ELF Jr. The Musical

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From The Producing Artistic Director

Welcome to Elf Jr. and the kick-off to the Players Guild Theatre’s holiday season! If you thought Elf the Musical was cute, then you’re in for an extra-special treat—our junior production just got even cuter! We’re thrilled to showcase the talents of so many incredible young performers and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, especially the parents and families for their invaluable support.

Now that you’re in the holiday spirit, make sure to grab your tickets early for our cherished annual production of A Christmas Carol—don’t miss out on the best seats in the house!

Finally we also want to express our gratitude to our presenting sponsor, Municipal Companies, for their generous support. Our thanks to Dr. Varansky and Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools, and to you, our dedicated audience—thank you for your unwavering commitment to live theatre in our community.

Sit back, relax, and let the holiday magic begin!

Josh

Song List

• Happy All The Time 
• World's Greatest Dad 
• Sparklejollytwinklejingley
• I'll Believe In You
• A Christmas Song
• World's Greatest Dad (Reprise)
• Never Fall In Love (With an Elf)
• There is a Santa Claus 
• The Story of Buddy 
• A Christmas Song (Reprise) 
• Sparklejollytwinklejingley (Reprise)

Cast

Creative Team

Production Team & Front of House

COSTUME TEAM

Kate Joseph (Designer)

George McCarty II 

SET CONSTRUCTION

Ross Carmichael (Technical Director)

Megan Herbert

Michaela Muckelrath (Scenic Charge Artist)

Natalie Steen

BACKSTAGE CREW

Lillian Howard 
Bill Joseph
Miriam Joseph
Carson Peters
Amanda Tatum

FRONT OF HOUSE

The Amiot Family

Kayla Amstutz

Kelly Aneshanel

Barbara Berasi

Joe Bosh

Laura Cline

Diana Collum

Marilyn Davies

Michelle Davis

Pat Donald

Samuel Dorto

Jeanette Fatigati

Sandy Feielin

Krista Gibson

Ingrid Green

Karen Halter

Kathy Hinamon

Barb Hostetter

Steve Hostetter

Joan Hudson

Hannah Jolly

Linda Keith

Tim Keith

Geri Lewis

Tina Louise

Anne Martin

Kathleen McClure

Molly Moriarty

Susan Mullikin

Esther Oustampasidis

Mary Jane Philips

Chris Pisanellii

Andrea Raffle

Laura Rich

Hannah Roberts

Chris Roca

Kathy Rogers

Sandy Rosetta

Jo Roten

Jennifer and Tim Rowles

Joyce Ryan

Brian Salinas

Karen Schaaf

Nancy Shanklin

Barb Stephens

Tristan Stutter

Carol Warner

Mary Ann White

Judy Whitman

Jill Williams

Janet Wilcox

Karen Wilson

Cindy Wingerter

Laurie Zupp

HOUSE MANAGERS

Molly Moriarty

Missy Hays

Meet the Company

Sofia Alvarado

Elf 2, Darlene Lambert, Child at Macys

Sofia is a 6th grader from St. Francis de Sales Parish School. Sofia loves to sing! She is a member of Summit Choral Society’s treble ensemble, Performance Choir, and learns piano and voice at Loud and Clear Music School. She has been in a few productions, such as Newsies Jr. (2023), Wizard of Oz Jr. (2024), and most recently, Wadsworth Footlighter’s High School Musical, where she was cast as Cathy. She is grateful for the support of her parents and grandparents, and thanks the staff of Players Guild Theater for welcoming her into the community this season!

Leo Autore

Elf, Child at Macys, Matthews U/S

Leo is a 4th grader in Plain Local Schools. Leo had four ensemble roles in “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” through New Direction Performing Arts Academy and was Barnacle in “The Rainbow Fish” at Stage Door Studios. When not on stage, Leo enjoys sketching, designing character masks and making digital drawings. He also enjoys writing fan fiction and is currently writing a short story based on one of his original content drawings that he hopes to publish. Leo is grateful for the directors, his castmates and for his family’s support.

