We Will Rock You - School Edition Cast

Kevin Polke (Form VI) is excited to bring We Will Rock You to life in his final musical production at Shady Side Academy. As a senior, Kevin has taken on a variety of memorable roles at SSA, including Chuck in She Kills Monsters, Wayne Hopkins in Puffs, Macduff in Macbeth, and most recently Henry Domin in R.U.R. He’s incredibly grateful for the friends and memories made along the way. Kevin looks forward to closing this chapter with his SSA family and thanks everyone for their support!

Juliet Krokosky(Form VI) is so excited to be acting in her final high school play RUR. After a lifetime at shady side and all four years of high school theater she feels well prepared to put on her very last show at Shady Side. After many great shows at shady side academy including Tilly in she kills monsters, Lady Macduff in Macbeth, and Candy in Zombie Prom, Juliet is so excited to be this amazing piece of theater on stage for her final year. Dancing at M and M dance academy, being president of the drama club, and participating in the musical have been highlights for Juliet and have well prepared her for her high school career in theater. She would like to thank her Mom, Dad, and Brother for supporting her through everything and our amazing director Dek ingraham for helping her grow into the actress and person she is today!

Ava Isasky (Form V) is beyond thrilled to return to the stage as Killer Queen in Shady Side Academy's performance of We Will Rock You! From an early age, the arts have been an essential part of Ava's life. She has been singing since she could talk and began dancing at just three years old, performing with various dance schools. Last year, Ava had the supporting role as Ginger in SSA's production of Zombie Prom. Ava's love for the stage extends far beyond her recent performances. She has been involved in numerous musicals and plays throughout elementary and middle school. In addition to theater, she played piano and was a dedicated member of the Eastern Area Youth Chorale for four years. She now continues to strengthen her vocal talents as a member of Shady Side's Chamber Choir and the Bulldog Bellas, the school's all-female a cappella group. Beyond the stage, Ava brings her energy and enthusiasm to the Shady Side cheer squad, where she combines her spirit and dance skills to support the SSA football team. Whether she's singing, acting, dancing, or cheering, Ava is always excited to share her passion for the performing arts. She would like to thank her mother, father, and older sister, Ella, for supporting her through it all. Ava can't wait to bring the powerhouse role of Killer Queen to life—get ready for a show that will rock you!

Zoe Freyberg (Form IV) is so excited to take part in this year's Winter Musical, We Will Rock You! Theater is one of Zoe's passions, and she is so thrilled to take part in theater experiences at the Senior School. In the past, she has been in fifteen productions. Some of her favorite roles were (but not limited to!) Shrek in Shrek Jr., Olaf in Frozen Jr., and more recently, Nana in Shady Side Academy's Rossum's Universal Robots this fall. Some of her other interests include baking, STEM, reading, and spending time with her cat, Cookie. She is so excited for all of the wonderful theatrical opportunities to come here at the Senior School!

Juliet Sykes (Form III) is so excited to be playing Oz in the SSA production of We Will Rock You! This is her first year at Shady Side Academy and she is having a fantastic time. Juliet has done many musicals such as Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Shrek Jr, 42nd Street, Matilda, Spongebob, Once Upon a Mattress and more. In her free time she enjoys singing, spending time with her friends and family, baking and partaking in acting lessons. In the summertime, she enjoys traveling with her family and she performs in a musical theater intensive camp called PAC. PAC puts on 2 extraordinary shows in 3 weeks! She would like to thank her loving family (and 2 golden retrievers) for constantly supporting her and cheering her on as well as her awesome friends. She would also like to thank Thom McLaughlin for being such an amazing acting teacher and mentor, Pam Gregg for all of her theater wisdom and guidance and Molly Stater for being a great voice teacher. Without all of these influences in her life she would not be the same person. Juliet has loved getting to know the cast and has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of We Will Rock You!

