JOHN LEWIS, Director
OF AIKEN, SC
John Lewis is a retired gunsmith/machinist and community college instructor who currently works in the film industry. He returns to ACT after nine years away. He has been involved at ACT since the early ‘90s. First helping build sets, then as an assistant director, stage manager, occasional actor, and then director of such shows as Night Watch, The Odd Couple, The Altos, Lend Me A Tenor, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. He met his wife, Barbara at ACT, and the two live in Aiken with their grandson, Zephan.
The CAST Buddy……………………………………………………………..Tres Taylor Jovie………………………………………………………………Jenna Odle Walter Hobbs………………………………………………….Tony Ateca Emily Hobbs…………...………………..…….Christy Smith-Barton Michael Hobbs……………………………………….Joshua Dixon, Jr. Deb……….…………………………………………….Ashanti Friels-Paz Manager…………………………………………………..Jeremy McCoy Greenway..….….………………………………………….Josh Harrison Santa Claus…....…..………………………………………...Mac Hanna Chadwick….……………………………………………..Rachel Hatfield Matthews……………….……………………….…Hillary Kourliouros Ensemble………...……Alena Corwley, Anastasia Kourliouros ……..Andrew Woodworth, Aubree Campbell, Aubrey Zella ………….Bridget E., Claire Woodsworth, Daniel Woodworth ……Elora Klepac, Giovanni Kourliouros, Hillary Kourliouros ….……….Jude Voyles, Melissa Noakes, Nathan Woodworth ………………Rachel Hatfield, Sara Wright, Savannah Warren .Selah Spivey, Teagan Wright
Alena Crowley (Ensemble) has experienced various branches of the arts being a former member of “Le Petit Cirque” and “The Aerial Angles”, but it is thanks to Elf, Blithe Spirit and a recent Garden Theatre production known as The Frog Princess that have helped her discover a new love for a world of performing unlike any past endeavors.
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Anastasia Kourliouros (Ensemble) is new to Aiken, and Elf is her acting debut. She is in the fifth grade and loves science and nature studies.
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Andrew Woodworth (Ensemble) Elf is Andrew’s second play at ACT. The first play was Christmas Story. He is twelve years old and likes playing soccer and football. He would like to tell you that he’s Santa’s favorite elf . Also; the other elves are not nearly as hard working as he is. Merry Christmas!
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Ashanti Friels-Paz (Deb) is a native of Columbia, SC. Many moons ago she participated in numerous plays at her alma mater, The University of South Carolina. Here in Aiken, she has had the pleasure of being cast in ACT's Legally Blonde the Musical where she played "Chutney" When she is not on stage, she loves motivating and inspiring students as a high school counselor at South Aiken High school. She has been happily married for seven years and enjoys bike riding, vacationing, clogging and pageant directing. Fun Fact- She actually dreams in musicals! So, you could say her being in plays is literally making her dreams come true!
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Aubree Campbell (Waitress, Ensemble) is a 10th grader at South Aiken High School, Aubree moved to Aiken from Utah a couple of years ago. Her first role at ACT was in Murder’s In The Heir as Lois.
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Aubrey Zella (Tiara, Ensemble) is a second grader at Millbrook Elementary and is excited to perform in her first ever musical. When not onstage, she enjoys doing gymnastics and spending time with her family. She’s happy to share this new experience with her aunt, Rachel Hatfield, who is also in the production.
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Bridget E. (Ensemble) is a senior at South Aiken. She is very excited to be a part of this show! It is her third production with ACT. The she has previously performed in Murder in the Heir and Junie B. Jones
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Christy Smith-Barton (Emily Hobbs) is a newcomer to Aiken and is making her ACT debut in Elf. She has acted with the Sumter Little Theatre in Sumter, South Carolina, where she grew up, as well as with theatres in St. Paul, MN; Atlanta, GA; and Austin, TX. Her favorite roles include Becca in Rabbit Hole, Pmela/Annabella/Margaret in The 39 Steps, and Gertrude in Hamlet
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Claire Woodworth (Ensemble) Elf is Claire’s eighth play at ACT. Her most recent credits include The Frog Princess and Murder’s In The Heir. Claire’s in 10th grade and loves babysitting, Girl Scouts, and theatre. Merry Christmas!
Daniel Woodworth (Ensemble) is in his fifth play at ACT including Christmas Story, Happily Ever After, Dragon Masters, and The Frog Princess. He has been in the ACT Youth Wing for 3 years. Daniel is in 8th grade and hates math. He enjoys performing Elf with his brothers and sister.
Elora Klepac (Ensemble) is excited to be in her second show at ACT. She previously played Lil’ Dog in Suessical the Musical Jr. Elora is 10 and in the fifth grade. Elora loves dancing, singing, drawing, painting, and engaging in general silliness. She has been cast in The Lion, Witch, and The Wardrobe which will be presented by the ACT Youth Wing in February.
