We thank our awesome operations team for all their help with lights, sound, digital projection, and sets, along with any additional needs for the production.
We thank our administration, faculty, staff, families, and students for helping to support performing arts. Shoutout to Mr. Brannan, Ms. Rod, & Mr. Whiteman for rehearsal support.
We thank all eighth-grade families for helping to create and support the talent featured on and off stage for this production. Thank you for your flexibility and support throughout our rehearsal process.
We thank all eighth-grade cast and crew for being the creators, writers, directors, performers, and managers of this production!
A Note From The Teachers
Dear Supportive Family Members and Theatre Aficionados,
The tradition of the eighth-grade show began 14 years ago. The idea was for every eighth grader to perform on stage and work behind the scenes. In the first two years, scripts were selected or written for the class, but it was challenging to find scripts that would accommodate such a large cast and allow each student to shine on stage and learn vital skills behind the scenes.
Over the past 11 years, students created their show. While a lot more challenging, this is a much more rewarding experience for students to learn what it takes to create a production from scratch.
Eighth graders began their exploration by learning the Pixar story structure. They grouped together, explored themes and topics close to their hearts, and created original pieces. We encouraged students to write about what mattered to them and to use the stage as a place to say what they wanted an audience of all ages to hear and see. We're proud of the work they put into this show and the stories created.
Students all had a hand in writing, performing, and managing all aspects of production. All students understudied their classmates' roles to cover for absences in rehearsals. They designed their show shirt, created the posters, contributed music selections, and found images to be used for our digital scenic projection. They were the playwrights, directors, and behind-the-scenes managers. They were the visionaries behind the lights and sound cues. They had a say every step of the way. This is truly their show.
We hope you enjoy!
Nate Cohen, Stephanie Bashall, and the Eighth Grade Class of 2025
Performance Run Time
Approximately 1 hour
Who’s Who of Our Cast and Crew
Octavio Tseng (Dimitrius’ Dad; SFX Designer/Operator) is excited to make his theatrical debut in this production! Outside of theater, Octavio enjoys playing volleyball, baseball, and traveling He is completely new to the theatrical process but is willing to give it his all in order to produce a quality show. Hopefully you will enjoy our 8th grade play!
Gia Upshaw (Scarlet; Gia; Makeup Design) is excited to act on stage for the first time since most of her time is spent at volleyball. Through the rehearsing process, Gia has enjoyed acting along with her friends and learning how to do different backstage jobs. She has always wondered about the work that goes into these plays and believes that it should be more appreciated. Hopefully you enjoy the show!
Mateo Venegas (Lia; Stage Crew) is excited to act on stage for the first time ever. Through the rehearsal process, Mateo has enjoyed acting along his friends. Mateo loves playing soccer. He can't wait to see how the play looks when it is finished. He has always wondered about the work that goes into these plays and believes that it should be more appreciated.
Jackson Vernon (Timmy’s Dad; SFX Designer and Sound Board Op) is very excited to be in a play. Has never performed in a play and can’t wait. Jackson loves traveling and playing basketball. He thrilled to see how the play looks when it is finished. He hopes you enjoy our play!
Talya Weissman (Lila; SFX Designer; Playbill Art Design)is so excited to perform in the play. Talya was props manager for the fall production of The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong. She is currently in the spring musical Spamalot as the French Taunter and ensemble Her favorite part of this process has been seeing the play come to life. She is so grateful for her teachers Nate and Ms. B who have supported this process from the beginning Also thanks to my parents for being incredibly supportive.
Madison Yamaguchi (Alex; Student; Projection & Costume Designer) has never performed in a play as grand as this. Her most thrilling experience of this theatrical process was having the ability to be creative Madison would like to appreciate Ms. Bashall and Nate Cohen for working endlessly and supporting their students in the process of constructing this exceptional play
Who’s Who of Our Cast and Crew
Violet Shockley (Heather; Violet; Costume Designer) is very excited to be in the 8th grade play. She has never participated in a WNS production. When she was little she did many classes and plays outside of school in hopes of becoming a famous actor Though Violet is very excited to see the play come to life, she mainly looks forward to creating connections and new friendships.
Charlie Solomon (Writer & Poster Designer) is grateful to have the opportunity to work on the 8th grade show. Though Charlie is sad he’ll miss the performances, he was thrilled to help create what you’ll see onstage today Enjoy the show!
Jordan Spiegler (Sara; Mic and Stage Crew) is excited to be in the 8th grade play. He has never performed in a play before and is excited to be in his first one. He is also excited to be backstage and mic manager He hopes you enjoy the show as much as he has enjoyed creating it!
