A Comedy Double Feature: This is a Test & A Midsummer Night's Dream Cast

Nataly Anderson, sophomore, was born in San Antonio, Texas, moved to South Carolina in 2015. She has done Coco in Zombie Prom, tech for Little Mermaid, High School Musical, and showcases. She has done musical performance since 3rd grade and theater since 6th. She is an athlete and active participant in many extra-curriculars. She is one of artistic, athletic, musical spirit and is excited to act on stage again!

Ellie Bailey, freshman, has been dancing for 11 years and acting for 5 years. She has been in many performances like dancing in Madagascar Jr., playing the role of Flying Carpet in Aladdin Jr., Kelsi in High School Musical Jr., and Pinocchio in Shrek Jr. Ellie has been on Academy of Dance Arts’ competing team for 5 years. She is a 4 year chorus student and participates in the Choir program here at Blythewood. In her free time, she likes to do crafts like making jewelry and painting. Ellie is playing the role of Lois in This is a Test and hopes you enjoy it!

Hannah Beville, sophomore, has lived in Blythewood, South Carolina her whole life, and has participated in many church plays and singing performances, as well as productions at her school. In fifth grade, she was in Madagascar as a very small role, but once she got to eighth grade, she played Ms. Darbus in High School Musical JR. She started singing in her youth’s band at church in 2021. Hannah participated in drama classes and chorus all throughout her middle school years, and was able to join Theatre 2 and choir her first year of high school. She played Narrator 1 in The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza and was an ensemble member for You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown on the BHS stage.

Sataya Boyd is a junior. This is a Test is her first play. In addition to acting in the play, she is also a member of the tech team for the show. She loves art and fashion design. She is planning on pursuing fashion marketing after high school. Sataya made all the fashion visuals and color choices for the costumes you see in This is a Test.

Hannah Clark is a Sophomore.This is the second theater show that she has ever done. Last year she played Paris in Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. Her favorite play production is The Wizard of Oz. She is playing Paige in This is a test, and can't wait for people to see her in this play. Hannah is also a competitive cheerleader. When she is older she would either like to become a meteorologist or a real estate agent.

Mack Crownover, sophomore, moved to South Carolina at the end of 2022. During their freshman year, they auditioned for T & G art, an art class offered for junior/senior artists. They were a part of a production of Peter Pan last year, and realized their love for theater. They would like to become a marine biologist in the future, and plan on taking classes to focus their education on it. The main reason for this is because they’ve had a fascination for sharks since a very young age. They’re quite stylish, and have good grades. They plan on becoming a part of the NAHS (National Arts Honor Society,) since they’re very passionate about art.

Mari Felder, freshman, has been in acting for 4 years and has been dancing for 11 years. Mari has been in a number of plays like Once On This Island, The Wiz,and Aladdin. Mari is also a TV and film actor. Mari is a competitive dancer of 9 years at Academy of Dance Arts. Mari has an immense love for the arts and would love to pursue a career in musical theater.

Emma Gresock, freshman, moved to Blythewood in 7th grade. Her passion for acting began at a young age when she would make her family play Gestures with her all night long. At Blythewood Middle School, Emma acted in High School Musical, JR and Shrek, The Musical JR. Favorite roles include Storyteller, Duloc Dancer and one of the Three Blind Mice in Shrek,The Musical JR in her 8th grade year. If Emma is not on the stage, she is most likely practicing for cheerleading tryouts at the end of this year. She hopes to become a Blythewood High School Cheerleader. Enjoy the show!

Kamryn Hardy, junior, has been involved with theater since 3rd grade. She has acted in the Wizard of Oz (twice), Peter Pan, and The Little Mermaid. Kamryn is passionate about acting, learning K-Pop dance covers, and interior design. This is her first big role in a theater production and she is BEYOND excited. She is confident that this is only the beginning and can’t wait to see where life takes her!

Mikynzye Harris, senior, was born in Washington State and has attended over 7 schools (due to being in a military family). She took her first theatre class her sophomore year in NC. Her passion for theater started when she was a child. She fell in love with musicals and plays on television. “This is A Test” will be her second theatre performance. She plays “Voice”. Her last performance was in “The Greek Olympiaganza” earlier this year in January.

