VALLEY CHRISTIAN THEATRE STATEMENT
Here at Valley Christian Theatre (VCT), we believe it is vital for our students to know they can be unapologetically Christian in the Arts; their artistic gifts are God-given, after all. Further, it is equally important to us that our students leave our program well-prepared to think and live like followers of Jesus in a complex world. This includes learning to use their own Christian perspective to address worldly themes and the fallen nature of humanity, much like they do in their other academic studies. Often, it is when we confront these very themes that we turn towards Christ, humbling ourselves as we examine our own convictions, and seek wisdom; this is the gritty work that allows us to strengthen our faith (James 1:5-7).
Every VCT production, K-12, goes through a vetting process with several sets of theatrically experienced eyes on scripts before they are decided upon. We examine the scripts closely and decide as a team whether a show is a good choice for the Valley Christian Schools (VCS) stage. It is an extensive and time-consuming process, and one we do not take lightly. Invariably, we come across characters and situations that challenge our very human (and Christian) sensibilities. Please keep in mind that VCS does not condone these situations, characters, or lifestyles; rather, what you see on stage is a reflection of the reality of our modern world and culture. It is in these moments that we pause, humble ourselves, and begin to look for clues of justice and redemption within the story. While not always overt, they nearly always exist. And sometimes, bringing a smile to your face or a moment of joy to your heart is the redemptive moment (Isaiah 61:3).
As you enjoy tonight’s performance, if at any moment you find yourself triggered, we encourage you to pause, reflect, seek wisdom, and look for justice and redemption. If you have questions, strong thoughts, or feelings you wish to express, please, reach out to us—we want to engage in a healthy, respectful, and godly dialogue with you. It is our true desire to give your students artistic opportunities that allow the light of Christ to shine through them so that they may ultimately glorify God through their art “at home and in their communities”—to “Do it heartily unto the Lord.” We strive to ensure that the Valley Christian Theatre program embodies the VCS mission in all that we do.
Myra Kaelin, K-12 Director of Theatre Arts
Justin McPherson, K-12 Director of Technical Theatre
VCS PRODUCTION COMMITTEE
Brian Clemons (’87), CEO, President
Troy Gunter, VP/Director of K-12 Conservatory of the Arts
Steve Dang (’02), Senior Vice President, Chief Ministry Officer, & Director of Alumni
Dr. Jennifer Silva (’94), High School Principal
Sophia McCann (’15), Junior High Teacher, Drama Teacher, Leadership Teacher
Anne Delke (’94), High School Teacher
Dr. Niccole Carner, High School Teacher
Adapted by Todd Espeland from Robert Louis Stevenson
November 6 - 8 | 6:00pm
PRODUCED BY MYRA KAELIN (’94)
SCENIC DESIGN & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR JUSTIN McPHERSON (’07)
COSTUME DESIGN KATHY RISK
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR & LIGHTING DESIGN KEATON MILLER (’17)
STAGE MANAGER SOPHIA MORAIS
BACKSTAGE MANAGER JACOB THOMAS
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT & HOUSE MANAGER CRISTINA ZEPEDA
STUDENT HOUSE MANAGERS TALIA SANTIZO & MALIA LIU
GRAPHIC DESIGN JILL CARLSON
RUNNING CREW EMILY RANK, CADEN MALINOWSKI, ARIANA SCHNEIDER, ALLISON ZHONG, JILLIAN GUNTER, DAVID AOALIN, CHRISSA KILPATRICK, SOPHIA MORAIS, JACOB THOMAS, KARA DAY
DIRECTED BY SOPHIA McCANN (’15)
CAST
Older Jim Hawkins.................................................................. Matthew Sienicki
Jim Hawkins................................................................................. Advaith Veligeti
Mrs. Hawkins................................................................................ Audrey Borders
Inn Patrons ............................................................. Eliott Nyberg, Amelia Lam, Charlotte Van Der Veen, Kevin Li, Elsa Chang
Billie Bones................................................................................................. Anni Wu
Black Dog .............................................................................................. Sarah Vong
Blind Pew........................................................................................ Willow Stewart
Dr. Livesey......................................................................... Veronique Tankiewicz
Squire Trelawney............................................................................. Vedur Verma
Johnny ................................................................................................. Charles Fang
Dirk ............................................................................................................Will Gunter
Bilge ...................................................................................................... Chelsey Park
Dungbee ......................................................................................... Avianna Nazzal
Scuttle ................................................................................................. Nora Younesi
Captain Smollett .............................................................................. Sarah Vinoth
Long John Silver .................................................................................... Haley Sue
Dan ....................................................................................................... Aditi Achanta
Tom ....................................................................................................... Karsh Jadhav
Hunter ........................................................................................................ Jiayin Yao
Israel Hands .................................................................................. Praneeth Satish
Benn Gunn ........................................................................................Gwen Griffiths 5
BIOGRAPHY
Sophia proudly attended Valley Christian High School and went on to pursue a BFA in Acting at Azusa Pacific University. After hearing from the Lord it was time to move back to the Bay Area, Sophia transferred to San José State University, where she graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts, Magna Cum Laude. Sophia feels fulfilled and grateful for the opportunity to coach and support young actors. She loves guiding them in their artistic growth and teaching them how to glorify God with their gifts and talents.
