in Spring of 2018 from Mercy Academy and the Community Partner Award from Down Syndrome of Louisville. Previously she worked in the Shelby County Public Schools as an Elementary Special Education Teacher and High School Theatre Director, where she produced and directed over 20 theatre productions for ages ranging 6-18. Amanda obtained her B.A. in Humanities, M.A. in Communications at Morehead State University and currently attending Roosevelt University working toward a Masters in Directing.

Jill Sullivan Fulton is excited to be back at Mercy choreographing. She was last seen onstage with Mind's Eye Production Company as Emma Borden in Lizzie the Musical. Jill has also performed with Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Pandora Productions, CenterStage, MTL, Paddlewheel Productions, the Ivoryton Playhouse and the Hudson Theater Ensemble. Her favorite roles; Tracy Turnblad - Hairspray, Logainne - Spelling Bee, Jan - Grease, Roberta - Zanna Don't, Georgie - The Full Monty, and Shirley Markowitz - The Producer. Jill has performed at Walt Disney World in shows and parades and currently teaches voice and dance at Dacensation Studios. By day, Jill teaches 4th grade at Lincoln Performing Arts School. I can’t thank Ms. Simmons enough for her friendship and support that is at the heart of Mercy Theater. Now, onto the revolting children!

Claire Walsh (Production Manager) is a Junior at Mercy Academy and this is her fourth production with Mercy’s Theatre Department. Her previous shows at Mercy include, Xanadu (Ensemble/Soloist), The Old Man And The Old Moon (Stage Manager), and 9to5 (Stage Manager). She is excited to continue her work in Tech Theatre in our upcoming productions and enjoys seeing all her friends grow into amazing actors/actresses. She would also like to thank the directors, choreographers, cast, and fellow stage managers for their incredible work they have all put into the show! She hopes that the audience loves the musical and has a fantastic time!!

Bailey Barnett (Marketing Coordinator) is an English teacher at Mercy, and former cast/crew member of various Mercy Academy Theatre productions from her time as a student! She is very excited to be back at Mercy and joining in with theatre like the good old days.

Zoey Kaiser (Head Stage Manager) is a junior at Mercy. This is her fourth production at Mercy. She was an assistant Stage Manager in Xanadu. She was a Stage Manager In The Old Man and The Old Moon. She was assistant Stage Manager in 9to5 She would like to thank her friends for making the journey so fun!

Ari Contreras is a junior at Mercy Academy. This is her second show as tech crew for the Mercy Theatre Department. She participated in 9 to 5 as member of the set design and props team. This is her first show as Head of Costumes, Hair, and Makeup. Her areas of interest include reading, writing, and theatre. She is enrolled in Tech Theatre 2, where she hopes to learn the skills necessary to help in many more Mercy Productions. She has a passion for musicals and screenplay writing. And hopes everyone enjoys the fun and joy encapsulated in Matilda.

Havy Nguyen (Assistant Stage Manager) is currently a sophomore at Mercy Academy. This is her second production with Mercy and her first year stage managing. She was a part of the ensemble in The Old Man And The Old Moon and so glad to be a part of another show here at Mercy!

Hadley Klusman (Props Head and Assistant Set Designer) is a junior at Mercy. This is her 5th show at Mercy, she has worked on Ten Minute Plays, Camron the Mango (Set & Props Assistant), Xanadu (Lighting), The Old Man and the Old Moon (Set & Props Assistant), and 9 to 5 (Props Head & Assistant Set Designer). She would like to thank the whole tech team, Olivia B, the Squyres, and especially Billy Patrick. She is so excited to continue learning and growing in the theater and to bring this show to life with her Mercy theater family!

Jackie Krebs (Hair and Makeup) is a sophomore at Mercy Academy. This is her fourth show at Mercy, the first being The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin) and the second being The Old Man and the Old Moon (Ensemble/Singer), and the third being 9 to 5 (Ensemble). She is excited to be joining the tech crew this year! She thanks the tech crew for being so accepting to her and helping her find a new hobby she enjoys. She is so proud of the entire cast and crew for their hard work.

Ava Smalley (Lighting Technician/Assistant Production Manager) is a sophomore at Mercy Academy and this is her third production with the Mercy Theater Department. In the past she has done The Old Man and The Old Moon (Technical Assistant/Run crew) and 9 to 5 (Intern Production Manager/Run Crew/Technical Assistant). She is excited to do more shows with Mercy Theater Department in the future and hopes you enjoy the show.

Lauren Land (Sound Designer) is a senior at Mercy Academy. This is her sixth Mercy Theatre Production. She has previously worked on Peter Pan as the Soundboard Operator and a Sound Designer for the 10 minute plays, Old Man and the Old Moon, Xanadu, and 9 to 5. She is very excited to be able to work on this show and would like to thank everyone who supported her during this show, as well as the other design leads for all of the work they’ve put into this production.