Wizard of Oz Youth Edition Cast

Emma Cerrato discovered her love of theater in kindergarten in The Sound of Music with Ms. Debra Fabrizio. Since then, she has grown into a dedicated performer, training at SCS Crusader Theater and now at Palm Harbor University High School. This is her third production with Tampa Bay Performing Arts Academy. Emma continues to explore both acting and technical theater with passion and growth.

Athena is 17 and a high school Junior. She has enjoyed being a cast member for numerous musicals at TBPAA for the last five years. Her credits include Beauty & the Beast, Annie, The Sound of Music, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Mean Girls, High School Musical, Willy Wonka, and Newsies. Athena was a member of TBPAA’s Junior Theater Festival cast this year. She also competed at the district and state levels in the Junior Thespian Festival, earning Superior ratings for improv and ensemble, and stage make-up artistry. She has been a member of the TBPAA’s Elite Dance Team for the past four years

McKinley is 15 years old and is homeschooled. McKinley's past performance credits include: Willy Wonka Jr. (Willy Wonka, Candy Man), Descendants (Chad), The Wizard of Oz (Tin Man), Aladdin (Kassim), The Sound of Music (Captain Von Trapp), and Cinderella KIDS (Prince Charming). McKinley is excited to be playing the Tin Man for the second time. He enjoys playing disc golf and being outdoors in his free time.

Liam (age 9) attends Highland Lakes Elementary School. He has performed in over 10 productions with favorites including: Winnie the Pooh KIDS ( Pooh), Lion King KIDS (Banzai) and Willy Wonka KIDS (Willy Wonka).  Liam has also competed with TBPAA at Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta for the past two years where they won awards for Excellence in Acting and Dance. When not on stage, Liam works in commercial acting and has booked principal roles for both ShopRite and Heinz.

Charlotte is 18 years old and is homeschooled. Charlotte's past performance credits include: Willy Wonka Jr. (Ms. Teavee, Ensemble), Sound of Music (Baroness, Ensemble), Aladdin (Rajah, Ensemble), Cinderella KIDS (Narrator, King), Annie at NY Stage (Mrs. Pugh, Maid, Ensemble), and Sound of Music at NY Stage (Frau Schmit, Nun, Party Guest). She enjoys singing and playing piano with the youth band at her church.

izard of Oz is Haylee’s final performance at TBPAA. This fall, she’ll be majoring in psychology at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Her theater credits include The Lion King Jr. (ensemble), Aladdin Jr. (Manal), Mary Poppins Jr. (George Banks), Mean Girls Jr. (Ms. Norbury), Lion King Jr. (Pumbaa), Annie Jr. (Grace Farrell), Sound of Music Youth (Frau Schmidt), and Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Cogsworth). She was a part of the JTF team in 2025 and 2026, and was on the 2026 Encore team. Haylee is endlessly grateful for the past four years at TBPAA and the friends she’s made here. She also thanks her family for supporting her in everything and is thankful to God for the blessings He has given her.

Katherine Campbell is 15 years-old and is a freshman at Palm Harbor High School. Kat’s credits include: TPBAA’s Encore performance troupe(4 years), JTF team (2 years) Aladdin JR, Mary Poppins JR, the Lion King JR and The Sound of Music teen edition. Palm Harbor Middle School drama club production of Beauty and the Beast JR, and Annie JR. Palm harbor high schools productions of Les Miserables and Anastasia.

Mackenzie is in 4th grade and attends Plato Academy. She has appeared in numerous productions at TBPAA including Aladdin (Iago),The Jungle Book (Kaa), Lion King (Zazu), Winnie-the-Pooh (Rabbit), Frozen Kids, and Annie. She has performed in many showcases with the Junior Encore team. This is also her second year on the Junior Theater Festival Performance Team. In addition to TBPAA, she played Toto in Richey Suncoast Theater’s performance of The Wizard of Oz. In her spare time, she likes to play Dandy’s World and draw

Ophelia, 11, is very excited to be making her stage debut at TBPAA! Far from her home state of California, she has enjoyed spending the first half of 2026 here in Florida - one of the many perks of being homeschooled! Ophelia is enjoying the challenge of being involved in multiple roles and scenes. In her free time she enjoys art, her dogs, and hanging out with family and friends.