DIRECTOR
SOPHIA McCANN
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Robert Louis Stevenson began Treasure Island as a bedtime story for his stepson. Night after night, as his plot progressed, Stevenson realized he was onto something powerful and soon serialized the story in a children’s magazine from 1881 to 1882. The iconic tale was then published as a novel in 1883.
Stevenson didn’t just write a fun adventure— he defined a genre. Nearly every image we now most commonly associate with pirates— “X” marks the spot, a one-legged pirate, the parrot on the shoulder, the Black Spot, even “shiver me timbers”—can be traced back to the pages of his book. The novel shaped the public’s romantic image of seafaring buccaneers, and Disney’s 1950 film adaptation of the book solidified it once and for all. Yes, it’s true—without Treasure Island, there would be no Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland ride or film franchise!
Treasure Island is a classic coming-of-age story. Young Jim Hawkins must decide what kind of person he will become: one guided by greed, fear, or courage. His journey shows us that growing up often means learning to tell right from wrong, even when the world around us is full of gray areas. At its heart, Treasure Island invites us to seek the kind of treasure that lasts—honor, integrity, and loyalty.
We hope you enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed putting it on!
Sophia McCann, Director
11.12.25
HIGH SCHOOL CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
3:30 PM | Conservatory Hall
December 15 | 6pm
December 16 | 7pm
December 17 | 6pm
December 18 | 7pm
vcs.net/conservatorychristmas
AFFIRMING THE ARTS
Fall 2025
Oct 2-4.............................. 9-11 Radium Girls - HS Theatre
Oct 23................................. Fall Choral Concert - JH/HS Choirs
Oct 30................................. Fall Strings Concert - JH/HS Strings
Nov 5.................................. Sounds of Autumn - JH/HS Bands
Nov 6-8............................... Treasure Island - JH Theatre
Nov 12................................. Fall Chamber Recital - JH/HS Chambers
Nov 20-22........................... Emerge: Adventures in Wonderland - HS Dance
Dec 10................................ Holiday Chamber Recital - JH/HS Chambers
Dec 12-13............................ A Charlie Brown Christmas - EL Theatre
Dec 15-18............................ Christmas at the California - K-12 Conservatory
Monday, December 15 - K-3 EL Choirs
Tuesday, December 16 - JH Music
Wednesday, December 17 - 4-5 EL Music, HS Band and Percussion
Thursday, December 18 - The Bells Still Ring: A Conservatory Christmas Finale
Grace Zhu
WARRIOR FUND
Tuition funds operations. Philanthropy fuels vision. Every gift makes a difference, so please consider donating to the Warrior Fund today.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 25, 2026
Join us for our annual dinner and auction. Enjoy a night to honor and celebrate the Warrior legacy, raise essential funds, and make a difference for students through financial assistance. Further details will be announced soon.
May 11, 2026
We look forward to welcoming the VCS community for a round of golf and a day of fellowship at the annual Golf Classic. vcs.net/golfclassic
Wherever you may be, we’re always here to support our amazing alumni like you.
As you continue to make a positive difference in communities around the world, we want to stay connected! We currently have 29 ambassadors all over the country that have connected with fellow alums near them. This past year we have visited 11 cities across the US and look forward to hosting an alumni dinner near you soon. Simply scan the QR code and fill out our “Alumni Connect Form” to stay updated on news and events. Let us know about where you’ve been, where you’re headed and stay connected with us today!
Giving PLANNED
The Shechem Oak Society empowers our community to make an extraordinary impact on future generations. The society comprises all who generously bequeath legacy gifts to Valley Christian Schools.
At a time when many American educational institutions are straying from biblical values, you can ensure that Valley Christian Schools continues its Quest for Excellence™ for future generations. Join us in providing high-quality Christ-centered education to our children and grandchildren by including VCS in your will.
VCS partners with Thompson & Associates to offer confidential and complimentary estate planning consultations to our board members, administrators, faculty, staff, and community. Join my wife, Kris, myself, and others in discovering the most tax-efficient means of transferring your estate to benefit your family and your passions.
As a trusted member of our VCS community, please accept our gift to you and arrange your estate planning consultation with Darren Penny of Thompson & Associates. You may email advancement@vcs.net or call my office at 408-513-2503. If you have already included VCS in your planned giving, kindly inform us so we may include you in our Shechem Oak Society.
Looking forward,
Clifford E. Daugherty, Ed.D. Chancellor
MISSION STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™
FOUNDING STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence
