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!
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 Godgiven abilities to “Go and Teach” as the Scriptures command. We are looking for ministryminded 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. information@theAcademyofArts.org THEACADEMYOFARTS.ORG/COMMISSION
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 three original scripts from the series: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian (a world premiere) and The Horse and His Boy (a North American premiere), all 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.
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; 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.
VOICE ofDr.ASLAN Nicky Chavers
Nicky Chavers, the founder of The Academy of Arts, voices the character of Aslan, the great Lion, for our Narnia productions.
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 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!
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.
PHILIP SIMPSON | Peter Pevensie
Philip Simpson is overjoyed to be part of this production as Peter Pevensie. Acting onstage has been Philip’s lifelong dream, so he is extremely grateful to his heavenly Father for opening this door. He hails from Virginia and is working to finish his associate’s degree at Blue Ridge Community College. He loves to play the piano, sing, and serve in his home church, Grace Baptist of Harrisonburg, VA. The highlights of his acting experience are two Christmas cantatas at his church (Then Jesus Came and A Son Is Given) and a few theatre camps (notably, two drama camps at The Academy of Arts: The Lions of Trondheim (Henrik Rogstad) and The Pilgrim’s Progress (Pilgrim/Christian). With each role, the Lord has grown Philip spiritually, and now he prays that audiences will be challenged and encouraged by the truths presented in this production.
MIA BRIN | Susan Pevensie
Mia Brin is thrilled to be playing Susan Pevensie. She began doing The Academy of Arts drama seminars when she was 14 years old, playing roles such as Ingrid in The Lions of Trondheim. She performed with the Logos Theatre on Tour in The Horse and His Boy as a cat puppeteer and dancer, as well as in Prince Caspian as a dwarf and Telmarine. When she’s not onstage, she enjoys photography, traveling, and spending time with her family. It is her prayer that this performance encourages you with the redeeming hope found only in Christ.
BEN DAVIS | Edmund Pevensie
Benjamin Davis is 14 years old and is playing Edmund Pevensie this summer. He has been a part of the Logos Theatre for the past four years. He played the main role of Nevin in Chuck Black's allegory, Kingdom's Dawn. At the end of 2024, he brought Colin to life in the touching story of The Secret Garden. He enjoys playing pickleball, mowing lawns, learning piano and trumpet, and participating in Bible Quiz. Benjamin desires that you will consider Aslan's great sacrifice and his forgiveness in pardoning Edmund--the Traitor. It is a privilege for Benjamin to bring this message of grace and redemption to life in this role. His time at the Logos Theatre has been life-changing; he hopes it will be for you too!
JULIETTE MURPHY | Lucy Pevensie Alternate
Juliette is honored to bring the courageous, wonder-filled character of Lucy to life onstage. A rising 7th grader, she enjoys piano, ballet, and singing, but delights most in sharing stories through acting. Since age 6, Juliette has been blessed to grow up in the warm company of friends and mentors at Logos Theatre through participation in camps, co-op, and productions, including The Scarlet Pimpernel (Angeline), The Pilgrim’s Progress (Piety), and most recently, The Christmas Child (Joan). She is thankful for the opportunity to share this beautiful story in a God-glorifying way and prays it will point hearts and minds to the good news of our loving Savior.
JULIANNA STOKES | Lucy Alternate
Julianna Stokes is 12 years old and enjoys singing in choir, playing the piano and violin, and has eagerly participated in The Academy of Arts co-op and summer drama camps since she was five. Last year, she was delighted to play George Muller’s daughter, Lydia, in the miraculous true story of Muller’s life of faith. Over the years, Julianna has grown in her love for the Lord through reading The Chronicles of Narnia again and again. Relationship to Aslan is at the very center of the Narnia stories, and understanding his character has helped her better understand Jesus. She is overjoyed to portray Lucy, who has child-like faith that is essential for entrance into God’s kingdom (Mark 10:15).
ALLISON JAMES | White Witch Alternate
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Allison began her acting career in high school, where she discovered a love for the stage. She later attended The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Sacred Dramatic Production. Her favorite roles include Asenath in Joseph: God Meant It for Good, Naomi in The Story of Ruth, and ensemble and puppeteer roles in Narnia productions by the Logos Theatre. In addition to her roles on stage, Allison serves full-time with The Academy of Arts as Donor Relations Manager. Her prayer is that the story you see today will touch your heart and serve as a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, God will never leave nor forsake His own.
LYDIA MILLER | White Witch Alternate
Lydia Miller began her time with the Logos Theatre as a student in the Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory and is now on staff as a costume designer, assistant director, and actress for the Logos Theatre and Venture Films. She has had the privilege of playing many roles through the years, some of her most memorable being Rachel Lynde in Anne of Green Gables, Queen Susan and Aravis’s Stepmother in The Horse and His Boy, a one-woman performance of The Magic Fishbone, and Mrs. Macready and the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Lydia is excited to return to the role of the White Witch and prays that audiences will hear and receive the message of the gospel that is so evident through the story.
