Dewey Finn

Brandon Alexander-Smith (Dewey Finn) is happy to do his first show at ACT. He has performed on many stages in NE Ohio, as well as having numerous on screen credits. Some past projects include Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap, Hector Macqueen in Murder on the Orient Express, Donkey in Shrek the Musical, Radames in Aida, Congregation/U/S David in The Amen Corner, Burrs in The Wild Party, and many more! He would like to thank his Mother and D-D for always supporting his artistic endeavors, and the theatre community for all the love and positive connections.

Rosalie Mullins

Samantha Ksiezyk-DeCrane is happy to be returning to the ACT stage. As a classically trained Soprano she continually improves her craft under the guidance of Dr. Eve McPherson at The Music Settlement. She has been seen on stage in musicals, operas, and plays across Northeast Ohio. Some of her favorites include The Sound of Music (Maria), Beauty and the Beast (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), Kiss Me Kate (Hattie), Straszny Dwor with The Cleveland Opera, La Traviata with Cleveland Opera Theatre, and Madame Butterfly with Opera Western Reserve. Thanks to the production team for the opportunity to rock! Love always to her family and friends for being the best fan club! Supporting the arts is crucial, enjoy the show!

Ned/Mr. Janes/Mr. Wagner

Patty Di Marco

As a long-time fan of the movie, Marissa is thrilled to be playing Patty in School of Rock! This is her first show at ACT, but she has previously been seen in productions at Medina County Show Biz such as Something Rotten (Portia) and A Christmas Carol (Fan). She’d like to thank her mom and dad for supporting her in her theatre journey, and for teaching her to love rock music! Enjoy the show!

Summer (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

Juliana is so excited to perform onstage at ACT! She is a freshman at Kenston High School and plays clarinet in her school’s marching band. She’s been performing since age seven and has played many roles such as Matilda in Matilda (HYT), Little Red in Into the Woods (HYT), Skye in Beetlejuice JR (Cain Park) & Louisa in Sound of Music (CVLT). Professionally, she played Small Alison in Fun Home at Cain Park, for which she was titled Cleveland Critics’ Circles’ 2023 Rising Star. Juliana would like to thank her parents, everyone in the cast and crew and YOU.

Summer (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

Margot Payne is a student at Wickliffe Elementary School. This is her first time in School of Rock The Musical and working with ACT. She is honored to be part of such a talented cast and crew. Margot just came off a sold-out run of Annie at Cain Park Theatre, where she played the lead role. She is a gifted singer and has performed with a few Cleveland bands. Musical theatre keeps her very busy. She has been going nonstop for almost two years. While she is small, she has the pipes of a soul singer. She hopes to be a professional singer, actress, and aesthetician one day. When she’s not singing or at school, she’s playing with her best friend Riley, making fun of her twin brother Gus, and loving on her pets. She would like to thank her Mom, “Amy,” for supporting all that she does.

Zack (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

Currently in their last year of middle school, Merry enjoys drawing, dancing (typically not very well), and listening to some banger tunes. Their favorite kinds of music are rock, jangle pop, vocaloid, metal and musical theater. Favorite past roles include High School Musical (Jack Scott), Waitress (Lulu), and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (ensemble). They’ve been learning guitar and are very excited to be able to play the role of Zack the guitarist in this production of School of Rock.

Zack (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

Smith Hollis has been playing guitar for over six years. As lead guitarist for local rock band Out of Pocket, Smith has performed at music events throughout Northeast Ohio, including Akron's annual Porch Rokr Festival, Hudson mART, First Fridays in Akron, and Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Highlights of his acting performances include his role in Hudson Middle School’s production of Beauty and the Beast as Maurice and The Little Mermaid as Grimsby. He was also nominated in the 2025 Highland Square Film Festival for his original song and music video "Remember Your Soul." Smith hopes this show blows your mind with its high-voltage rock!

