This is Ms. Cooper-Schmidt's ninth year directing productions and teaching theatre and dance at NVCA. She launched NVCA's theatre and dance program back in 2017. It has grown by leaps and bounds while also developing some of the valley's favorite youth performers. She has been a theatre and dance teacher, aerial arts trainer, choreographer, and performer for more than 30 years. Ms. Cooper is delighted to be directing Willy Wonka JR. Favorite productions she has directed, choreographed, and produced include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Little Mermaid JR., Beauty and the Beast JR., Aladdin JR., Frozen JR., Mary Poppins Jr., Alice in Wonderland, No Body to Murder, and one of the nation’s largest Christmas productions, The Celebration of Christmas, in addition to several summer theater camps and dramas. She performs locally in the Phoenix-metro area as professional vocalist, actor, dancer, and aerialist. She has performed on several of the valley’s stages in various musicals, as well as cabarets. As a multiple award winning actress, some of her favorite roles performed include, Maria Rainer/Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" (Zoni Nominated-Best Actress in a Musical), Annie Oakley – "Annie Get Your Gun", Babe Williams in "The Pajama Game", Narrator in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", Doralee in "9 to 5 The Musical" (Zoni Nominated Best Actress in a Musical), Jemima in "Cats" (Prizm Award), Truly Scrumptious in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", Maggie in “A Chorus Line”, Hope in "Anything Goes" and Marian Paroo (x2) -"The Music Man" (Annie Award). Ms. Cooper has trained under Hollywood and Broadway legend, Dee Dee Wood who choreographed the original Mary Poppins (featuring Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke), The original Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and more! She would like to thank her family for their unwavering support and her creative team and cast for being amazing to work with! Special thank you to Kent for coming aboard the Wonka train to musically direct! Developing her students in their gifts has been one of the favorite parts of her job as well as ensuring EVERY student has an opportunity to shine! Ms. Cooper's alma mater is GCU where she graduated with honors and on the President's List. Ms. Cooper is also a board member of the Arizoni Theatre Association as well as a member of The National Dance Education Association/AzDEO. Additionally, she is a member of Musical Theatre Educators Alliance. She has thoroughly enjoyed her post-retirement years where she gets to pour into her students and community. She believes in always putting forth the best, working hard always with grit and excellence, and showing compassion and love in the community she serves. In her free time, she enjoys spending days with her family in nature, anything fitness related, rolling in moss, and cooking – Colossians 3:23, Ecclesiastes 9:10 & Galatians 5:22-23

Kent Campbell is thrilled to serve at North Valley Christian Academy as Music Director for “Willy Wonka, Jr.” This is his 1st show at NVCA. Kent started his musical theater activities in 2016 and has been MD for shows at Fountain Hills Youth Theatre, Desert Stages, Desert Foothills and Starlight Community Theater. Schools where he has been music director for musicals include Annunciation Catholic School and Ville DeMarie Academy. He has worked with Kim Cooper previously when she starred in “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Sound of Music” at Desert Foothills Theater. Kent currently serves as full-time Director of Music at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church in Scottsdale, directing 6 different choirs there. Kent spent over 20 years in IT Senior Management before embarking in 2008 on his 2nd career as a full-time musician and conductor. Kent started playing piano at age 6, and has played piano for groups like the West Valley Symphony and the AZMTO. Solo performers he’s worked with include William Warfield, Florence Henderson and Oscar-award winning actor J.K. Simmons. Many thanks to Kim and Cristina for their support and confidence. He’s looking forward to meeting and working with so many talented students and supportive faculty and parents!

Natalie is an art teacher and the Technical Theater Director for the first year at NVCA. She has taught art and worked on the Spring Musical at NVCA for the past three years. Passionate about creativity and stage design; she inspires students through visual and performing arts.

Kirk serves as an IT Director and Technical Engineer and has been a dedicated supporter of the school’s theatre program for the past six years. He brings valuable technical expertise to each production, assisting behind the scenes to ensure performances run smoothly and efficiently. His commitment to excellence and willingness to serve have made him an integral part of the musical theatre experience, faithfully supporting both students and staff in bringing each show to life. Kirk is also a devoted husband and father of two sons, Ian and Tobin. His beloved wife, Laura, is an accomplished and award-winning choir teacher and director at Cactus High School.

Dash is a junior in high school with a passion for both performance and leadership in theater. In addition to acting and singing, he has served as an intern and teaching assistant for several theater camps at Arizona Broadway Theatre, where he discovered a love for mentoring younger performers. Willy Wonka marks his debut as an Assistant Director, and he is excited to take on this new role behind the scenes. Dash is incredibly grateful to Ms. Cooper for her guidance, instruction, and unwavering support throughout his journey.

