Newsies Cast

Amy Bailey is thrilled to be in her second production at Tusculum. The first one she debuted in, she played a “Poppy” in Wizard of Oz, when she was around 8 years old. She currently works at Forward Air. She would like to thank her vocal coach, Emily Durand, and her supportive family. “Enjoy the show! I can’t wait for you to Watch What Happens!”

Jackson Beddingfield (Seitz, Davey u/s) has taken part in Theatre at Tusculum's performances since his very first role in 2013's A Christmas Carol as Tiny Tim. Some of his favorite roles throughout the years include Jeremy Potts in Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang and Malcolm in Macbeth. Jackson would like to thank Mrs. Marilyn DuBrisk for believing in him at such a young age and fostering his love for the stage.

Josh Beddingfield (Wiesel) is happy to be sharing the stage with his two sons and many friends. He is a veteran performer of many Tusculum and Greeneville Theatre Guild productions. He wants to thank all his cast mates for their hard work and dedication to this show.

Noah Beddingfield (Buttons) has been on the stage since he was 5 Years Old. He was most recently seen as Boy in Edgar Allen Poe and other Haunted Stories in the Woods. Some of his favorite roles include Mike in Who Gets Charlie, and Tommy in Matilda. He is currently an 8th Grader at Greeneville Middle School. He would like to thank this fellow castmates for inspiring him to pursue acting. “I hope you enjoy the show, it’s gonna blow you away!”

Grace Carpenter(Newsies dance ensemble, Brooklyn Newsie) is excited to debut in a Tusculum play. This is Grace’s first play, but not first time on Stage. For the past 14 years, Grace has danced with Central Ballet theatre of Greeneville. Most recently, she preformed in CBT’s Rapunzel: A tangled tale. She is so excited to be a part of this show.

Sara is excited to return to Theatre-at-Tusculum for Newsies! Sara was most recently seen on stage playing Jack's Mother in Greeneville Theatre Guild's Into the Woods. Her favorite roles include Little Sally in GTG's Urinetown and Chiffon in T-aT's Little Shop of Horrors. Sara has spent the last two years working back stage and in the light booth. She is also in her third year as Director for TOCS's student drama club, Showcasers. Sara would like to thank her husband, Al, and her kids, Willard and Katy Beth, for their support of her theatre endeavors. Enjoy the show!

Richard Diaz (Dance Ensemble) is 8 years old. This is his first theater experience and is having a great time. Outside of theater, he loves working on the farm, helping with taking care of all the animals. He loves God and his family.

Melyna Doty (Ike), a member of Tusculum Young Actors Studio, is ecstatic to have been cast as a Manhattan Newsie in her very favorite musical! (She's literally waited half her life for this moment!!) She has been involved in numerous Theater at Tusculum shows, including Matilda the Musical, and her most recent roll as Penny in The End of Summer, a 5x10 Play. She would like to thank her sister, Mylee, for dragging her to the theater with her all those years until she fell in love with performing.

Beth Foster (Woman) is returning to the stage after a 28 year break. She grew up as a child doing theater with the children’s theater troupe in her hometown in Michigan and continued into young adulthood. Her last acting performance was in Centerville, Ohio in 1996 in the musical “Man of La Mancha”. She has performed with local church choirs and praise teams during her time living in Greeneville since 2007. Her last singing performance was taking part in Greeneville Theater Guilds fundraiser “All Together Now”.

Ryan Foster (Refuge Kid) appears on stage in his second production with Theater at Tusculum. He portrayed several roles in the recent production of “A Walk Through the Woods”, most notably as The Frog Prince. He is also active in Tusculum Youth Actors Studio.

Sawyer is excited to be in his 2nd Tusculum production. His most recent role was Zack in School of Rock. Other favorite roles include Jojo in Seussical, Peter Pan in Peter Pan Jr. and Nigel in Matilda. Sawyer is a member of the Indian Trail robotics team and loves to write rap songs and play guitar. He would like to thank his family for their support, the Newsies cast and crew for being awesome, and wants you to remember “The world is yer erster!”