Luna Steudler (Jamie; Luna; Costume Manager; Sound Board Op) is ecstatic for this play to close off her final year at WNS! She has participated in multiple theatrical performances and enjoys them greatly. Luna is forever thankful for the teachers and students that she got to work with. She hopes you enjoys the show!
Miles Stone (Joey; Props Manager) has been excited to work with his classmates and teachers on the 8th grade play This is his first time acting in a play and is happy to find well thought out props for each scene. He has also enjoyed bonding with his friends during practice and thanks his teachers for all of their support throughout the preparation of the 8th grade play!
Tyson Thompson (Jerome; 8Z Resident Director) has never performed in a play as large as this. His favorite part of the theatrical process has been starting every class off by leading the agenda and making sure everyone is ready for class. He is almost completely new to the theatrical process, but is willing to give it his best in order to produce a quality show Hopefully you enjoy this 8th grade play!
ORDER OF THE SHOW
Order of Scenes for 8X
Scene 1: “Lone Rider” featuring Jordan Brookins, Dani, Cameron, Noa, and Bode
Scene 2: “Stand Up For Yourself” featuring Jordan Brookins, Magnus, Nini, Oliver, and Annika(morning)/Brandon(evening)
Scene 3: “The Dog That Wanted To Be A Cat” featuring Lucas, Tyler Ragsdale, Octavio, Eva, Julian, Alec, and Summer
Scene 4: “Helicopter” featuring Remi(morning)/Jordan Brookins(evening), Eva, and Andrew
Order of Scenes for 8Y
Scene 5: “Ungrateful” featuring Siv, Blakeley, Tyler Roberts, Mateo, and Violet
Scene 6: “Maze and a Clown” featuring Zev, Ayden Miles Stone, Ile, Brandon, Mateo, Blakeley, and Jackson
Scene 7: “Don’t Be Late” featuring Lucas, Tyler Ragsdale, Octavio, Eva, Julian, Alec, and Summer
Scene 8: “Please and Thank You, Sherry” featuring Gabrielle, Stella Coyne, Anna, and Lily
ORDER OF THE SHOW
Order of Scenes for 8Z
Scene 9: “Diner Dungeon” featuring Maceo, Haley, John, Ethan, Nicklas, Aryeh, Peyton Johnson, Gia Upshaw, and Jordan Spiegler
Scene 10: “Time Travel” featuring Talya, Maddy, and Gigi
Scene 11: “The Vault” featuring Jack, Karlo, Zion, and Tyson
Scene 12: “Community Coffee” featuring Luna, Otis, Madison, and Stella Saxe
Tech Roles
Resident Directors: Jordan Brookins(X), Anna(Y), Tyson(Z)
Cameron Ross (Kye; Costume Design) is extremely excited to be able to pick out costumes for everyone and bring the show to life. He also is really happy he was able to get a bigger role so he can really get the true experience of being in a play. He would like to thank Mr. Nate and Ms. B for all of their continuous support. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Aryeh Sapadin (Golem; Stage Crew) is excited for this new experience creating and performing in the 8th grade play! This is his first acting experience, and it has been a blast Aryeh would like to thank his classmates, Nate, Ms. B, and family for all of their support. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Stella Saxe (Sam; Props Manager) has been in one other play at WNS and is very excited to be in the scene “Coffee.” She has a younger brother and plays a lot of very competitive basketball. She would also like to thank Ms. Bashall and Nate for the amazing role they gave her! She can’t wait to hear what you think of the play!
Peyton Schlichter (Original James; Makeup Design) has only had two acting experiences in middle school. She has an older brother and three pets. She also plays three sports - softball, volleyball, and flag football. Though she is sad to miss today, she hopes you enjoy the show!
Noa Shapiro (Narrator; Stage Manager & Crew) has no experience in acting but is excited to perform and help with the 8th grade play. Noa enjoys seeing the show come to life, whether it’s by blocking, finding costumes and props, and more. She would like to thank her parents for enrolling her in a school with opportunities like this, Nate and Ms. B for the incredible Theatre Arts program, and her classmates for putting together this show and supporting one another She can’t wait for you to see the show!
Zev Shapiro (Frankie; Projections Designer) is excited to be in the 8th grade play. Zev has never done any acting before but is looking forward to the play. Zev enjoys seeing everyone get more involved and in tune with their characters, growing and getting more comfortable with rehearsal. Zev is having so much fun playing Frankie, and so far has been having fun with projections. If you look, you can actually find Elmo in every background, so be on the lookout! He is grateful to Ms. Bashall, Nate, his parents, and everyone who made this play possible.
