Rachel Anderton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Studies and has spent countless hours onstage and in the director’s chair since she was a young girl. Over the past several years, she has led the local middle school theatre program, directing productions including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion, and Beauty and the Beast. Although this is her first production directing for BCT, she has long loved Matilda the Musical and could not be more excited to help bring this story to life.

Kelley is the proud theater mom of Ella McNeish. Inspired by her daughter's love of the stage, she became actively involved with Buckhannon Community Theatre. For the past three summers, Kelley has served as producer for BCT's McNeish Family Memorial Youth Theatre Camp. She has also produced BCT's productions of The Wizard of Oz and Mamma Mia!. In addition to her production work, Kelley proudly serves on the Buckhannon Community Theatre Board of Directors and is grateful to support the organization and its mission of bringing quality theatre to the communitv.

Risë is the Executive Director for Buckhannon Community Theatre. She has played multiple roles in BCT's stage including Glinda and Auntie Em in The Wizard of Oz, Shelby in Steel Magnolias, Olive Madison in The Odd Couple: Female Version, Grace Bradley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and a variety of roles in Puffs. Risë loves to sing, read, spend time with family and friends, and traveling.

Originally from Chelsea, Alabama, Ashley has trained in piano from the age of 6 and in ballet from the age of 4. Today, she is a classical musician and owner of In Harmony Music Studio which offers piano, voice, and organ lessons in Buckhannon, WV. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Alabama, a Master of Music from Bowling Green State University, and she is currently a graduate student at West Virginia University pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance. Starting Fall 2026, she will join the faculty of Frostburg State University as an adjunct professor of organ and class piano. She also serves as the Choir Director at Spruce Street United Methodist Church in Morgantown and teaches ballet and jazz at Studio 33 Dance Center in Buckhannon. Ashley is passionate about inclusivity in the arts, and her doctoral research focuses on the impact of disability on the learning and teaching of music.

Em Pechon is an accomplished dancer of over 25 years. She started her dance journey at the age of 3 and hasn't stopped since! As a young dancer, Em’s family moved frequently so she attended many different studios and schools of dance. In high school, Em trained with the Macholah Ballet Company, was a member of the Hurricane High School Dance Team, and performed as a singer/dancer with the Red Hot Show Choir. Em attended West Virginia Wesleyan College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and studied dance. While at Wesleyan, Em started the now nationally ranked WVWC Competitive Dance Team and served as Captain and Head Choreographer. Em has been teaching and choreographing since graduating college in 2020, and opened Studio 33 Dance Center in 2024. Her inaugural competition team ranked in the top five at every competition during their first season in 2026. Em has taught and choreographed for several organizations in North Central WV including Mountain State Cheer Academy, Little Glass Slipper Princess Parties, AXIS training, and The Dance Factory and Gym Zone. Her Buckhannon Community Theatre credits include serving as a movement instructor for the McNeish Family Memorial Theatre Camp in 2024 & 2025. This is her first big show with BCT.

Please welcome back Jennifer Ammons to the Buckhannon Community Theater. She is thrilled to be stepping behind the scenes as Stage Manager for her third show with BCT after previously debuting her talents with “Puffs” and most recently with “The Iliad, the Odyssey and All Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less”. Her theater credits include acting, singing, dancing, stage managing, and set building in numerous productions spanning almost a decade with Kettering Theater Under the Stars. Jennifer is excited to be working with amazing directors, production crew, and cast of actors for this latest BCT production.

Boyd began his life and career in the mecca of theatre—the state of Wyoming. While many might debate that claim, for Boyd, Wyoming was the perfect place to begin a lifelong journey in the arts. He has worked professionally and academically from the Deep South to the Rocky Mountains, New York City, and now at West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he serves as Director of Technical Theatre. He holds degrees in theatre and scenic design from Brigham Young University and Boston University, and his work has included theatre, musical theatre, opera, film, and television. Today, Boyd and his personal muse and wife, Jody, call Buckhannon, West Virginia, home. They are delighted to be part of the community. Boyd is passionate about the creative process of bringing stories and characters to life. Since arriving in Buckhannon, he and Jody have been inspired by the community's enthusiasm for the arts and its support of people of all ages, especially the youth of Appalachia. https://wolzdesigns.com

Kristina joined Buckhannon Community Theater in 2023 and quickly made a mark with standout characters such as Bitsy in The Red Velvet Cake War and the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. Her passion for theatre has continued to flourish, extending beyond the stage as she took on the role of Head Costumer for BCT’s productions of: Rex’s Exes, Finding Nemo Kids, Willy Wonka, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Alice in Wonderland, Mamma Mia, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer JR, Shrek Kids, and now Matilda the Musical. Outside of her theatrical endeavors, Kristina enjoys watching reality tv with her husband David and their three pugs.

Ethan has been a part of the BCT family since 2023, running sound for productions such as: The Rocky Horror Show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Alice in Wonderland, Lion King Kids, Mamma Mia!, Puffs, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR, Shrek Kids, and now Matilda the Musical. He is excited to be onboard and in his element.

Emily is honored to help bring the world of Matilda to life from the tech booth! As seasoned behind the scenes veteran, her credits include producing for the B-UMS Theatre Club since 2024, assistant directing BCT's Puffs, and tech crew work for Clue (BCT) and The Bad Seed (FFP). She shares her love of theater with her husband and fellow BCT actor, Alan

Payton is a junior at West Virginia Wesleyan College where she is studying Pre-Drama Therapy! She’s been doing theatre since she was 12, her favorite production being Hadestown. She’s directed plays at a high school level, taken stage management and sound projects to international competitions, and lives for community theatre everywhere. She is so grateful to Buckhannon Community Theatre for allowing her to intern with them through all their summer productions, and can’t wait to see what comes next in her theatre experience!