Lawrence (All Performances)

Rafael Gregorius is a freshman at Roosevelt High School in Kent. He's been playing the piano since he was five and acting, singing, and dancing from age seven. He gets to do all of the above in School of Rock, and he's having a blast! Favorite past roles include Disney's Descendants (Carlos); The Little Mermaid (Sebastian); Something Rotten, Jr. (Shakespeare); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Gad); and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Ensemble). Rafael thanks ACT for giving him the chance to learn the craft of acting while having fun with friends. He can't think of a better way to spend his time!

Katie (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

Keelie is ABSOLUTELY THRILLED! to be back on stage at ACT. She is a 7th grader at Chardon Middle School. When she’s not on stage, she loves rehearsing with her band, drawing, and creating content. Previous roles include Matilda in the Fine Arts Association’s Matilda the Musical, Veruca Salt in FAA’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda in ACT’s Matilda the Musical, Crush in Rabbit Run's Finding Nemo Jr., and Junie B. Jones in Rabbits Run's Junie B. Jones. Keelie is literally All About That Bass and hopes that by the end of the show, you will be too!

Katie (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

Anastasia is beyond thrilled to be part of this show! This is her second time in School of Rock, and this time she is so excited to rock out on the bass as Katie! Some of her favorite shows include: Cain Park: Fun Home (Small Alison U/S), Cain Park: School of Rock (Marcy), Rubber City Theatre: Matilda (Matilda), and Hudson Middle School: The Little Mermaid (Ariel). She would like to thank her amazing sister for helping her with learning the bass, as well as her bass teacher Charlie Trenta, and her vocal coach, Ciara Newman. Thank you to the cast, crew, directors and band. Let’s Rock!!

Freddy (All Performances)

Simon Keating is 15 years old, and is a Sophomore at Orange High School. He is excited to play the role of Freddy Hamilton in School of Rock at ACT. He has been previously seen as the boys swing in School of Rock at Cain Park, Ren McCormick in Footloose at Orange High School, and the understudy for Jake McGowan in Leap of Faith at Blank Canvas Theatre. He has enjoyed the rehearsal and show experience with his fellow cast-mates and is excited to perform alongside them.

Tomika (All Performances)

Lo (they/them) is excited to return to the ACT stage for School of Rock as Tomika! You may have seen them in ACT'S Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Lo’s favorite performances include, Nostradamus in Something Rotten! JR (ACT), Ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing... (Weathervane Playhouse), and Baby Louise in Gypsy (ACT). Lo dedicates their performance to Brandon for being the best Dewert around! Thank you, Brandon, for all of your support! Lo is grateful for the caring community ACT has gifted them and hopes you have a kick ass time rockin' in the theater tonight! There’s no way you can stop the School of Rock!

Marcy (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

Gianna Chase (Marcy) is thrilled to be making her ACT debut in School of Rock. Past credits include Annie in Annie Jr., Lullaby League/Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, Ewartie Dunlop in Music Man Jr. and Tangle the Elf in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with Rubber City Theatre. She has also appeared in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda the Musical at Weathervane Playhouse. She is a member of the Weathervane Musical Theater Company and studies voice with Ms. Sue Wallin. She would like to thank the ACT creative team for welcoming her and letting her rock the house and make a scene!

Marcy (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

Ella Bell is thankful to return to ACT as Marcy in School of Rock. Past favorite roles include Hortensia in Matilda the Musical at ACT & Weathervane Playhouse, Lily St. Regis in Annie Jr. at Cain Park Youth Theater, Gum Chompin’ Diva & ensemble in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory & Elf the Musical at Weathervane Playhouse, Mean Girls Jr. as Caroline Krafft at Joffrey Ballet Musical Theater & Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical Jr. She trains with Weathervane Musical Theatre Company & Aurora School of Music. She’s grateful to the ACT team, her teachers, & family for letting her live her best rock star life (without actually smashing any guitars… yet).