Allie Harwell, freshman, has been in six theater productions at Town Theater and started acting in 3rd grade. Some of her favorite shows in which she’s performed are Aladdin, Annie and Pinocchio. This is her 1st production at Blythewood High. When she is not on the stage she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, shopping and playing volleyball. She is so excited to get to be in this play, and she hopes to continue her theatre passion!

Carolina Hepler, freshman, moved to South Carolina in 2020. She have moved around a lot and fell in love with theatre during their journey around the world. Her favorite show they’ve been in is Seussical: The Musical several years ago. After a long acting break during Covid, Carolina is excited to finally start acting again. She made new friends and joined the Bengals OnStage community officially. Carolina loves to write, read, and draw. She plans to be a Forensic Pathologist in the future and will work hard to reach her goals.

Cooper Hicklin is a freshman. He moved from Rock Hill, South Carolina in 2021. He has a long theater history, He has been in Shrek Jr. as Shrek twice, the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland Jr., Ryan in High School Musical Jr., and Elmer in the Best Christmas Pageant Ever Jr. Theatre has been a big part of his life. It's a way for him to not only have fun and build relationships but for him to make lifelong friendships!

Naomi Houghton, freshman, has been acting in various theater productions and companies since he was 6. After trying various theaters he has found a family at Town Theatre where he is currently acting in multiple productions. Naomi is a part of Town’s Teen Troupe (T3) where he’s acting in Les Mis as Monsieur Thenardier. He's also working on being an apprentice at Trustus Theatre, as well as other various shows at Town. When he isn't working on a show (which is rare), Naomi likes playing various instruments and training his pet rats. Naomi is also a proud member of the strings orchestra here at Blythewood as well as the treble choir. This is Naomi's debut as a part of BHS's theater program and is very grateful for all the friends he's made here so far.

Adrian Jones, born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, is a sophomore at Blythewood high. While this is his first play, he is no stranger to the stage! He’s danced in several ballets, including Snow White and The Nutcracker. Even in small roles, he brings a big personality and charisma!

Kamaria Mosely, senior, has two years of theater experience. She acted in several plays at Westwood High School. One of her favorite roles was Laury in Oklahoma. Kamaria also plays the violin in the BHS Orchestra.

Kaitlyn McFadden, junior, was born and raised in South Carolina. This is her first play, although this is her second year doing theater with Ms.Dietel. She is in both casts of This Is A Test, playing Mother in one, and a student in the second. She enjoys acting and making memories with new people, and has certainly had a lot of fun with this cast. When she’s not on the stage, she can be found somewhere re-watching her favorite movies.

Ashley Moody, freshman, has been acting for a while. She has been Tiger Lily in Peter Pan Jr in second grade and a Lioness in Madagascar Jr in fourth grade. In fifth grade, I was in Aladdin Jr as an ensemble of different characters and in eighth grade, she was a pig in Shrek Jr. She is glad to be in this play and always loved background characters. They add a lot of spice to the show!

Addison Otto is a freshman this year. She moved form Germany to SC and has only lived in those two places. She is in the Theatre 2/3 and Theatre Production classes. She was an actor in Peter Pan Jr in second grade and helped do sound for the Blythewood Middle School production of Shrek, Jr. She looks forward to learning more about the acting world and the tech world in the future.

Ruby Rutherford, freshman, was born and raised in South Carolina. She’s been involved in theater since middle school and has been in one production called Disney Villians where she played the role of Cruella Deville. She volunteers at Trustus Theater as a junior apprentice helping out with things such as strikes and ushering. She loves the theater community because it has always been so welcoming and surrounded her with people who make her feel safe and accepted while doing what she loves.

Makenzie Scranton is a Junior that moved to South Carolina four years ago. She grew up in Portland, Oregon but has moved many times. This will be her first play but has done other performances. She spends her free time doing her makeup and watching TV shows/movies. Although she doesn’t have a large role, she is still very excited to be in her first ever play.