Amelie Gentit (Specs) is living out one of her bucket-list dreams by performing in Tusculum's production of Newsies. If you see her outside of the theatre, she's either dancing, or working on cars alongside her husband at Fender's Garage. Prior shows include CBT's Rapunzel, Genesis, and Maleficent, YPBT's Little Princess, and GTG's James and the Giant Peach. Shoutout to Nathan for being the best voice of sanity and support she could ask for, as well as her amazing cast members, it's an honor to be a part of this "zoo."

Jennifer Gervasi is happy to be getting back on stage after over a decade of not performing. Her first musical was Anne of Greene Gables during her senior year in 2010, in the Poconos, Pennsylvania, where she was raised by her mother and late father. She is now the News and Social Media Director for local radio station Radio Greeneville, where she reports the latest news on the local scene. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be apart of Newsies and glad to get back to what I love, singing, dancing, and acting."

This is Dave’s first show for Tusculum U, and he’s excited to finally play the bad guy. Previous roles: “Valjean” (Les Mis), “Hanratty” (Catch Me If You Can), “Higgins” (My Fair Lady). In addition to acting, Dave is playwright (Dramatists Guild of America), composer (BMI), and worship leader (FBC Greeneville). He’s won awards for his musical POLLYANNA (2023 Pensacola Christian Theatre Festival) and his theme music for TLC show TRADING SPACES (2005 BMI). But his greatest loves are his wife Dawn, and his children Emily, Micah, Sarah, Ellie, Gracie, and David.

Eliza Girton, 12, is a seventh grade Homeschooler attends Heritage Home Scholars. Eliza's journey under the spotlight began at Central Ballet Studio, where she participated in 8 ballet productions. She then began her theatre journey with notable roles in productions like "Frozen, Jr" (2021) where she portrayed Young Elsa and various ensemble characters, "Matilda" (2019) as Hortencia and “Mixed up MacBeth” (2023) as Horatio. Eliza's versatility extends to the big screen, with her recent ensemble role in the upcoming movie "Summer Camp" as a camper, set to release in 2024. Aside from her stage presence, Eliza has participated in camps and workshops, honing her skills at places like GLAWPIGT, The Tusculum Youth Actors Studio, Capitol Camp, NPAC Camp, and the Barter Theatre Academy. She would like to thank Mr. Steve, Miss Faith, Miss Beth, Miss Marilyn, and Miss Kasie for inspiring her to love theatre!

Hazel Girton, a spirited 10-year-old, is thrilled to bring you the role as "Les" in "Newsies." Hazel is a homeschooled student and loves making people laugh. Hazel's theatrical journey began with diverse roles in 6 Central Ballet Theatre productions. She is a member of the Tusculum Young Actors Studio and the Heritage Players. She loved her role in Tusculum Youth Actors Studio Showcase as Ophelia in "Mixed Up MacBeth." Hazels favorite her role before “Les” was as "Jack" in A Walk in the Woods also at Tusculum University. Adding to her artistic arsenal, Hazel has attended Capitol Camp, Tusculum Theatre Camp, and the Barter Theatre Academy. Offstage, she's a member of the Greeneville Gymnastics Academy Team. Hazel would like to thank Miss Erin Schultz for her incredible guidance and for shaping her artistic journey. She would also like to thank her best friend Sam and his Momma, Melissa for never missing a moment in her life.

Kristin Girton, is thrilled to return to stage at Tusculum University. This is Kristin’s fifth production with Theatre at Tusculum, prior shows include, Little Shop Of Horrors, Matilda, “Elizabeth Benning” in Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein and “Jenny” in Stephen Sondheim’s “Company.” Kristin’s favorite role was “Alice” in Bright Star, at the Greeneville Theatre Guild. Kristin has been married to her college sweetheart, Russell, for 17 years and is thrilled to share the Newsies stage with her daughters Eliza and Hazel. Kristin would like to extend thanks to Eric Kaltenmark for their partnership in photographing the production. She would also like to thank her husband for being the best Theatre Dad and Husband!

