Our multi-faceted ministry in Taylors, South Carolina, reaches thousands of people every year with the vision of “MAKING THE BIBLE COME ALIVE IN MINDS AND HEARTS THROUGH THE POWER OF STORYTELLING.”
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Hello & Welcome
to the Branson, MO performance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe! We have been blessed to be performing stage productions from The Chronicles of Narnia for over 10 years, and it brings us a special joy to now be performing this most well-known story in C. S. Lewis’s beloved series!
The Academy of Arts' mission is to "make the Bible come alive in minds and hearts through the power of storytelling" and so we take it as a great honor and privilege to produce this story here in Branson. Our organization never produces drama for drama's sake, and every production is chosen with great intentionality for how it will impact each cast, crew and audience member.
C. S. Lewis was a brilliant author and storyteller and had an unbelievable way of telling profound truth through beautiful symbolism for "kids from 1 to 92". So, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a perfect fit for our mission and we know that its powerful messages of hope, sacrificial kindness and triumph over evil will be a blessing to all.
Thank you for joining us today and we pray that your heart will be encouraged and strengthened to follow the great "Lion of the tribe of Judah" - Jesus Christ!
FURTHER UP AND FURTHER IN,
Noah & Nicole Stratton
Noah Stratton
Nicole Chavers Stratton
Douglas Gresham (stepson of C. S. Lewis)
The Logos Theatre's internationally recognized adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia all began with an email from Douglas Gresham, stepson of the famous author of the series, C. S. Lewis.
Douglas Gresham became a close friend of The Academy of Arts Logos Theatre after his first collaboration with Nicole Chavers Stratton for the script of Prince Caspian and expressed his joy at such a "pure" retelling of Lewis' beloved series.
Gresham attended the opening nights of the World Premiere of Prince Caspian and the North American Premiere of The Horse and His Boy at the Logos Theatre in Taylors, South Carolina, and has since shared his support for Nicole's efforts in adapting all seven books in the series.
Though he has stepped back from full-time work, Nicole is honored to have known him and called him a friend. She is excited to continue the Logos Theatre's partnership with the C. S. Lewis Company to fulfill Gresham's vision of bringing the remainder of these stories to life on stage.
NICOLE CHAVERS STRATTON — Writer & Director
Nicole Chavers Stratton is the third daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Nicky Chavers, the founders of The Academy of Arts, and a graduate of their college program, with a Masters in Dramatic Production. She’s been privileged to not only grow up in this ministry but to now help lead as Artistic Director alongside her husband, Noah, the President of the ministry.
Nicole currently serves as Artistic Director for The Academy of Arts and has been privileged to be at the helm of bringing C. S. Lewis’s works to life onstage. She and the creative team at the Logos Theatre have previously produced two original scripts from the series: Prince Caspian (a world premiere) and The Horse and His Boy (a North American premiere), both of which received personal vetting from Douglas Gresham, stepson of C. S. Lewis. Each of these scripts premiered on the Logos Theatre stage in Taylors, SC, headquarters of The Academy of Arts. The Logos Theatre also produced one existing script from The Chronicles of Narnia series—the European script of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, that performed in Scotland at the Church Hill Theatre in 2017. They are now thrilled to be producing their own original script of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to its fullest potential in accordance to the classic beloved by so many!
All of this has clearly been the Lord’s leading as Nicole never desired to be the one to bring the Narnia series to life. Like so many, the books always held a special place in her heart since it was her father who used to read them to her as a child. It was this love and respect for the books that made her hesitant to do anything to potentially limit their amazing power or imagination in people’s eyes. The Lord had other plans, and once His will for her was made clear, she decided to take the step of faith to adapt these beloved books for the stage.
One of Nicole’s main concerns in bringing the books to life was the character of Aslan. Like many of us, she had seen several sad renditions of the great lion on stage and did not want to do the same. So her decision to do this series really hung on the question, “Could we do Aslan well?” It was this desire, to do a respectful job with Aslan, that first began the Logos Theatre’s journey into the world of large theatrical puppetry and this skill has become a defining part of the Logos Theatre.