Khamil Tate is a Junior. This is a Test is her first play she’s ever been in. Khamil is passionate about becoming a successful film and theatre actor. She enjoys acting and modeling, hanging out with her friends and family, and going shopping. Khamil wants to star in horror movies as a final girl and dreams of winning awards for her acting. Khamil truly believes that this is her first acting job but it will never be her last. She hopes that someday in the future her voice will be heard by millions and her performances will touch their hearts.

Karmel is a sophomore and this is her first play. She moved to SC from Virginia in 2018. She did small things in the theater as a child, and did theater all three years of middle school. She also loves to write and plans on being an author as an adult. She wouldn’t mind writing a play of his own either. Karmel loves fashion and art. She’s also a huge book nerd and a common pastime of her is listening to music and reading or writing.

Zabrina Warner-King is a freshman. This is the first play she's done. She joined the theater to try out new art forms to add to her interests in band, art, and cooking. She made the publicity poster for this show and also helped with props and costumes. Zabrina participated in the Tri-Dac program for talented and gifted students in the arts and was able to sculpt with clay which she enjoyed. She won the peace poster contest in the district. She plays the clarinet, trumpet, and is currently looking to learn the baritone saxophone. Zabrina has been a member of the Blue Legion marching band for the past 2 years, starting in 8th grade. She is a digital and traditional artist who makes her own characters and is a big fan of Transformers, Adventure time, and anything Nintendo related. She likes playing video games also (but who doesn't). She loves Metroid Dread, Hollow knight, Mario Kart, Pokemon, Splatoon, and other games. She's a fan of Gorillaz and AND ONE. She plans to participate in theatre next year.

Dria Williams, sophomore, moved from Phenix City AL to South Carolina. She is really excited to be in both casts of This is a Test. Dria adores theatre because it’s the one place that she can be herself. She is ready to show others that she’s capable of taking her role and making it her own. Dria also loves to dance and plays volleyball competitively. Dria strives to become a professional cosmetologist.

Adi Wilson, a sophomore, is acting i her fourth play. She first started theatre in 5th grade when she played Narrator 1 in Cinderella Jr. Adi has performed in two shows with Bengals OnStage: The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza and A Christmas Carol. Adi is a retired military child who’s traveled all over the world. She doesn’t have a particular place she calls home, but was born in Tucson, Arizona and moved to Aviano, Italy at a young age. Her first show was in New Jersey before she moved to South Carolina. In Adi’s spare time, you can find her rocking out to her favorite punk rock bands and going online with her friends

Katie Benson (Senior) has been in productions since she was 8 years old, including Blythewood’s productions of The Wizard of Oz and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. She’s participated in a theater camp every summer where she’s been able to be part of productions of The Fiddler on the Roof, Schoolhouse Rock, 101 Dalmatians, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon, and most recently Bye Bye Birdie. Katie is very excited to make her non-musical debut in Blythewood’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream playing Helena. She will also appear in the Spring production of Peter and the Starcatcher. She would like to thank all those who have supported her through the years, with a very special thanks to her first theater teacher, Ms. Betty.

Sophomore Thomas Bozard (Dometrius) has been an active member of the Blythewood Theater Department throughout the entirety of his high school career and has loved every second of it! Thomas was last seen on the Bengals’ stage as Schroeder in Blythewood’s rendition of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and is set to play the role of Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher this spring. Due to his involvement in this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Thomas has discovered a passion for literature’s impact on society and hopes to pursue this interest on a collegiate level. Throughout his experience in high school theater, he has been most impacted by the community that this group has built. He wouldn’t be where he is now without the potential that Ms. Dietel saw in this group and her dedication to making this show possible. Thanks for all that you do. Enjoy the show!

Moné Canzater is a senior and has participated in theatre since elementary school. In her sophomore year she portrayed Brown in Dystopia! The Hungry Maze Game of Divergent Death. Her junior year she played Ritu in the superior award-winning play (Anon)ymous and won an excellent for her proformance. This year along with the Talented and Gifted class of Blythewood High, she will play Starveling in Midsummer Night's Dream. She hopes everyone will enjoy Midsummer Night's Dream and would like to thank everyone who has helped produce this play.

