Hadestown Program

Worker, Featured Singer (Section Leader/Vocal Soloist, Bass), Hades Understudy

Elijah is excited for his 14th production with CFCArts! He is 16 years old and home educated. Some of Elijah’s most loved roles include Mr. Fezziwig (A Christmas Carol the Musical), Gleb Vaganov (Anastasia the Musical) and Reuben (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). His favorite aspects of CFCArts are getting to build lasting friendships, grow as a person, and grow as a performer with each show. Elijah is so grateful for the opportunity to perform in Hadestown Teen Edition and would like to thank the cast and staff for such an incredible experience!

Elvis Avetis

Hermes

Elvis is a member of Troupe 6303 at Timber Creek High School and has participated in All-County Chorus for multiple years. He has been an OCPS Top Talent finalist for six years, earning Fan Favorite, second place, and first place. Elvis has performed at Universal Studios, the Dr. Phillips Center, the OCPS Music and Arts Festival, the Stellar Awards, etc. His favorite roles include Joe in Merrily We Roll Along and Bert/George in Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins Jr. Fun fact: He placed 60th in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee!

Olivia Bastidas-Ospina

Muse, Young Persephone

Olivia is 13 years old, goes to St. James Cathedral School, and loves being on stage. She has appeared in several productions, including Hamlet Hears a Who (Accountant #1), Disney’s Aladdin Jr. (Isir), Curtains (Randy), and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition (The Herald). When she’s not on stage, Olivia enjoys singing in her school choir, staying active through sports, and being involved with her community through her local church. Olivia would like to thank her mom with all her heart for her endless love, patience and support, for always believing in her, and for being by her side through every performance and dream.

Jadalyn Beck

Worker, Featured Dancer and Singer (Vocal Soloist, Soprano)

Jadalyn is happy to join her friends in the cast of Hadestown Teen Edition. This is her fifth show at CFCArts, and she is happy to come back to join them again for another show. A few of her favorite roles include Adiba (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Dunya/Cygnet (Anastasia the Musical), the Grim Reaper (The Addams Family Musical), Girl Scout (Beetlejuice Jr.), and Virgil/Choir (Ride the Cyclone). She is a homeschooled student who is a part of the CFCArts Student Advisory Panel, and would like to thank CFCArts for helping her hone her skills, and always supporting her.

Maraya Brinson

Muse

Maraya (17) is thrilled to be making her first appearance with CFCArts Youth Theatre and is so excited to be part of Hadestown Teen Edition. Previous roles include Miss Hannigan in Annie Jr., Mother in A Christmas Story, Witch in Into the Woods Jr., and Miss Argentina in Beetlejuice Jr. Maraya has also performed with the Opera Orlando Youth Choir. She is grateful for every opportunity to grow as a performer and is excited to continue her musical theatre journey.

Brielli Bruno

Worker, Ensemble

Brielli is thrilled to make her debut at CFCArts! She has previously appeared in White Christmas (University High School) as well as Alice by Heart, Pippin, and Jekyll & Hyde (Theater West End). In addition to performing, Brielli has gained valuable technical experience working with lights, costumes and set design. Most recently, she worked as a spotlight operator for Theater West End’s production of Rock of Ages. Brielli is grateful for the continued support of her family and friends and hopes you enjoy the show.

Willow Dell

Worker, Ensemble

Willow is overjoyed to join the cast of Hadestown Teen Edition for her tenth CFCArts production! At 16, this homeschooler has been performing since age two, bringing curiosity, heart, and a spark of mischief to every role. Favorite past performances include Timon (Disney’s The Lion King Jr.), Grandma (The Addams Family Musical), and Bilhah (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Willow is grateful for her family, castmates, and the CFCArts team, whose support makes every performance feel like a new adventure on stage!

Jameson Fetherman

Worker, Featured Dancer and Singer (Vocal Soloist, Tenor); Orpheus Understudy

Jameson is thrilled to be a part of Hadestown Teen Edition with CFCArts. He attends Edgewater High School and is a part of Thespian Troupe 557. Past roles include Narrator (SIX the Musical Teen Edition), Ensemble (The Addams Family Musical School Edition), and Bottom (How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play). He is 14 years old and thanks his parents for their never ending support on his acting journey.

Hannah-Kate Garrett

Persephone

Hannah-Kate is thrilled to conclude her 11-year journey with CFCArts in an unforgettable production of Hadestown Teen Edition. A senior at Florida Virtual School, she has worked alongside CFCArts for over a decade. Some of her favorite roles include Countess Lily (Anastasia the Musical), Rapunzel (Into the Woods), and the Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). She is grateful for her friends, the CFCArts staff, and her family and especially her mom for supporting her growth as both a performer and a person.