Tessa is 16 years old. She is excited to perform in her 3rd show with TBPAA, after being in The Lion King Jr. and The Sound of Music Youth Edition. She also has participated in the Junior Theater Festival in 2025 and 2026. Tessa is a rising junior at Dunedin High School, where she has been recognized for her sound design by Broadway Star of the Future.

Katya is 10 years old, she is a 4th grader at Elisa Nelson. She is performing her second show with TBPAA. She performed in Seussical as her first show. She enjoys reading, drawing, building Lego, and writing, as well as performing arts. She also enjoys fashion and her favorite book series is Harry Potter.

Liza is seven years old, she is in the first grade in Elisa Nelson Elementary. She enjoys reading, writing, drawing, and also building Legos. Her favorite book series is Magic Tree House. She is excited to perform in her first show with TBPAA.

Layne Cousler is thrilled to be a part of her third production with TBPAA. Previously casted in Annie Kids as an Orphan/Butler  and Willy Wonka Junior as Oompa Loompa1/James.  Layne is 10 years old and is in fourth grade at Highland Lakes Elementary School. . She enjoys hanging out with her friends and family , creating videos, art, the beach,swimming,  and playing with her Cocker Spaniel Bodhi.

Ashley is 14 years old and loves singing and performing. She previously performed with TBPAA in Moana Jr. and has been part of school chorus programs for several years. Ashley is currently in Chorus at Alonso High School and is excited to be back on stage with TBPAA.

Brooklyn is excited to be part of The Wizard of Oz. She has performed in many productions with Tampa Bay Performing Arts Academy and has loved every single one. When she’s not on stage, she enjoys singing, dancing, and spending time with her friends and family. She would like to thank her teachers, cast mates, and family for their support and encouragement!

Matilda is 11 years old and is a 6th grader at Carwise Middle. This is her first year and second show with TBPAA. She has performed in Beauty and the Beast (TBPAA), Mary Poppins (Drama Kids) and High School Musical (Drama Kids). Matilda loves art and is very creative. She is thrilled to be a part of this performance and is hoping for many more with TBPAA.

Auden is a creative 8-year-old who previously appeared in The Lion King as Ed the Hyena. He loved bringing Ed’s silly personality and big laughs to the stage.  Outside of theater, Auden enjoys playing baseball, football, and the ukulele.

Maya "MJ" Leopold is 8 years old and thrilled to make her TBPAA debut in The Wizard of Oz as a Lullaby League Tot, a Crow, and a Winged Monkey! MJ is a 3rd grader at the Waldorf School of Tampa Bay. She loves to sing and dance, is always humming a tune, and has an uncanny knack for remembering song lyrics. Her favorite artists are Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Alivia is 16 years old and is excited to perform her second show with TBPAA. She is an upcoming junior at St. Pete Collegiate High School, where she was Jack Skeleton for their winter showcase. She was also part of the ensemble for the Sound Of Music and has done tech for Bright Star.

Tigerlily is eleven years old and very excited to begin in the Wizard of Oz, playing ensemble. She is currently homeschooled and spends her free time making art, watching movies, and playing with her cat. She is elated to have her first show being the Wizard of Oz. She enjoys the time she spends at TBPAA with her cousins and two friends.

Marlie-Rose Otte is a 6th grader at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. She has a passion for theater and was a musical theater company member at a studio in GA where her team placed 1st at a regional competition and she also starred in her school play. This year she participated in her school’s play and is thrilled to join the Tampa Bay Performing Arts studio as she plans on perfecting her talent here for years to come. Outside of acting she plays lacrosse, basketball, soccer, and has a passion for the outdoors.