Luke David was delighted to serve as the Assistant Stage Manager for Wonka Jr., helping support the cast and crew behind the scenes. He enjoys performing, speaking, and using his gifts to encourage others. Luke has appeared in stage productions including Mary Poppins and Alice In Wonderland at NVCA and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe with Shine Theater. His creative endeavors go beyond theater, including making films, playing piano, and inventing and starting businesses of all kinds. Luke is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this production and hopes it brings encouragement and joy to everyone watching.

Madison Nishimura is excited to be performing as Ms. Beauregarde in NVCA’s production of Mary Poppins. A senior in high school, Madison has been involved in several NVCA productions, previously appearing in the ensemble for the past two shows and performing as Miss Smythe in last year’s production of Mary Poppins. Outside of school theater, Madison dances competitively and has been dancing since she was three years old. She brings her strong dance background and love of performance to the stage in every role she takes on. Madison is also proud to have assisted with choreography in this production, adding her creativity and passion for choreography to the show. Madison is grateful for the opportunity to continue growing as both a performer and choreographer and is excited to share this production with the audience.

Mrs. Barreda is in her eighth year with the NVCA Spring Musicals and her fourth year serving as the Fine Arts Director at North Valley Christian Academy. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education. Mrs. Barreda is passionate about developing the arts and creating meaningful opportunities for students at NVCA. She is dedicated to using the arts to inspire creativity, excellence, and purpose, striving to do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Megan is the Preschool and Elementary Performing Arts Teacher at NVCA and is also a NVCA Alumni. She graduated from Grand Canyon University in Spring of 2025 with a BA in Professional Writing for New Media. After graduating college, she followed God's calling to be a music teacher, which also led her back to NVCA. Megan has been involved in music and theatre since she was very young. She has been singing for as long as she remembers and loves using her gifts to glorify God. She is grateful to be working as the Performing Arts Teacher and loves seeing her students glorify God through music and theatre! Megan has performed in multiple musicals in the past, with her favorites being the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (NVCA), Ensemble in Annie Get Your Gun (Desert Foothills Theatre), and Belle in Beauty and the Beast Jr. (NVCA). She also loves singing for worship team at her Bible study group. When she is not teaching or performing, Megan loves to read, write, scrapbook and spend time with her family and friends. Miss McCrory is very proud of her Candy Chorus students and loves seeing them shine on the stage!

Catie has been helping with NVCA theater for several years in different capacities. Her son, Caleb, and her daughter, Audrey, are both enjoying being in Willy Wonka this year. Catie and her husband, Jeremy, are also the lead pastors at Summit Church in Anthem and she also enjoys substitute teaching when she can.  She is thankful to be a part of such a great cast and crew!

Stella Fowler is an emerging mixed media artist based in Arizona’s Valley. An identical twin, creativity has always been a meaningful part of her life and artistic journey. She works across many mediums, from painting mirrors and custom surfaces to creating detailed digital art. Stella is also on staff at North Valley Christian Academy, where she continues to inspire creativity while growing as an artist in the Valley.

Olivia Frasca is an emerging artist in Arizona’s Valley. Working in partnership with her identical twin sister, she is building their creative business while growing their presence in the art world. Olivia focuses on creating fine art with the goal of exhibiting in galleries, using her work to explore creativity, expression, and visual storytelling.

Anna Frasca is an emerging artist in the Valley exploring the intersection of fashion design, 3D art, and mixed media. An alumni of North Valley Christian Academy (NVCA), she creates work that blends sculptural forms, textiles, and experimental materials. Currently studying fashion design and three-dimensional art, she continues to develop a creative style that merges wearable design with contemporary artistic expression.

Zach is a senior and a key part of NVCA’s technical theatre team. He enjoys being part of the musicals and working alongside his crew to bring each production together. With a sharp ear and steady focus, Zach helps keep everything on cue and running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether it’s hitting the perfect moment or making sure every sound comes through just right, he plays a big role in keeping the show on track!

Brayden is a senior and a shining part of NVCA’s technical theatre team! He loves being part of the musicals and working alongside his crew to bring each production to life—helping set the tone, highlight every big moment, and keep things glowing behind the scenes. Known for his strong work ethic and great attitude, Brayden always gives it his all and truly helps the show sparkle!

Penelope is a freshman with a creative passion for bringing characters to life behind the scenes. In addition to designing props for Willy Wonka Jr., she has developed a strong talent for theatrical makeup. This marks her fourth musical assisting with makeup at NVCA, where her artistry has helped transform performers into unforgettable characters such as the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland, the Chimney Sweeps in Mary Poppins Jr., and the sea creatures in The Little Mermaid Jr. Her creativity and dedication help bring each production vividly to life.

Karter is a sophomore who is excited to return to the production team for her second show working with cast makeup. She enjoys contributing behind the scenes and takes pride in helping bring each character to life on stage. Karter is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the theatre program and support her fellow students through her work.