Shonelle (All Performances)

Sophia Latina is delighted to perform in ACT’s School of Rock as Shonelle. A passionate performer, she loves bringing every role to life. Credits include Music Man with Hudson Players, The Little Mermaid at HMS, a solo in ACT’s Shakespeare Comes to Calamity Creek, and singing the national anthem at HMS. She will also appear in Annie with Magical Theater Company. Outside the stage, Sophia enjoys rock climbing and lacrosse, reflecting her adventurous, team-spirited nature. She is thrilled to share this experience with her castmates and hopes you enjoy the show!

Billy (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

Shane Johnson is thrilled to rock out in his return to ACT's mainstage! Shane recently appeared as Fletcher in Freaky Friday at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre and has performed in The Sound of Music at CVLT as well as Matilda, Gypsy, Mary Poppins Jr., and Alice in Wonderland Jr. at ACT. He studies voice and loves singing, acting, and dancing. When he’s not on stage, Shane enjoys hanging out with friends, playing sports, and making people laugh. He thanks his family, friends, and teachers for supporting his love of performing. Rock on!

Billy (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

This is Asher’s first performance with Aurora Community Theatre. This past August, he played the role of Genie in the Nordonia Drama Camp’s production of Aladdin Jr. Asher loves to sketch and doodle when he is bored. Asher is 10 1/2 years old and he has three cats named Sadie, Marley, and Lucille. Asher takes vocal lessons and he wants to be a famous singer or Broadway star someday. He would like to thank his vocal coach Vicki Lester and his supportive mother Jamie.

Mason (All Performances)

Kai Ruby is excited to return to the ACT stage after appearing as Young Yonkers in Gypsy and Sailor/Accordian Player in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Favorite roles from ACT's Children's Summer Workshop include Cheshire Cat 1 (Alice in Wonderland, Jr.), The Escapologist (Matilda, Jr.), and John Northbrook (Mary Poppins, Jr.). He has also been seen as Friedrick von Trapp in CVLT's The Sound of Music. Kai would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support.

James (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

Noel O’Sullivan is delighted to return to ACT this fall. His recent roles include: Winthrop Paroo in Hudson Players’ The Music Man (2024), Wally Webb in Summit County Players’ Our Town (2024), and Tommy in ACT’s Matilda the Musical. Previously, Noel acted as Hamlet and Banquo in Acting Up’s “Shakespeare for Kids” productions at Hudson Montessori School, where he is a sixth grader. Noel enjoys reading, singing, playing soccer, fencing, Rubik’s cubing, riding rollercoasters, and gaming. He appreciates all the support from family, friends, and our cast and crew—especially his sister, Maisie.

James (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

Holden is eight years old and ready to rock in his first show at ACT. With a passion for musical theater, he has enjoyed taking the stage in numerous productions over the past year. Some of his favorite roles include Winthrop Paroo in The Music Man Jr. (Rubber City Theatre), Frank Jr. in Merrily We Roll Along (Firestone Theatre), and Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Weathervane Playhouse). Holden studies vocal performance at the Ellie Kelly Voice Studio and trains in jazz and tap dance as well. He would like to thank the awesome cast and crew for such a fun show (and mom and dad too)!

Sophie (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

Julia Vitatoe is excited to make her ACT debut in School of Rock! She has studied voice through private lessons and choral training with The Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus, developing her love of singing and performing. Julia enjoys both singing and dancing and is thrilled to bring those passions to the stage for her first musical.

Sophie (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

Lily is thrilled to be returning to the ACT stage as Sophie! Lily is a 8th grader at Kenston Middle School where she participates in Cross Country, Choir, Student Council, Mock Trial and Theater. Recently she was seen on stage as Jane Banks in Mary Poppins with Stagecrafters. Other favorites include Brigitta in Sound of Music (CVLT), Small Alice in Alice in Wonderland (ACT), and Once Upon a Mattress (Kenston). Lily would like to thank Kevin, Louis, Jordan, & Amanda for this amazing opportunity. She is also thankful for her friends and family for all their love & support. Enjoy the show!

