Aaron Hernandez

Aaron is a Dad of 4 (Cory, Jason, Teddy and Mabel) He has been in many SBSC Shows acting and directing. Most recently Directed High School Musical, and as Mr. Wormwood in Matilda. He would like to give a Huge Thank you to his Wife, Drea, for being his biggest supporter. Also to his family that helped babysit his wild kids! Lastly, a Big Shout out to the McMullen Family for giving him the idea to even Audition for this show and for being some of his biggest fans!

Abigail Rodriguez

Abby will be a Junior at Hollister High School. This is her second production, previously being in the last Hollister High musical “School of Rock”. Other than theater, she likes to take time to write music, sing, and play her instruments. She hopes you enjoy this show!

Aislinn Barnes

Aislinn Barnes (Ms. Teavee): Aislinn Barnes is excited to be on stage at SBSC again! You may recognize her as Miss Honey from Matilda performed two summers ago on this very stage! Aislinn is also the proud theatre teacher at Hollister High school and a current MA in Education candidate. Aislinn would like to thank her family for sharing the stage with her this summer! She would also like to thank Jasmine for being her biggest fan every single day!

Allison Barnes

Allison Barnes is excited to be back on stage in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Allison’s other shows on stage with SBSC include Mary Poppins, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Allison is excited to be able to share the stage with her husband Derek and her two children Aislinn and Derek II. When not at rehearsals, Allison is an Art Teacher at Ladd Lane and Spring Grove Schools, and an Irish Dance teacher with Barnes Academy of Irish Dance. She wishes everyone in the cast and crew many thanks for their efforts on this production. "I am so lucky to share the stage with all of you."

Andrew Prak

Andrew is 10yrs old, and is going into 5th grade. This is 6th show with SBSC. When he's not on stage, he likes to play flag football, hang out with friends and go swimming. He would like to dedicate his performance to his friends Will and Chase.

Anika Paz

Anika is 11 years old and will be in 6th grade at RSJ Middle School. Other than theater, she likes to crochet, art, hanging out with friends, and plays soccer for the Hollister Tremors. Last summer she played Gretel in The Sound of Music. She has also performed with Future Stars and was in the Frozen Jr. ensemble.

Arabella Fontaine

Arabella Fontaine is 12 years old and going into the 7th grade this Fall. She loves theater, friends, family, swimming, music, singing, dancing, acting, and arts and crafts! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is Arabella’s 3rd SBSC show, 6th show overall and she hopes to do many more. She wants to be an actress when she grows up and dedicates this show to all her friends she has made.

Arabella Gonzalez

Arabella is 10 years old and excited to be performing in her third production with San Benito Stage Company. She previously appeared in Moana and had a wonderful experience. In addition to theater, Arabella enjoys ballet, jazz, and lyrical dance. She looks forward to continuing to grow her performance skills on stage.

Athena Vasquez

My name is Athena Vasquez and I’m 22 years old. I have been working with SBSC for 9 years now, in various capacities such as acting, stage managing, being a part of the tech team, etc. but it’s been almost 2 years since I’ve been an actor in a musical, so I’m ready to come back and be the best Vidiot I can be! Enjoy the show!

Axel Fontaine

Axel Fontaine is excited to be playing Charlie in this Summer’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. At 11 years old, this is Axel’s 4th SBSC show. When he’s not on stage, Axel enjoys writing stories, reading, off-roading, listening to music, and Nee Doh hunting. Axel would like to thank his family and friends for their support and dedicates this performance to his Grandma Connie.

Bella Prak

Bella has had a (literal) BLAST playing Violet Beauregard! She's 11 years old and going into the 7th grade. This is her 10th show!! You might have seen her in Alice in Wonderland Jr (Rose), The Sound of Music (Brigitta), or Moana Jr ( Moana). Outside of theater, Bella enjoys singing, reading, playing flag football, and journaling. She would like to dedicate her performance to her family and friends, because she wouldn't have been here if it wasn't for them. She also would like to thank the cast and crew of this show for being AWESOME! “So now you know where I'm coming from, bow down to the Queen of Pop!”