Isnerys Carrasquillo (Senior) recently moved to South Carolina from California. Isnerys performed in shows in her past school her freshman year. At BHS, she was in Dystopia! The Hungry Maze of Divergent Death, did tech in The Wizard of Oz and played Anon in the Talented and Gifted class’ production of Anon(ymous) which received a Superior rating at the state one-act play festival. Additionally, Isnerys was awarded a Superior in Acting for her portrayal of Anon. She is very happy to be playing Fighting Prawn in Bengals on Stage upcoming production of Peter and the Starcather. This year, she is also very delighted to be playing Francis Flute/ Thisby and a Fairy in Bengals on Stage production of A Midsummer NIght’s Dream in the Talented and GIfted class. She hoped everyone enjoys the shows!

Naiya Fernandez is a senior, a Theatre Lead, and has participated with Bengals On Stage (Blythewood Theatre) for all of her four years in highschool! At Blythewood High School, she had the oppurtunity in performing in The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol, Anon(ymous), and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Naiya also had the opportunity of performing Anon(ymous) at the Palmetto Drama Association, receiving a superior for her musical theatre thespy as well as a superior for her role as Nemasani. She has also had the joy of playing The Ghost of Christmas Past, and Snoopy. For her last year, she will be playing the role Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher and will be playing the role Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Naiya is incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences she was able to have with Blythewood Theatre, and for everything she has learned! Enjoy the show!

Calla Friedman (Sophomore) has been affiliated with theatre since she was seven years old. She started doing shows at Blythewood last year, when she was in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and will be in the April production of Peter and the Starcatcher. In addition, she has done many shows at Columbia Children’s Theater. She will be playing Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Sophia Hammond (senior) is excited for her last year of theatre at Blythewood. She was homeschooled from 3rd grade through 9th grade. When her love for theatre was awakened when she took Theatre 1 in the fall semester of 2021, she discovered it was what she wanted to pursue. Her previous theatre experiences include acting in A Christmas Carol, The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, and 60/20 and being an assistant stage manager in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. In her junior year, Sophia discovered her love for tech theatre and has enjoyed broadening her knowledge of tech theatre. After high school, she hopes to go to college to study theatre design and pursue a career in costume design. She is grateful to Ms. Dietel for her kindness and every opportunity she’s been given to be a part of the theatre program at Blythewood. She would also like to thank her family for picking her up and driving her to rehearsal and her classmates for being welcoming.

Abigail Hernandez (Junior) is enjoying her second year at BHS. She transferred here from Richland Northeast where she played Lucy in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown and Louis in Sideways Stories of Wayside School her freshman year. Last school year at BHS, Abigail played Zeus and Orpheus in The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol and Marcie in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. This year she’s playing Snout and Moth in A Midsummer's Night Dream and Teacher in Peter and the Starcatcher She grew up watching her sisters perform at Lexington High School and was inspired to become an actor. She’s been doing theatre since she was 12. She devotes her hard work to her mother, who sadly passed away. She looks up to her mother especially because she was a singer. She’s very grateful to her sisters for inspiring her, her mom for her gifts, and all her theatre teachers/directors for believing in her and seeing talent.

Jayla Jamison is a sophomore at Blythewood High School. She attended Muller Road Middle School where she first discovered her love for theater through drama class. She knew that being an actress was what she wanted to do. After arriving at Blythewood High she was put right into Theater 2 ¨The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza¨was her second ever play. Her first play ever was Bengals On Stage’s production, ¨A Christmas Carol¨ at The Farm at Ridgeway where she played Grocery person #2 and Old Rich Woman. This will be her 2nd year in theater while her first year in talented & Gifted honors where she and her classmates will be putting on ¨A Midsummer Nights Dream¨. She hopes to continue her knowledge in theater.

Chloe Kucia-Poirier is a senior from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She moved to South Carolina in 2014. She started getting interested in theatre in middle school. The Wizard of Oz was the first musical that she was in, which she participated in during her sophomore year as a member of the ensemble. During her junior year, she was a member of the Theatre 3 class and participated in last year’s Twenty Under Sixty. This year, she is a member of the Talented and Gifted Theatre class, and will be performing in A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a fairy. She is very excited to be a part of this show. She would like to thank Ms. Dietel for making this possible.