Noah Thompson-Jones (Form IV) is absolutely ecstatic to be a part of the cast and the theatre department here at Shady Side Academy. He joined Shady Side Academy in 6th grade and has embraced the opportunities the school has provided in both academics and extracurriculars. Noah’s passion for theatre began in the seventh grade when he first stepped into the world of performing arts. Since then, he has appeared in a total of six, soon to be seven, shows here at SSA. These productions include memorable roles in Mary Poppins Jr., Frozen Jr., Order Up, Macbeth, Zombie Prom, and R.U.R. Most recently, he is thrilled to be a part of We Will Rock You, continuing his theatrical journey. In addition to his theatre pursuits, Noah has also been involved in a series of, shall we say, unique experiences: he has been part of eight overlapping elementary school marriages. Though none of these marriages have ended in divorce quite yet, he admits he is unsure who he is currently married to. Noah is incredibly grateful for the chance to perform and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Oliver Wang (Form V) has worked in crew for 2 years previously without ever remembering to fill out this form. He joined this year's musical from Mr. Gross' encouragement and his personal liking of this year's music, and luckily got this interesting character Khashoggi. One would usually see him working on things in secluded quiet locations around the school and occasionally walk around silently. Please don't disturb him. (EMPHASIZE THAT) Besides music he also does biology and fiction writing. At least, he is far from the average theater kid. If you share with him some good quality metal, rock, jazz, punk or classical music he would enjoy it, but not if you send repetitive, boring pop music; if you recommend to him good, tested cuisines arund the world he would also gladly try them, but definitely not fake Chinese food and some British food; if you send him a good article on neuroscience or cell biology he would read it, but never will he bother to look at pseudoscience scams; if you want him to play some music he knows guitar and his own vocal cord well but not much else; if you give him a good book, movie, anime or tv series he would also watch that, but if what you give him is an unoriginal, boring commercial thing with only expensive (or cheap) effects and not a good story, he would probably not talk to you for a few days; don't make him do sports unless you want to be extremely mean to him.

Jack Bitsoff (Form IV) is excited to perform in Shady Side Academy's production of We Will Rock You as a member of the ensemble. He previously performed in Zombie Prom. Jack has been a part of the SSA community since 6th grade. In his free time, he enjoys running cross country, singing a cappella with Intonations, scuba diving, building LEGO, and hanging out with his two labradors. He would like to thank Dek, Mr. Gross, Dr. O, Mr. Davidheiser, and Mr. Hughes, as well as all of the cast and crew, for such a memorable experience.

Lindey Jane Brody (Form III) is in her second year at Shady Side Academy. She spends practically all of her time dancing at her studio Bodiography, and enjoys ballet, contemporary, jazz, and even creating her own choreography. Though it is her first year at the senior school, she played Dorothy in the middle schools winter production of the Wizard of Oz last year. Her experiences living in Los Angeles has made her very interested in art of many kinds. Dance, Musicals, Paintings, Songs, and Clothes are all mediums of art that Lindey enjoys learning about and exploring. Lindey is so excited to perform for everyone, and show off all the hard work and long hours that the cast has dedicated to this show!

Arnav Dasyam (Form III) is excited to be a part of Shady Side Academy’s production of Rossum’s Universal Robots. With a passion for the stage that began in elementary school, Arnav has embraced every opportunity to perform, showcasing his talents in a variety of theatrical productions and musicals throughout his early years. His stage credits include memorable roles in classics like Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as cherished family favorites such as The Wizard of Oz and High School Musical. Arnav has also acted beyond school productions, notably participating in the Pittsburgh CLO theater program’s production of The Spongebob Musical, where he discovered the thrill of performing in a professional setting. Last season, Arnav also took part in the fall play, Rossum's Universal Robots, where he gained experience for high school level theater. For Arnav, acting is a vital outlet—a way to escape the everyday routine and express himself creatively. Arnav looks forward to the challenges and joys that lie ahead. He hopes you enjoy the show and the journey it takes you on!

Lauren Grand (Form III) has been involved in theatre since she was around eight years old. She has been a dancer of tap, ballet, jazz, and lyrical since she was very young and was thrilled to be a part of the dance ensemble. In the middle school, Lauren performed as the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, along with being cast as ‘middle Elsa’ in Frozen. We Will Rock You has been her first high school production and she has really enjoyed the experience.

Peter Huang (Form V) is excited to make his SSA theatre debut in this year's winter musical. After spending nine years in school in Beijing, China, he joined SSA as a freshman and is now in his junior year. Although this is his first time participating in a theatre production, he has been in the school choir group for over a year and currently in chamber choir as a tenor. He has always been interested in music and movies, yet it has been a bit challenging for him to loosen up and assume character well. He has learned a lot with his time with the cast group learning the play and the music. In We Will Rock You, he takes on the role of Bruce Springsteen, a character within the rebel group of the Bohemians, while also performing in the singing ensemble. He looks forward to working with the group to bring the musical to life and share it with the SSA community.

Orion Kolek (Form VI) is incredibly excited to be a part of this amazing production of We Will Rock You. As a big Queen fan, they are incredibly excited for the opportunity to perform these iconic songs on stage. As this is their last musical at Shady Side, Orion is honored to be representing the ensemble for the fourth time in their high school career, and is very proud of what they have accomplished. Orion has been an active member of Shady Side’s performing arts community since freshman year. On the acting side, they previously portrayed one of the Weird Sisters in Macbeth and Consul Busman in R.U.R., while on the musical side they featured ensemble roles in the musicals Zombie Prom, Chicago, and Pippin. Outside of acting, Orion enjoys politics, history, reading, and running, and plans to study Political Science and Economics at Wesleyan University in the fall. Orion would like to thank Dek Ingraham, Austin Davidheiser, Jeff Gross, Dr. Amanda Olmstead, Tron McConnell, and the amazing cast and crew that helped bring this production together. Congratulations on an amazing production to all involved.

