Ava Aleman, an accomplished and passionate sophomore at Stoneman Douglas High School, has an impressive 14-year history with Rising Starz. She has received comprehensive training in voice, triple threat performance, acting, dance, and musical theater. Serving two years as a dedicated vocalist on the worship team at Church by The Glades, Ava has honed her leadership skills through various mentoring roles. She has also served as a teen counselor and assistant director for productions such as Moana Jr. and Encanto. Ava is currently making her directorial debut directing the Aladdin Jr. camp. Ava is also the visionary founder and president of Therapy’s Melody, a nonprofit organization devoted to delivering comfort and happiness through music to those in need. Driven by a deep desire to provide support and brighten the lives of others, Ava seizes every chance to spread joy through her passions for singing, acting, and dancing. Beyond her extensive performance training and philanthropic endeavors, Ava is passionate about horseback riding, drawing, painting, and directing. Her creativity, compassion, and humble spirit shine in all she does, making her a well-rounded and inspiring young artist.

This native New Yorker and mother of 2, has a passion for teaching that drives her students to turn THEIR passions into action! She is known for her strong technical training in Musical Theatre, Pop, and Classical music and is highly sought after throughout South Florida for her ability to tap into hidden strengths when coaching Performance and Artist Development. Valentin has directed over 100 performance showcases and musical productions. She can be heard on various commercials Nationally and Internationally, and has appeared in a number of musical productions with Theaters such as The Stage Door, Actor's Playhouse, Hollywood Playhouse, and more. She was signed with Universal Music Group and toured the U.S. as a Latin Pop Recording Artist. It was then, that she discovered a passion for teaching, which changed the course of her direction forever. It has been her mission to UNLOCK CONFIDENCE in children through the arts. She is known for going above and beyond when it comes to her students. She helps students open doors of opportunity while creating unique experiences for them that you won’t find anywhere else. The achievements of her students are a testament to her program’s success. Rising Starz students recently debuted their Broadway Cabaret, Live The Dream, ON BROADWAY at the Minskoff Theatre (Lion King Stage), Feinstein's 54 Below, and in the very heart of Times Square NYC. Rising Starz students have also had the incredible experience of performing alongside Broadway Stars: JJ Niemann, Natalie Weiss, and Christopher Jackson. Her studio has also been the first un-contracted performance group to be invited to premiere an original full-scale music and dance showcase aboard a major cruise line. Legends was performed on the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas just before the pandemic, and A Disney Extravaganza was premiered aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, The Carnival Celebration. Valentin is an active member of her community and strong advocate of volunteer work. She sits on the board of 2 non-profit organizations where she facilitates opportunities for students to give back using their talents. Vanessa is a member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), TVF (The Voice Foundation), and AMTA (The American Music Therapy Association). She is recognized for her outstanding leadership abilities, coaching skills, and her commitment to community. Valentin also holds relationships with several casting agencies and leading Arts Mentors in Florida, New York, and Los Angeles. She assists students by providing industry counsel, as well as access to industry opportunities when appropriate. Rising Starz has recently been awarded recognition as the Best of Davie for Performing Arts, 3 years in a row, Valentin is also the recipient of the Influential Woman in Arts Award for her work in leadership and performance training.

Mia has been passionately engaged in theatre and music since the age of three, training extensively in voice, acting, and triple threat performance. She has gained valuable experience as both a cast and crew member in her previous school's theatre troupe and has performed in four productions at past Rising Starz Summer Camps. This year, Mia is excited to contribute her talents as the Backstage Manager, supporting a fantastic new group of performers and helping to bring this amazing production to life!

Karina is a senior at Nova Southeastern University School and has been involved in backstage work since her freshman year. With experience on the build/run crew for 14 productions, she has excelled in various roles including costume designer, properties manager, assistant lighting designer, set designer, and lead carpenter for her high school shows. Karina is thrilled to return to the theatre as the Technical Director for Rising Starz Music and Performance Academy’s production of Aladdin. She proudly serves as the Technical Representative for her troupe. Karina eagerly anticipates her senior year productions at NSU University School and the District 13 Thespians Competition. She extends heartfelt thanks to Vanessa, Camila, the cast and crew of Aladdin, and her parents for their unwavering support.