2016-2017 Seniors
Our seniors have worked so hard in the past four years - completing 12 shows by the end of 2017.
Freshman Year: Time In Time Out / The Losers Club, Into the Woods, The Little Mermaid, Jr.;
Sophomore Year: The Diary of Anne Frank, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged;)
Junior Year: Macbeth, My Fair Lady, 45 Seconds to Broadway;
Senior Year: Merry Wives of Windsor, The Sound of Music, Game's Afoot
Freshman Year: Time In Time Out / The Losers Club, Into the Woods, The Little Mermaid, Jr.;
Sophomore Year: The Diary of Anne Frank, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged;)
Junior Year: Macbeth, My Fair Lady, 45 Seconds to Broadway;
Senior Year: Merry Wives of Windsor, The Sound of Music, Game's Afoot
James Blum, Actor
James Blum is a Senior at Wyoming High School and he’s been with WTAD for three years. The first show he participated in was Beauty in the Beast during his Sophomore year. He has also been in Macbeth as the murderer, My Fair Lady as a part of the Cockney Chorus and ensemble (with WTAD), and West Side Story with Cincinnati Young Peoples’ Theatre as Baby John. He’s been taking vocal with Dr. Claire Hudkins and has been dancing for the Cincinnati Dance and Movement Center for about three years. Along with performance, he’s been training as an artist for nearly a decade, and his favorite mediums include pencil, charcoal, and paint. James plans to pursue theatre and fine arts through college, however he hasn’t decided which school he plans to attend the fall of 2017.
Eric Bower, Pit
Eric has been an avid drummer since he was six and participated, as a percussionist, in "Beauty and the Beast" and "My Fair Lady." He is the go-to guy if there needs to be a drummer for any piece in the orchestra program. Chances are, if it calls for a drummer, he will fill the seat. Eric also has been a member of the School of Rock in Mason for over four years, and has participated in over 15 shows including The Who, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Aerosmith, and Pink Floyd. He is also a member of the School of Rock's House Band, which has performed at places like Midpoint Music Festival and Summerfest. He thought about pursuing music at Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, but decided that his passion is computer science. Eric will always keep music on the side and never let go.
Erin Broderick, Pit
Erin has been singing "The Sound of Music" since before she can remember, and knew she had to join the WTAD family when she caught wind it was the next musical. Sadly, since Erin's loved ones have been known to describe her singing as "tone deaf," she joined the pit orchestra (the best part of any musical anyway.) She has been playing the violin for over 11 years and plays in the Wyoming High School Philharmonia. She is actively involved in the Cincinnati Suzuki School at the Wyoming Fine Arts Center as well. Not only does Erin love to serenade her friends with her violin and terrible singing voice, but she also loves to participate in community service, to travel, and to read - preferably all at the same time. She would like to thank her parents for giving her the means and support to follow her passions, as well as her sisters for always being ready to play beautiful music with her. One final thanks to all of her amazing music teachers, who provide daily instruction and inspiration.
Ian Denney, Pit
Ian is excited for his first year in WTAD as playing in the Pit Orchestra as a Senior. Recently, music has given him the amazing opportunities to travel to Europe with Friendship United Methodist Church handbell choir, Cast in Bronze, as well as with the "Ohio Ambassadors of Music." He appreciates the opportunities the Wyoming music program has offered him with choir, orchestra, special ensembles and musical pit.
Matthew Dreier, Tech
"Tech Uncle," as Matthew is known to the drama and tech circles, has been working very hard behind the scenes of "The Sound of Music" as a set builder and designer. Next year, after graduation, he plans to major in woodwork and construction and get a minor in business. Outside of his drama work, he can be found pursuing his passion of interpretive dance.
David Easton, Actor
Over the course of four years of High School, senior David Eastoon has participated in eleven shows through WTAD. From Putti van Daan in "The Diary of Anne Frank" to Falstaff in "The Merry Wives of Windsor," he has immensely enjoyed learning and collaborating with the cast and crew. Outside of drama, David usually spends his time debating in Model UN, answering questions in Academic Team, or writing for the Horizon. His mildly interesting fact of the day is that in real life, the Van Trapp family fled Salzberg by train. If they had crossed the Alps, they would have entered Germany - within miles of Hitler's mountain-top headquarters. David would like to thank Mrs. Coomer, Mrs. Baker, his friends, and his family for all their support and hopes that you enjoy the show.
Emma Gaylo, Pit
This is Emma's third musical with WTAD. She has been playing harp for 14 years and plays in the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra as well as smaller ensembles.
Sam Haward, Actor
After moving from Newcastle upon Tyne, England in 2012, Sam has been a part of WTAD since his sophomore year, playing many of the Bard's characters in "The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged." He played Banquo in the fall 2015 production of "Macbeth" and felt right at home as Colonel Pickering in the 2016 musical "My Fair Lady." The Sound of Music will be Sam's sixth production with WTAD, and he would like to thank Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Coomer and the many others who put in so much work to make this program the best it can possibly be. Next year, Sam plans to return to Europe to major in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, and will sorely miss the experiences that WTAD has given him, and will certainly be back in the USA at every opportunity he has!