Madison (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

Adelyn is thrilled to make her mainstage debut with Aurora Community Theatre as Madison! She has previously performed with the Acting Up Program in The Oresteia for Kids, Shakespeare’s Antony & Cleopatra for Kids, and The Odyssey for Kids. Adelyn loves taking voice lessons and performing in the pop, rock, and vocal recitals/concerts. She also participates with the choir at her school where she is a fifth grader. If Adelyn could sing with any band, it would be Journey. When she’s not performing, Adelyn plays volleyball and enjoys hitting the slopes skiing and snowboarding. She is also an altar server at her church. Adelyn appreciates the support of her family, friends and teachers!

Madison (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

Natalie Spence (Madison), is excited to make her ACT debut. Some of her previous, favorite roles have included Miss Hannigan in Annie, Jr. at Cain Park, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at Medina Show Biz, Annie/Orphan swing in Annie at Cassidy Theatre and Herald in Cinderella at Ohio Youth Ensemble Stage. In 2025, she placed first in state for Musical Theater 2 in the OH NATS competition. Natalie would like to thank her family, Kimberly States, her vocal coach, and Tyler Martin, her acting coach, for their endless support. Also thanks to the SOR creative team for an awesome experience.

Ensemble/Security (All Performances)

Holly Ann is excited to be back on the ACT stage. Previously she was Barbie in Gypsy and Small Alice in Alice in Wonderland, Jr here. She was also Marta in The Sound of Music at CVLT and Rosemarie in Annie at Stagecrafters (2024). Holly Ann is a sixth grader at Harmon Middle School.

Ensemble/Security Guard 2 (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

Lucy Koslo (age 14 - soon to be 15) is super excited to be performing in The Ensemble in School of Rock with the Aurora Community Theatre, where she’s been a proud member for over four years. Performing since the age of ten, she has appeared in Seussical the Musical, Matilda and Mary Poppins at ACT, and Something Rotten, Jr.—proving she can make even a reluctant actor steal the spotlight! A freshman at Aurora High School, Lucy sings in the choir, takes private vocal lessons, loves clothing and fashion, and enjoys spending time with friends. She’s grateful for her family and grandparents who support her passion for performing—and maybe one day, Broadway will too!

Ensemble/Security Guard 2 (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

Julia Drake is super excited to be in her first main stage show at ACT, previously appearing Mary Poppins Jr, Matilda Jr. and Alice in Wonderland through ACT’s Children’s Summer Workshop. Additional shows include: Seussical and Children of Eden at Western Reserve Playhouse, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and A Christmas Carol at Hudson City Schools, and Miracle on 34th Street at Chagrin Valley Little Theater. She would like to thank her family and friends and the awesome cast and crew for all their support and hard work. Rock on!

Ms. Williams/Ms. Gordon/Stanley

Lindsay O’Sullivan is excited to return to ACT alongside her son (Noel) and so many talented theater friends. She made her community theater debut in Hudson Players' Something Rotten (2022). Shortly thereafter, Lindsay played Ms. Phelps in ACT’s Matilda the Musical (2023), Jessica Cranshaw in Hudson Players’ Curtains (2024), and was last seen as Mrs. Squires in Hudson Players’ The Music Man (2024). By day, Lindsay is a mom/college counselor. She is grateful for the love and support of her amazing family: Conor, Noel, Maisie, and (dog-child) TIkka. (Goofballs forever! XOXO)

Doug/Ms. Mooneyham/Ms. Green

Amber Ellington is a Field Service Engineer who also loves music. She loves to sing in community theatre and play alto saxophone in community band! This is her second musical with her first role being Estelle in The Full Monty at Cassidy Theatre in Parma Heights. She is so excited to be a part of School of Rock!