Chris Gillespie

Worker, Featured Dancer; Understudy Muse

Chris is very excited to be in Hadestown Teen Edition with CFCArts! She has been a part of CFCArts Youth Theatre for almost ten years now and some of her favorite roles include: The White Rabbit (Alice in Wonderland), Featured Dancer/Ancestor (The Addams Family Musical), and Harry (Puffs). She would like to thank her friends for always being there for her throughout the years and her family for doing the same as well as taking the time out of their days to get her to rehearsal consistently and on time. She would also like to thank her director Leah as well as the rest of the team for helping make this show what it has become!

Nora Goote

Muse

Nora is extremely excited to make her musical theatre debut in Hadestown Teen Edition with CFCArts! A 17-year-old junior at Windermere High School, she has loved performing through dance, piano, and guitar for many years. When not onstage, Nora loves seeing shows all over the world. Endless thanks to her family and friends for their constant support and encouragement!

Liliana Guevara

Muse

Liliana is a 15-year-old aspiring actress who is so excited to play a Muse in CFCArts’ production of Hadestown Teen Edition. Some roles she has played includes: Dorothy Gale (The Enchanted Bookshop), Rat Soldier and Trumpeter (The Nutcracker), and Piglet (Winnie the Pooh KIDS). She also has had five years of ballet, dance, and theatre training, has performed in 11 productions with Arts With Heart, and has been interning at Arts With Heart to learn about backstage management. Lily would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her, and her directors, choreographers, and teachers for training her for this experience!

Nico Henao

Orpheus

Nico is super excited to be back at CFCArts for one of his biggest dream roles. He is 17 years old and attends Lake Mary High School where he represents Troupe 3506. You may have seen him recently in: Pippin (Pippin), Anastasia the Musical (Dmitry), The Addams Family Musical (Gomez), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip), and more! Nico would like to thank all his friends, family, and directors who have gotten him to where is now! @nicohenao.actor

Seylah Horne

Muse

Seylah is thrilled to be a part of Hadestown Teen Edition! This is her very first show with CFCArts. Some of her favorite roles have been Matilda (Matilda the Musical) and Ensemble/Annie (Chicago Teen Edition) with the Young Actors Company, as well as Summer (School of Rock) with the Osceola School District All-County production. Seylah would like to thank her family for their constant love and support, and God for guiding her journey and making every opportunity possible.

Deklan Jacobi

Worker, Featured Dancer (Dance Captain, Dance Soloist)

Deklan is so excited to be doing his fifth CFCArts production. Deklan has been doing theatre for seven years and has done many different productions such as: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Ragtime, Anastasia the Musical, A Christmas Carol the Musical, and Matilda the Musical. The thing Deklan loves most about theatre is the friends that he is able to make and the experience that it provides. Deklan wishes to thank his mom, dad, and friends for all their support and encouragement.

Iyonnah Johnson

Worker, Ensemble

Iyonnah is a 10th grade student at Dr. Phillips High School with a bright future in theatre and TV/film. A dedicated performer, she has graced the stage in several theatre productions and appeared in independent films. This is her fourth production with CFCArts, following her role as the Narrator in Puffs. Her aspirations include one day earning Broadway lights and a flourishing big-screen career. Outside acting, Iyonnah loves exploring the mysteries of outer space, the ocean’s beauty, and travel. Her curiosity and passion for storytelling drive her to grow as an artist on stage and in front of the camera.

Ace Joseph

Worker, Featured Dancer

Ace is thrilled to be joining the cast of Hadestown Teen Edition as a Featured Dancer and Worker! At just 16 years old, Ace is no stranger to the spotlight, having performed in numerous standout productions with CFCArts. While she loves the stage, she is absolutely buzzing with excitement to make her debut at the prestigious Dr. Phillips Center—a dream come true! With a passion for storytelling through movement and a high-energy spirit, Ace is ready to journey "way down under the ground." She’d like to thank her family and mentors for their endless support. Enjoy the show!

Evan Joseph

Worker, Featured Dancer; Young Hades

Evan is ready to bring the heat to Hadestown Teen Edition as Young Hades and a member of the Worker chorus! This marks a major milestone for Evan as he steps onto the Dr. Phillips Center stage for the very first time—and he couldn’t be more pumped. Audiences might recognize him from his previous roles as the mischievous Pugsley in The Addams Family Musical or the imaginative Christopher Robin in Winnie the Pooh. Whether he’s playing a spooky son or a loyal friend, Evan brings incredible energy to every performance. He’s thrilled to join this talented cast and can’t wait to share the magic of the Underworld with you!