It is the prayer of Nicole and the entire creative team of the Logos Theatre that many will come to know the Lord as their personal Savior, and that those who already know Him will be drawn to Him on a deeper level than ever before.
JUSTIN SWAIN — Puppet Master
Justin, the Puppet Master of The Logos Theatre, was born and raised in Upstate, South Carolina. He graduated from The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory in 2015, where he began his training in puppetry, mechanics, and information technology. Justin’s abilities in design and mechanics were discovered under the mentorship of Ken Hines, the retired Technical Director and Puppet Master for the Logos Theatre.
Since officially stepping into the role of Puppet Master in 2019, Justin has created 18 largescale puppets for Logos Theatre productions, such as horses Bree and Hwin for The Horse and His Boy, living trees, Bulgy Bear, and the wild bear for Prince Caspian, and Aslan the lion, for all of The Chronicles of Narnia productions at the Logos Theatre, as well as several puppet commissions within the United States. Justin is an avid student of the Stan Winston School of Character Arts and has been recognized internationally for his puppetry design and mastery of puppeteering on stage.
Justin’s greatest joy in puppeteering is conveying the truths each puppet represents and knowing how each has been used to bring life and hope to all who see them on the stage. Justin incorporates his children, Bransen, Elias, Ja’az, and Shelby into his work as much as possible and enjoys serving alongside his wife, Jenn (Chief Marketing Officer).
Their goal as a family is that God will use their gifts to affect the hearts and minds of others with the same truths that transformed their own lives years ago.
VOICE of ASLAN Dr. Nicky Chavers
Nicky Chavers, the founder of The Academy of Arts, voices the character of Aslan, the great Lion, for our productions of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian and The Horse and His Boy.
Nicky and his wife Sheri launched out by faith in 1971 to begin a ministry that would put Christ back in the center of the creative arts. They faithfully worked side by side in the ministry for 50 years, until the Lord called Nicky home on June 1, 2021.
Nicky was a child TV star with all the open doors to go to Hollywood, but listening to his mother’s advice, he chose instead to follow Christ and use his talents for the audience of One. Since its founding, The Academy of Arts has seen hundreds of thousands of young people come to Christ or make decisions for Him through this unique and powerful ministry.
We could not think of a better person to voice the character of Aslan than Dr. Chavers, and we are so thankful to have recorded his voice for the rest of the seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia series before his passing in 2021.
Dr. Chavers has faithfully run his race, but his voice lives on through each production and will always be with us as we continue to bring the Narnia books to life on the stage.
BRINTON STRATTON | Peter Pevensie
At only 15 years old, Brinton Stratton is already a seasoned performer with The Logos Theatre having performed such roles as William in Silent Star the Christmas musical, Tiny Tim and Young Ebenezer in Logos Theatre's A Christmas Carol, A New Musical, Reepicheep, Young Caspian, and Edmund in Prince Caspian, and Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows. He was privileged to be a part of the original cast of The Horse and His Boy in 2019 as Young Shasta and was honored to tour as the full role of Shasta for the past two years, performing the role nearly 200 times. He is now thrilled to take on the role of Peter Pevensie in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Brinton would like most of all to thank the Lord for this opportunity and all he is learning through it. He prays he can continue to keep his eyes on Christ alone and follow as He leads.
BETHANY BLISS | Susan Pevensie
Bethany is ecstatic to be touring for the third time with the Logos Theatre. She was first introduced to the Logos as a part of their summer camp shows of The Lions of Trondheim, Kingdom’s Dawn and The Pilgrim’s Progress (Jr). She is no stranger to the stage as she has also played Mary Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, Lucie Manette in A Tale of Two Cities and Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof. She treasures this opportunity to tour with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to encounter God’s love and faithfulness onstage every night and share this beautiful story with you!
