is a 2003 graduate of Montclair State University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre: Acting Concentration. She has studied abroad at The Globe, Royal National Theatres in London, and The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon. She also holds a BA in Education from Stockton University for Literature. Her eighteen years in education include teaching English, Media/Film, and Theater. She began directing ACIT’s musicals in 2015-2016 and is Advisor to Drama Club and the International Thespian Society. Some of her previous directorial credits include Arsenic and Old Lace, You Can’t Take It With You, The Miracle Worker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Grease, Anything Goes, Once On This Island, Into the Woods, Pippin, Tuck Everlasting, Aida, and Seussical. Some of her favorite acting roles include Picnic (Rosemary), Angels In America (Harper), and at the Levoy theatre, To Kill A Mockingbird (Miss Stephanie). Mrs. Volpe will be performing in Much Ado About Nothing (Ursula) at the Gateway Playhouse this Spring. When she is not consumed with theatre, she is a mom to her two sons, Anthony and Aidan. She would like to thank her team for their dedication and time! She would also like to thank her husband and sons for their patience and help. She would like to thank her students for their commitment and inspiration, which is the driving force; and the parents for supporting their children’s love of the arts. She would also like to recognize the Board of Education and Administration for their trust and support for the Musical, year after year.

is a graduate of Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts, earning his Bachelor's degree in music education with a concentration in voice. He also obtained his Masters degree in choral conducting from Rowan University studying under Dr. Christopher Thomas. Mr. McInnis has served in the educational field for eleven years. Prior to his appointment at ACIT, he was the Director of Choral Activities and music director at Clearview Regional High School. Under his direction the choirs have participated in various events and competitions across the east coast such as; Music in the Parks, Fiestaval Myrtle Beach Choir Competition, Boston Choir Competition, “Joyful Christmas” with national recording artist Jim Brickman, and NJACDA Choir Competition. The Vocale Ensemble has been invited on several occasions to perform at Carnegie Hall and the NJMEA state conferences. In the spring of 2023, the Ensemble was selected to perform at the Nafme Convention in Rochester, New York. This is an incredible honor to represent the state of New Jersey and exquisite choral singing at the high school level. Romel was also very involved with the musicals as the acting music director at the high school and middle school. In 2022, he won the Rising Star Award for Best Music Direction for Hunchback of Notre Dame. In 2023, he had the opportunity to direct Mamma Mia. The show was nominated by the Rising Star Awards in three categories with Leah Crossan winning best actress for her performance as Donna Sheridan. Mr. McInnis is very excited to be a part of the ACIT musical tradition, and looks forward to creating lasting relationships and connections with the inspiring students and staff. Break a leg to the cast and crew of 9 to 5.

is a school counselor at ACIT. Ms. Dennis studied Dance (including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Modern) at Cygnus Creative Arts Centre in Egg Harbor Township for 16 years. For the past two years, she has been a member of the Cygnus Dance Company, and participated in several performances in the community. Some notable performances have been dancing with The South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble, The Atlantic Pops, and Fool Moon Theatre. Since starting at ACIT in 2018, Ms. Dennis has competed in Dancing with the Staff, placing 3rd (2018) and 2nd (2019), and has also directed ACIT’s Got Talent (2022-2024). Ms. Dennis was previously the director of choreography for ACIT’s production of Aida (2022). She is always thrilled to be a part of the musical family, and would like to give a big thanks to the whole cast and crew!

received his first taste of the “backstage life” at Wildwood High School as a member of the production crew. A graduate of Rowan University studying Communications, he was able to travel the USA to experience the behind the scenes of many stage productions including the NJ Ballet production tour of the Nutcracker, and production installations in Caesars Palace and Bellagio, Las Vegas. After college, Bud became the in-house Production Manager at the Wildwoods Convention Center working with shows such as WWE Wrestling and the Harlem Globetrotters. He then became Technical Director at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center. Along with technical duties, Bud was the Middle Township High School Stagecraft Teacher and Stage Crew Advisor which designed, constructed, and show-ran all high school productions. He also continues to work shows in Atlantic City at the Hard Rock Casino/Hotel and Caesars Palace as an Entertainment Technician. Coming to ACIT in September 2022, he is excited to have joined the performing arts department and be able to help the ACIT students and staff put on a great show.