Chase Kensington

Hades

Chase is thrilled to be a part of CFCArts Youth Theatre. He enjoys improv, performing with Opera Orlando, and learning all sorts of crazy instruments when he isn’t rehearsing with the CFCArts Youth Theatre Troupe. Some of his favorite past roles include Pharaoh (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Trunchbull (Matilda the Musical), Wolf (Into the Woods), and Lurch (The Addams Family Musical). Chase would like to thank his family and friends, as well as all of the directors and stage managers that have helped and supported him throughout his journey.

Aurora Nobles

Eurydice

Aurora had been working tirelessly with her voice teacher, Natalie, since October, pouring her heart and effort into every lesson and rehearsal. She is so excited to be a part of Hadestown Teen Edition. She is 14 years old and attends a private Christian school. She is deeply grateful for the friends and family who have cheered her on and, most of all, for her mom, who is always willing to drive her wherever she needed to go, no matter the time or distance. She also has immense appreciation for her director, Leah, who never stopped believing in her and encouraged her to push forward even on the hardest days. With that steady support behind her, Aurora worked harder than she ever had before and earned the biggest and most wonderful role of her life, Eurydice—an achievement that meant even more because of everyone who helped her reach it.

Tyler O’Dell

Worker, Ensemble; Understudy Young Hades

Tyler is very excited to be in this production of Hadestown Teen Edition. He is 12 years old and he attends Lake Highland Preparatory School. Some of his favorite roles he has played in the past are James (James and the Giant Peach), Charlie in (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical), the Goat (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), and Adam (Beetlejuice Jr.) Tyler would like to thank his mom and dad, his family, and his vocal teacher.

Kaiya Olds

Worker, Featured Dancer

Kaiya is 15 years old and a student at Dr. Phillips High School! She is ecstatic to have been given the chance to perform in Hadestown Teen Edition as her first show with CFCArts! Some of her favorite previous roles include Maui (Disney's Moana Jr.), Bird Girl (Seussical the Musical), Mr. Krabs (SpongeBob the Musical), and Rooster (Annie). When Kaiya isn't in the theatre, she enjoys playing her euphonium. She is even first chair in the DPHS Band! Beyond that, she has been dancing for nine years. She would like to thank her family for always believing in her!

Janelle Olson

Worker, Featured Singer (Section Leader/Vocal Soloist, Soprano)

Janelle is a freshman at University High School and is excited to be back on stage with CFCArts for another production. She has been performing for two years, and her favorite roles include Jo March in Little Women and Annie in Annie. Janelle is also on the track and swim teams at her school. Outside of theatre, she enjoys cooking and reading. She has been a part of CFCArts for one year and is grateful to her family, friends, and God for allowing her to do what she loves.

Evie Ortiz-Tatarka

Muse

Evie is thrilled to be a part of another amazing CFCArts production! Some past CFCArts roles include Ada (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Odette (Anastasia the Musical), Gryphon (Alice in Wonderland), and a Featured Dancer in Disney’s Aladdin Jr. and The Addams Family Musical. Evie is a member of her high school’s Thespian Troupe with performance credits in She Loves Me, SpongeBob the Musical, and Puffs. She is proud to serve as Youth Theatre Ambassador and Student Advisory Panel member with CFCArts Youth Theatre. Evie would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her.

Jaslyn Quintana

Lachesis (Fate 2); Understudy Persephone

Jaslyn is a senior performer and President of Thespian Troupe 7059. Her most recent roles include Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz and Micah in The Internet Is Distract–Oh Look a Kitten!, which won Best in Show, earned her an All Star Cast Award, and competed at the Florida Senior Thespians State Festival. You may have also seen her in Into the Woods and The Addams Family Musical at CFCArts. Along with performing, Jaslyn has worked as a tech, vocal and acting coach, music director, and harmony writer for several productions. She has earned multiple Superior and perfect scores at Florida’s Senior Thespian Competition and strives to give every performance back to the Lord, guided by Ephesians 3:20.