EMMETT YOPP | Edmund Pevensie
Emmett was introduced to the stage by way of the wardrobe, so to speak. His interest in the inner workings and behind-the-scenes aspects of the show led him to a mentorship from the sets & staging department at The Logos Theatre, which was a springboard to his involvement in the Academy of Arts Co-Op. His onstage roles have included ensemble cast in The Horse and His Boy national tour to Branson, MO, and Osmar in Kingdom's Dawn Co-Op production. He is humbled and thrilled to take on the role of Edmund for the national tour of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and to share this beloved story that he and so many hold dear. He is also grateful to the many unseen roles and departments that make a show like this possible, and to the Great Lion; to know Him and make Him known.
ALICE JOHNSON | Lucy Pevensie
Alice is excited to be joining the Logos Theatre on Tour once again! She was accepted into The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory program in 2022 and is now pursuing her Associates Degree in Dramatic Production. She has performed notable roles, such as Tess in Kingdom’s Dawn, Piety in The Pilgrim’s Progress, Rabbit in The Horse and His Boy, and a principal dancer/water creature in Prince Caspian. Alice finds that the Lord always has something to teach her through the stories she is a part of telling and is thrilled to be performing with this historic tour of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as the iconic character of Lucy!
NICOLE STRATTON | White Witch
Nicole Stratton, the Artistic Director of The Academy of Arts, is the daughter of the founders of The Academy of Arts, Nicky and Sheri Chavers. She graduated from The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory with her Master’s Degree in Sacred Fine Arts in 2004. For nearly 25 years, Nicole has written, directed, and produced professional, God-honoring stage and film productions that rival the excellence of Broadway. She has been privileged to work directly with Douglas Gresham, the stepson of C. S. Lewis, to adapt The Horse and His Boy and Prince Caspian for the stage, and she is currently working to adapt the remaining books in the series with his support. Nicole’s greatest passion is to teach and inspire on the communicative nature of God. Whether directing and discipling thousands of young people as they develop their God-given gifts, or speaking on topics surrounding a biblical worldview of communication, Nicole strives to equip each individual with strong biblical truth. She is married to Noah Stratton, President of The Academy of Arts, and together they have one son, Brinton.
NOAH STRATTON | Professor, Father Christmas
For over 15 years, Noah Stratton has been privileged to serve with The Academy of Arts Ministries, first as the Executive Director beginning in 2009, and then as President and CEO since 2019. He has seen firsthand the artful and diverse ways God can bring truth to life in the lives of His children, and he has spent the last 15 years dedicated to teaching, discipling, and developing communicators who are grounded in a biblical worldview of the arts. During his tenure, the ministry has tripled in size with each facet of the ministry growing in its impact for the Kingdom. Besides the leadership of The Academy of Arts Ministries, Noah was also privileged to be ordained in 2020 and started pastoring Logos Bible Church in Taylors, SC. He has also enjoyed taking the stage in iconic roles such as Miraz in Prince Caspian, King Edmund in The Horse and His Boy, Ebenezer Scrooge in Logos' A Christmas Carol, A New Musical, and Professor Bhaer in Broadways' Little Women. He is married to Nicole Chavers Stratton, the Artistic Director of The Academy of Arts, and together they have one son, Brinton.
SAM SINGLETON | Mr. Tumnus
Sam serves as the Lighting Director for The Academy of Arts, Logos Theatre. He grew up under the godly influence of this wonderful ministry and received his degree in Sacred Dramatic Production through The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory. Sam met his lovely wife Olivia through the Drama Ministry Program facet of the ministry, and they have two children, William and Kathleen. He has played many iconic roles such as the original Prince Caspian for the world premiere and the national tour of Prince Caspian, as well as Armand in Logos Theatre's The Scarlet Pimpernel An Original Musical, and much more. He strives to do everything “as unto the Lord” and to lay his talents down at the Master’s feet as he brings the humbling role of Mr. Tumnus to life onstage!
JEREMY SINGLETON | Oreius
Jeremy Singleton has had the blessing of being a part of the Academy of Arts camps and productions since he was a young boy and has traveled on many of their ministry teams as well as participating in The Horse and His Boy show which has traveled to 3 different states. Jeremy now works on staff as a production technician as well as a music/audio assistant and serves as the set manager for this production of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. He is very excited to bring this incredible production of C. S. Lewis’s beloved story to Branson!