Cassie Li (Form V) is excited to perform in the musical. She started performing in her Freshman year. She enjoys being on stage and shows her best performance in front of the audience. It is a pleasure for her to perform in this year's musical We Will Rock You. Hope everyone enjoys the show!

Anna Litster (Form IV) is very excited to be in her fourth production at the high school. She just recently played robot Helena in RUR and had an amazing time. In her spare time Anna enjoys painting, softball, and listening to music. She is also the vice president of gargoyle society (the drama club at SSA). She would like to thank Dek, her friends, and her parents for supporting her.

Drew Little (Form IV) is super excited to be in cast this year for We Will Rock You. Last year, he was in crew, and took on the important role of being a spotlight in last year’s Zombie Prom. While he enjoyed crew thoroughly, he wanted to expand his views on musical theater by joining cast this year! Despite having no prior experience with acting or musicals, he was able to get a named role and is trying to fulfill it to the best of his ability. In his free time, he enjoys singing, gaming, and goofing off with his friends.

Violet McGuigan (Form III) is excited to be part of the ensemble this year. While this is not her first musical, this is her first musical in high school. She joined the musical because she likes to sing. In her free time, she reads a lot of books, hangs out with her cat, and bakes fun desserts. She has a good memory, and memorizes poetry to recite for fun. When the weather is nice (or sometimes even when it isn’t), she enjoys hiking in the woods near her home, kayaking, and gardening. She has an unmatchable fondness for the color purple, only partly driven by her name. Her favorite part of being in the musical is spending time with her friends, many of whom are part of the cast. She hopes that everyone enjoys watching the musical; the entirety of the cast, crew, and orchestra have put a lot of hard work into it, and the finished product is not one to miss.

Makayla Miller (Form IV) is thrilled to be a part of the wonderful cast of We Will Rock You. Makayla has been a part of the SSA community for 2 years and had the pleasure of performing Zombie Prom with SSA last year. All of her life Makayla has done theater. She has been a part of several plays, both homemade and Shakespeare, along with several musicals such as Alice and Wonderland and Zombie Prom; also very excited to add We Will Rock You to the list of productions. She is very excited to dance and perform for everyone and is very delighted by the experience the musical has given her.

Kelita Nolan (Form VI) is returning to the stage after three shows as Assistant Director, including an award-winning production of Macbeth. While at SSA, she has previously taken on the roles of Hannah (Puffs) and Sulla (R.U.R.). She is excited for her last show, and hopes to make the most of it!

Isabelle Pitt (Form III) is thrilled to be participating in this year's musical. This year is her first time participating in the Senior school’s musical. Outside of school, Isabelle enjoys drawing, watching Netflix, playing Dress to Impress, and indulging in her love for spicy ramen. Over the years, Isabelle has been involved in past productions, including Frozen Jr. and The Wizard of Oz during her middle school years. She is excited to continue her journey in theater and hopes to work hard toward earning a larger role next year. Regardless of the role, she loves the supportive and energetic atmosphere created by her fellow cast members. In her free time, Isabelle enjoys a diverse range of music, from pop to alternative rock and folk. She was especially excited when she first learned which musical she would be a part of, as she has always loved listening to Queen and other 70s bands with her family. Being part of this production means a lot to her, and she is grateful to be surrounded by such a talented cast. Isabelle hopes the audience enjoys the show just as much as she has enjoyed being a part of it, and she can’t wait to share the experience with everyone!

Pilar Placci (Form III) can’t wait to perform this year's musical, We Will Rock You. She has been in theater since 6th grade and ever since performing her first role in Mary Poppins, has loved it. Moving from a stage in a cafeteria with “horrible acoustics” according to Mr. Broker, to the huge stage in Hillman has been a big change, but nonetheless a challenge that has easily been overcome. When she isn’t practicing lines or music, Pilar is found hanging out with her friends, joking around, and watching Noah, Shalin and Sam “argue” about the Eagles. In her free time she draws, plays tennis, and dances around in her room; she gets caught from time to time by her dad. Also fun fact, when celebrating her Aunt’s birthday, she decided to blow out the birthday candles for herself. The waiter re-lit the candles don’t worry. With the friends she's made in this musical so far and the fun she’s had, Pilar hopes to continue this passion. She can’t wait to see the people in the crowd, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Aidan Prouty (Form VI) can't believe that this is his final high school production at SSA! The past four years being a part of the theater community have been a blast and are something that he will cherish forever! He has made some wonderful memories with his castmates over the years and he is thankful to everyone he has encountered along the way. He hopes you enjoy his final act, We Will Rock You!