Lilly-Claire Lewis is a senior and has been with the Blythewood Program since freshman year. Lilly-Claire serves on the Leadership Team for the BHS International Thespian Society Troupe. Sophomore year, she performed in the winter play, Almost, Maine, as Marcy. She also played Scarecrow in BHS’ rendition of The Wizard of Oz. In her junior year she tackled roles of The Ghost Of Christmas Present from A Chrismtas Carol, and her Superior award winning roles of Calista and The Bird from Anon(ymous). She also played a role in Your A Good Man Charlie Brown. In Midsummer Night's Dream she will be playing Titania/Hippolyta, and in the coming spring, she will be playing Molly in Peter and The Starcatcher. She’s been an active performer since elementary school, and is grateful to end her highschool experience with BHS. Lilly-Claire wants to thank her family for their unconditional love and support, as well as Ms. Dietel, Ms. Claiborne, and Mr. Hilton for their hard work and deep understanding for the arts.

Paeton Patterson (Senior) has been involved with the theatre program at Blythewood all four of his years attending the school. He will be playing the roles of Oberon and Theseus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He has loved theatre ever since being introduced to “Hamilton” in 6th grade. His stage debut was Phil in Almost, Maine in December 2021 as a Sophomore. He then performed as Mr. Mackus in Anon(ymous) in February 2023 and received an Excellence in acting for the role. He also played Woodstock in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown in April 2023. Paeton serves on the Leadership Team for the BHS International Thespian Society Troupe. Paeton is incredibly thankful for our wonderful director Ms. Dietel and Mr. Hilton for all they have done for him the last four years! He hopes everyone enjoys A Midsummer Night’s Dream and has an amazing, hilarious experience!

Fernand Quintero is a Senior at Blythewood High School and is part of the Thespian Leadership Team. He started theatre during Freshman Year. He was inspired by previous musicals and plays that he had seen before going into high School. He did Christmas plays at his church. His first role in high school was Guard 1 in “Dystopia!, The Hungry Maze of Divergent Death”. He also helped with set and music working in school and afterschool on the show with his peers. His Junior year he worked in Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), Anonymous (Ali and Ignacio), and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Ensemble). For the 2023-2024 school year he is performing in “Midsummer Night’s Dream” as Lysander and in the upcoming spring musical “Peter and The Starcatcher” as Ted. He would like to thank his family for always supporting and helping him in his dream of doing Theatre and Choir at school. He would also like to thank Ms. Dietel, Ms. Claiborne, and Mr. Hilton for always helping him stay on track and to keep looking forward toward the great future.

Corey is a senior whose first taste of theatre was in Theatre 1 in their freshman year, but their official theatre debut began in the T&G 2021 production, Almost, Maine as Assistant Stage Manager. After getting a taste for acting in Theatre 2's 2022 production of Dystopia! The Hungry Maze of Divergent Death and comparing experiences as techie and actor (and therefore becoming more involved in the dramatic arts), they continued theatre that year with Wizard of Oz as a techie and part of the Yellow Brick Road. Their junior year featured work on Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, Christmas Carol, (Anon)ymous, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Now, in the 2023-2024 school year, they are a Thespian leader, Lord Leonard Aster and tech in Peter and the Starcatcher, Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and stage manager for This Is A Test. They would like to extend a special thank you to Ms. Dietel, their family and friends, the rest of the leadership team, and the Parent Boosters for all their help and support!

Eureka Washington (Junior) is in his Second year of theatre at BHS. Last year, Eureka was seen as Mr. Fezziwig and Peter Cratchit in A Christmas Carol. Eureka has been singing since he was in the 4th grade. He is also on the cross country and track team and makes time for everything. He enjoys singing, acting, and running. He knew he wanted to start acting in middle school but didn't get the chance to until he was in high school. He loves the program so far and plans on doing it until his senior year. He would like to thank everyone who gave him the opportunity to be in this program. He would also like to thank his family for supporting him and doing everything they can so he can be successful.