Conner Belden

Walter Hobbs

Conner Belden is excited to make his Players Guild debut in Elf Jr. His recent performances include Newsies (Romeo), The SpongeBob Musical (Squidward), Footloose Youth Edition (Ren McCormack), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Jean-Michel), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Mr. Salt). A junior at GlenOak High School, Conner is involved in Speech and Debate, Tennis, and the GlenOak High School Chorale. He also continues to improve his vocal skills through lessons with Sam Alhadid and Lisa Knight. Conner is deeply grateful to the entire production team of Elf Jr. and extends thanks to his family for their unwavering support.

Scarlett Busby

Santa’s Helper, Teenager

Firecracker Scarlett Busby is a beautiful, quirky soul who was always destined for the arts. At the age of 8, she found comfort & friends in Avenue Arts, participating in two of their musicals, Beauty and the Beast JR. & The Little Mermaid JR. In 2023, she performed in NDPAA’s production of The SpongeBob Musical. She joined her NDPAA friends again this past summer for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When she’s not singing, dancing, or acting, she’s cosplaying, watching anime, or reading manga under the covers—well after bedtime. She’d love to thank Jared & David, Ms. Emily, Carrie, and Katy!

Kathryn Camp

Deb

Kathryn is an eighth grader at Tusky Valley Middle School. She has starred in productions at both Tusky Valley school and New Direction Performing Arts Academy. Some of these productions include Finding Nemo, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, SpongeBob SquarePants and Annie. Kathryn also loves to sing in Choir and enjoys taking voice lessons in her free time. When not improving her skills for theater she enjoys visiting family in Indiana and North Carolina and playing with her St. Berdoodle puppy, Toby. Kathryn is both excited and grateful to make her debut for the Players Guild Theater as Deb for Elf Junior!

Kylie Daum

Jovie

Kylie Daum is 17 years old and a senior year at Tusky Valley High-school. She is very excited to habe this opportunity! Some of her favorites shows include Matilda (Matilda), Seussical jr. (JoJo), and SpongeBob (Karen). She has been involved in many other high-school productions including, Les Mis at Glenoak high-school (young Eponine), and Mamma Mia at Tusky Valley high-school (Sophie). In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with her friends. She is also involved in speech and debate where she competes in humorous interpretation. Kylie wants to thank her family for being so supportive, as well as the Staff for giving her the opportunity to perform and be a part of this production!

Kassidy Dolecki

Shawanda, Macys Employee, Finale Soloist 3

Kassidy is a 5th grader at St. Michael Elementary. While she has stage experience in other performances, Elf Jr. will be her Players Guild debut! Some of her previous roles include an orphan in Annie (New Direction Performing Arts Academy), “Alice” in Matilda Jr., and ensemble roles in Seussical Jr. and Footloose Jr. (Canton Theatre Kids). Kassidy keeps herself busy with theater workshops and music lessons. In addition to learning how to play the guitar and ukulele, she also attends weekly voice lessons with Lisa Knight and Autumn Rane. Kassidy is so grateful for the unwavering support she receives from her mentors and family!

Sam Factora

Michael Hobbs

Sam is a 6th grader at St. Paul's North Canton. He has been performing with Canton Theatre Kids for five years. Some of his roles have have included , Scarecrow from Wizard of Oz, young Simba from Lion King, Nemo for Finding Nemo, Gaston from Beauty and the Beast, and Bruce from Matilda. Sam also enjoys playing the piano and watching other theatre productions! He is a huge Wicked fan and recently made it to NYC to see it on Broadway! Sam is so excited and thankful for the opportunity to be playing the role of Michael in Elf!

Cody Gruca

Security Guard 1, Policeman 1/2

Cody is a sixth grader at Central Christian School. He has a deep love for music, playing both the drums and piano, and is excited to be learning the saxophone this year. Cody has been very active in theater over the past several years, performing in productions like Beauty and the Beast Junior, Finding Nemo Junior, Anastasia: Youth Edition, and Dastardly Deeds at Yoursin Mine. He also enjoys participating in theatrical workshops to continue learning and growing his talent. Outside of theater, Cody enjoys spending time with his friends, coding, and boating. He is grateful to the Players Guild for the opportunity to perform in Elf Junior and is excited to be part of the show.