KEENAN HANAWAY | White Witch's Pet Dwarf
Keenan Hanaway is originally from the northeast corner of Indiana, but has been living and serving here in Taylors, SC, for about two years. He began acting in high school where he was introduced to The Academy of Arts through drama seminar teams about seven years ago. Since then, he enjoyed puppeteering Aslan in The Horse and His Boy, as well as a stilt tree in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Keenan has also played characters such as Miles in The Cross & the Switchblade and Elder Brewster in The Venture of 1620. Through this production, Keenan hopes that people who come to this show can leave knowing that even in the darkest moments when all you can see is evil and there is no victory in sight, all you have to have is faith in the One True King and you will be victorious!
MARSHALL PRESTON | Mr. Tumnus
Marshall Preston is a graduate of Pensacola Christian College with a Masters degree in Biblical Exposition. He was first introduced to The Academy of Arts in highschool when he participated in the Dramatic Word Seminars, and his love of sacred drama was born! He joined The Academy of Arts staff in 2016 and has since served in various roles such as promotions and marketing; a Bible teacher for the Conservatory and scheduling for the ministry's traveling drama teams. He is the husband of Elizabeth Preston, and father to 4 wonderful boys. Marshall’s heart is for the youth of America, and he is so thankful to be in a ministry where he is able to use the gifts God has given him to "Make the Bible Come Alive" in such a powerful way!
CHRISTIAN LAMAS | Professor, 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.
KRISTEN GOODFELLOW | Mrs. Beaver
Originally from New Bern, NC, Kristen Goodfellow is so excited and grateful to be playing the role of Mrs. Beaver. She began her journey with The Academy of Arts in high school, where she participated in several camps. This led to being a GAP student at the Christian Conservatory, leading two summer drama teams, and touring with the Logos Theatre for the past two years. Some of her favorite roles include Hopeful in The Pilgrims Progress, Young Amy in The Child Stealer, Pattertwig in Prince Caspian, Ruth in The Story of Ruth, and a cat puppeteer in The Horse and His Boy. Her prayer for the audience is that each person would be fully struck by the power of Jesus’ love and sacrifice as represented by Aslan, and that the truths seen and experienced would permeate their hearts and minds!
JONATHAN BARROWS | Father Christmas, Aslan Puppeteer
Jonathan's involvement with The Academy of Arts began as a student in the Drama Seminars, which led to him traveling with the Summer Drama Ministry Teams, Drama Seminars, and attending The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory. After graduating in 2021 with his Associate's in Sacred Dramatic Production, he continued to serve with The Academy of Arts Logos Theatre as a set technician. Some of Jonathan's memorable stage roles include Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol, the Tizrok in The Horse and His Boy, and Sloth and Lord Hategood in The Pilgrim's Progress. Jonathan is excited to reprise his role as a puppeteer for Aslan, along with assuming his newest role as Father Christmas! His ultimate hope is that each audience member will see the faithfulness and love of Christ through the character of Aslan, and that they would be drawn to the one whom Aslan represents.
NICOLE STRATTON Narrator
NAOMI SWAIN
Robin Puppeteer, Aslan (Hind), Ensamble
MATTHEW FAHRNEY | Maugrim; Older Edmund; Cruel; Butler Matthew Fahrney has been involved with The Academy of Arts for nearly 7 years. He was first introduced to the Academy through their Drama Seminar programs, but has since had the privilege of serving in many other facets of the ministry. His notable stage roles include Christian in The Pilgrim’s Progress seminar production, Leinad in Kingdom’s Dawn, and most recently, Maugrim in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Matthew is thrilled to help bring this timeless story to life, and prays that the truth portrayed on the stage impacts you just as much as it has impacted him.