graduated from Rowan University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Subject Matter Teaching. This will be Kevin's sixth year working with the ACIT Performing Arts Department, playing Reed 1 in Into the Woods and serving as the Pit Conductor for Pippin, Tuck Everlasting, Aida, and Seussical. Kevin currently teaches general music and chorus at Rice Elementary School in Marlton, NJ. He is also an avid performer in the South Jersey area, most recently playing Anthony in Sweeney Todd at the Levoy Theater in Millville, NJ. Kevin teaches private saxophone lessons at the Rowan University Community Music School and private lessons at his at-home studio, West Palmer Music. He would like to thank Mrs. Volpe for the opportunity to be a part of such a fantastic production!

is a CTE Computer Science Teacher by trade since 2020, and has found a passion for the stage. A jack-of-all-trades by circumstance, Peter has seen involvement in carpentry, radio announcing, and audio production; skills that he takes pride in behind the scenes. Since 2021, Peter has been part of several stage productions, notably The Dining Room and three years of Mr. Redhawk. Taking on a more involved role each year, Peter has dedicated himself to the art of stagecraft, finding enjoyment in all of its intricacies and challenges.

first began working in theatre in 2003, when he inadvertently became a part of the West Morris Central High School Stage Crew. He would go on to help produce shows like Anything Goes and 42nd Street, becoming the acting Stage Manager in his Junior and Senior years. He would continue to help produce sets, lighting, and sound throughout his college years in several schools, including Stockton University. After graduating and becoming a teacher, Matthew would become engaged with theatre productions again in the high schools that he worked at, including his most recent involvement with ACIT. He helped reinvigorate the ACIT Stage Crew Club after the Covid-19 virtual and hybrid school years, and continues to support the Crew through various productions throughout the year. Matthew is primarily involved with ACIT’s Cabaret Night, Dance Concerts (Choreoproject and Spring Dance Concert), Fashion Show, and Mr. RedHawk.

is a junior in the Health Science and Medicine academy. She was previously part of crew for Seussical as a production assistant and Aida as a stagehand. This is her first year being stage manager and she’s so ecstatic and proud to lead the rest of the crew! Freshman year Brielle would freak out if she knew that she was going to be manager and most likely be very nervous (which she still is), however she is very grateful to have her friends and family. She would like to thank Moon, Kenzie, Kate, Brandon, Brian, and Jae, who are alway by her side encouraging her to be the greatest she can and bringing out the best in her. Brielle also thanks the cast, crew, teachers, and advisors and wishes everyone luck! <3

is a Senior Drama Major in the Academy of Performing Arts. She has previously been in the Drama Showcases and was the Assistant Stage Manager in the previous productions, Aida and Seussical. She is very excited as this is her third musical at ACIT. Karen enjoys listening to music, reading, and painting. She also enjoys watching and playing soccer with her siblings. She would like to thank Mrs. Volpe and Mr. McInnis for giving her this opportunity to be a part of this production with this amazing cast and crew and hope everyone enjoys watching the show as much as the cast and crew enjoyed working on it.

is a senior in the Performing Arts Academy with a concentration in vocals. This is her second year working on an ACIT musical. Last year during Seussical she was a part of the construction crew, as well as an Audio Assistant. This is her first year being a production assistant as well as a props master. She hopes to help make the show the best it can be and is excited to participate in her last musical at ACIT. After high school, Lena hopes to continue her studies in music as a music educator. She would like to thank the cast, crew, and their advisors for their hard work and dedication.

is a sophomore in the Health Science and Medicine Academy. This is her first year working in any ACIT show in production. She is involved with other clubs such as choir. She is working as a prop master understudy and is nervous but excited to give it a shot. Jasmin wants to give a huge thank you to her friends, Valerie and Arem, for forcing her out of her comfort zone and making her join the musical. In the future Jasmin hopes to be a Neuroscientist. She’s glad to be working on this with her younger sister Jalessa. She hopes the show goes well and best of luck to everyone involved.

