Adapted from the JUNIE B.JONES Series of books by Barbara Park
Book and Lyrics by Marcy Heisler Music by Zina Goldrich
Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Director Jessica Wells
Choreographer
Jazmyne Stickles
Manager of Productions
Shannon Bicheno
Hair & Make Up Designer
Christina Alft
Sound Designer
Musical Director Katie Laymon-Hill
Executive Artistic Director
Tyler Hutchinson
Master Carpenter/Shop Mgr
Jared Thornton
Lighting Designer
Tyler Hutchinson
Tyler Hutchinson
Stage Manager Kenna Frucci
Director of Productions Kate Gesch
Costume Coordinator Megan Matthews
Video Director Tim Dolan
Costume Shop Manager Cherry Freudiger
The video, photography, and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever are strictly prohibited.
CYT DALLAS STAFF
Executive Artistic Director - Tyler Hutchinson
Director of Production - Kate Gesch
Director of Education - Cassie Chisum
Resident Carpenter - Jared Thornton
Manager of Productions & Marketing - Shannon Bicheno
Development & Operations Manager - Jenn McGarrity
Education Coordinator - Rebekah Williford
Operations Support Tech - Daniel Ivey
Branch Admininstrator - Alicia Dockins
SPECIAL THANKS
Thank you to our grant sponsors for helping provide access to all youth choosing to engage in the arts.
Front of House
Becky Trimble
Jonathon Flippinger
Marcey Cantrell
Concessions
Alicia Dockins
Lead Seamstress
Marci Moore
Cherry Freudiger
PRODUCTION CHAIRS
Program Designer
Alison Mills
Props/Set Dressing
Amy Bellah
Bethany McClintic
Costume Lead
Megan Matthews
Box Office
Randi Frucci
Rachel Robinson
Show Souveniers
Christine Williams
Jamie Smith
Adreane Fippinger
Costume Shop Manager
Cherry Freudiger
DIRECTING TEAM
Jessica Wells, Director
Jessica is thrilled and deeply grateful to be directing Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School for CYT Dallas. She is especially thankful to the CYT team for trusting her with the honor of bringing this story to life. Though this may be her first full production at the helm, storytelling and theatre have been woven into her life for a very long time. After first discovering her love of performance through dance and church choir, with a bit of theatre in high school, Jessica went on to earn her BFA in Performance from Baylor University. Over the years, she performed on stages across DFW before stepping away while her family was growing. She later returned to the stage in Theatre Denton’s Beauty and the Beast alongside her daughter, which eventually led them to CYT and the chance to be part of The Music Man and Bye Bye Birdie in this very special community. After that, she knew there was no way she could leave CYT and was grateful for the opportunity to teach acting as part of a CYT Studio class, where she discovered how much she loved helping students grow in confidence and craft. Outside the theatre, Jessica leads Customer Experience at Vizient, where she spends her days helping people and teams navigate growth, alignment and big-picture change. Whether in the workplace or the rehearsal room, she is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that help people discover connections and unlock potential wherever that may be. Of all the roles she has played, her favorites by far are wife to her incredible husband Dan, who lovingly supports every wild adventure, and mom to Ryleigh and Jeremiah.
Kenna Frucci, Stage Manager
As Stage Manager, Kenna has had the pleasure of supporting Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide Jr. from behind the curtains. She especially enjoyed collaborating with the talented cast of 8–13-year-olds, whose dedication and bright spirits made the rehearsal process both meaningful and fun. As well as her amazing team who made the process full of life and giggles. Their creativity inspired her daily, and she is honored to have played a part in helping them bring this story to life. Kenna extends her appreciation to the cast, crew, and families for their hard work and support throughout the journey. To God be the glory. Psalm 46:5
DIRECTING TEAM
Katie Laymon-Hill, Music Director
Katie Laymon-Hill is a versatile vocalist and performer with over 30 years of experience spanning the Orpheum Theater in Memphis to professional studio work in the DFW area. With a background in everything from jazz and opera to gospel and musical theater, Katie has spent her career mastering the vocal spectrum. She previously brought her expertise to the Advanced Performer Showcase at Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Tx, serving as the Producer and Assistant Director to develop high-level stage talent. Now in her second year with the CYT family, Katie has loved teaching studio classes and music directing various camps. She is thrilled to be making her official CYT Youth Troupe debut as Music Director for this production! As a professional vocalist and private coach, she is dedicated to helping her students find their unique voices while instilling the purpose and confidence needed to own the stage. She believes that music is a lifelong calling and is honored to share that passion with this cast.
