Chelsea St. John Wade is ecstatic to be part of another Theatre Veritas musical. This is her seventh year teaching at Veritas Christian Academy and her fourteenth production as director with Theatre Veritas. A performer herself at heart, she loves guiding the students through their own transformations and character developments. Chelsea studied performing arts at the Nevada Conservatory Theatre at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and The Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater in Mars Hill, NC. She graduated from Mars Hill University with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts. She has performed in numerous plays and musicals at local WNC theaters. A few of her roles include "Marian Paroo" in The Music Man, "Lady Larkin" in Once Upon A Mattress, and most recently "Mrs. MacAfee" in Bye Bye Birdie. She'd like to thank God for his sovereignty and peace that surpasses all understanding, her patient husband who supports her love for theater, and her sweet mama who watched her precious Lincoln many, many hours to help make this production possible. God is good.

Sarah DeVore discovered her love of dance at the age of 5 at Pats School of Dance in Hendersonville, NC. She grew up in South Asheville and captained the dance team at TC Roberson for 4 years. She competed across the Eastern Region for 10 years and began teaching dance as a student teacher at age 15. She has performed for many local events, as well as some fun adventures, including dancing in Disney World, on Cruise Ships and in the 2002 Macy's Thanksgiving day parade. Sarah obtained her License to teach through Dance Educators of America. She has run several dance camps for Veritas Christian Academy, as well as choreographing past Musicals: My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, Cinderella and now The Wizard of Oz.

Having received a degree in music education from Pepperdine University, Doyle brings a wealth of knowledge and performance experience, both as a vocalist and instrumentalist. He has been awarded lead roles in many productions (such as “My Fair Lady” where he played Freddie Einesford Hill; “Oklahoma” where he was Will Parker, the “Mikado,” “HMS Pinafore,” “Shenandoah,” etc. ) as well as carrying lead roles in major musical works such as Haydn’s “The Seasons,” and Mussorgsky’s “Boris Gudunov.” Planning to teach vocal music, Doyle’s pathway took him, instead, to the corporate world from which he retired before moving on to a second successful career in Real Estate. Music, however, was always a prime part his life in the form of worship leading (beginning at age 9 and continuing for sixty years) and always being involved, either as singer or director, with musical groups of many kinds. His time spent at Veritas is one of the highlights of his musical life, as he passes on his expertise and passion for the vocal and performing arts.

Kathleen was “born singing,” according to her mother. She began performing as a child, alongside her twin sister, and has continued throughout her life. She and Doyle (Barnes) met while students at Pepperdine University, and the rest is history. Together, they have traveled the world as members of a USO troupe, entertaining thousands of troops in far flung places, served as worship leaders for several decades, and balanced their busy life while raising their family. Kathleen is thrilled and honored to be working with the talented and hardworking faculty and students of Theatre Veritas.

Estella Wollny is excited to return as stage manager for the production of The Wizard of Oz. She was raised with the performing arts surrounding her and is excited to be continuing theatre as Stage Manager. She participated in several productions, including My Teacher is an Alien and A Wrinkle in Time, while living in Washington, and was Stage Manager for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She enjoys the stage but is drawn to managing the chaos that happens behind the scenes.

Eowyn Dupee is excited to be a part of The Wizard of Oz. She loves the theatre, both on and off the stage, but is drawn more to the chaos behind the scenes than to the thrill of lights. She thanks God for His love, grace, and guidance. She hopes you enjoy the adventure over the rainbow.

Stewart Matlick is excited to be the sound board operator! This is his first time as a techie with Theatre Veritas, but he previously performed in A Midsummer Night's Dream. He hopes you enjoy the musical!

Erin Babcock has attended many school productions in her past at her previous school. She has been at Veritas for seven years. She participated in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe this fall. Erin is very excited to be able to help bring to you The Wizard of Oz. She hopes you enjoy the show.  

Jordan McDowell is so excited to be apart of this year's spring musical: The Wizard of Oz! He is the Lights Technician. This is his second year working as a techie. He is ecstatic and hopes you enjoys this production!

Elsie Hobbs is so excited to finally be a part of the theatre again! This is her first year at Veritas, and her first time as a part of the backstage crew! She has previously been in Treasure Island, which as canceled due to Covid-19. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Lydia Moffitt has never been a part of a Veritas drama production; however, the experience has been beyond your comprehension, The people work together to form an amazing production with God, enthralling the audience. Lydia Moffitt is overwhelmed by the thought that she is able to be a crew member in such a historical event.

Aubrey Polis is excited to be a part of The Wizard of Oz. She never liked performing, so she moved props around. She hopes you all find joy in the show. As Aubrey always says “If you like water, you already like 72% of me.“

Mason Wack is so excited to be part of the tech crew. He is a freshman; this is his first time participating in a Theatre Veritas production. He is very excited for this show and hopes everyone enjoys it.