Makayla Rodrigues

Worker, Featured Singer (Vocal Soloist, Soprano)

Makayla is thrilled to be a part of Hadestown Teen Edition with CFCArts! She is 12 years old and homeschooled. She has loved singing since she began talking and theatre has become her passion. She sang for three years with Central Florida Youth Chorus, she was Annie in Annie with CFPA, Elsa in Disney’s Frozen Jr., and Katie Gardner and Oracle in Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief with Shine Bright Performing Arts. Makayla would like to thank her family for all their love and support and her directors, choreographers and stage managers for this experience.

Elena Sali

Muse (Section Leader/Featured Singer, Soprano)

Elena is thrilled to be joining the cast of Hadestown Teen Edition with CFCArts this spring as a Muse. Elena is seventeen years old and has always loved singing and dancing her heart out. She is an honors student at Magnolia Christian School who also earns college credit through dual enrollment. Past roles have included Tatiana (Anastasia the Musical), Newsie Katie (Christmas Post), Dance Corps (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition), Bellhop (Bethlehem Inn), Soldier (The Nutcracker), and Flower (Alice in Wonderland). Elena wishes to thank her directors, her family, and friends for their dedicated support and give glory to God for creating the arts!

Lydia Sali

Muse (Dance Captain, Dance Soloist)

Lydia is delighted to join the cast of Hadestown Teen Edition as a Muse this spring with CFCArts. She is 15 years old and an honors student at Magnolia Christian School in DeLand. Past roles include Young Anastasia (Anastasia the Musical), Snow Queen, Spanish, and Arabian (The Nutcracker), Newsie (Christmas Post), Dance Corps (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition), Featured Dancer (Bethlehem Inn), and Flower Corps (Children’s Ballet Theatre Nutcracker). Lydia appreciates the hard work of her directors, support of her family, and love from her friends. She gives God all the glory for granting her joy and talent in the arts.

AuBryahnna Sherrod

Atropos (Fate 3), Understudy Hermes

AuBryahnna (16) is so excited to be back at the Dr. Phillips Center with CFCArts Youth Theatre! She is a proud member of Opera Orlando’s Youth Company and has appeared in The Secret River and La Bohème. Her previous credits include Mattie in We Are the Tigers at Breakthrough Theatre and The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Orlando Shakes Theatre as a William Daniel Mills Apprentice. Hadestown marks her seventh production with CFCArts and her fifth appearance at the Dr. Phillips Center. She is incredibly proud and grateful to share the stage with friends once again.

Anna Sistare

Worker, Ensemble

Anna is 15 years old and is homeschooled. She attends a co-op once a week called Providence Classical Academy. She has been a part of the following productions: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Ensemble, Sister swing), Newsies (Ensemble, Featured Dancer) and Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larken). She is very grateful for her friends and family for being so supportive, and CFCArts for giving her this wonderful opportunity.

Rowan Smitherman

Worker, Ensemble

Rowan is excited to be a part of Hadestown Teen Edition with CFCArts this spring. He is 18 years old and attends Universal Education Center. His past roles include Zach Smith (Puffs), Mal (The Addams Family Musical), Professor Bhaer (Little Women), and Malcolm (Macbeth). Rowan would like to thank his friends and family for their support, and the stage managers and directors for casting him in this musical.

Daisy V. Spann

Muse; Understudy Young Persephone, Clotho (Fate 1), and Lachesis (Fate 2)

Daisy is delighted to be a part of this production of Hadestown Teen Edition with CFCArts. Daisy is 15 and a sophomore at Seminole High School. Past roles include Little Red (Into the Woods), Teen Debater (What the Constitution Means to Me), Annabeth (The Lightning Thief), and Lydia (Beetlejuice Jr.). Daisy would like to thank the amazing directors, cast, and crew with a special shout to her Mom. Instagram: @daisy.v.spann

Katelyn Stewart

Worker, Featured Singer (Section Leader/Vocal Soloist, Alto); Understudy Atropos (Fate 3)

Katelyn is thrilled to be in this production of Hadestown Teen Edition. She is a junior at Circle Christian School and has been a part of CFCArts since spring of 2023. You may recognize her from Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins (Mrs. Brill), or Annie Jr. (Ms. Hannigan) with CFCArts. She would like to thank her friends, family, directors and stage managers for supporting her any way the wind blows. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Lucy Vassalli

Worker, Ensemble

Lucy is thrilled to be part of Hadestown Teen Edition and excited to make her CFCArts debut with this production. Past favorite roles include Mr. Ray in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., Maurice in Disney’s Descendants the Musical, and Beetlejuice in Beetlejuice Jr. She thanks her mom for being awesome and for the many after-dinner voice lessons.