Jazmyne Stickles, Choreographer
Jazmyne Stickles is a Dallas–Fort Worth dancer with over 15 years of training and performance experience, and over 6 years of teaching in dance and the performing arts. Raised in an award-winning competitive studio, she trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, and more, competing nationwide in cities including Chicago, Phoenix, and New York City. From an early age, dance became both her passion and her voice for storytelling and connection. She continued her training with KJ Dance, studied with the Joffrey Ballet, and attended summer intensives with companies such as Soul Escape and Zion Dance Project. Professionally, she spent four years performing with Zion Dance Project in Dallas, where she performed throughout the DFW area, collaborated on creative works, and contributed to music videos for various artists. After stepping back from performing due to injury, Jazmyne shifted her focus to teaching—a space where her love for dance and people could continue to spread. Over the past six years, she has taught in studio and performance settings, including the past 2 years at CYT. This season, she has had the opportunity to choreograph Youth Troupe productions such as Aladdin Jr. and now Junie B. Jones: The Essential Survival Guide to School! For Jazmyne, dance has been her heartbeat! She is passionate about creating an encouraging space where dancers feel confident, seen, and inspired to grow both as performers and as people.
DIRECTOR’S
There is something so beautiful about seeing the world through the eyes of a first grader.
Everything is BIG. Big joy. Big ideas. Big feelings. Big imagination. And if we stop to think about it for a moment, that doesn’t really stop in first grade.
One of the reasons I fell in love with Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School is because underneath all the laughter, wild ideas, school supplies and sweet moments is a story about learning how to grow through our feelings instead of being controlled by them. Junie B. goes on a journey to learn that feelings and emotions are real and important, even the hard ones, but they are not the boss of us or who we become. And that’s true for every single one of us – even in seventeenth grade ��.
Throughout this process, these incredible students have been bravely learning and growing right alongside their characters. As we neared the end of our time together, I gave them a secret assignment to share one thing they had learned during their private practice. What they handed me on folded up pieces of paper wasn’t about choreography or music or lines – it was about discovering what they loved, gaining confidence, finding courage and learning new things. This feels like the heart of this whole show to me.
God created each one of us uniquely and wonderfully, and He gives us this beautiful, albeit sometimes jumpish and squirmish, journey through life as we learn along the way to become who He created us to be. We are all, always still learning – about ourselves, about others and about how to love well in this big, beautiful world.
My hope is that as you take part in this production, you get lost in the world of Junie B., you laugh loudly, you feel deeply and maybe even leave remembering a little piece of the brave, imaginative kid inside of you – and who you are becoming.
Thank you for being part of our B. World.
With joy and oodles of gratitude!
--Jessica
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT 1
Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School . . . . Full Company
Post Opening .
Like What? .
Shoo Bee Doo Bee
I’ve Got A Great Idea Transition.
Backpacks On Parade .
A Great Idea (Part 1&2)
Room 1
. Junie B & Friends, Mrs. Scary
Junie B, Mrs. Scary
. Junie B & Friends
. Junie B, Sheldon
Junie B, Sheldon
El Toro Fabuloso (Playoff) . . .Junie B, Mother, El Toro, Matadors
Some Stuff About Clothes .
. Junie B, Lucille, Camerawoman
Potato On The Sidewalk! . . Junie B, Lucille, May, Camerawoman
El Toro Fabuloso Reprise
Junie B, May, El Toro
INTERMISSION
15 Minutes
Refreshments and souvenirs are available in the lobby.
Be sure to send a note and a treat backstage to your favorite Cast Member at the souvenir center in the lobby!