Bethany Hans

Emily Hobbs

Bethany is excited to be sharing her talent with you all! She is a senior this year and she does Penn Foster online. Some of her recent shows at The Little Theater of Tuscarawas county. Such as The Lion King Jr, The SpongeBob Musical,Twas the Night Before Christmas, Tuck Everlasting, The Best Christmas Pageant ever. She is on the speech and debate team at New Philadelphia highschool, When not on stage Bethany likes singing, playing video games, drawing, hanging out with friends. This is her first show at the Players Guild, She is so grateful to the Players Guild for the opportunity to play as Emily Hobbs in Elf Jr and she hopes you enjoy this incredible show. And she wishes you all a Merry Christmas!!!

Baylee Harris

Sam, Emma Van Brocklin

Baylee JoLaine just turned 12 and is a 6th grader at Lake Elementary school. She discovered her love for theater when she was eight years old and was cast as a Wickershan Brother in the NDPAA production of the Seussical Jr. Since then she has appeared as Narrator in Beauty and the Beast Jr., Brainiac in HS Musical Jr, Buttons in Newsies ( NDPAA), Orphan Olive in Annie (NDPAA), and Electric Skate/Cowgirl in Spongebob the Musical (NDPAA). This past summer she performed one of her favorite rolls, as Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This will be her first performance with the Players Guild, and she hopes it will be the first of many!

Lily Krebs

Charlie, Business Woman

Lily is excited to return to the Players Guild stage in this production of Elf Jr., having previously appeared in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, where she played the roles of Elf and White Stag. In her free time, Lily loves drawing, painting, sewing, and figure skating. She is excited to be playing an elf again and hopes you enjoy the show!

Kora Krzynowek

Comforting New Yorker, Elf, Child at Macys

Kora is a 7th grader at Jackson Middle School. We are honored for her to have the opportunity to be with the Players Guild Theater. She has previously worked with Jackson Middle & High School, North Canton Playhouse, Stage Doors Studios, Avenue Arts. She enjoys singing, theater and makeup.

Lillyanna McDougle

Jogger, Elf, Employee at Macys

Lillyanna is an 8th grader at Tallmadge Middle School. This is her first performance with the Players Guild Theater. She has enjoyed doing shows through the TMS drama club and Dynamics Community Theater, her favorites being It’s a Mad House and Alice in Wonderland. Hope you all enjoy the show!

Annie McGee

Sarah, Finale Soloist

Annie is a 10th grader and attends Jackson high school and she is in the Jackson school for the arts. She has been in 5 other shows, Charlie and the chocolate factory (Mrs bucket), digital deception (a student directed musical by Nick Parker), the Little mermaid, little mermaid junior, and into the woods, and was recently casted as Tilly in the play, She kills monsters. This will be her 7th show. She enjoys performing dance, theatre, singing, and has experience with directing and plans on directing her own shows. She would like to thank the production team and her parents for allowing her to perform!

Clare Mosholder

Mrs. Greenway

Clare is an 8th grader at Tallmadge Middle School. She has performed in Happily Ever Before (Cinderella), Best Christmas Pageant Ever(Daisy), Alice in Wonderland (Seven of spades) Peter Pan , ( Curly), Dorthy in Wonderland ( Seven of hearts) ,Godspell(King Narrator 1 , we beseech thee soloist ). Clare is very excited To have the opportunity to perform with the Players Guild, thanks for coming and enjoy the show.

Andersen Myers

Matthews, Walter U/S

Andersen Myers is an 8th grader at Malvern Middle School. He is thrilled to be back with the Players Guild, where he previously performed as Young Cratchit and Turkey Boy in last year's production of A Christmas Carol. Over the past year, Andersen has had background roles in the movie Takedown and Called, and a supporting role in the television series Aftermath. He also plays the trumpet in his school’s marching band and holds a Second Class rank in the Boy Scouts. Andersen’s favorite food groups are candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup!

Gage Natcher

Buddy

Gage Natcher is an 8th grader at Tallmadge Middle School. This is Gage’s first show at the Player Guild Theatre and he is beyond thrilled to be playing Buddy! Some of his favorite roles he has played includes Winthrop (The Music Man), Charlie Bradley (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever), and Mendel (Fiddler on the roof), he has appeared in many shows at Dynamics Community Theater of Tallmadge, ANTIC, and has performed for Tallmadge Middle School and Tallmadge High Schools Drama club. He, as well as the rest of the cast have spent endless hours putting this show together and are beyond excited to share it with all of you! Enjoy the show!