CHRISTIAN LAMAS | Mr. Beaver
Christian began his time with The Academy of Arts Ministries as a student in the Christian Conservatory. After graduating in 2015 with his Bachelor's in Sacred Dramatic Production, he continued to serve with The Academy of Arts Logos Theatre as an assistant director, dance and combat choreographer, and administrative assistant. Christian has portrayed a variety of memorable characters onstage, including Miraz, Dr. Cornelius, and Trufflehunter in Prince Caspian the World Premiere and the national tour, the Stage Manager in Our Town, and is now excited to bring new life to the character of Mr. Beaver! It is his hope that this performance is more than just entertainment, but is a challenge to all who see it to follow the Lion, no matter the cost.
JENNIFER JAMES | Mrs. Beaver
Jennifer James has been with The Academy of Arts Logos Theatre for the past 7 years, serving in a number of roles behind the scenes and on the stage. As media manager for the Logos Theatre and editor for Venture Films, she has worked creatively in a number of children's shows, short films, and promotional pieces. Since traveling with the Logos Theatre, she has had the privilege of playing the roles of Talkative in The Pilgrim's Progress and Lasaraleen in The Horse and His Boy. Her favorite role, however, is to be a part of a team focused on bringing a powerful message to audiences across the country. Like Mrs. Beaver, Jennifer prays that this performance will lead audiences to Christ, to see a beautiful picture of the salvation that is freely offered to all.
ABIGAIL PIERCE: Mrs. Macready
ETHAN YOPP: Mr. Fox, Ensemble
BEN PILGRIM: Stilt Tree, Ensemble
BEREND SANDERSFELD: Older Peter, Ensemble
BRENDAN FORAN: Leopard 2, Ensemble
KRISTEN GOODFELLOW: Squirrel 2
BETHANY GUERRERO: Spring Dancer, Ensemble
AMELIA GUY: Bird Puppeteer, Ensemble
ERIN CAMPAGNA: Mrs. Fox, Ensemble
BROOKLYN GUERRERO: Spring Dancer, Ensemble
SIMEON MILLER: Giant, Ensemble
JANE SHANKS: Spring Dancer, Ensemble
ALLISON JAMES: Salvation Army Worker, Ensemble
PUPPETEERS & UNDERSTUDIES
KARYS MCEWEN: Spring Dancer, Older Susan, Ensemble
MORIAH ADDISON: Squirrel 1, Ensemble
KEENAN HANAWAY: Stilt Tree, Ensemble
RACHEL RUPNOW: Flying Tree, Ensemble
BRIANA YOPP: Ensemble
LINDSEY ISELEY: Flying Tree, Hag 1
AVA PICKETT: Spring Dancer, Hag 2, Older Lucy
STEPHANIE SIEMINSKI: Leopard 1, Ensemble
MATTHEW FAHRNEY: Stilt Tree, Cruel, Ensemble
KAI KAI BOUNDS: Stilt Tree, Ensemble
KATRINA MCMINDES: Wolf 2, Ensemble
BEN PILGRIM Aslan (Heart)
UNDERSTUDIES
RACHEL SORGIUS: Susan Pevensie US, Swing
LOGOS LITTLES
GROUP 1:
Alaska Christianson
Summit Christianson
Norah O’Sullivan
Levi O’Sullivan
BRITISH CHILDREN/ MICE:
Alaska Christianson, Summit Christianson, Norah O'Sullivan, Levi O'Sullivan
TOURIST CHILDREN:
Alaska Christianson, Summit Christianson, Norah O'Sullivan
SAVANNAH MARTINEZ: Lucy Pevensie US, Squirrel 2, Ensemble
JARED YOPP
Peter Pevensie US, Maugrim, Cruel, Older Edmund
GROUP 2
Audrey Lippert
Roey Palozzi
Remy Palozzi Wilder Palozzi
BRITISH CHILDREN/ MICE:
Audrey Lippert, Roey Pallozzi, Remi Pallozzi, Wilder Pallozzi
TOURIST CHILD:
Audrey Lippert, Roey Palozzi, Remy Palozzi
GROUP 3
William Singleton
Kathy Singleton
Ezra Lamas
Oliver Lamas Leland McPheeters
BRITISH CHILDREN, TOURISTS,MICE:
William Singleton, Kathy Singleton, Ezra Lamas, Leland McPheeters
VIRGINIA HAWLEY: Ivy, White Witch US
