These Shining Lives Cast

Michaela is beyond excited to return to the acting world after a semester off. While this is her first show with MUW Theatre, she is not new to the performing arts. She has been a dancer for 16 years. Additionally, she was a founding student of Golden Triangle Theatre Academy, which she continued with for her entire high school career. Her favorite roles include Anna of Arendelle in Frozen, Clarisse La Rue in The Lightning Thief, and Grace in Annie. Michaela aspires to study drama in Europe in the near future. Throughout this production of These Shining Lives, she has fallen in love with the strong female characters and the important story they have to tell. Michaela hopes you enjoy the show and come to love these characters as much as she has.

Julia Mortyakova (Charlotte) previously appeared as Old Woman in The Chairs and as Elizabeth Caulder in Laundry and Bourbon in recent productions of the W Department of Theatre. She was Bodey in the Tennessee Williams Theater Production of A Lovely Sunday for A Picnic at Creve Coeur. A concert pianist, she serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Music and the Artistic Director of the International Annual Music by Women Festival at the W. Dr. Mortyakova is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, Vanderbilt University, New York University and the University of Miami. Recent awards include the 2026 Performing Arts Fellowship from the Mississippi Arts Commission and the 2025 Kossen Faculty Excellence Award. She would like to thank Director Kathy Newman for the opportunity to learn from the best!

Tiffany Winter (Frances) is excited to be on stage with MUW Theatre Department’s These Shining Lives! Previously, she has appeared in Golden Triangle Theatre’s The Glass Menagerie (Laura), The Christmas Carol (Cook) and in her church’s various drama programs. On top of working in the Provost Office at MUW, she keeps busy with her side hustle of pet sitting. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, aggravating her son like only a mother can, and finding occasions to paint without her two cats or dog inspecting or adding to her work. She would like to give a shout out to the cast, crew and director for all of their hard work and dedication.

Sarah Smith (Pearl Payne) is a freshman at the W. She graduated from the Mississippi School of the Arts. Her most notable performances at MSA were Lady Teazle in The School for Scandal, and as Little Stone in Eurydice. Her most notable achievement, in 2025 she was awarded first place for her monologue at the Tennessee Williams Festival in Clarksdale, MS.

Payton Bellew (Tom) has been doing theatre since high school. He’s is a sound designer and has designed sound for many shows, most recently for MUW’s productions of Still Life with Iris, Two Rooms and No Exit..

Montarius Henderson (Mr.Reed) is a junior studying theatre at The W and is excited to be part of the production, These Shining Lives. This production marks one of his continued experiences performing in live theatre, where he enjoys developing characters and bringing stories to life on stage. In addition to stage acting, Montarius is also interested in voice acting. He plans to continue pursuing acting opportunities and developing his skills as both a stage and voice actor. He would like to thank the cast, crew, and audience for their continued support of live theatre and this production.