Berlyn Reyna

Berlyn is 13 years old and will be in 8th grade at Spring Grove school . This is her 4th play with SBSC. Her most recent and favorite role was playing the Queen of hearts in Alice in wonderland. In her free time she enjoys singing , surfing , shopping and playing softball . She dedicates this performance to her family and friends

Cambria Pace

This will be Cambria’s thirty-second show, and she is thrilled to be taking the stage as Mrs. Green. You may have seen her as Shelby in ‘Steel Magnolias’ with SBSC. Aside from theater, Cambria enjoys writing, playing guitar, attending college, and spending time with her friends and family. Cambria would like to dedicate her performance to her incredible cast and crew who have been nothing but welcoming and inspiring, and to her family who have supported her aspirations to return to the stage. She hopes you all sit back, relax, grab a rotten vegetable smoothie, and enjoy the show!

Chloe McMullen

Chloe McMullen is 13 and entering the 8th grade. When not on stage you can normally find her curled under a tree with a comic book or perhaps playing Lego Batman with her brother, Aiden, who she would like to dedicate this performance to. Chloe says, “There is no one who gets me quite like the way Aiden does, thanks brov”

Derek Barnes II

Derek is 19 years old and is currently attending UC Davis as a Political Science and History double major. He has been acting with SBSC since he was 6 years old, he had choreographed last year's summer musical, "The Sound of Music", and most recently was Francis Flute in Studio 301’s production of "Something Rotten" at UC Davis. Derek is excited to step back onto the stage here at Hollister High School and hopes you enjoy the POPPIN’ world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Diego Amezcua

Diego is 16 years old and is going to be a junior this fall! He is so excited to play the role of Augustus! He has overall done about 12 shows with SBSC! On his free time he likes to sing, act, dance, and hangout with friends and family. “Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.”

Elias Ramirez

Elias is 11 years old and this will be his 4th play. He enjoys playing video games and watching movies. He looks forward to a long career with SBSC!

Emeline Leland

Emeline is an incoming freshman at Hollister High School. She loves doing theater and started pursuing it in 6th grade when doing Annie jr. for Spring Groves theater program. When she grows up she hopes to be a broadway actress while also pursuing Architecture. She also has a dream of going to NYU. She would also like to thank her theater friends for always being there for her, Mrs. Shannon for getting her into theater, and her family for always encouraging her. We hope you “step into a world of pure imagination” and enjoy the show.

Gael Barba-Solis

Gael is incoming senior at Hollister High-school. Besides being on stage, he spends his time writing stories, filming, and pushing for his community through his transgender club, Mariposa Club, to provide a safe space for other students. He rocked the stage once in the Spring musical School of Rock, and is excited to jump on that theater train once again.

Georgina Najera

Georgina is 10yo and this is her first SBSC show. She is a 5th grader who likes to golf, sing, and loves to draw. She hopes you enjoy the show!!

Giada Pulido

Giada Pulido (Ensemble) is a sophomore at Hollister High School. She is thrilled to make her debut with SBSC and would like to extend a special thanks to her cast mates and the creative team for contributing to such an amazing production. Giada dedicates her performance to her family and expresses her gratitude to her mom for always driving her to and from practices. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Harper Flores

Harper Flores is completing 6th grade and this will be her 4th play with San Benito Stage Company. In her free time, she enjoys making cake pops and creating content. She enjoys the show Young Sheldon. She loves playing volleyball and riding her bike.

Henry Davis

Henry (11) is so excited to play Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! This is Henry's 4th show with SBSC having previously performed as ensemble in Frozen Jr., Pua in Moana Jr., and the March Hare in Alice in Wonderland Jr. In his free time he enjoys talking to his friends, singing, and making nail art. He wants to dedicate his performance to his family and friends for always supporting him. Enjoy the show!

Ingrid Alfaro

Ingrid is 11 years old, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is her first full production with SBSC after a few theater camps. She likes to draw, craft, and (of course) act in theater! She loves meeting new people and being part of the amazing cast/crew.

