Peter Pan

Aille MacDonald (Tootles, Peter Pan Understudy) Debuting as lead Beth Bradley in SCA’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever last December, Aille is thrilled to be Lost Boy Tootles in the Peter Pan production! Passionate in the arts, Aille shines her light bright for Jesus through her gift of music singing, playing the guitar and piano. Thank you to Ms. McGinnis and her team for creating a dynamic platform for me to artistically glorify God. She has learned so much from this wonderful group and looks forward to continuing to grow. She loves her SCA theatre family!

Allie Abram (Tiger Lily, Wendy Understudy) is so excited to be a part of Peter Pan. She has been a part of two plays in the past–Aladdin, where she played one of Jasmine’s servants and in Music Man, where she played Marian (unfortunately that play was canceled due to COVID.) She hasn’t been in a play at SCA but hopes to be in many more after Peter Pan. She would like to thank her family for supporting her throughout this amazing journey. Mostly her dad who taught her everything to know about singing and acting. She would like to thank her drama teacher Ms. McGinnis for encouraging her and pushing her to be her best. And especially her friends for brightening up her days and never letting her give up. Lastly she would like to thank everyone who made this play possible from snacks to set designing to props and costumes and giving her this opportunity to be a part of something greater than herself and doing so with the love of God.

Ana King (Mullins, Senior Islander) is 14 years old and an eighth grader at Candeo North Scottsdale and has been doing theatre and other arts for about eight years. Ana came from Shine Theater with Laura McGinnis to come and help out with Peter Pan! Ana has been a Christian her whole life and gets involved with the church in any way she can. Ana is so excited to participate in Peter Pan with SCA.

Angela Soria (Pirate, Senior Islander) is super excited to be doing SCA’s Peter Pan play. It is her first play ever and her experience has been absolutely amazing. It is so much fun as a first ever experience on stage. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her on this decision. The entire cast and directors have been so welcoming upon her arrival and would like to thank them all. They have all worked really hard for the execution of this play. She hopes everyone enjoys it! 

Averly MacDonald (Lost Boy) debuted in theatre as Ollie Herdman in SCA’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in December. She is thrilled to be a Lost Boy in the Peter Pan production! Averly enjoys sharing her love of acting and singing with the SCA theatre community. She is so appreciative of the opportunity that Ms. McGinnis is giving her to SHINE for Jesus through an amazing creative platform and looks forward to continue to grow and glorify God artistically. 

Ingrid Gardner (Peter Pan) is a freshman and thrilled to be part of the Peter Pan team. Ingrid is intrepid and has always shown a willingness to try new things. She takes part in high school sports, studies piano and voice, advocates for SLD students and enjoys the adventure of foreign travel. Ingrid would like to thank director Laura McGinnis for this valuable experience. Laura’s dedication, enthusiasm and faith has taught Ingrid much more than how to act on stage.

Caitlyn Troxell (Slightly, Peter Pan’s Shadow) is excited to join SCA in their production of “Peter Pan”. She has past experience acting in several plays for DoReMi School of the Arts and looks forward to her first production at SCA. Caitlyn also performed on-stage singing and dance style choreography with DoReMi and has been a part of the SCA middle school choir for the past 3 years. She wants to thank all the Peter Pan team members, parents, and God for this wonderful opportunity to perform again.

Caprice Warren (Micahel Darling, Tiger Lily Understudy) is excited to be a part of the Scottsdale Christian Academy production of Peter Pan. She is in the seventh grade and will be featured as Michael Darling and Tiger Lily Understudy. She has been in a number of productions around the Valley, most recently Little Women, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She has a strong passion for music and began doing theater and playing the paino at the age of seven. She would like to thank Ms. McGinnis and everyone involved in this amazing and creative production. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support. 

Eli Stansell (Smee) is excited to be in a play because it’s his first time. In his free time, he studies his lines which is by far his favorite pastime. Aside from that he plays many sports such as Pickleball and Chess, which are a few of his favorites. He would like to thank all the people involved with the play, especially Lincoln who convinced him to be in it.

Sophia Doe (Wendy Darling) is a Freshman. She has been in Willy Wonka (THE Fabulous Golden Ticket) Wizard of Oz (The Lead Crow), Lion King (The head of the triangle formation of Teenage Lionesses) and Mary Poppins (the oldest chimney sweep). Her first SCA production was “Think of Me” available to watch on a USB drive. She is a member of the Varsity Spiritline and is glad to be back under the stage lights! 