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Giovanna Kourliouros (Ensemble) is new to Aiken and is excited for her first ever performance on stage. She is an avid reader and swimmer.
Hillary Kourliouros (Matthews, Ensemble) is a therapist and school counselor in the Aiken area. She is new to acting and enjoys fitness activities and spending time with her family.
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Jenna Odle (Jovie) is honored to be making her ACT debut in Elf. Her other credits include Ursula in The Little Mermaid, the witch in Into the Woods, and Charlotte in Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. When she is not on the stage, Jenna enjoys spending time with her cat, Percy.
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McCoy
From the small town of Bedford Falls to medieval Paris, the stage has taken Jeremy to some very interesting places. Elf marks his 10 show, and he would like to thank his fiancé and family for their continued support of this joyous adventure called community theater.
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Jeremy
(Store Manager)
Joshua Dixon, Jr (Michael Hobbs) is a fifth grader. His first role on stage was in the ACT production of Matilda the Musical (Eric). When not on stage, Josh enjoys playing soccer, doing tricks on a Pogo stick, riding his bike, skateboarding, listening to music, and martial arts.
Josh Harrison (
A long-time resident of the Aiken-Augusta area, Josh studied music with a focus on performance under Dr. Cook. He has performed opera such as The H.M.S Pinafore, but Elf is his first dive into Musical Theatre.
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Elf Music Director, Mr. Greenway)
Jude Voyles (Charlie) was born at home in Cataula, Georgia. As a 12-yearold “Army brat", he has lived in Georgia, Hawaii and South Carolina (twice). He is the youngest of seven children and is homeschooled. Jude is active in Boy Scout Troop 146 and enjoys playing his electric guitar. He first started his acting career making short films about superheroes on his YouTube channel called Patcom Studios.
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Mac Hanna (Santa) moved to Aiken in 1955 when his father became Chief of Police. Mac graduated from Aiken High School, attended The Citadel and the United States Naval Academy before graduating from the University of South Carolina. He has a diverse business background and is a retired National Board-certified Teacher in Social Studies. He is an Investment Advisor Representative with Redwood Private Wealth and is a National Director with Redwood Tax Specialists.
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Melissa Noakes (Mrs.
is excited to return to the ACT stage after her performance in last year’s A Charlie Brown Christmas. She enjoys spending time with her family and has a slight obsession with all things Christmas.
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Claus/Ensemble)
Nathan Woodworth (Ensemble) is participating in his first year at ACT and his first play. He loves being in Elf. It has been quite a fun experience. Nathan is in 4th grade and is happy to be homeschooled. Nathan loves soccer and Star Wars. He enjoys theatre and following in his sibling’s footsteps. Merry Christmas!
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she was 12 and has done many shows since then, including favorites such Suzy. She is especially excited to introduce the world of theater to her co-
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Sara Wright, (Ensemble) 10, is growing up in Aiken and attends Horse Creek Academy. Her first role on stage was at ACT as Amanda Thripp in Matilda the Musical. She also performs with Aiken’s Bellini Choir performing at various events around the community. She has danced with the Carolina Dance Studio for 7 years.
Savannah Warren (Ensemble) moved to Aiken seven years ago. She attends Mead Hall and sings in the Bellini choir. Savannah appeared in A Charlie Brown Christmas last year and The Frog Princess in last summer’s Garden production. She enjoys every play at ACT whether on stage or in the audience.
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Selah Spivey (Ensemble) lives in North Augusta and goes to Paul Knox Middle School. Selah enjoys theatre very much and has performed in many musicals as many different characters. When she is not performing on a stage, she does schoolwork, sings, dances, and makes art. Theatre is very important in Selah’s life.
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Teagan Wright, 12, Ensemble) has grown up in Aiken and attends Horse Creek Academy. She is debuting on stage with ACT in Elf the Musical but supported her sister and the cast backstage for Matilda the Musical earlier this fall. She grew up singing in Aiken’s Kinderchoir, and now sings for Bellini performing at various events around the community, she has danced with Carolina Dance Studio for 8 years.
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Tony Ateca Theatre with credits including
and
. Returning to the Amentum stage after a hiatus of several years, he is eager to add to your Christmas cheer by joining an energetic young cast to present the incredibly fun and highspirited story of Buddy, the Elf.
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Tres Taylor (Buddy Hobbs) is thrilled to be playing his favorite Christmas character. He was most recently seen on the ACT stage as The Escapologist in Matilda. Tres is in his final year at USC-Aiken and will graduate with his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre and Bachelor’s of Nursing in May.
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