Who’s Who of Our Cast and Crew
Maddy Page (Olivia; Mic Manager; Stage Manager) is very excited for the 8th grade play and has been since she saw her sister do it. This is not her first acting experience, as she used to be in an acting class when she lived in Hong Kong. She’s loved watching the process of the play coming together and is excited to see how it's going turn out. Overall, Maddy is thrilled for you to see the show!
Summer Peck (Cop 2; Stage Crew; Poster Design) is very excited to perform in her first play She’s extremely excited to perform the show on stage for everyone. She is very thankful for all the support and help she got throughout the whole process.
Who’s Who of Our Cast and
Crew
Tyler Ragsdale (Demetrius’ Mom; Stage Crew) is excited to participate in his first play. This isn't Tyler's first acting experience as he was a part in the ROGO movie in 6th grade Tyler thought this experience was really fun and special to him so he would like to thank Nate and Ms. B for guiding him on this journey.
Ayden Reiners (Timmy; Stage Crew) is happy to be on stage crew and play Timmy! Ayden has enjoyed watching previous 8th grade shows and is thrilled it’s his time to shine onstage! He’d like to thank his classmates, teachers, and family for their support. Enjoy our show!
Tyler Roberts (Unknown Voice; Stage Crew) is excited for the play and to be on stage crew and to portray Unknown Voice. This is his first acting experience and stage crew experience. He’d like to thank his teachers, classmates, and family for their support He hopes you enjoy the show!
Haley Ahir (Mae; Stage Manager) is excited to finally be a part of the eighth grade show! Previous roles include Tommy/Nancy in Newsies! She has loved the creative freedom of a student-led show and watching things slowly come together. Haley would like to thank her parents for giving her the opportunity to be here, her Theatre Arts teachers for supporting her in class, and her classmates for making this show possible! :D
Karlo Aluisi (Gabriel; Stage Crew) is very excited to finally be able to participate in the 8th grade show. He has thoroughly enjoyed being able to create a student-led show and has loved being able to see how the finished scenes came together Karlo would like to thank his Theatre Arts teachers for giving helpful insights to help his scene, and he would also like to thank his classmates for being very easy to work with and making the show possible. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Annika Ammon (Bully 2; Makeup Design) is excited to be Bully 2 in the “Bully” scene and understudying Cop 2 She is also working on makeup design for her class. Annika has little experience in theatre, only having done performances in Theatre Arts class here. She’s had a great time working on the play and hopes you enjoy the show!
Zion Anakwenze (Officer Tyrone; Poster Design) is very excited to finally be able to participate in the 8th grade show. He has shown enjoyment through being able to help create a student-led show and has loved being able to see how the finished scenes came together. Zion would love to thank his theatre teachers for giving helpful insights and his classmates for being very easy to work with and making the show possible.
Dani Arutunian (Gregory; Costume Designer) is very excited to be a part of her first-ever WNS play. She loved working in costumes because she was able to bring these amazing character to life through fashion She hopes you enjoy the show!
Who’s Who of Our Cast and Crew
Remi Benyamin (Jamie; Props Manager; Shirt Designer) is very happy to be part of the 8th grade play! Her past theatre experience was when she was in the improv class in 1st grade! Remi has heavily enjoyed playing her role as the highly relatable Jamie! Remi is additionally extremely happy to be the one drawing the design on our show shirt! She would like to give thanks to her classmates, family, and an honorable shoutout to her Theater Arts teachers, Mr. Nate, and Ms. Bashall!
Jordan Brookins (Lone Rider; Jordan; Tommy; Resident Director) is so excited to be performing in this year's 8th grade play He’s been in many productions over the years, but this one holds a special place in his heart because he gets to do it with his classmates. He is so proud of the Saloon scene (which he directed) and everyone who took part in it Jordan can’t believe this will be his second to last show at WNS. He really wants to thank Nate and Ms. B. for pushing him to his full potential and helping him through the hard times. But he would truly be nothing without his family and friends picking him up every time he falls and never letting him give up on himself.
Andrew Brown (Fortune Teller; Scene Director; Stage Crew) is excited to take part in his first WNS production and first ever time performing on stage. Even though this is his first time performing, Andrew is excited to learn and grow with his classmates and put on a great show for all. He would like to give thanks to all his family and friends.