Ms. Hamilton/Ms. Sheinkopf/Waitress

Brooke is thrilled to be making her musical debut as Ms. Sheinkopf and Ms. Hamilton in School of Rock at ACT! A Junior at Bio-Med Science Academy, Brooke has experience on stage through her Drama Club, where her favorite roles include Laurie in Little Woman and the March Hare in Alice in Wonderland. She is also a member of the International Thespian Society, Troupe 11900. Outside of theater, Brooke enjoys writing and hopes to write a play of her own one day. She would like to thank her friends and family for encouraging her and supporting her dreams!

Theo/Mr. Sandford/Gabe Brown

Brett has been doing theater since the age of 12 and is excited to bring this show to you! He has mostly been playing ensemble as of recent, but perhaps you caught him in The Who's Tommy, The Addams Family, and Young Frankenstein - all at the WFAA (Willoughby Fine Arts Association). This is his first show with ACT and he is happy to have the chance to meet new people and make new friends. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Ms. Spencer/Ms. Sanders

Amy is thrilled to be once again on the ACT stage in the adult ensemble of this terrific show. Amy started her involvement in community theater alongside her children about a decade ago, and has happily participated in a number of local venues. She enjoyed surprising ACT audiences recently as the Usherette in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and she really enjoyed being dressed as a giant egg in Hudson Community Theater's Something Rotten. From playing Mrs. Gloop to repeatedly playing nuns, every show brings new joys and new friends!

Ms. Hathaway/Ms. Woodward/Jae

Ellie Lambacher is super excited to be in her first show with ACT. She was last seen in Medina Show Biz’s production of A Christmas Carol where she played Martha Cratchit, and she couldn’t be more stoked to be back on stage. Other shows she’s been in are Bye Bye Birdie at Medina Show Biz (Debra Sue); SpongeBob the Musical at NCP (ensemble), and Rocky Horror Picture Show, MTP (ensemble). Ellie graduated from Revere High School in 2017 and graduated from Stark State College in 2022 where she earned her AA. Ellie is planning to go back to school to get a degree in theatre or something with theatre but doesn’t know where yet. Ellie has been having so much fun getting to know everyone at rehearsals and can’t wait for an audience to see the art they have created under the direction of their creative director, Kevin. With that said, Ellie would like to thank him, and the rest of the production team, for the opportunity to be in this show, her friends and family for all of their support, because if it wasn’t for them, she wouldn’t be in theater. Now, she invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! :)

Bob/Ms. Noble/Mrs. Turner

Chantel is thrilled to return to ACT where she performed in the Spring 2025 production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Chantel has been dancing and performing since the age of five, and enjoys being the Greek Hellenic Junior Dance group instructor at her church. She will be completing her MHA in Spring of 2026, and has been to many rock concerts! Chantel would like to thank ACT, the fabulous Producers and Directors of School of Rock for such a fun opportunity, her talented Scoundrel castmates (now Rock Star Scoundrels) who encouraged her to be in this show, and the audience. Enjoy!

Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. His shows have run continuously in London’s West End for 50 years and ran for 43 uninterrupted years on Broadway.

When the original Sunset Boulevard joined School of Rock, CATS and The Phantom of the Opera, he equalled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards.

Lloyd Webber owns six London theatres, including the iconic London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Reopened in July 2021, the latter was completely restored and renovated at a cost of over £60 million. This was one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a private theatre owner in recent times. His mantra is that every penny of profit made from his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings for their conservation and development.

Lloyd Webber is passionate about the importance of musical education and diversity in the arts. Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation provides 30 performing arts scholarships every year for talented students with financial need, and supports a range of projects such as the Music In Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST).

In academic year September 2025-26, 14,885 children are being given free musical tuition and instruments as part of MiSST’s Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme. The Foundation also commissions research into diversity in theatre.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed music for globally significant moments. Most recently, he was asked to compose “Make a Joyful Noise,” the anthem for the Coronation of King Charles III.

Andrew Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992, created an honorary life peer in 1997, and made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter by King Charles III in 2024. He is the only person in the arts ever granted this personal honor by a monarch.

Photo: John Swannell