Adelaide Varnell, Anderson Crooks, Cambria Diaz, Camden Beck, Claire McClintic, Corinne Matthews, Daphne Jones, Emma Kate Novicke, Felicity Matthews, Gibson Schwenk, Jane Krehel, Kate Stephens, Katherine Painter, Lily Beck, Lucas Corral, Lucy Anderson, Lyric Hill, Matteo Corral, Parker Lee, Ryleigh Wells, Sebastian Olsen, Waverly Arnold
GOLD STAR FEATURED DANCERS
Anderson Crooks
Corinne Matthews
Felicity Matthews
Kate Stephens
Katherine Painter
Lucy Anderson
Ryleigh Wells
MOTHER’S TEACHERS
Corinne Matthews, Kate Stephens, Katherine Painter, Ryleigh Wells
CLARENCE SOMEBODY’S SCHOOL STAFF
Corinne Matthews, Lyric Hill, Madelyn Bellah, Kate Stephens, Katherine Painter
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Abigail Bellah, 10
Washable Glue, Chenille, Room 1 Kid
Hellooooo! My name is Abigail Bellah, and this is my 9th production at CYT Dallas. I love Junie B. She is THE girl boss!! Other than theater I like to sleep, eat, be annoying, REPEAT and sometimes I fit in guitar and baking. ENJOY THE SHOW! ENJOY IT I SAY!!!!!
Adelaide Varnell, 12
Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, Lunchroom Kids
Adelaide is so excited to be back performing in her 9th show with CYT. In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing, and playing with her dogs and learning how to crochet. She hopes you enjoy the show. Philippians 4:13
Anderson Cooks, 13
Gold Star Dancer, Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, El Toro
Fabuloso Dancer 1
Anderson is thrilled to be a part of her seventh CYT Production. Through her time with CYT, shes grown not only in acting, singing and dancing, but also in discovering more about herself and the person she hopes to become. CYT has truly become a second family to her and she loves every moment of it. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does.
Banner McGarrity, 9
May, Crayons, Room 1 Kids
Banner is excited to be part of Junie B. Jones, her 5th show with CYT since starting at age 8! She loves spending time with friends while learning new songs and dances in each production. Her very favorite thing to do is dance, especially tap! She is thrilled to be back on stage for another fun show.
Cambria Diaz, 13
Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, Lunchroom Kids
Cambria is a homeschooled 13 year old who loves to dance, ride horses, read, and CYT! When she isn’t at CYT, she is often in her room reading, at the barn riding horses, hanging out with her friends or making up choreogaphy! She attends Arrow Christian Academy and CC (classical conversations). She is so exited to be apart of this production and she hopes you enjoy the show:). Jeremiah 29:11.
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Camden Beck, 10
Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, Crossing Ensemble
Hi, I’m Camden Beck, and this is my 8th show with CYT. I play games like Roblox, Among Us, Geometry Dash, Chess, and more, one of my favorite sports is swimming. You can sometimes find me doing after-school clubs as well, like sewing, or chess.
Cash Robinson, 11
Easel, Jose, Room 1 Kids
Im pumped to be back on the stage with my pals again! This is going to be so fun!!
Chase Cantrell, 12
Sheldon, Ruler, Room 1 Kids
Chase is happy to be doing another show full of friends and a great crew. He has had the opportunity to do several shows with CYT and other performing arts groups and always appreciates the people who come to see the shows. Chase also enjoys playing basketball. He is thankful for your support of CYT and hopes you enjoy the show.
Claire McClintic, 9
Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, Crossing Ensemble
Claire is excited to be back on stage! Her past performances include James and the Giant Peach, Aladdin, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Outside of theater, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and eating sushi. Claire thanks her family for their love and support and hopes you enjoy the show!
Corinne Matthews, 12
Mrs. Gutzman, Matador 1, Gold Star Dancer, Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble
Hi! This is my 9th musical and my 6th CYT show! When not performing, I’m often found reading, playing violin & piano, embroidering, singing, reading, putting on plays with my sisters and friends, being a therapist for my besties. I love CYT and the people I have found here. Thanks to all my friends & family who have supported me along the way! Psalm 46:5
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Daphne Jones, 11
Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, Lunchroom Kids
Daphne is so excited to return for her sixth CYT show! Daphne loves to dance and pours her heart into everything she does. When she’s not at CYT she can be found snuggling her cats and doing crafts.
Donovan Small, 10
Lenn, Colored Chalk, Room 1 Kids
Donovan is excited to be in his 2nd musical with CYT! He loves everything about space, spending time with his dog Rudy, and singing and dancing. When he’s not on stage, you can find him dreaming about the stars or putting on mini performances at home. He is so happy to be part of this production and hopes you enjoy the show.
Emma Kate Novicke 8
Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble,Crossing Ensemble
Emma Kate is a 3rd grader from Argyle TX. She is so excited to be part of the Junie B. Jones cast for her first experience in a CYT production!