Michael Good is excited and honored to perform in his first production at Tusculum. He enjoys collecting Legos, playing the piano and singing, especially singing solos at church. He is an 11th grade homeschooler that does some of his classes at Towering Oaks Christian School. He lived the first eleven years of his life in Milton, Florida. Until he moved up to Greeneville Tennessee where he has spent the last six years almost. Since moving to Greeneville, he has grown a new respect for theatre, and has been waiting for an opportunity such as this.

Madeleine Haagen is a junior at Milligan University studying musical theatre. During her time at Milligan, she has appeared in various productions including You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (ensemble/Woodstock), A Grand Night for Singing (Alto Soloist), Clue (Singing Telegram Girl), The Importance of Being Earnest (Lady Bracknell), Pirates of Penzance (ensemble), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Mrs. Tottendale). Madeleine was also involved in a student-written and directed one-act play called The Reunion, where she played the character of Cassie. Additionally, she co-directed Mauritius and is an active member of Milligan's Concert Choir and Honors Program. This is Madeleine's first show with Tusculum University, and she is grateful for the opportunity and everyone involved. She would like to thank her family and friends at Milligan for their support and, above all, express gratitude to God for His many blessings in her life.

Vandal Harris (Romeo) is a 15 year old homeschooler who has been doing theater here for about 5 years. Vandal has been involved in productions such as Story Theatre, Tarzan, Matilda, SchoolHouse Rock, and a few others. He really enjoys doing theater, and hopes to be in many other productions.

Silas is ten years old. This is his first time doing theatre and he loves it. He hopes to do more in the future. In his free time, he enjoys Star Wars, Doctor Who, and things having to do with Space. He plays the guitar and enjoys singing. When he grows up, he wants to be a doctor.

Cheyenne is absolutely ecstatic to finally get to perform in her dream show! Along with Newsies she has a repertoire of shows under her belt from performing with Encore Theatrical Company in Morristown, Newport Theatre Guild, and Jefferson County High School. Some of her favorites include: Ragtime (little girl), The Secret Garden (Mary Lennox), Aladdin (Magic Carpet), and Jane Eyre (young Jane). Cheyenne has also been a dancer for 16 years and she is so happy to be able to incorporate her two favorite things into one show! She hopes these songs stay stuck in your head like they have been stuck in hers since she first time she heard them 10 years ago, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Katy Higgins is delighted to make her debut as a cast member in a Theater-at-Tusculum production, but this is not her first appearance on the Tusculum stage. She has danced on this stage for the past six years in multiple Central Ballet Theater performances, most recently dancing in Rapunzel: A Tangled Tale. Given her obvious passion for dance, she is thrilled to be lacing up her dance boots to be a part of bringing this energetic show to life. “I hope you enjoy the show and leave with a pep in your step!”

Carolina Jones is proud to make her debut on the Tusculum stage. She has studied dance for the last 9 years at Main Street Dance Company where she has danced competitively for the last 6 years. She attends Greeneville Middle School where she is a member of the dance team, chorus, and small ensemble. She would like to thank her mom, her dad, her dance teacher Mansi Brady, and Steve Shultz for the opportunity to expand her performance horizons. “If you dream something and work for it, anything is possible.”

Trevor Kahland is so excited to be a part of his 5th performance at Tusculum. He was most recently seen as the Escapologist in Matilda the Musical. Some of his favorite roles include Kerchak in Tarzan and Dr. Orin Scrivello, DDS in Little Shop of Horrors. He currently works at Aubreys as part of the kitchen staff. He would like to thank his family as well as his girlfriend for being so supportive of him getting back into theatre. “I hope you enjoy the show, and it’s great to be back!”

Natacia Kea (Medda Larkin) is a Greeneville native. She has participated in various choirs and productions. She would like to thank cast, crew, and patrons for all the positivity and love they bring.