Lily Salmond is a Form III student who is excited to be in her first school musical. She has attended Shady Side Academy since 6th grade after moving to Pittsburgh from New Mexico. She is thrilled to be a member of the dance ensemble, as she enjoys dancing. She has had some musical experience from a camp in her 8th grade summer, and she has been in the 6th and 7th grade school play. Despite having some previous experience, Lily would like to work on her acting and improve her dancing and singing in the hopes that next year she can have a slightly larger role. When she's not at school, she likes to spend her free time drawing, dancing, or watching Squid Game. She enjoys listening to pop, hip-hop, and alternative rock, although she is fond of many kinds of music. She also plays the guitar for a band from Sunburst School of Music called Aurora. Her favorite foods are sushi, ramen, and cheesecake, but she is a big fan of all types of sweets. Lily has had a great time with her friends working in the musical and is excited for everyone to see the final performances. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Corinne Sample (Form III) is so excited to be a part of this production! This is Corinne's first SSA show and her first year at Shady Side, and she has loved both! Before coming to Shady Side, Corinne has performed in Narnia, High School Musical, Annie, and Frozen. Corinne loves singing, both in the musical and with Shady Side's Bulldog Bellas. When she is not participating in musical, Corinne can be found playing tennis, guitar, or flute. She also enjoys writing and reading. She is very grateful to her family for their support and for her voice teacher Mrs. Fire. She would also like to thank Dek, Mr. Davidheiser, Mr. Gross, Dr. O, Mr. Hughes, the cast, and crew for all of their hard work on this show!

Talia Schwartz (Form III) is excited to join this production. She is in ninth grade and moved to Pittsburgh from Maryland two and a half years ago. This is her first year at Shady Side Academy, and she is thrilled to have joined this community. Previous roles have included Bulda (Frozen Jr, Community Day School) and ensemble (Oliver! CESJDS). Talia loves nature, traveling, and her family. In her spare time, she enjoys playing piano, singing, reading, and playing tennis among other activities. Talia has really enjoyed rehearsing with her friends over the last couple of months and is looking forward to opening night.

Minna Ivy Seo (Form IV) has long had a love of dance. From competitive Irish Dance at Burke Conroy, to hip hop workshops and classes at Level Up Studios, she has been an avid explorer of dance medium. Apart from this, she found her love for singing during the worldwide quarantine. Now, without the constraints of the pandemic, she pursues vocal lessons and outside performances, such as those at CLO. Though she loves musicals, her real passion can be found in rock, jazz, and medieval music. This year, she is excited to join as a feature dancer in the musical, a jukebox musical dedicated to one of her favorite bands: Queen.

Hanna Singhi (Form IV) joined Shady Side Academy in 6th grade and is excited to be in her second musical production at the Senior School. Beginning her formal dance training at the age of three, Hanna has always had a passion for movement. Over the years, she has received training from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, Allegro Ballet Academy, and Yanlai Dance Academy. She was also accepted into and completed Boston Ballet School’s Summer Dance Program. Outside of dance, Hanna plays the piano and violin. In addition, she is a member of the Pittsburgh Northstars Rhythmic Program and was recognized by the Pennsylvania Senate for winning the 2024 National Advanced Group Championship with her team. When she’s not dancing or at gymnastics, Hanna likes to read, hang out with friends, and sleep in.

Özge Ada Uzman (Form IV) is very excited to work with this wonderful group of people again! Harboring an interest for all things theatrical since her elementary years, she has taken voice, acting, and dance lessons at the Pittsburgh CLO, and continues to dance outside of school, now serving as one of the Dance Captains on the production. Apart from musical theater, she is an avid writer, rarely without a new story brewing in her mind, and she participates in competitive robotics, serving as her team’s Outreach Director. She often enjoys listening to ‘70s-‘80s rock with her friends and parents, and this fact, partnered with her various aforementioned interests, equips her well for this particular show, a futuristic narrative bolstered by Queen’s captivating discography! Break a leg, everyone!

Siena Weber (Form III). A former competitive gymnast, she has turned her passion to musical theatre and is delighted to take part in her 14th musical production: Wizard of Oz (Wicked Witch); Frozen (Kristof); Aladdin (Jafar); Mattress (Princess #12); Mathilda (Escapologist); SpongeBob (Karen); Cinderella (Evil Stepmother); Mean Girls (Shayne Oman/French Teacher); 30 Reasons (Mia); Seussical (Wickersham); Chicago (Kitty/Featured Dancer). Siena is thrilled to be a featured dancer and Killer Queen introducer in this production! When not in rehearsal, she can be found playing volleyball, at the Tech Hub as a Maker Maven, doing Rocketry, at the Civil Air Patrol, or helping out with the production Crew.