Felicity Matthews, 11
Gold Star Dancers,Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, El Toro Fabuloso Dancer 2,Paper Clips
Hi everyone! I love CYT--Even though I’m only 11, this is my seventh CYT show. When I am not on stage I am playing the piano, dancing, reading a book, or playing games with my friends and family. I really like to make people laugh. I am so excited for you to see the show!
John 13:34
Georgia Alft, 11
Bobbie Jean Piper, Colored Chalk, Room 1 Kids
This is Georgia’s 10th show with CYT Dallas. When she’s not working on memorizing songs and dances, she acts professionally in indie films and commercials, plays volleyball and runs track for her school. But her most favorite thing to do is terrorize the neighborhood, blasting music as she zooms around in her go-kart with the neighborhood kids!
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Gibson Schwenk, 12
Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, Lunchroom Kids
This is Gibson’s sixth show with CYT. She has previously preformed in James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, Mary Poppins, School of Rock, and Honk. She loves to sing, play sports, craft, play boardgames and most of all spend time with her friends and family. She would like to thank her family for always allowing her to try new and different things.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Gigi Radosevich, 10
Grace , Colored Chalk, Room 1 Kids
This is my second show with CYT. I just finished my first show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and had so much fun. My dream is to be an actress on tv someday but for today, Im happy to be making new friends at CYT! I have a twin sister and an older brother, Ryan. Im so thankful for CYT and all of the wonderful people I get to enjoy life with. I can’t wait to see what God does with me this year.
Greyson Bradley, 10
Herb, Pencil #2, Room 1 Kids
Hi! Welcome to the show. I’m Greyson, and this will be my 7th CYT show with my first being Descendants in May 2024. I love CYT and the community here. I’m so excited to be joining the crew again and so pumped to be back on stage with CYT. When I’m not on stage I enjoy drawing, school, hanging out with out with friends, and playing with my pup Hope! I hope you enjoy the show!
Jane Krehel, 9
Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, Crossing Ensemble
Jane has been a part of CYT for the last 3 years growing in confidence in who the Lord made her to be and developing her theater skills. She first took to the stage as a part of the ensemble in Aladdin Jr. and is so excited to return this season in her second CYT production!
June Sng, 11
Camille, Glue Sticks, Room 1 Kids
I am excited to be in my 3rd CYT show! When I’m not on stage, I’m usually buried in a book-- I’m a serious bookworm! I love singing, playing piano, baking sweet treats (and eating them!), and playing board games with friends and family. I am a huge Harry Potter fan, and always ready for my next adventure-- on stage or off!
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Kate Stephens, 12
Matador 2, Gold Star Dancers, Gertrude Vallony, Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble
Hi and welcome to the show! This is my 7th CYT production. CYT provides a great community where I can act, sing, & dance all while worshipping The Lord. If I’m not at CYT, you can find me playing violin, singing and participating in my school’s choir & theater, or volunteering at my church. Jesus loves you and enjoy the show!!
Matthew 6:25-26
Katherine Painter, 11
Mrs. Weller, Gold Star Dancers, Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, El Toro Fabuloso Dancer 3, Paper Clips
Katherine was 8 years old at her first CYT summer camp, and has been hooked on theatre ever since. She most enjoys dancing and being with her amazing castmates and directing team. Junie is her 8th CYT show. Outside of CYT, she loves writing, playing oboe, reading, time with friends, and studying. Hugs and love to friends and family!
Kolbe Combo, 13
Lucille, Glue Sticks, Room 1 Kids
This is Kolbe’s first CYT show and she is SO excited to be a part of it! Ever since her 1st grade teacher read the Junie B. Jones books aloud, she’s been hooked on Junie’s spunky adventures. Kolbe loves dancing, singing, and being on stage, and she can’t wait to bring the fun to this show!
Lily
Beck, 13
Camerawoman, Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble
Hi! My name is Lily and this is my 11th show with CYT Dallas! In my free time, I like to sightread new pieces on my bass clarinet, altar serve at my church, listen to music, and hang out with friends. I hope you enjoy the show!! James 1:5
Lily
Tilger, 11
Shirley, Eraser, Room 1 Kids
Hi! This is my second performance with CYT and I LOVE it. I did Bye Bye Birdie last summer and have done many summer camps. I love CYT, sports, hanging out with friends, and dogs. I have made awesome friends and hope you will join us on stage. I want to thank Jesus, my family, and all my supporters for helping me.