Ava Price

Passerby, Elf, Child at Macys

Ava is new to PGT and so excited to perform alongside the cast of Elf Jr. She has performed as part of the ensemble in the Music Man Jr. at North Canton Middle School. She is also an extra in the upcoming JCFilms production of “A Paralyzing Redemption.” When Ava is not acting she enjoys singing, playing cello, clarinet, piano, and basketball.

Emma Price

Mother, Elf

Emma is a 7th grader at North Canton Middle School. Her very first experience in theater was ensemble in the school's production of Music Man Jr. Since then she has been looking for roles to expand her repertoire of experience. She has been selected as an extra in the upcoming JCFilms production “A Paralyzing Redemption.” She is also a talented musician and enjoys singing, playing cello and trumpet. This is Emma’s first time acting with PGT.

Junia Rozko

Elf, Child at Macys

Junia is is excited to be returning to PGT! She’s in 5th grade at St Michael’s and is 10 years old. Previous roles include Constance Crachit (A Christmas Carol-PGT), Maise (Annie-NDPAA), and Young Anna (Frozen Jr - Arts Academy at Summit). She loves singing, her family (and dog!), reading graphic novels and anything purple! Enjoy the show and Merry Christmas!

Levi Rubio

Santa, Chadwick, Fake Santa

Levi is a freshman at Kent State University and is majoring in Respiratory Therapy. He is also a part of The Callbacks drama club at Kent Tusc. Levi has been in many productions including Trumpet in the Land, The Music Man as Ewart Dunlop (Lead Tenor), Wizard of Oz as Tin Man, and Footloose. He enjoys playing guitar, singing, and video games. Levi hopes you enjoy this amazing production!

Jackson Shreiner

Elf 4, Flyer Guy 2, Child at Macys

Katelyn Slaughter

Elf 3, Security Guard 2, Employee at Macys

Katie is a 6th grader attending St. Francis de Sales Parish School. She enjoys singing, dancing and has found a love for theater. Katie has participated in every school play since the 3rd grade. She enjoys being in youth choir and singing during church mass. Off stage she enjoys crafts with her latest focus on large diamond art projects. Katie also enjoys creating movie scripts and acting them out with her best friend. She is very caring and a great team player in volleyball while also being independent running in Track. You’ll know it’s her by her smile and positive personality. Katie thanks her pugs Biscuit & Gravy for their unending attention and good listening skills during her home practices. She’d also like to thank all the helping hands that make the Players Guild Theatre a success!

Ellie Stephens

Manager, Charlotte

Ellie is a sophomore this year at Hoban High School. This is her first production at the Players Guild! Some of her favorite past shows are The Play That Goes Wrong (Annie), Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Cheshire Cat), Music Man (Amaryllis), and Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Belle). Ellie has also taken part in Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Christmas Carol, Peter Pan, Aladdin Jr., and more. She would like to thank all of her friends and family for their constant love and support. Enjoy the show!

Jessica Vees

Elf 1, Child

Jessica Vees is thrilled to make her Players Guild debut in Elf Jr! Her recent performances include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Oompa Loopma/Squirrel/Reporter) and SpongeBob the Musical (Gary/Ensemble) through New Direction Performing Arts Academy. Jessica also performed in the Children’s Chorus for GlenOak High School’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. A 4th grader at Avondale Elementary, Jessica also participates in Plain Local Dance and the Plain Local Youth Choir. Outside of theater, Jessica can be found playing volleyball, basketball, and softball. Jessica would like to thank the Directors, production team, and her family for all of their support.

Charlotte Young

Elf 5, Saleswoman, Child at Macys

Charlotte is excited to return to the stage in her second performance with Players Guild Theatre. She debuted with Players Guild as Lucy in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe this past spring. You may have also seen her before in Honk! as Downy at Theatre 8:15 or Beauty and the Beast Jr as Chip or The Little Mermaid Jr as Allana, both at Avenue Arts. Charlotte is in 4th grade and outside of performing, loves water parks, camping, animals, pizza, her friends and her family. She loves being in the spotlight and thinks acting is super fun. She loves to help others and be a leader when she can. When she grows up, Charlotte would like to be a singer. She would like to thank Emily, Jared and David for the coaching and experience and her amazing parents for their help and making this all possible.