TECHNICAL CREW
SETS MANAGER: JEREMY SINGLETON
PROP MANAGER: KRISTEN GOODFELLOW
MAKEUP MANGER: RACHEL SORGIUS
COSTUMES MANAGER: LYDIA MILLER, KATRINA MCMINDES
LIGHTING TECHNICIAN: ELI JACKSON
BOOTH MANAGER: OLIVIA SINGLETON
LIVE AUDIO: DANIEL YOPP, KATHRYN POPKIN
SOUND TECHNICIAN: NATHAN WEAVER
PUPPET VOICE TECHNICIAN: ABIGAIL PIERCE
MICROPHONE ASSISTANT: MILES COLEMAN
PRODUCTION TEAM
WRITER & DIRECTOR: NICOLE CHAVERS STRATTON
SET DESIGN: JESSE GOULD
CHOREOGRAPHER: NICOLE CHAVERS STRATTON
COSTUME DESIGN: LUCY PARKER, LYDIA MILLER, SEAN BASTO, SYLVIA JACKSON, EMILY BAILEY, NICOLE CHAVERS STRATTON
MAKEUP DESIGN: RACHEL MACIEJACK, RACHEL SORGIUS
LIGHTING DESIGN: SAM SINGLETON
SOUND DESIGN: OLIVIA SINGLETON, KATHRYN POPKIN
PROP DESIGN: KAYLA GOODFELLOW
MARKETING: JENNIFER SWAIN, ALLISON JAMES
MERCHANDISE: JENNIFER SWAIN, ALLISON JAMES, BRIANA YOPP
GRAPHIC DESIGN: LIZ PRESTON, JEREMIAH GOULD
VISUAL EFFECTS: JEREMIAH GOULD
MEDIA: JENNIFER JAMES, BEN MACIEJACK, JOE BUTLER, MATT HAINSWORTH, NAOMI SWAIN, ARIEL HOPKINS
PUPPETRY: JUSTIN SWAIN, JESSE GOULD, ZAK MINOR
ANSWER GOD’S CALL!
The Academy of Arts has experienced exponential growth over the past 55 years of ministry and the opportunities to preach the Gospel through the powerful medium of the arts are only growing.
With this growth, we’ve seen the clear need for a platform to be established that would allow Christian artists to stay informed, connect, and get involved in these amazing opportunities. The Academy of Arts Commission is the answer to that need and we are excited to announce that this new directive will be launching soon!
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even
The Commission was formed with Matthew 28:19-20 at the forefront of our minds and it is our prayer that it will be a powerful tool for helping believers know how they can join the growing outreaches of The Academy of Arts ministry and use their God-given abilities to “Go and Teach” as the Scriptures command. We are looking for ministry-minded Christians who wish to use their skills of acting, singing, dance, technology, building, costume design, sewing and construction and so much more, for the advancement of the Gospel and the encouragement of fellow believers. It is our heart that the new doors opening for our ministry will not only be doors of opportunity for those already in our ministry, but for people just like you!
If it has been your dream to use your gifts to impact the culture for Christ, then join The Academy of Arts Commission and help us continue to make the Bible come alive on stage and in minds and hearts through the power of storytelling.
When the four Pevensie children are sent to the country to live with an eccentric professor to escape the bombings in England, little do they know what incredible adventures await. A mysterious wardrobe gives them access to the magical world of Narnia, where the evil White Witch rules, keeping the land in a constant winter. With the sacrifice and help of the great lion Aslan, the four Pevensies fight to banish the White Witch and break her hold over the land of Narnia.
From the same team that brought you The Horse and His Boy and Prince Caspian, The Logos Theatre brings you their long-awaited stage adaptation of C. S. Lewis’s beloved classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe!
THELOGOSTHEATRE.COM
80 SCHOOL STREET, TAYLORS, SC 29687