Who’s Who of Our
Cast and Crew
Maceo Mayer (Waiter; Stage Crew) has never acted before but is ready to push himself to be the best actor he can be. His mom has made him go to lots of plays and musicals, so he has great experience in the audience. He’s had a blast working on this show and hopes you enjoy it!
Alex Melendez (Jerry; Escape Room Attendant; Lighting Designer) is super excited to be in the eighth grade play after seeing them since DK. Alex is thrilled to act for his first time in The Great Escape! He had so much fun rehearsing with his group and is ready to take on a live audience. He wants to give thanks to his theater teachers for helping him and his parents for being with him for every step of the way
Gia Morris (Susan; Scene Director; Sound Operator) is very excited to be in the 8th grade play. This is her first time acting, so she is looking forward to performing She has seen many 8th grade plays while attending WNS and is happy to experience the same thing. Gia hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Anna Campbell (Peter; Ennui; Resident Director; Mic Manager) is so excited to perform in her fourth WNS production! Previous shows at WNS include You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown and How I Became a Pirate. Anna also played Administrative Staff in Legally Blonde. Last year she was Snyder in Newsies and Max in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong, which she greatly enjoyed. She's loved getting to know her classmates, meeting new people, and growing as a performer Anna would like to thank her parents and teachers for always being supportive of everything she wants to do.
Siv Nayar (Mom; Front of House Manager; Stage Crew) is very excited to be able to participate in the 8th grade play. This is his tenth year at the school, and he has been looking forward to the show since he first saw one. He wants to put his best effort into the show and is overall looking forward to it
Nicklas Newberg (Salvatore; Stage Crew) is excited for his first time acting in a show. He has see multiple unique shows at WNS and is excited to be a part of one. Nicklas is excited to try new things while doing the play and is ready to learn something new and maybe talk to new people.
Who’s Who of Our Cast and Crew
Nini Khan (Vivi; Lighting Designer) is excited to be in the 8th grade play! Nini hasn't performed in plays but isn't new to the stage. She has danced a lot on stage. Nini is inspired by various cheerleading performers who aren't afraid to give it their all on the mat She is thankful for her scene members and teachers who are helping her on the way! She will try her very hardest to make the scene fun, exciting, and inspirational for others
Lucas Lamberton (Demitrius; Stage Crew) is very excited to participate in the 8th grade play. He’s seen many plays but has not actually been in one. When preparing for the play, he has been very cautious to not forget any of his lines, and he has been learning bit by bit He is very thankful for the teachers and students allowing him to act and is thankful that he gets this opportunity to participate in the play. He will try his best to succeed
Magnus Larsson (Tommy; Scene Director; Projection Designer) is curious and excited about participating in the 8th grade play at WNS. He is new to the theater format as he has experience with film. He has enjoyed learning about the different components of making a play and taking charge as a director in order to use that knowledge for his future in film.
Bode Lees (Bartender; Playwright & Scene Director) is excited to participate in the 8th grade play. Bode has enjoyed watching all the scenes develop and grow He’s loved getting to know his classmates better and growing as a performer. Bode would like to thank his parents and teachers for always being so supportive.
William Lively (Robert; Poster Designer) is excited to be in the 8th grade play He’s never performed before and has watched some plays. He’s excited to get to act in one himself. He has enjoyed making the poster the most and likes graphic design. He wants to give thanks to his mom and dad for always being there for him
Jack Logsdon (Gavin; Stage Crew) is excited to finally have the opportunity to be in the 8th grade play push himself and lean how to be a main character and preformed on a audience. Jack has loved working on this show with his classmates and hopes you enjoy it as much as he has!
Who’s Who of Our Cast and Crew
Eda Cetinbay (Original Rock; Poster Design) is so excited to be part of her first WNS production She has been looking forward to the 8th grade play since she was in kindergarten, eagerly watching each year’s 8th graders perform. She thoroughly enjoys working and getting to know her classmates, learning new things about theatre, and watching the play come together. Though Eda is sad to miss the show, she wishes all the best to her classmates! Break a leg!
Ethan Chang (Tay Tay; Lighting Designer & Operator) is excited to be a part of the 8th grade play. This will be the first time ever performing on stage, but this is not his first time working on a production before. He has done lighting for The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong and Newsies at WNS. He’d like to thank his teachers, classmates, and mom for all of their support!
Oliver Cisneros (Bully 1; Props Manager) is excited to do the 8th grade play at WNS. This is my first time ever being in a play of any kind. Oliver’s really enjoyed being the props manager for his section. He hopes you enjoy the show!