JOSHUA ERICHSEN

Producing Artistic Director

Father of two amazing daughters, the oldest studying architecture, the youngest studying fashion design. Husband to his dream girl wife of twenty-two years - they met at the PGT! Blessed beyond measure to have this amazing job and to be able to call the Players Guild Theatre his home for twenty-five years! During that time he has had the privilege of producing, directing and designing countless productions.  Favorite credits include, Players Guild: Titanic, Next To Normal, Jesus Christ Superstar, Memphis, Ragtime, Hunchback…, Assassins, Cabaret, Les Miserables, A Christmas Carol (’04-present), The Full Monty, A Few Good Men, 1776 and Jekyll & Hyde.  Ohio Shakespeare Festival: Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest.  Other credits include: Romeo and Juliet (Magical Theatre Co), Joseph… Dreamcoat (Natl. Tour), and served as producer for An Evening with George Takei, starring Mr. Takei.  Additionally, Josh is a magician/illusionist, a Christopher Nolan film-fanatic, and has a true passion for all-things-Charles Dickens. Josh is a graduate of Kent State University, and is a recipient of the Spotlight Award for Outstanding Contributions to Theatre. Love to my family and my beautiful wife and daughters for their unconditional love and never-ending support!

BETH KNOX

Director of Education & Social Media

Beth is in her twelfth season at the Players Guild Theatre.  She earned her degree in Business Management and Marketing from the Ohio State University.  Beth spent the majority of her career in management in the cosmetic and fashion industry in the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and NYC markets for brands including Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Yves St. Laurent, Paloma Picasso, and Giorgio Armani.  Her background also includes grant writing, event planning, and fundraising. Beth is a co-founder, Executive Producer, and playwright for Red Fig Productions.

TYRA GRISAK

Guest Services Manager

Tyra will be celebrating her 10th anniversary with the Players Guild this season, during which she has developed numerous meaningful relationships with various patrons. Her greatest fulfillment from her role as guest services manager is seeing the joy that live theatre generates among our audience and everyone involved in the theatrical process. She takes great pride in leading the front of house volunteer team, which continues to grow and thrive. How grateful she is to be where she is in her personal life, and in her professional life with the PGT!

ROSS CARMICHAEL

Technical Director

graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Theatre. Since then, he has worked professionally as an actor, a director, and in technical theatre. Technical credits: Technical Director (Gamut Theatre Group) Scenic Designer (Gamut Theatre: Hamlet; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Every Christmas Story Ever Told; Pericles; A Streetcar Named Desire; TYA) Production Manager (Gamut Theatre, Powerhouse Apprentice Company); Carpenter (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre, York College of PA) Lighting Designer (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre) Directing credits: FoodPlay Productions.

STEVE PARSONS

Resident Musical Director/Conductor

is the Resident Musical Director at the Players Guild of Canton, having served in the same capacity at Carousel Dinner Theatre from 2004-2009, where his work received the 2006 Cleveland area Times Newspapers “Outstanding Musical Direction” award. Other credits include The Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida, The Ohio Shakespeare Company, Carnation City Players, and the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Additionally, he provided new arrangements for Dean Pitchford’s official revised version of FOOTLOOSE, created new versions of the NUNSENSE scores for creator Dan Goggin, wrote original music and fight song arrangements for the hit video game COLLEGE SLAM, and performed in the “Tickestra” for the FOX animated television series THE TICK. Steve was also the arranger for the Grateful Dead musical CUMBERLAND BLUES, which was presented at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and orchestrated the regional musical IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. An active composer, Steve has a Master’s degree in composition and numerous published symphonic pieces and choral works. His original musical version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is published by Steele Spring Stage Rights, and has received an NYC Off-Off Broadway production, a fully staged production in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, numerous regional theatre performances across the United States, and is presented annually at The Players Guild. Steve arranged and orchestrated the hit LA musical LIFE COULD BE A DREAM and is a consultant and contributor to Defying Gravity, the biography of legendary songwriter Stephen Schwartz. He presently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Kent State University – Stark Campus in the areas of Musicology, Piano, Ensemble Direction and Conducting, and is a proud member of ASCAP and The Dramatists Guild of America.