Italia Zarate

Italia is thrilled to be playing the role of Cherry Sundea! And is excited to be taking on her 3rd supporting role in a musical! She is 12 years old, and just ended 6th grade. This is her 7th production and her third play with SBSC! She's done productions in the past with EI Teatro campesino (La Virgen del Tepeyac & La Patorela), SVCT (Disney Descendants' as Audrey) and LTP, ('The Wizard of OZ' as Glinda) She would like to dedicate this show to her friends and family, and all the people who took this time to watch this amazing show!

Jael Mejia

Jael is 12 years old and loves theater, arts and crafts, and cats. This will be her third show with SBSC. She's excited that she gets to perform alongside her big sister, Naomi. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she enjoyed being a part of it! "I dedicate my performance to my family for all their love and support."

Janay Hopkins

Janay is sharing the stage with her daughters (Olivia & Morgan) because being an undercover helicopter mom gets difficult as they get older. She has enjoyed being involved previously with the Stage Company as a backstage shusher, supplier of safety pins and emergency costume fixer, and producer but this is her first on stage role since her 6th grade debut as the witches feet in Wizard of Oz. Hoping she stays on key, cue and that you enjoy the magic of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.

Jocelyn Havelka

Jocelyn is an eleven year old with eight years of dance training. This is her third production with SBSC, following her role as Mary Lou Parker in the holiday sidecar show, and the Ace of Spade in Alice in Wonderland. Outside of theater, Jocelyn performs with the FCD Performance Team and has appeared in several productions of The Nutcracker with San Benito Dance Connection.

Julianne Wootton

Julianne is excited to be appearing in her 5th production with the San Benito Stage Company! You may have recently seen her as Small Alice in Alice in Wonderland Jr. This time, she is having a blast playing Jeremy the Squirrel and a Candy Shopper in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Julianne loves singing, dancing, and performing on stage, and she enjoys making new friends with her theater family. When she’s not rehearsing, she can be found taking dance classes, spending time with her family and friends, and dreaming about her next role. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Leandro Zarate

Leandro is super excited for doing his first show with SBSC! He started his Theater journey with ETC in San Juan Bautista and he loved it! He just finished performing in The Wizard of Oz at Gilroy where he made lots of friends. When not in Theater, he plays the piano and takes Parkour lessons. Leandro wants to thank everyone that comes to see the show!

Leylana Ogarrio-Hernandez

Leylana’s birthday is on June 21, and she is now 13. Her favorite thing to do besides theater is to draw, craft, play video games, and hangout with friends. This is her 7th show ever, but her 3rd time working with SBSC. Leylana’s favorite show is Young Sheldon. She dedicates this performance to her parents and Jasmine(her cousin), for always being there for her and supporting her in her favorite pastime, theater.

Lili Sharpe

Lili will be a senior this year and enjoys doing dance, arts and crafts, and reading. This is her second show with SBSC her first being the Sound Of Music. “I dedicate this performance to my family. love you all”

Louise Callanta

Louise has loved musical theater since she was 10 years old, when she first saw The Music Man. The experience sparked a lifelong passion. She has seen countless musicals. Among her favorites are Million Dollar Quartet and The Lion King. She is excited to take on the role of Grandma Josephine in this production. As a fifth-grade teacher, Louise finds that the skills and confidence she has gained through theater enrich her work in the classroom every day.

Maddox Havelka

Maddox is a 12-year-old with seven years of training in various dance styles. This is his sixth production with SBSC, and he is absolutely thrilled to be part of the cast for this summer's family musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In addition to theater, Maddox is part of the Flying Colors Performance Dance Team and has performed in several Nutcracker productions with San Benito Dance Connection.

Marlee Barbosa

Marlee is 14 and is going to be a freshman at San Benito High School this fall. She has been doing shows with SBSC since summer 2022, with Bye Bye Birdie being her first show. Most recently, she could be seen in Alice in Wonderland as Tall Alice. Outside of theatre, she loves hanging out with friends and singing. She would love to dedicate her performance to her best friends, Chloe and Emeline, and her family for being her biggest supporters.