John Clements (Elise; Props Manager) is excited to be a part of the 8th grade play. Ever since he started going to WNS, the 8th grade play has always looked like an interesting and fun experience for him, and now he gets to be in it! He’d like to thank his classmates, teachers, and family for always supporting him. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Julian Cooper-Butler (Quandale; Stage Crew) is excited to work on and perform in the 8th grade play at WNS This is his first time being in a play. He has always wanted to be in a play. He enjoyed learning how to execute a play and has loved the rehearsal process. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Stella Coyne (The Rock; Stella; Film Director; Stage Manager) is so excited for the 8th grade play at WNS. They have loved working with the cast and crew on this production, as well as managing transition scenes, being the 7Y stage manager, creating the sherry song, and making the beginning video Stella’s previous roles include Colonel Mustard in Clue! On Stage, Trevor in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong and Bunsen in Newsies. Stella is exhilarated for everyone to see the show Stella would also like to thank their parents, sister, and friends for always being supportive and Nate and Ms. B for leading them through managing all of these show components.
Who’s Who of Our Cast and Crew
Brandon Ear (Crystal; Mic Manager) is excited to do the 8th grade play at WNS. Although this is his first time being in any play at WNS, he is really excited to see all the hard work come together. He’s enjoyed learning all the components of making a play and is excited to take it further in his theatre career
Who’s Who of Our
Cast and Crew
Blakeley Filliettaz (Mia; Amelia; Costume Designer) is very excited to participate in this year's 8th grade play. This is her first show. She is very excited to push herself and have fun. She’d like to thank her classmates, teachers, and family for their support Enjoy the show!
Alec Eitner (Cop 1; Soundboard Operator) is excited to perform in his first main stage show at WNS He is very excited to find SFX for in The Great Escape, so whatever sound you hear in his section, he found and controlled the volume. He’s enjoyed learning everything about stagecraft and performance
Gigi Farag (Willow; Costume Designer) is super excited to participate in the 8th grade play. She had so much fun doing costumes and memorizing lines. She loves watching plays and musicals and is so happy she is able to participate in one She enjoys creating outfits and finding inspiration for them. She loves staging her scene and coming up with new ideas. She is excited to pursue her ideas
Otis Faxon (Max; SFX Designer & Operator) is super excited and thrilled to do the 8th grade play at WNS. Although this is his first time being in a show at WNS, he is very confident on stage from his time in student council He enjoyed learning all the components of making a play and is excited to take it further in his theatre career.
Gabrielle Feinman (Sherry; Scene Writer & Director; Costume Designer) is excited to do the 8th grade play at WNS She has had a great time working on the costumes with her classmates. Her previous roles at WNS include Ms. Scarlet in CLUE, Muriel in Newsies, Florence Collymore in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong, and Sleepy Time/Wake Up Pirate in The Pirate Play She would like to thank her bus driver on the Washington, D.C. trip, Sherry, who not only inspired the Floridian talk show host, but also affected Gabrielle in a deep, deep way (And of course, her parents and teachers )
Miles Gordon (Poster Design) is very excited to make a poster for the 8th grade play. This is the first poster he has made and is very excited to push himself and have fun. He will make the best poster ever
Eva Gray (Jamie’s Mom; Anderdingus; Costume Designer) is excited to take part in her second WNS production after her first time on stage in Newsies. She was so glad to write and produce a play along with her peers She would love to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their support. Enjoy the show!
Ile Hollie (Krusty; Scene Director) is so excited to perform in his first WNS production! He has been looking forward to the 8th grade play since 6th grade. He has enjoyed working with classmates to make exciting entertainment, learning new things about theatre, and watching the show come together Overall, Ile is thrilled for the 8th grade play, specifically the clown scene!
Lily Hopkins (Kim K; Scene Director; Stage Crew) is elated to be a part of the 8th grade play This is Lily’s fifth production at WNS, following her roles as the Little Redhaired Girl in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Ms. White in CLUE, Katherine Plumber in Newsies, and Dennis The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong. She is also going to be play the role of Lady of the Lake in the spring musical, Spamalot. Lily would like to thank her family as well as Nate and Ms. Bashall for giving her the opportunity to direct her own scene She hopes you enjoy!
Peyton Johnson (Vivi; Costume and Makeup Design) is excited to perform in her first stage show at WNS. She has seen many 8th grade plays during the ten years she has been at WNS. She’s had a great time creating this production with her classmates. She’d like to thank her family and teachers for their continuous support!
