The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Cast

Greg has become a Buckhanon Community Theatre veteran . Greg’s first performance was the evil “Mr. Body” in Jonathan Lynn’s Clue on Stage and has appeared in several shows since including Red Velvet Cake War, Death by Dessert and most Recently "A Christmas Story". “BCT has been very welcoming, it is really interesting to see how a play is put together. All the thought that goes into it, where to stand, how to interact with your fellow cast members, how to deliver your lines, sets, lighting, and sound. I knew it was a lot of work, but to bring all these elements together in performance is impressive. Having these performances enriches our community and to be a part of it is an honor”.

Spencer Mearns is a Sixth Grade Student at BUMS. This will be his fifth production with Buckhannon Community Theatre, having made his debut as Wesselton in Frozen Jr., The Wizard of Oz., A Christmas Story, and as Bruce in "Finding Nemo Kids" When not on stage, Spencer enjoys soccer, video games, Halloween, and watching television dramas with his mother.

Harper has been acting and singing in productions half her life, starting with a small production at The Dance Factory and continuing with the BCT for the past three years. She loves to be around her theater family and feels at home on stage. No matter the part, she puts her all into it and is always sad when the experience is over. She has ventured to the wardrobe department of a show too and loves finding the right outfit for characters.

Abigail C. Benjamin is excited to join the cast as Veruca Salt. She has previously appeared as Ester Jane in A Christmas Story and Young Elsa in Frozen. Abigail has performed in Junie B. Jones, Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz and Finding Nemo. Abigail loves to sew, draw and dance.

Ava Trent is 14 and going into 9th grade at BUHS. She has been acting since she was 5 years old and has been in numerous plays with BCT as well as movie productions. While at BUMS, she both performed in and assistant directed their Theatre Club productions. Ava was selected for 2024 WV All-State Choir and is the 2024 WV Strawberry Festival Junior Royalty Queen.

Shane Vassar is making his BCT Debut. He is a software engineer with CGI and a proud father of Chesley who is playing a cook in this production as well. He has been married for 27 years. He is originally from Mount Clare WV, and now calls Buckhannon home. He enjoys camping, video games and sci fi movies.

Jaron has been doing productions with the BCT for the past two years and the middle school productions this year. His favorite has been The Wizard of Oz and last year’s middle school spring show. He loves performing, whether it is singing, doing improve, or learning a particular part. He enjoys making people laugh and can’t wait for more opportunities to do just that!

Amelia Morehead will be in 7th grade this fall at B-UMS. She plays french horn and cornet in the band. She loves playing soccer and lacrosse. She was also a member of B-UMS Theater Club and Improv Group. She appeared in their Spring production of All the Ways the World Will End, But Not You and also their fall production of Will You Be My Nemesis. You have previously seen her on stage on BCT’s stage as: Barry in The Single Man, a waitress in Death by Dessert, and Niko in The Wizard of Oz.

Teresa Benjamin is happy to join the cast as Matilda. Teresa has performed in BCT's Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins and Miracle on 34th Steet, Teresa has three cats and a bunny. She loves to draw, read and dance.

Pam has been involved with BCT since her daughter Catherine was cast in Annie. Having been in a few plays with just bit parts and background of most, a major part in a play was listed on her bucket list. She has done hair since 1984 and has helped with several BCT and WVWC shows. She has also been a Buckhannon city council person going on 24 years and working toward retirement and she is not ready to stay home and sit in a rocking chair. She would like to remain a part of her community. Pam was last seen in Death by Dessert, and also as Lamerle in Red Velvet Cake War last spring.

Abigail Benjamin is thrilled to join the cast as Charlie's Mom, Mrs. Bucket. She has performed in BCT's Clue, Wizard of Oz, and Miracle on 34th Street. Abigail is an environmental lawyer, co-owner of Argo Books and a Mom of 7.

Josephine ‘Jojo’ DiStefano is excited to be a part of BCT! This summer she participated in her first production, Finding Nemo Kids, as the lead roll of Nemo. Jojo loves gymnastics, cheer, singing and art. She will be in 3rd grade at Buckhannon Academy Elementary School in the Fall.

Alexis is 13 years old and has enjoyed her theater family and wishes they had started sooner. She loves to sing and dance and showcase her personality to an audience. She is honored to be a part of the cast in the amazing production of Willy Wonka.

Genesis is 8 and a half year old and loves theatre. This is her third show with BCT. She was in the Wizard of Oz as a Lullaby League Munchkin and in Finding Nemo Kids as Pearl. She enjoys swimming, dancing, singing, art, playing outside, being with friends, trivia, and math/science. Genesis is a part of the Dance Factory and takes ballet and acrobatics classes. She is going into 3rd grade at Buckhannon Academy Elementary. She is excited for Willy Wonka 🍭

Chesley is made his BCT debut in A Christmas Story He is an active 12 year old who enjoys his friends and eating his favorite food Mac-and-Cheese. He would like to let his mom and dad know he loves them. “I love you mom and Dad”.

Ava is 10 years old. She performed in The Wizard of Oz last summer, A Christmas Story and came back to work with BCT again for Finding Nemo Kids. She is an aspiring artist who enjoys making all sorts of art.

Michal is 7 years old and loves theatre. This is her third production with BCT. She was a Munchkin in the Wizard of Oz and a Jellyfish/Sea chorus in Finding Nemo Kids. She enjoys using her imagination and is often found adventuring in many far away lands while playing. She loves to dance, cheer, sing, do improv, watch masked singer, and be silly. She takes classes at the Dance Factory which includes ballet, acrobatics, and tap. She will be in 2nd grade at Buckhannon Academy Elementary. She is excited to be a squirrel in Willy Wonka 🍭

Peter Oliverio is entering 5th grade at Buckhannon Academy. This is his first BCT production, and he is so excited because he loves Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He studied ballet, jazz, and tap dance at Movement in Dance Studio and was in their production of The Nutcracker. He is a member of The Pioneer Choir, plays football, and wrestles. He enjoys science, and advanced to the State Science Fair this year.

Asad Khan, known professionally as Derya, hails from Buckhannon, West Virginia. He has an extensive background in performing arts, including participation in Buckhannon Community Theatre's "Rock of Ages" and the 2017 band for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Derya has also showcased his talent as a dancer for The Dance Factory of Buckhannon and performed in Christmas plays at Buckhannon Upshur High School at the age of four. Derya's early education began at Tennerton Elementary School, where he attended from kindergarten through fifth grade. He was then homeschooled for two years, during which he excelled academically, taking the ACT and graduating from middle and high school by age 12. At 13, Derya was accepted into West Virginia Wesleyan College but opted for a three-year sabbatical to gain experience in the medical field under the mentorship of his father, Dr. Ali Khan. At 16, Derya commenced his college education at West Virginia Wesleyan College, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business in 2021. He then relocated to Miami, Florida, where he pursued and obtained a Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Miami. During his time in Miami, Derya worked alongside two former U.S. Health Secretaries, Alex Azar and Donna Shalala, collaborated with the co-producer of the EpiPen, and was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. His award-winning projects during this period had a significant impact on improving business practices. Currently, Derya manages and administers the Associated Specialists office in Buckhannon, West Virginia, alongside his father, Dr. Ali Khan. He is also actively involved in the arts, performing with his mother, Teresa Khan.