is a junior in the Health Science and Medicine Academy. They have been working with ACIT productions since their freshman year and hope to continue doing it until their departure from ACIT! For the two past musicals, Aida (2022) and Seussical (2023), they were a spotlight operator. This will be their first time working with the production team as a production assistant. Besides the musical, they are also a part of the Key Club, National Honor Society (NHS), National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), and stage crew. They wish everybody involved with the musical: cast, crew, production team, and teachers/advisors, the best of luck!

is a senior in the Academy of Health Sciences. This is Mariam’s third time working with the musical production at ACIT and she is more than thrilled for this new production. Some of her previous works at ACIT has been Tuck Everlasting in which she took on the role as Production Assistant and Aida as Stage Manager.. During her free time she enjoys hanging out with her family and friends. Furthermore, she is more than happy to be working alongside such a wonderful cast and crew creating new memories. Additionally, Mariam is grateful to be surrounded by such encouraging and supportive friends and family that have always been there for her.

is a sophomore in the Computer Science Academy. This is her first year working on an ACIT musical. She is working as a production assistant and is thrilled to see the entire experience throughout and learn many things from it. She plans to continue doing this for the rest of her ACIT years and likely college. When she is not at school she enjoys doing crafts and writing. After ACIT she hopes she can continue to study coding and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Amellie is grateful that she was given this opportunity and would like to give a huge thanks to the crew and cast who are in charge of this wonderful musical, and the ones who motivated her to join this musical such as her friends Arem, Valerie, and Jasmin.

is a Sophomore in the Fashion program. This is her second year working as a Costume assistant. Jordan is very excited to be helping with the play and being able to alter costumes so they fit to everyone's liking. She works very hard in school and enjoys being here at ACIT. When she isn't at school, she can be found in her room drawing, talking to friends, or watching her favorite show, Impractical Jokers. Jordan also enjoys longboarding, collecting crystals, listening to music, being outside, and spending time with her family. She is very excited to watch the show when its fully done and is very proud of her and everyone helping with the show. This whole crew is so friendly and wonderful to work with! She would like to thank everyone for letting her be apart of this! Enjoy the show!

is a Freshman in the Fashion Program.This is her second year working as a Costume assistant. Leah Loves helping people make sure their costumes fit right. She enjoys school and enjoys ACIT. You will always see her talking to friends, cooking, sketching, and going outside. She enjoys music, family time, and shopping She is very excited to see the play when it's fully done and is very proud of the cast and crew. She is thankful people let her have this opportunity.

is a sophomore in the fashion academy. This is her second year as a part of costume crew for an ACIT production, as she also worked on costumes for the Seussical last year. Apart from fashion Emma loves, going to the beach, hiking, and watching movies. She would like to thank her family, her friends, and her boyfriend Kris, for always being by her side to support and motivate her, and Julia Rizzo for sticking with her through all those hours after school. She would love to congratulate the cast and crew on an amazing job with the musical this year!

is a sophomore in the Fashion Design Academy. This is her second musical helping out with the costumes. Julia enjoys playing soccer and going to the beach in her free time. Julia would like to thank her boyfriend Ryen, her mom, and her friends for motivating her to step up and help out, and Emma Batchelor for keeping her company all those days after school altering and hemming costumes. She would also like to thank all the cast and crew for making this musical come to life!

is a freshman in the Performing Arts academy. This is her first year working on an ACIT musical as a member of the fashion crew. Last year, she was a part of The Middle School of Pleasantville’s production of Moana Jr. as Tamatoa. Apart from musical theater, Jalessa likes to play tennis, go shopping and hang out with her friends. Jalessa is very excited to be working backstage alongside her sister Jasmin, and can’t wait to see how the show goes on opening night!

is a junior in the Medical Assisting Academy. This is her third musical doing stage crew, but her first year being the head lighting designer. In previous years she has been a spotlight operator for Aida in her first musical production at ACIT. Last year she started her lighting designing position as an assistant lighting designer with Kayleigh Montgomery as their mentor for Seussical. She is very excited to show everyone how much she has improved and the hard work she has put in this year. She would like to thank the cast and crew for all the work they have put into the production to make it look amazing on stage.