Gunilla (Nilla) Kemmann (NEWSIES DANCE ENSEMBLE) has joined the Tusculum Theatre once again for her first, singing role in a Tusculum musical. She has previously performed as a second soprano singer in the Tusculum Community Choir, danced in Greeneville's Central Ballet Theatre productions, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast, as well as in Greeneville Theatre Guild's David and Bathsheba. She's thankful to her fiance, church fam of First Christian Church, and family for their fantastic support!

Isaac Kitsteiner (Scab 3, Darcy) has been a resident of Greene County, TN since 2015 after spending the first half of his life in Florida, Turkey, the Azores Portugal and middle Tennessee. He’s currently a homeschooled 15-year-old ninth grader. Isaac got his start on the stage in Central Ballet’s Beauty and the Beast in 2022 and Genesis in 2023. He also performed in The Nutcracker in 2022 at the NPAC. He was most recently on the Tusculum stage in Story Theatre. When he isn’t acting, Isaac enjoys playing the piano, taking guitar, learning to sing, and listening to all genres of music. He’s really appreciative to Ms. Gracie Weems and Kristin Girton for helping him get started in acting.

Kenzie Latham (Dance Ensemble) is excited to be in her second production at Tusculum. She loves dancing and being part of her school's drama club, The Showcasers. In her free time, she is busy crocheting and candle making for her own business. She would like to thank her family for all their support.

Rachel Lawrence (Katherine) is so excited to be making her Tusculum debut. Rachel holds a B.S. in Theatre from Bryan College & spent four years as a resident company member with the Cumberland County Playhouse. Favorite credits include Legally Blonde, Holiday Inn, Young Frankenstein, & Bright Star. During her three year hiatus from the stage, Rachel settled in Johnson City with her husband Brandon & welcomed their first baby, Marcus, in August. She is thrilled to be back doing what she loves & fulfilling this dream role.

Evan Litchfield (Henry) is very excited to be in his first main stage show! He’s been featured in other plays, such at School House Rock Live Jr., Emancipation?, and Tusculum Youth Actors Showcase. Evan would like to thank the production team for letting him carry the banner and his family and friends for their love and support. He also hopes you like the show!

Kalina Maximoff is a nine-year-old who was born in Washington State and then moved to Tennessee five years ago. She started theatre two years ago. She has done several children’s theatre plays, including A Walk Through The Woods, but this is her first real one. She is excited to be in Newsies and is very thankful to her wonderful director for casting her. She would like to give a shoutout to her excellent mother (Sara) who plays a nun. She would also like to shout out to her Dad and her best friend Lucy.

Sara Maximoff’s life might have gone differently if she had known being a nun was so much fun! Sara grew up in Gate City, VA, and lived in the DC metro area and Seattle before returning home to the Appalachian Mountains a few years ago. Sara made her theatre debut in My Man Godfrey with the Greeneville Theatre Guild last fall. She’s super excited to be sharing the stage with her daughter Kalina for the first time. Sara fully expects the things Kalina does will be tomorrow’s news.

Trinity McLain is very excited to be part of the Newsies production. This will be her 4th production at Tusculum. She was most recently in Story Theatre. She has also done other local plays at the Capitol Theatre and NPAC. She currently is a Junior at Towering Oaks Christian School where she is in the Showcasers drama club, choir and captain of the baton team. She would like to thank all the people who have made this opportunity to be a part of this wonderful cast and crew. Enjoy the show!

Danica Milakovic is happy to be in her 2nd production with Tusculum. She was most recently in a performance of an adapted "The Raven". She would like to thank her parents, friends, fellow cast members, Mr. Steve Schultz, both of the choreographers, and Dodger Kirkland. "Honestly, I'm just going to try this and see how it goes."

Gracie Moore is so excited to be a part of “Newsies” at Tusculum! She was most recently seen in Story Theatre at Tusculum. Some of her favorite roles include Grace in Radium Girls and Dori in Schoolhouse Rock Live!. She is currently a student at ETSU studying theatre and clinical psychology. When she is not performing, she loves to sing and crochet. She would like to thank her family, friends, and boyfriend, Ethan, for their unending support!