Kelsey Jobalia, Actress
Kelsey is so excited to be Liesl in her senior performance of "The Sound of Music" and he last musical at Wyoming High School. Over the years she has been in eight shows starting with the Diary of Anne Frank when she joined the Wyoming Theatre Arts family. Outside of the drama department, she loves to draw, sing with her brother, and spend time with her friends and family. She sends her thanks to the crew, pit, and cast for being so supportive. She especially wants to thank Mrs. Baker for being the best director she's ever had, and for helping her become the actress she is today.
Isabelle Judge, Pit
Isabelle started in drama as an actor in “Beauty and the Beast” and then switched to pit orchestra for “My Fair Lady.” She has been playing cello since the fourth grade and also plays guitar and sings in her free time. Most could find Isabelle cuddling with dogs or cats (despite her allergies,) or wrapped up in a blanket burrito in her basement. After she graduates from Wyoming, Isabelle plans on majoring in Psychology at Indiana University or the University of Cincinnati. She would like to extend a thanks to her cello section for being the awesome people and bringing her food, and to Ms. Coomer for a great four years full of cello and a great Philharmonia class.
Madeline Judge, Pit and Tech
The Sound of Music will be the 10th show that Madeline has participated in with the WTAD. She’s played clarinet in now all four musicals including “Into the Woods,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “My Fair Lady.” Madeline has also served as Ticket Manager for three seasons. Outside of drama, she is the senior drum major for Wyoming Marching Cowboys and in concert season, she is the first chair clarinet, a saxophonist in the jazz band, and plays in the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble. After graduation, Madeline plans to major in Music Education with an Instrumental emphasis and become a band director. She would like to thank her family for tolerating her impromptu clarinet practicing at 1AM and her endless babbling about band. Madeline would also like to thank Mr. Kaiser, Ms. Coomer, Mr. Dewitt, and Mrs. Nocks for their support and guidance throughout the last four years in her musical endeavors.
Linda Kirsch, Pit
Linda has played flute and piccolo in pit since freshman year. Besides leading the band’s flute section, she has played in the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra Philharmonic and the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble. When the weather is nice, Linda can be found training for the cross-country season or riding horses. She refuses to take a “Find Your Patronus” quiz because she recognizes her spirit animal as (is obsessed with) these valiant steeds and any other result would imply a conspiracy. As she enters this new phase of her life called college, Linda would like to thank her family for enduring her constant humming, as well as Jennifer King, her flute teacher, for a life's worth of analogies relating improper playing to various condiments
Zak Lempert, Pit
Zak is a senior at Wyoming High School and is the oboe and English Horn player in this year's pit orchestra. His freshman year, he performed in the ensemble for both "Into the Woods" and "The Little Mermaid, Jr." His sophomore year, he performed in "The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged." He is excited to be back as a member of the pit orchestra for the fist time. He would like to thank his parents, Mr. Kaiser, Ms. Coomer, and Ms. Baker for their support. He hope you enjoy the show!
Gareth Norris, Actor
Gareth is thrilled to be playing Rolf in this production. He has previously played such memorable roles as Harry in My Fair Lady and Villager #11 in Beauty in the Beast. He also enjoys playing soccer and tennis as well as participating in Model UN and Relay for Life. In his free time, he enjoys going on adventures with his friends and making his clothes match. He is a great lover of pinwheels (from the song, get it?)
Rachel Notestine, Actress
Rachel Notestine is proud to be a part of The Sound of Music during her last year in WTAD. During her four years onstage, she has had the opportunity to play some very exciting characters. Some of her favorites include Margot Frank, Mistress Page, and the much-beloved salt shaker in Beauty and the Beast. Without late night slushie runs, backstage fun, and a notorious dance everyone adores, her high school experience would be entirely different, and she’s thankful to Ms. Linda Baker, Ms. Laura Coomer, and the cast, crew, and pit of all the shows for making theater such a great experience. In the future, Rachel hopes to continue expressing her love of music and theater while pursuing a medical degree and career.
Vishnu Paranandi, Pit
Vishnu is working with WTAD for the first time this year and is thrilled to be playing viola in the pit orchestra. While not a historically active member of the drama program, he has always been supporting his friends in the program as a frequent attendee of their shows and has been playing viola since the fourth grade. He has been member of the WHS Philharmonia orchestra for three years and has played for a number of other musical projects as a soloist and group member. He would like to thank Mrs. Coomer for her support of all of his music endeavors over the years and the drama program of giving him the opportunity to play some of his favorite childhood songs of for "The Sound of Music."