AVA SMEDRA
Older Susan, Ivy, Spring Dancer, Ensemble
ADDY BURMEISTER British Child; Mouse; Lucy Body Double
CLARIE KILLIANY
Older Lucy, Spring Dancer, Hag 2, Ensemble
JULIET BURMEISTER British Child; Mouse
SORGIUS Susan US; Female Swing
BEREND SANDERSFELD Older Peter; Aslan Puppeteer (Head)
RACHEL
BENJAMIN MACIEJACK British Child; Mouse
GIDEON MACIEJACK British Child; Mouse
LILA MACIEJACK British Child; Mouse
EZRA LAMAS British Child; Mouse
OLIVER LAMAS British Child
FLETCHER PRESTON British Child; Mouse
MCCLAIN PRESTON British Child; Mouse
ELIJAH PARKER
Mr. Fox, Ensemble
JAXSON AUSTIN
Stilt Tree, Ensemble
JACOB GARLAND
Ensemble
QUINN SMEDRA
Oreius, Ensemble
HOPE EDENS
Squirrel 2, Ensemble
JULIET CORDEIRO Ensemble
MADISON KINSLEY
Margaret, Ensemble
ELIZABETH ESPINOSA
Ensemble
BENJAMIN VALUSEK
Giant, Ensemble
JADEN SPRAGUE
Ensemble
SARA NIETO
Flying Tree Alternate, Ensemble
ESTHER DIXON
Flying Tree Alternate; Mrs. Fox, Ensemble
RHOME SMITH
Leopard 2, Stilt Tree, Ensemble
SARAH ESPINOSA
Squirrel 1, Ensemble
SARAH CHRISTENSEN
Mrs. Pevensie, Tourist Mother, Mrs. Macready US
GABI SMEDRA
Mrs. Macready
ELLA ULRICH
Stilt Tree, Eagle, Hag 1
BROOKLYN GUERRERO
Spring Dancer, Ensemble
KATRINA MCMINDES
Spring Dancer
KEVIN RENO
Ensemble
WILLIAM LANDRUM Ensemble
RACHEL ESPINOSA
Leopard 1, Ensemble
BRANDON EVERSON
Wolf 1, Ensemble
CAROLINE WATSON
Ensemble
ELIZABETH BUCHANAN
Wolf 2, Ensemble
MIA MILLER Ensemble
AMELIA WORTHINGTON
Bird Puppeteer, Spring Dancer, Ensemble
ADAH DIXON
Flying Tree Alternate, Ensemble
ELIANA NIETO
Flying Tree Alternate; Mrs. Fox, Ensemble
TECHNICAL CREW
DIRECTOR: CHRISTIAN LAMAS
STAGE MANAGER: RACHEL SORGIUS
SETS MANAGER: BEREND SANDERSFELD
PROPS MANAGER: KRISTEN GOODFELLOW
MAKEUP MANAGER: RACHEL SORGIUS
VOICE & DIALECT COACH: GABI SMEDRA
COSTUMES MANAGER: LYDIA MILLER, KATRINA MCMINDES
BOOTH LEAD: NATHAN WEAVER
SOUND ENGINEER: BETHANY DAVIS
AUDIO TECHNICIAN: NATHAN WEAVER
LIGHTING TECHNICIAN: MILES COLEMAN
SOUNDTRACK: KATHRYN POPKIN
PUPPET VOICE TECHNICIAN: SARAH CHRISTENSEN
PRODUCTION TEAM
WRITER & DIRECTOR: NICOLE CHAVERS STRATTON
SET DESIGNER: JESSE GOULD
CHOREOGRAPHER: NICOLE CHAVERS STRATTON, GRACIE GOULD
MAKEUP DESIGN: RACHEL SORGIUS
LIGHTING DESIGN: SAM SINGLETON
SOUND DESIGN: OLIVIA SINGLETON, KATHRYN POPKIN
PROP DESIGN: KAYLA GOODFELLOW
MARKETING: JENNIFER SWAIN, ALLISON JAMES, CLAIRE KILLIANY
MERCHANDISE: JENNIFER SWAIN, ALLISON JAMES, JOSH BAKER, GABI SMEDRA
GRAPHIC DESIGN: LIZ PRESTON, JEREMIAH GOULD
VISUAL EFFECTS: JEREMIAH GOULD
MEDIA: JENNIFER JAMES, BEN MACIEJACK, JOE BUTLER, MATT HAINSWORTH, NAOMI SWAIN
PUPPERTY: JUSTIN SWAIN, JESSE GOULD, ZAK MINOR
CREW LIST
SETS CREW: BEREND SANDERSFELD, ELIJAH PARKER, JONATHAN BARROWS, JAXSON AUSTIN, QUINN SMEDRA, BENJAMIN VALUSEK, JADEN SPRAGUE, RHOME SMITH, BRANDON EVERSON, JACOB GARLAND
MAKEUP CREW: RACHEL SORGIUS, AVA SMEDRA, ELIANA NIETO, RACHEL ESPINOSA, BROOKLYN GUERRERO, SARAH ESPINOSA, MIA BRIN, JULIETTE MURPHY, ADAH DIXON, ESTHER DIXON COSTUMES CREW: KATRINA MCMINDES, LYDIA MILLER, MADISON KINSLEY, ELIZABETH ESPINOSA, SARA NIETO, ESTHER DIXON, MIA MILLER
PROPS CREW: KRISTEN GOODFELLOW, HOPE EDENS, JULIET CORDEIRO, ELLA ULRICH, NAOMI SWAIN, WILLIAM LANDRUM
PUPPETERY CREW: KEENAN HANAWAY, MATTHEW FAHRNEY
MARKETING CREW: ALLISON JAMES, CLAIRE KILLIANY, AMELIA WORTHINGTON, ELIZABETH BUCHANAN