BREANNA ANTONIADES

Production Stage Manager

is excited to be back for her seventh season at the Players Guild Theatre! Prior to her work here, Breanna earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies with a concentration of Theatre Production and a minor in Theatre Performance from Kent State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She has been given many titles throughout her fourteen plus years working in theatre, but her favorite title continues to be Production Stage Manager. She could not be happier that she gets to work in a career she is so passionate about! In her free time, she loves playing board games, throwing themed parties, and cuddling with her three adorable cats. She would like to thank her husband Anthony, her family, and her friends for all of their support over the years. Enjoy the show!

FRANKIE CASTROVILLARI

Lighting Designer

joined the Players Guild family in the summer of 2019 with Rock of Ages and has been around ever since. In addition to his role as lighting designer here at Players Guild Frankie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Brecksville Theatre. Frankie’s work can also be seen at Cassidy Theatre and Magical Theatre Company, to name a few.

BOBBY SEVERNS

Sound Designer/Projection & Sound Board Op

With a passion for enhancing the theatrical experience through sound, Bobby brings a wealth of expertise this production of Jekyll and Hyde. In now his third season as resident sound designer, Bobby has been instrumental in crafting immersive audio environments through sound effects, atmospheric beds, and original musical compositions that elevate storytelling and engage Players Guild audiences. Memorable projects include A 360-degree soundscape incorporated into the 2023 production of Stephen King’s Misery, and several original compositions for the environments and battle scenes of 2024’s The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Bobby has an extensive background in music and live sound, having worked on a diverse range of projects including running his own DJ and Live Sound Reinforcement company (Pro Party DJ) for 25 years, performing hundreds of shows as a solo musician, and developing his own sound effects applications for the Apple iOS platform. Throughout his career, Bobby has collaborated with numerous community and professional theater groups both onstage as an actor/performer and in artistic, technical, and video production capacities. In addition to his work in theater, Bobby is actively involved mentoring through the Scouting America program, teaching K-5th Sunday school, and playing on the church worship team at Passion Hartville. By day, you will find him as a Senior Corporate Trainer for DRB Tunnel Solutions, a company that provides point-of-sale and tunnel control to the car wash industry. Outside work, Bobby is a proud father of three children and devoted husband of more than 25 years to his lovely wife Emily. Bobby is dedicated to using sound and music as powerful tools to bring stories to life and create memorable experiences for audiences. He hopes you find tonight’s performance a testament to that fact. Enjoy the show!

KATE JOSEPH

Costume Designer

is pleased as punch to be back for her third season working in the costume shop at the Players Guild! Kate is a graduate of the 2022 class at the College of Wooster where she got her Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre. Kate has worked on every show the last two seasons here at the PGT, but her favorite show recently she has designed was *The Toxic Avenger*. Kate enjoys puppetry, making food for everyone during tech, and being the quick change champion she is. She dares you to do a quick change faster than her, and hopes you enjoy the show!

GEORGE McCARTY II

Resident Costume Designer

after a brief hiatus, begins another season as the costume designer for the Players Guild. George previously designed for the Guild for several seasons beginning in 2013. In addition, he has designed for Magical Theatre Company, Seat of the Pants Productions, as well as Carnation City Players, among others.

CARRIE ALEXANDER SPINA

Director

is a 1993 Canton South High school graduate and began acting and volunteering in local Theatre in 1989. Carrie brought her passion to a new level in 2006 when she collaborated with the Players Guild Theatre to create Page to Stage, a program which she directed and co-founded through a generous grant from Arts in Stark. Page to Stage took live, interactive theatrical productions based on children’s books on tour to local elementary schools. While directing Page to Stage, Carrie outreached the arts to over 25,000 students in Stark, Summit, and Tuscarawas counties. In 2010, Carrie expanded Page to Stage to include a program called Youth Reach. Youth Reach brought a variety of arts-related classes directly into the schools. Carrie became the director of outreach for the Players Guild Theatre and also the Director of Education from 2005- 2013. Carrie started her own journey in 2013 with creating New Direction Performing Arts Academy, it started as a mobile Performing Arts school that brought theatrical opportunities to schools lacking funding or the ability to have a theatre program. Carrie has directed numerous youth productions over the past 20 years, summer camps and family productions at the Players Guild Theatre and also directed for the past 10 years through New Direction Performing Arts Academy at schools all over stark county and Tuscarawas Valley High school, Middle School and Elementary as well as developed and taught classes, workshops, and private lessons. Some of Carrie's favorite directing credits include: Mamma Mia, Sponge bob the musical, Newsies Jr, Annie, Shrek, The Adam's Family, Rock of Ages, Legally Blonde, The Wizard of Oz, and her all time favorite production was Matilda! Carrie most recently has joined the advisory board with Artful Living and is thrilled to be a part of continuing to develop and support local Artist outreaching to our youth in our community. Carrie is a wife and mother of three beautiful children, Cierra (28), Jacob (26) and Drake (23) as well as a proud speech and debate coach and Director of the Drama program for Tuscarawas Valley Local. Carrie is proud to call Tuscarawas Valley Local her Theatrical home and thankful for all the opportunities and support the school and administration have given her through the years. #gotrojans