Morgan Hopkins

Morgan is 8 years old and excited to be singing and dancing on stage in her 3rd production with San Benito Stage Company. Morgan is an avid dancer who enjoys performing with her sister on stage and in the backyard! Always ready to choreograph and direct her family, she is excited that her mom gets to join her in Charlie and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Naomi Mejia

Naomi Mejia is 18 years old and will be a senior in high school. This is her third show with SBCS. She would like to thank her 4 little brothers, her awesome parents and her closest friends Jaycee, Donna, and Meri for all the support through this summer show. “Special thanks to my little sister Jael and my dear friend Lili performing beside me and my mom for all the effort she’s put in! Have a wonderful time, I hope you enjoy the show!”

Niko Veltri

Niko began his theatrical journey with the San Benito Stage Company at just 12 years old in their production of Aladdin. Most recently, he played a role in But Why Bump Off Barnaby and was vocal director for Alice in Wonderland. Now, thrilled to be working once again within the community, he can’t wait to be back on stage with the same theater company he started with.

Olivia Hopkins

Olivia will be in 5th grade next year and is grateful for the opportunity to be the Candy Kid and an exuberant squirrel in Charlie! In addition to her last 3 productions with the Stage Company, she enjoys being a full time dancer, student, reader and creative writer. This is her 1st play with her mom and her 3rd with her sister and hopes you enjoy the show!

Rachel Sharpe

I am a homeschooling mom to my four kids. I love to sing and bake. I was in The Sound of Music last summer and I'm looking forward to being in my second show with SBSC. Enjoy the show!

Ron Firstbrook

Ron has been involved with stage company for a seriously long time both on and off stage and he’s so excited to continue the tradition with this incredible production of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Ron would like to extend his biggest thank you to his wife Karen, who puts up with him, his terrible jokes and his show schedule. Ron hopes that you enjoy the show and his authentic Russian accent.

Samantha Sanchez

Samantha is 12 years old and is a 7th grader at HDLA. This is her 7th musical overall and she is so excited to be in this musical with all her friends! Samantha was previously in Alice in wonderland jr as Petunia. She enjoys dancing, playing clarinet and listening to music. She would like to dedicate her performance to all her friends and family that always supported her theater career! “Enjoy the show”

Serenity Welch

Serenity is 14 years old and is going into the 9th grade. This is her 6th show with SBSC and her 8th show over all! She loves singing, playing her acoustic and electric guitar, watching TV, and hanging out with her friends. Serenity would like to thank her directors for allowing her to be apart of this amazing show. Enjoy this fantastic musical!

Sherlyn Rodriguez

Sherlyn Rodriguez is thrilled to be Back on the stage for the first time in almost 9 years. She previously performed in Little Shop of Horrors and Once Upon a Mattress and recently was a choreographer for Hollister High’s School of Rock. Returning in this new role feels like a full-circle moment and she is excited to collaborate with her talented cast members. She thanks the team and wonderful cast for welcoming her back.

Shirley Murphy

This is Shirley's 17th show with SBSC. She is thrilled to play Mrs. Gloop with so many dear friends in this talented cast. Shirley dedicates her performance to her wonderful, supportive husband and Tech Wiz Brian, and to their fantastic kids, Patrick, Connor and Bridget. I hope you enjoy this magical show filled with fun and pure imagination!

Wilbur Cortez

Wilbur is going to be a junior at Hollister High school, and this is his second ever show! His first show was "School of Rock" for the HHS Spring musical. He is very involved with the HHS Scarlet Regiment and is a part of the school's marching band and winter percussion ensemble. This is his first show with SBSC, and hopes to do more! :)

Ximena Salas-Ramirez

Ximena is 11 years old and enjoys singing, dancing, and spending quality time with her family. She is excited to be part of this production and share her love of performing. Ximena dedicates this performance to her parents, brothers, and little sister, who always support and inspire her.