Casey Peeno, Actress
Casey Peeno is a senior at ECOT, an online homeschool. She has been doing drama since she was a junior, her first show being "My Fair Lady.” Then taking it back to the 70's in "Merry wives of Windsor". Now she is excited to be playing Louisa in this year’s musical production of "Sound of Music!” Casey also has been taking vocal lessons with Dr. Claire Hudkins, and very much enjoys preforming and visual arts, and hopes to peruse them in college. She'd like to thank Mrs. Baker, Ms. Coomer and her family for always being supportive, and being a helping hand in guiding her to follow her dreams and passions!
Taylor Persley, Actress
Taylor is a senior at Wyoming High School and "The Sound of Music" will be her first ever drama production, though she is no stranger to public speaking nor public singing. She has done Mock Trial since the eighth grade and won both outstanding attorney and outstanding witness awards. Taylor is also secretary of the youth and young adult department of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter Choral Union, which is a member of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. In the future, Taylor plans to be a defense attorney specializing in criminal and entertainment law, but music will continue to be an important part of her life.
Tim Schneider, Tech
Tim Schneider is serving as a stage hand for the second year now. The theatre arts program has grown to be a large part of his life these past two years. Tim is so thankful that he has had the opportunity to meet new people and done so many things he would not have done otherwise. Outside of WTAD, Tim is heavily involved in Model UN and considers himself to be a connoisseur of foods and artisan beverages, and loves to explore everything the world has to offer in both the US and abroad.
Carly Shepherd, Actress and Tech
Carly is very excited to be working behind the scenes for this production of “The Sound of Music,” and has been with Wyoming’s Theatre and Arts Department, both on and off stage, since she was a wee little freshman performing in a production of “Into the Woods” in the ensemble. She has also been a part of shows such as “Beauty and the Beast” as Mrs. Potts, “Macbeth” as a Witch, and the “Merry Wives of Windsor” as Mine Host of the Garter Inn. Behind the scenes, she has helped with Anne Frank as The Director’s assistant, and has helped build and paint sets in the shows “Macbeth,” “My Fair Lady,” and “45 Seconds to Broadway.” She thanks her family and fellow thespians for supporting her, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Chloe Shepherd, Pit
This will be Chloe's 5th show for Wyoming High School. She has played clarinet for three years, performed in "The Little Mermaid, Jr" her freshman year, and was a part of the tech crew for "Macbeth" her junior year. Chloe has also been a part of tech crew for other shows outside of Wyoming High School. She has played clarinet in marching band and concert band, and was a drum major this year as well. Chloe would like to thank her family, close friends, and Mr. Kaiser for their help these past four years. She would also like to thank her band for putting up with her this past marching season with her constant yelling. And also, a quick shout-out to the clarinet section! And, as any cowboy would say, "Wyo 'til I die-o!"
Quinn Stiefbold, Actress
Quinn has been part of WTAD since freshman year, with some of her favorite roles including Mrs. Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady and Mistress Quickly in Merry Wives of Windsor. She’s excited to play Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music in her final musical as part of the WTAD. Theater has been the focus of Quinn’s life since she first started in middle school. She takes acting and dance classes at the CCM Prep Department and plans to plans to study acting in college, wherever that may be. She’d like to thank the amazing ensemble that makes up the WTAD for their combined hard working, making her four years incredible.
Claire Taylor, Pit
Claire has played violin for 12 years. She has played in pit for all four years of high school. In March, she will be headed for the Carnegie stage to perform with her ensemble group!
JD Voss, Pit
JD is a mediocre violinist who has never done pit before. He has played the violin for more than eight years (although he only really learned how in eighth grade), currently takes private lessons and has been in Philharmonia for two years. JD likes to pretend his violin is a guitar and plays it with a pick, which only gives the instrument minor surface damage.
Gene Waldron III, Pit and Tech
The sound of Music is Gene's 5th musical he's played for at Wyoming, his favorite being Oliver. He joined tech crew his sophomore year with Beauty and the Beast and continued through his senior year. Playing for Ms. Coomer and building the set for Mrs. Baker to choreograph are memories he will miss in college as he hopes to pursue either a mechanical engineering degree, or a naval architecture and marine engineering degree.
Sam Weiser, Pit
Sam has played French Horn in the pit orchestra for four years and in the band for eight. He is a member of the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble for this year. Next year he hopes to study Industrial Design at the University of Cincinnati.
Alex Woosley, Actress
Alex is a senior at Wyoming and this is her sixth show with the drama department. Starting as a seahorse in "The Little Mermaid, Jr." all the way to being Sister Berthe in "The Sound of Music," she's had amazing time in this department, bonding with the crew and cast of each show she's been in. Outside of the drama department, she loves to sing, draw, and spend time with her temple's youth group She wants to thank the crew and pit for supporting the cast throughout the show, and Linda Baker and Laura Coomer for helping her grow into the actor she is today.