Zeplin is thrilled to be returning to the stage for his second performance with Tampa Bay Performing Arts Academy! A 4th grader at Lake St. George Elementary, he previously appeared in Frozen Kids, where he took on three different roles. Zeplin is especially excited to be part of The Wizard of Oz this summer. When he’s not performing, he loves drawing and creating music in his free time. He would like to thank his family and teachers for their support!

Raegan is excited to perform in The Wizard of Oz after almost a year at TBPAA! She previously appeared in Finding Nemo and loved being on stage. Raegan is going into 4th grade, and her favorite part of theater is singing and spending time with her theater friends. When she’s not performing, she loves singing, dancing, art and axolotls. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Mia is 10 years old and attends Curtis Fundamental Elementary School. She is excited to play the Mayor of Munchkin City/Ensemble in the The Wizard of Oz. Her previous credits include Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka JR!, Annie JR. (Sandy/Ensemble), Encanto (Tia Pepa), and in a prior production of The Wizard of Oz (Mayor of Munchkin City/Ensemble), along with numerous showcases at TBPAA. Mia is currently a member of TBPAA's Encore team and was a gymnast for six years. In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing, listening to music, and doing her nails.

Asher Stephenson, 9, is excited to make his TBPAA debut as a Lollipop Guild member, Apple Tree #1, and Flying Monkey. He previously played Hansel in The Real Story of Jack and the Beanstalk. Homeschooled, Asher enjoys piano, soccer, football, reading, and Legos, and is known for his kind heart and compassion.

Ezra Stephenson, 6, makes his stage debut as a Lollipop Guild member and Flying Monkey. Homeschooled, he enjoys drums, soccer, football, and Legos. With a big personality and a love for making people laugh, Ezra is thrilled to be part of the show and looks forward to many more performances.

Celeste is thrilled to be performing again with TBPAA! Previous credits include Tiller in Finding Nemo Kids (TBPAA), Cinderella in Fairytale Mashup, Deborah in Sleeping Beauty, and Townsperson in Frozen Jr. (Progressive Arts). She also had the exciting opportunity to write and perform her own original show at Bay Street Theater Camp in Sag Harbor, NY. When she’s not onstage, Celeste loves singing, songwriting, and playing chess. Her parents, sister, Nana, and extended family are incredibly proud of her. We love you, CC!

Gwenna is delighted to be performing again with TBPAA! Her past roles include Squirt in Finding Nemo Kids (TBPAA), Baby Bear in Fairytale Mashup and Littlest Elsa in Frozen Jr. (Progressive Arts). Offstage, Gwenna enjoys playing soccer, telling jokes, and crafting. Her parents, sister, Nana, and extended family are so proud of her. We love you, Gwenna!

Vivien is 12 years old and is in the 6th grade. Her TBPAA credits include: Encanto/Aladdin/Moana/Annie (Ensemble), 101 Dalmatians (Jasper), Seussical (The Cat in the Hat), and The Jungle Book (Bagheera). Vivien also loves to sing/dance, participate in Awana, and play flag football.

Aubriella is 12, in 6th grade, and very excited to perform in Wizard of Oz! This is the first show she’s done with TBPAA and is hoping to joining more in the future! Aubriella loves participating in all forms of art and often paints on the weekend!

Very special talent, singer, actor, composer, is only 15 and attending his 5th semester at St. Pete College, homeschooled and soon to be blackbelt in Taekwondo. Performances include Santa in 2025, Songs: Prince Ali; (Aladdin), Les Poissons (Little Mermaid) at TBPAA, as well as “Mack the Knife” & “Cruella De Vil” for Opera for Earth, 2026. He enjoys time with his two brothers along with coding, creating music for his projects, cooking, and developing food concepts for his family’s pizzeria.

Alice Honey Alice Johnson, 10 years old and is attending the 5th grade. She has participated in 2 plays and couple dance classes at TBPAA. She loves to read and dance.