Ellie LeBouton (Lost Boy) is in 6th grade and this is her first formal play. She is no novice at being dramatic or taking on personas however. Previous indy performances include Princess Belle in “My Father’s Not Crazy” a Bathtub production, a long running stint as Rapunzel for Toddler Studios, and most recently as the elderly Edna and Silvia at Dinnertable Improv. She has a passion for all things artsy and enjoyed helping with set design and painting for the SCA fall play. She would like to thank Ms.McGinnis for helping her with her dramatic skills. 

Hope Garvey (2nd Twin) is elated to be joining the Peter Pan Cast. Recently, she was with SCA for the production of Little Women. She has been doing theater for 2 years, but has been onstage performing since kindergarten. She would like to thank Holden for for being an amazing and hilarious music instructor. She would also like to thank her entire Jr. Cast for helping to influence the playful and rambunctious attitude of her character. She’s looking forward to doing many more productions with this great team.

Lexi Smith (Liza, Curly) is in 9th grade and is involved in the highschool concert choir. She loves to sing, read and craft. Lexi has been involved in theater since a little girl. Outside of school, she is apart of CYT (Christian youth theater) and has performed 9 musicals with CYT. Her most favorite role was Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web and she just finished Percy Jackson’s The Lightning Thief and had a blast. Peter Pan will be her 3rd SCA musical and she is very excited to perform on stage with her friends.

Lincoln Reader (Cecco, Nana) is a freshman at SCA. Hopefully he will not get held back. This is his third year at the school, and this is the first play he has ever been in, and probably the last. He plays Football, Golf, Chess, Ping Pong, and Track and Field. He also really enjoys participating in shuffle board tournaments. He is an academic weapon and usually get above a 75 on every school thing. In his free time, he is constantly studying his Peter Pan lines, and he also has a dog. He’s so excited for the play, he might pee myself. Thank you, he’s here all week.

Logan Liston (Hook, Mr. Darling) is joining SCA and the theatre department for the first time this year as a new freshman student. He is excited to work with some great friends and play Hook because there’s lots of sword fighting and what’s cooler than pirates? Logan also plays football, basketball and baseball. In his spare time he eats as much Ramen as possible and is an expert Chipotle foodie. He’d like to thank Director McGinnis for taking this chance on him, even when he forgot the words to ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’. Her faith is everything and he hopes he exceeded expectations! Ephesians 6:10

Madelyn Moyer (Mrs. Darling, Pirate, Senior Islander) is very excited to be joining SCA for their production of Peter Pan! Previously, she has been in “The Wizard of Oz” at Valley Youth Theater and “Little Woman” at SCA with “Peter Pan” being her third production. She is a senior here at SCA and is very excited to be attending college at ASU as both a business and music major.

Mathilde Gardner (Jukes) is in 7th grade. This is Mathilde’s second production under the direction of Laura McGinnis, her first show was The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as Imogene. When Mathilde is not at school, she spends much of her time with her Arizona Storm Volleyball team. She enjoys music and laughing with friends and cousins. Mathilde is thankful to her coaches, directors, teachers, tutors, believers and all who help her reach her potential.

Micah Doe (John Darling) is in 7th grade. He has been in four previous theatre productions. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (Ralph Herdman), Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” (Charlie Bucket), Roald Dahl’s “Matilda” (Bruce Bogtrotter), and “The Lightning Thief Musical” (Mozart and Ensemble). He is super excited to perform in this show and is so happy he was a part of the process.

Piper Stead (Lost Boy) is so excited to be back for Peter Pan, she played Loretta Herdman in SCAs Best Christmas pageant ever. Piper loves performing and can’t wait for you to see this production of Peter Pan.

Savi Fair (Starkey) is beyond excited for this experience with Peter Pan. She has been doing theatre as an actress for three past productions–Little Woman, Wizard of Oz, and Phantom Tollbooth. Her passion for theatre has created a wonderful opportunity to use her talents that God has blessed her with. 

Tessa Gramenz (Nibs) is excited to be in her first musical! She has attended SCA since second grade and is now in 7th. Even though her mom, sister, and brother have done at least one musical or play, her interest in theatre has sparked this year. She hopes that this will be the first of many! She would like to thank her mother and sister for unknowingly drawing her attention to the stage with their excellent acting skills and her parents for believing in her. She would especially like to thank her drama teacher Ms. McGinnis for all her help and encouragement. Also, Tessa thanks her best friend, Riley Haines, and her other very close friends, Allie Abram, Angela Soria, Jewell Baddeley, Campbell Reader, Caitlyn Troxell, Capri Warren, and all her other school friends, for constantly boosting her mood and making her day better. Finally, she thanks all her directors for giving her this fantastic chance to create long-lasting memories and using her gift to glorify God. Enjoy the show!