Lucas is excited to be back on stage with CYT Dallas for his eighth show. A 6th grader from Celina, he enjoys acting and writing and is excited to perform alongside his brother, Matteo. Outside of theater, Lucas enjoys collecting vinyls, playing in his school band, and spending time with family. He is grateful for their support and gives all glory to God.
Lucy Anderson, 11
Little Susan, Gold Star Dancers, Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, El Toro Fabuloso Dancer 4
Lucy G. Anderson - the G stands for Grace - is so excited to jump into the world of Junie B. She is wrapping up 5th grade at Liberty Elementary and spends her free time swimming with LAC in Lewisville. This is her 4th CYT show, and she can’t wait to make more memories, new friends, and have tons of fun along the way!
Lyric Hill, 13
Principal, Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble
Lyric comes from a musical family where his passion for performing began at a young age. Inspired by his mother’s singing, he developed an ear for music, leading him to play both the piano and drums. Whether in choir or school musicals, Lyric’s love for music continues to thrive. Naturally shy, he has found a second home at CYT and is grateful for the lifelong friends he has made along the way!
Madelyn Bellah, 12
Mrs. Scary
Hello! My name is Madelyn, and this is my 9th show at CYT Dallas. I’m so excited to be doing this show because I love performing with my friends, but also because this was one of my favorite book series growing up. Off the stage, I play violin, crochet, and play volleyball. Some of my favorite past roles include Matilda in Matilda the Musical and Jasmine in Aladdin Jr. Hope you enjoy the show!
Madison Rodgers, 11
Junie B. Jones, Dry Erase Board, Room 1 Kids
Madison is excited to be back on stage for her 7th CYT show! She loves being part of the CYT community and is grateful for all the love and support from her family.
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Matteo Corral
Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble, Bus Driver
Matteo is excited to make his CYT Dallas debut after years of cheering on his brother, Lucas, from the audience. A 5th grader from Celina, he enjoys playing football, fishing, and spending time outdoors. Matteo is grateful for the opportunity to be on stage and thankful for his family’s support.
Hi, I’m Parker Lee, and I’m thrilled to be part of CYT’s production of Junie B.’s Essential Guide to School Jr.! This marks my 3rd show with CYT. After moving to Texas this past year, joining the CYT family has been a highlight of the transition. I also enjoy participating in my school choir & theater and hanging out with family and friends. Hope you enjoy the show!
Parker Jane Roberts, 13
Mother
Parker is absolutely thrilled to be on stage with her CYT family for this production - one of her favorite shows! This is Parker’s 14th show with CYT and she is so proud to call this her theater home. Thank you so much for coming to the show!
Ryleigh Wells, 12
El Toro Fabuloso, Mother’s Teacher, Gold Star Dancers, Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble
On this 7th appearance with CYT, Ryleigh is beyond grateful to be back with her CYT family! Ryleigh’s passions include dancing, singing, acting and spending time with friends and family. The creativity that comes with performing brings joy to her heart. There is always a song in the air and a dance in her step when Ryleigh is around!
Sebastian Olsen, 13
Daddy, Clarence Somebody’s Ensemble
Sebastian has been putting on productions with friends, cousins, and siblings for about as long as anyone can remember. With a gift for story-telling, a knack for turning the ordinary into something fun, and a passion for entertaining, he has found CYT to be the perfect place to put down roots. He’s looking forward to many more years of shows.
Waverly is thrilled to be a part of Junie B! When not performing Waverly enjoys, sewing, baking, tumbling and spending time with friends. She is so glad that you are here and hopes you enjoy the show! Thank you so much for coming and enjoy the show!
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS
Lilly Smith
Assistant Stage Manager
Hi!! I’m Lilly! I have been in six shows and teched an additional six productions, all with CYT! This is my first time ASMing (assistant stage managing, for the non-tech people) and I have had so much fun! In the little free time I have outside of theater, I enjoy reading, baking, crafting, drinking tea, and hanging out with friends. Thank you so much for coming and enjoy the show!!
Reese Poor
Assistant Stage Manager
Hey guys! I’m Reese! I’m 14 years old and this is my fourth time doing tech for a show with CYT and my first time as an Assistant Stage Manager! I enjoy playing guitar, photography, dogsitting, and serving in kids ministry at my church! Enjoy the show!!!