is a sophomore in the Health Sciences academy. This is only her second musical with ACIT and first musical as the audio engineer, however she’s been lurking around the PAC, doing audio for many previous productions. During last year’s Seussical she was the graphic FX operator and all throughout last year was mentored by Steven Rothman. She’s incredibly thankful to all who’ve helped her get to where she is now (since she couldn’t have done it without them) and is excited to work 9 to 5 this year. And of course, she’d like to wish every cast and crew member good luck and to break some legs (but not actually)!

is a junior in the Building Trades Academy. This is his first musical and first year being in stage crew as an audio engineer while shadowing under Daria Steinburg, he previously has done shows such as The Dining Room and other positions such as spotlight operator and backstage for ACIT’s Mr. Redhawk 2024. Outside of stage crew, Jet is part of SADD Club at ACIT, is an avid skateboarder, and a musician that has played the viola, clarinet, and is learning the harmonica. Jet is excited to work the 9 to 5 Musical this year as this would be his first ever, and as well would like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work that was put into the show.

is a sophomore in the Graphic Design and Media Production Academy. This is her first year in stage crew, and the very first time working in a musical. She is an audio technician for 9 to 5, and worked as an audio tech for past shows here at ACIT, such as The Dining Room and Cabaret Night 2024. She’s very grateful for the other members of stage crew for showing her the ways, and being patient. Heidi’s love for music and nerdy interest in the technical side of these performances inspired her to join stage crew, and she wishes to continue as a member for the next few years. She is excited to work with the cast and crew members to put on an amazing show!

is a junior in the Health Science Academy. This is his third year in stage crew and first musical. He enjoys working as a stagehand, spotlight, and helping with set construction. His hobbies include painting and art, botany, and crocheting. He has loved working with Stage Crew and meeting all of the members and teachers. He has watched past musicals and is excited to be a part of the action this year.

is a junior in the Culinary Arts Academy. This is his third year of stage crew and second musical, the first being Seussical. They were a stagehand in Seussical but are now a flymen. His interests are reading, baking, and playing games. He is thankful for his friends and teachers who got him into stage crew.

is a Drama senior in the Performing Arts academy. She has performed in shows at ACIT and outside of ACIT.

is a junior Cosmetology Student, whose focus is makeup and skin. He has been practicing makeup for almost 10 years. Gabe is a good student whose hobbies include going to the movies, hanging out with friends, cooking, and singing. He’s aspiring to graduate and go to NYU or Marymount University with a major in entrepreneurial studies and a minor in political science, he wants to intern and work under the biggest names in the makeup world and own his own makeup brand one day.

is a Junior in the Cosmetology Academy. This is her second year doing hair and makeup for the school musical. Jada has grown up loving doing cosmetics for years. Jada says, “I’m so grateful I get the opportunity to work with the Performing Arts Academy!”

is a Junior in the cosmetology academy. This would be her first year working in the hair and makeup crew for the musical but she did do hair and makeup for the fashion show, and she has also worked in stage crew in the past event. She is very excited to experience this for the first time. She would also like to thank Ms. Cacopardo and Mrs. Volpe for the incredible opportunity.

is a junior in the cosmetology academy at ACIT, this is her third year working with the cast and crew in hair and makeup for the annual musical. Her past work includes working on the 2022 musical, Aida, the 2023 musical, Seussical, and some of the spring dance concerts. She really enjoys doing this and she hopes to also partake in next years musical as well. When Maria isn't doing hair and makeup she is listening to Taylor Swift or watching Gilmore Girls. Some of Marias best memories are from the musicals. She is grateful for all the friends she has made along the way. She is thankful for Ms. Cacopardo and Mrs. Volpe for allowing her to participate in the musical.

has been in the hair and makeup team as well as cosmetology for 3 years and has previously participated in the hair and makeup for ACIT’s 2022 production Aida and ACIT’s 2023 production Seussical. She has also participated in hair and makeup for the ACIT dance concerts. She would like to thank Mrs Volpe for allowing the team to do hair and makeup and gain this experience that will help us with our goals in Cosmetology and in the real world.