Liam News (News) is 12 years old. He regularly participates in travel soccer, karate, gymnastics, cross country, and enjoys theater in his spare time. He likes to go walking downtown with his family and friends, and playing board games. Liam would like to thank his dad Wesley, for teaching him how to enjoy both being outside of his comfort zone, and pushing through/past the pains of "I-dont-want-to." He would also like to thank his mom Rachel for teaching him how to be flexible physically and emotionally. He would also like to thank his 5 year old sister for keeping him on his toes, as he never knows when she’s going to be waiting around a corner to get him. He would also like to thank Mr. Steve Schultz, for teaching him to be a Thespian.

Wesley enjoys dating his wife, helping people, doing absolutely anything with his family, and enjoys making all things new. Wesley would like to thank His wife the mostest for being such a virtuous woman, his son Liam for getting him involved in theater, and his daughter Thea for consistently telling him he’s the best dad ever!

Josie Norton is a 21 year old Tusculum University student with a love of creating and connecting with her community. To list a couple roles she has played as, “Snow White” in “Into The Woods,” “Kathy” in “Company, and more recently played as “Laura” In Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie.” She is a member of The Bonner Leadership Team, Student Support Services, and is currently serving as the student representative for Tusculum’s Civic Engagement Committee. She wants to share her love of theater and community with the world in hopes of encouraging others in their own self expression.

Margaret “Margo" Olmsted enjoys being in theater and is excited to be in Newsies. Margo is an alumna of Tusculum University, and has played several characters with Theatre-at-Tusculum. Her most recent was “Sarah” in Company. She praises God for the strength to do each role. She wants to thank her loving and supportive family, which includes her husband Max, and her 3 girls.

Zanna Parker is so excited to be in her second production at Tusculum College. She was recently seen as Red Riding Hood and Hansel in A Walk Through The Woods. Zanna loves being dramatic on and off of the stage. She would like to thank Mr. Steve and Mrs. Erin (Shultz) for this opportunity and their leadership.

Isabella is so thrilled to be back on the big stage here at Tusculum with one of her all time favorite musicals! You may of seen her on stage playing Matilda in Matilda the Musical, Schoolhouse Rock or at many of local theater camp performances including the Capitol Theater and NPAC. Other than theater, Isabella enjoys to do anything she can creatively like choir, art, writing, and dance. Isabella hopes you enjoy the show and learn to seize every day.

Owen (Davey) is very blessed to have an opportunity to perform in one of his favorite plays. He is thankful he is in a cast of such friendly, funny, and talented actors. He has most recently been in plays such as Story Theatre at Tusculum, Aladdin at the NPAC, and Rainbow Fish at Towering Oaks. He would like to thank God above all, as well as his parents and family for supporting and encouraging him and his love of theater.

Matthew Pickle (Oscar Delancey) has been dreaming of being in Newsies for a while. This is his first performance at Tusculum, and has been given a warm welcome. He has done many shows at JCCT such as Tarzan (Young Tarzan), Seussical (Yertle) and has also been in Annie (Rooster) and Clue (Prof. Plum). Matthew would like to thank Dodger, and to thank Steve for giving him this opportunity.

Zoey Potter(Mush) is a senior at North Greene High School. Most recently, she had the privilege of being in the cast of Story Theatre. Potter enjoys playing guitar, ukulele, mandolin, and piano. She frequently sings in her church, car, and shower. Potter would like to thank her family, best friend, and dog for supporting her every step of the way, but nothing would be possible without Jesus! This cast is a joy and she is so very blessed to be sharing the stage with each one of them! Enjoy the show *wink*

Bob Radank (Snyder) serves as a pastor at First Christian Church and was involved with mission work in Germany for ten years before moving to Greeneville in 2020. He is thankful for his beautiful wife and three children, two of whom are performing in this production. He is excited to be a part of his first theater production and thankful for the opportunity for his role in Newsies.

Grant Radank (Splasher) is a 6th grader at Greeneville Middle School, who spent most of his young life in Germany, where he was born, while his parents where involved in mission work. This is Grant’s first experience in theater, but he is thankful for the opportunity to perform alongside his father and older brother, both who have roles in Newsies.