Valentina Abildgaard (Jane, Native Islander) is thrilled to be participating in the Scottsdale Christian Academy production of Peter Pan! She will be playing the role of Jane as well as a Native Islander. Valentina is new to theatre this year and was recently part of SCA’s fall show The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the growing theatre department here at SCA. Thank you to Mrs. McGinnis and her team for providing such a nurturing environment for Valentina to grow her creative talents.

Kennedy Reeter (Islander) is so excited to be joining SCA for their production of Peter Pan! Recently, she joined SCA junior assemble in Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She loves theater, dance and basketball! She would like to thank the entire creative team for being such a joy to work with, and would especially like to thank Laura and the team at SCA for giving him this opportunity to share her passion for theatre and have the opportunity to share the love of Christ while doing it. 

Barr Gardner (Native Islander) is an active and imaginative boy who enjoys his weekends. He likes to spend time with his cousins, friends and teammates. If Barr lived in Neverland he would live in the Lost Boys Hideout. But if that opportunity does not arise Barr would like to be a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants when he grows up. Barr is thankful for all of his fun-loving cast mates.

Jayson Burgamy (Islander) is so excited to be joining the cast for his first musical Peter Pan. He is an accomplished pianist and yellow belt in karate. He has a big personality, kind heart and creative spirit. He is an excellent student, avid reader and great friend. He is excited to share the Lord with others through the arts. 

Selah Amaya (Jane, Native Islander) 

Selah is a 5th grader in her first year at SCA. Grateful for the community of families here, the dedicated staff and professional trainers, and the opportunity for personal/ spiritual development. This is Selah’s first full musical theater production, outside of dance or choir performance. Working with Ms. Laura McGinnis and Holden Hanna has been a gentle and joyous experience, offering new growth and relationship building. She Thanks God for leading her on this beautiful path of learning, which she would not have chosen without Him.

Milena Romero

Milena is so excited for the play, this is her first show at SCA and she loves it already! Milena loves dinosaurs and pizza and ice cream .She would like to thank everyone for their hard work in the play.

Emmi Wesley (Islander) is a 10 year old 4th grade member of SCA and has been there for 7 years and has a passion for theatre. She has done one other play at SCA and is SO excited to be a part of Peter Pan. She would like to thank Laura McGinnis and SCA for having such a good theatre program.

Logan Farrington (Stage Manager) is so excited to be joining SCA for their production of Peter Pan!  Recently, he worked with Laura McGinnis as the stage manager for Shine Theatre Company’s productions of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical and The Wind in the Willows, and with Patriot Productions as a Brooklyn Newsie in their production of Newsies the Musical. He has been doing theatre–as an actor, lighting designer, and assistant director–since high school, and worked professionally as a stagehand at ASU’s Gammage Memorial Auditorium through college. He would like to thank the entire creative team for being such a joy to work with, and would especially like to thank Laura and the team at SCA for giving him this opportunity to share his passion for theatre and have the opportunity to share the love of Christ while doing it. 

Zachary Royce Anvik (Choreographer) has been blessed to work with many different Theatre companies in the valley! Zach is an Actor, Dancer, Director, Choreographer, improviser, but most importantly servant to God. Zachary has had the honour to work with many amazing directors in many amazing shows such as, “Mary Poppins” with Mark Stoddard and “West Side Story” with Cambrian James at Hale Centre Theatre. Zachary has choreographed many shows but his favorites include You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Hello Dolly, 7 brides for 7 brothers, Mary Poppins, Music Man and Newsies! He has been blessed to join SCA in building up their theatre program to bring excellence in art for our creative God! James 1:2-4

Holden Hanna (Music Director) is thrilled to be returning as Music Director for Scottsdale Christian Academy and is thankful for the honor to work with such incredible students. He currently works as a contracted Music Director for Shine Theatre Company. His recent credits for Music Direction include: Wind in the Willows (STC), Best Christmas Pageant Ever (SCA), Aladdin (STC in partnership with Highlands Church’s Special Needs Ministry), and Matilda (STC). He graduated from Belmont University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Holden would like to thank God and his family for their love, support, and encouragement.

Laura McGinnis (Director)

Laura McGinnis is the Director of Shine Theatre Company at Highlands church and has directed almost 40 musicals and a whole lot of plays in her career. She has been involved in community theatre, college theatre as well as theatre ministries throughout her teen and adult life and enjoys the creativity and the community that theatre brings. She has trained at the Director’s Studio in Seattle, and started and ran a theatre program in Seattle for 15 years that is still thriving today. She feels so blessed by her amazing team and their talent and passion for theatre, for the families and their hard work and loving support, for her cast and the talent and joy they bring, and to SCA leadership for their belief in the importance of a strong theatre,m program, and the opportunity to be directing her 2nd show at SCA! But most of all, she is so thankful that to God to be doing what she loves. To Him be the glory!