Bay Grace

Bay is currently 17 and attends Monterey High School where she is a part of the Arts, Media, and Performance Academy, helping in multiple plays and musicals while learning both physical and digital art. Additionally, she has been dancing for 14+ years at SBDC, performing in both recitals each year. This will be her second production choreographing with the Stage Company and hopes you will enjoy this journey of pure imagination as much as she has.

Brian Faria

Brian is an upcoming freshmen and is very excited to be part of this show as the Co-Stage Manager alongside his mother and brother. He will be managing the soundboard and controlling all of the mics. "Enjoy the show!"

Derek Barnes

Derek Barnes is thrilled to be producing and performing in this production, but most importantly, sharing the stage with his wife, Allison, and their two children, Aislinn and DB2. Derek has directed and produced numerous productions for the Stage Company and Hollister High School, bringing his vision and passion to audiences of all ages. He extends his deepest gratitude to his incredible team, Rachel, Marisa, Kim, Zac, Jula, Lauryn, and Bay, for their creativity, dedication, and tireless support. He also wants to thank this amazing cast for their hard work, passion, and dedication in bringing this show to life.

Jula Prak

Angela, known as Jula to most, is a vocalist and mom of four from Hollister, CA. She discovered her passion for music and performing arts through musical theater during high school. Jula graduated from Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA, with an AA in Vocal Performance, focusing on vocal technique and contemporary music. She teaches vocal lessons and has directed/vocal directed previous shows with SBSC including Bye Bye Birdie, The Wedding Singer, High School Musical, and Sound Of Music. She also participates on her church's worship team. She’s grateful for her husband’s never-ending support, and her kids' shared love for the stage. "Thank you to this incredible team, and cast for bringing the magic of Wonka to life! You all make my job easy! Enjoy the show!"

Keke Faria

This is Keke's third time working as the Stage Manager with SBSC. They have either worked as tech, acted, or managed the stage for one of our many shows over the last 2.5 years. This show is extra special because Keke's two oldest sons are working with them on the tech team. In Keke's free time, they enjoy hiking, gardening, gaming, drawing, or reading a good book.

Kim Casillas

Kim is excited to be working as a producer for the first time with SBSC. Her passion for supporting our community theater began after watching her granddaughter, Julianne Wootton in Matilda. This past Christmas, she joined Julianne on stage in "Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus," and "The Night Before Christmas." And has worked backstage for several productions. She loves seeing the supportive and encouraging environment of the cast and crew of SBSC.

Lauryn Popham

Lauryn is 19 and a Junior at San Jose State, studying Child Development. This is her 8th show with SBSC and she is so excited to be apart of this production as well as camp this summer! When she’s not doing theatre you can find Lauryn teaching dance at SBSC, making coffee or volunteering at church! She would like to thank her parents and Miss Jula. 

Liz McCullen

Marisa Wootton

Marisa is a proud theatre and dance mom who loves being part of the magic that happens on and off the stage. As one of the producers of this summer’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, she enjoys watching the hard work, passion, and friendships that grow through the theatre experience. She is grateful to be part of such a wonderful community and hopes you enjoy the show!

Mina Canning

Rachel Mejia

Rachel Mejia is thrilled to be making her producer debut with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She brings over ten years of experience in nonprofit administration and is passionate about community involvement. As a supporter of SBSC, Rachel has watched her daughters participate in several productions and is grateful for the positive impact theater has had on their lives. She is delighted to help bring this imaginative story to the stage and would like to thank the cast, crew, volunteers, and families whose dedication makes productions like this possible. Thank you for supporting local theater—enjoy the show!

Zac Isom

Zac Isom is deeply honored to return to the director's chair for the Stage Company’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This marks his second directorial venture with the company, following last fall’s teen production of Beetlejuice Jr. While directing is a newer chapter, Zac has been a fixture at the Stage Company for decades, contributing across nearly every department as a pit orchestra member, tech crew member, stage manager, vocal director, and actor. He is incredibly grateful for the Stage Company's continued trust and is thrilled to share this sweet, magical journey with you tonight!