Jackson Radank is a sophomore at Greeeneville high school. In his free time he likes to practice the trumpet and the drums. This is Jackson’s very first show to perform in and is very happy to make newsies his first show. He sends many thanks to the directors for having him in this show.

Jordan Reed (Newsie Dance Ensemble, Woodside Newsie) is honored to take the stage in Newsies for the fifth time with Tusculum. Some of her past performances include ensemble roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Oliver, Matilda, and Godspell. When not on the stage, Jordan is a K-2 Special Education Interventionist. She would like to take the time to thank her mom and sister for their full support, her nephew and niece for always making her feel like a star, and her husband and fur baby for sharing their time for the past three months.

Andy Ross is a pop culture writer, improviser, and all-round creative weirdo. Since 2006, he’s written a weekly column, Batteries Not Included for the Tri-Cities magazine The Loafer. His monthly column Under the Marquee has been featured in The Greeneville Sun since 2017. He served as a former member of the board of directors for Greeneville’s Capitol Theater. Andy can be seen regularly performing and causing chaos with the area improv group Blue Plate Special. Here we go!

Erin Hensley Schultz (Nun, Dance Ensemble, Costume Director) is an actor, singer, improviser, storyteller, and standup comedian who has performed on stages throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee for the last two decades. She has appeared as Bernadette (Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons), The Witch (Into the Woods), Patsy Cline (Always, Patsy Cline), Lady Macbeth (Macbeth), Titania (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Columbia (The Rocky Horror Show), Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), and Morticia (The Addams Family). As a storyteller, she has been featured at Word and MOTH story slams and has performed standup at several theatres and venues in the TriCities, Asheville, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville. She has taught theatre camps, improv, acting, and storytelling workshops, as well as worked on dozens of productions as director, costumer, choreographer, or music director.

Sam Schultz (Steam, Crutchie u/s) is in 10th Grade at TOPS, Sam has performed with the Blue Plate Special Improv Comedy Troop, and has performed as a stand-up comedian, and was in the BPS production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Story Theatre with T@T. Sam has dreams of becoming a great author, and has written two plays performed at Tusculum University, Room for One More at the 2021 Tusculum 5x10s, and Where Do We Go during this year's Edgar Allan Poe event. Sam would like to thank his friends from school and the theatre for giving hope, his sister Zetta for being the best sister, his Nana for giving him a way with words, and his parents for their support and love.

Zetta Schultz (Magpie) is a 6th Grader at Chuckey-Doak Middle School, where she also plays Clarinet in the band. Some of Zetta's favorite roles include Gretl in The Sound of Music and Lucy in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, both at Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, as well as roles in Story Theatre, Matilda and School House Rock Live Jr. here at Tusculum, and numerous showcases with the Tusculum Young Actors Studio and the Tusculum Summer Acting Camp. She wants to thank her wonderful friends, and her best friend, her big brother Sam. She also wants to thank Nana for her support. Most importantly, she wants to thank her mom and dad for giving her the stage and the freedom to create. Enjoy the show!

Brooklyn Seemuth, a passionate 7th grader at Greeneville Middle School, eagerly embarks on her second theatrical venture. With a fervor for the stage, she aspires to carve a career in acting. In the recent Story Theater production, she showcased her versatility with roles as a thief, the Mayor, a horse, and a window. Brooklyn's standout portrayal as the Ghost Host in the Edgar Allan Poe Production remains her favorite, demonstrating her commitment and flair for the dramatic arts.

Thomas Seemuth, a Greeneville High School Senior, expresses great enthusiasm for his 3rd program participation. Notably, he played a compelling psychiatrist in an Edgar Allan Poe production, "Tell Tale Heart." Recently, he portrayed a Robber in "Story Theater." Thomas interns as a cyber analyst for the Department of Defense. Grateful for the audience's presence, he extends thanks to his family for their unwavering support in his theatrical journey.