KATY E. RUSSELL

Choreographer

a native of NE Ohio has an extensive background in dance and theatre. Having grown up in the arts, it was no surprise she pursued it further as she graduated from Cedarville University having studied communications and theatre. Katy continued on at Cedarville as an adjunct professor in the communications department teaching speech, theatre and dance, and received a Day-Tony for her choreography in Cedarville’s production of “Hello, Dolly!” Although the arts have taken her everywhere from Australia and Europe, Chicago to LA, she is back in NE Ohio teaching and creating choreography for a variety of projects including work at the Carnation City Players, Canton Palace Theatre, Lorain Palace Theatre, Playhouse Square in Cleveland, with New Directions Performing Arts Academy, and with a variety of school groups in the area. She currently works in Louisville City Schools while also acting as the head coach of the speech and debate team and the theatre advisor at her alma mater, Louisville High School. Katy has also worked in the talent and casting world, having worked on a myriad of shows, including The Voice, MasterChef, and Dance Moms. She is so excited to be involved with this sparkle-jingley fun show with the Players Guild!

EMILY ROH

Assistant Music Director

is a voice teacher, music educator, and vocal coach with nearly 30 years of performance experience and 15 years as a music director. She holds a degree in Music Education from the University of Utah and taught junior high choir and theatre for a decade. Currently, Emily is a vocal coach at Firestone High School, runs her own thriving vocal studio (Emily Roh Vocal Studio), and serves as a teaching artist and music director with New Direction Performing Arts Academy (NDPAA). Originally from Utah, Emily moved to Ohio a year and a half ago and has quickly found a home in the local performing arts community. Her performance background includes four seasons in A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre, a renowned semi-professional theatre in Sandy, UT, as well as numerous other roles in community theatres. Elf Jr. marks her debut production with The Players Guild Theatre, and she is excited to be part of a theatre company with such a long-standing tradition of excellence. Emily is a proud full-time mom to her 6-year-old son and has been married to her husband for 12 years.

ELIZABETH DOMER

Stage Manager

Elizabeth Domer (she/her) is an actor, director, and stage manager. After a year on the road as a Touring Actor/Director with Missoula Children's Theatre, she now spends time teaching theatre throughout NEOhio. Elizabeth is passionate about using the performing arts to inspire change, challenge minds, and promote growth. She is a graduate of the University of Mount Union with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Theatre Performance. Favorite credits include Trouble in Mind (Judy Sears), The Toxic Avenger (Mayor Belgoody/Ma), Twelfth Night (Maria), and Quilters (Jody). Elizabeth enjoys time offstage golfing and with her cat, Bean.

KRISTIAN KORSGAARD

Props Master

received his training at Marymount Manhattan College where he earned a BFA in Dance, Magna cum Laude. Kristian spent the next 12 years teaching dance in both Brooklyn and Queens while performing extensively in regional theater. Some favorite shows include A Chorus Line, Nunsense…Amen, Carousel, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweet Charity, The Will Rogers Follies, 42nd Street, Crazy for You and Annie as well as traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and through the Panama Canal performing for Holland America Cruise Lines. He also had one glorious year working as a dresser for Beauty & the Beast on Broadway. Having retired his dancing shoes, Kristian stayed in NYC for another 6 years working for a hedge fund group before moving closer to home in 2010 to open a gift shop in Hudson with his husband, Eric. Happy to be back for another show at the Guild!