Nicholas Smith is excited to be in the show and to be amongst such great cast and crew members. His favorite roles were Beast in Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Shrek in Shrek Jr. He is currently a band member of the West Greene High School Band and also a Chorus member. He would like to thank everyone that is a part of the show and hopes that all viewing will enjoy it!

Sarai Sparks (Mike) is an actress, dancer and singer. She loves gymnastics, horseback riding, soccer, and playing the cello. When she grows up, she wants to be a professional horseback rider and stunt performer. Newsies will be her 14th show, but her first musical.

Ethan Swatzell (Crutchie) is excited to make his first appearance on the Tusculum stage. He was previously in the high school productions Radium Girls, and It's a Wonderful Life. His favorite role so far has been Mr. Berry in Radium Girls. He would like to thank his family, friends, and this remarkable cast who he now calls a family. He hopes you enjoy the show, and remember, "The things we do today will be tomorrow's news!"

Wrenley Tucker is in sixth grade at Greeneville Middle School and is very excited to be joining the cast of Newsies! Wrenley has been in several Theatre-at-Tusculum productions including “Matilda” and “Schoolhouse Rock .” She was most recently seen this season playing her favorite role, Henny Penny, in “Story Theatre.” Wrenley found a love for acting and singing at a young age. She currently enjoys singing with the Greeneville Middle School Choir and Small Ensemble, and performing with the Tusculum Youth Actors’ Studio. Wrenley would like to thank her family and especially her big brother, Elliott, for helping her prepare for her audition.

Allison Varnell (Refuge Kid) is excited to be in her first auditioned community musical. She was most recently in the children's theater production of A Walk Through the Woods written and directed by Erin Schultz. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support and love!

Grace Varnell (Refuge Kid) was thrilled to be cast! She has previously been in A Walk Through the Woods written and directed by Erin Schultz, and she was cast as "Grace" in Annie Jr. and "Shanti" in The Jungle Book Kids, both productions with the NPAC Kids Camp. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support and love!

Todd Wallin is 21 years old and has been in the theatre scene for over 10 years. He found a love for theatre in 5th grade when he joined the Tusculum theatre group GLAWPIGT (Now known as the Tusculum Youth Actors Studio), since then, he has been in countless shows for Theatre-at-Tusculum, Greeneville Theatre Guild, and NPAC. His most notable roles have been “Jack” in GTG’s Into the Woods, “Sky” in T@T’s Mamma Mia, and “Judas” in GTG’s Godspell. He is playing Jack Kelly in this production of Newsies and is endlessly happy to have been trusted with this opportunity. Todd has had an absolute blast working with this amazing cast and cannot wait for people to see this show that everyone has been working so hard towards. He hopes to continue auditioning for future shows and telling these amazing stories.

Jade Ward (ALBERT) is thrilled to be in her 11th production at Tusculum. Jade was most recently seen as several colorful roles in Story Theatre, including the Flounder and The Old Woman. Some of Jade’s favorite roles include being a Pickpocket in Oliver! and an Older Kid in Matilda the Musical. When not on the stage, Jade is either playing violin, working at the local movie theater, or enjoying a game of Dungeons and Dragons with friends. Jade would like to thank the incredible cast, her friends, and her family for all the support.

Eliza Weekly (Assistant Choreographer) is thrilled to be working with Tusculum Universities theatre program for the first time, as assistant choreographer. She has been dancing for twenty years, and has been in eleven full scale ballet productions. Eliza has been teaching classical ballet to beginner students for the last three years, well as choreographing recital and competitions dances for her many students. She would like to thank director Steve Schultz, head choreographer Elizabeth Sparks, and the rest of the cast and crew for giving her the opportunity to work on Newsies alongside them.

Gracie Weems (Ensemble, Bowery Beauty) is a Tusculum University alum, graduating in 2023 with a degree in Arts Outreach Administration. Previously, you might have seen Gracie directing and stage managing performances for Theatre-at-Tusculum and Arts Outreach, including the 5x10 Swept Under the Rug, The Glass Menagerie, the TYAS showcase short play Bank Withdrawal Symptoms, and Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons. She would like to thank her grandmother for always making her theatre dreams possible.