Benjamin Wilcox

Worker, Featured Singer (Section Leader/Vocal Soloist, Tenor)

Ben is super excited to be a part of Hadestown Teen Edition at CFCArts! He is 17 years old and a senior at Crooms Academy. Previous roles include Clarence the Angel (It’s a Wonderful Life), Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family Musical), Dan/Potiphar (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), and Jack's Mother (Into the Woods) with CFCArts. Ben would like to thank his friends and family for supporting him through his theatre journey, and the Hadestown Teen Edition production team for their kindness and dedication.

Nailah Azur Yisrael

Worker, Ensemble

Nailah Azur is thrilled to be making her CFCArts debut, performing in her favorite Broadway play! When she’s not on stage, Nailah loves building with LEGOs, playing softball, and creating art. She is currently competing in the States Junior Thespians Festival with her original playscript. Since 2023, Nailah has appeared in several productions, bringing to life memorable supporting roles such as Uncle Fester (The Addams Family Musical), Sven (Disney’s Frozen Jr.), and Joy (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition). Nailah would like to give a special thanks to her parents and brother for their constant love and support.

Gabriella Zulueta

Clotho (Fate 1), Understudy Eurydice

Gabriella is thrilled to be part of the cast of Hadestown Teen Edition as a Fate and Eurydice understudy. She is passionate about musical theatre and loves bringing stories to life onstage. Past credits with CFCArts include Ancestor (The Addams Family Musical), Marfa, Countess Gregory, and Anya U/S (Anastasia the Musical), Zilpah, Featured Singer/Dancer, and Leah/Narrator understudy (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), and Imogene Herdman (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical). Gabriella is grateful for the opportunity to grow as a performer and thanks her family, friends, and directors for their continued support.

Christian Adkins

Drums

Christian Adkins is a Band and Orchestra Director in Orlando, Florida, committed to fostering excellence, creativity, and musicianship in every student. He serves in Orange County Public Schools, leading programs that emphasize performance, teamwork, and growth. In addition to teaching, he serves with the 13th Army National Guard Band, sharing music at community and military events. His experience spans concert, marching, and jazz ensembles, along with arranging and composing music for students and ensembles. Christian holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Classical Trumpet Performance and a Master of Music in Classical Trumpet Performance. At Howard University, he served as Graduate Assistant for the marching, concert, and jazz bands and trumpet studio, and also led as Drum Major of the Howard University Marching Band. He integrates traditional musicianship with music technology and performs with several Central Florida ensembles while continuing to compose and arrange.

Rob Cothran

Conductor

Rob holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Auburn University, where he also served as a graduate assistant, specializing in trumpet. He spent 12 years as a high school band director in Alabama, teaching AP Music Theory and IB Music, with ensembles consistently earning superior ratings and invitations to prestigious events including the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference, Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, and National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. An active clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, Rob has extensive performance experience, including cruise ship bands, freelance work across the U.S., and numerous pit orchestras. He is a founding member of the Alabama Winds, performing at the Midwest Clinic and on European tours. Now based in Central Florida, Rob performs with the CFCArts Big Band and Symphony Orchestra and works in student travel, coordinating performance tours worldwide.

Lori Crocker

Violin

Lori is a strings teacher and freelance violinist who has been an active member of CFCArts for the past 10 years. During that time, she has performed with the Symphony Orchestra, Community Choir, and served for many years as a Teaching Artist. Lori is a passionate music educator who enjoys helping students grow in skill and confidence through music. She performs in various ensembles around Central Florida, and especially loves supporting young people. Over the years, she has performed alongside student pit musicians in many youth productions, including Newsies, Into the Woods, Chaplin, Guys and Dolls, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Bright Star. She values the creativity, teamwork, and dedication that youth theater inspires and is grateful to be part of this amazing community.

Elaine Evans

String Bass

Elaine is delighted to be playing upright bass for CFCArts Youth Theatre’s production of Hadestown Teen Edition. She has been playing upright bass for more than 20 years and has always felt most at home in the orchestra pit helping bring stories to life through music. When not in the pit, Elaine performs with the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra, where she has played for over a decade. She is grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive arts community! Elaine would like to thank the cast, crew, and creative team for their dedication, and her family for their constant encouragement. Enjoy the show!

Rick Gibbs

Cello

Rick is a freelance cellist in Orlando and throughout Central Florida. He has been a member of CFCArts since 2023, performing with the Symphony Orchestra, Choir, as a soloist, and in various small ensembles. He studied with Kelley Mikkelsen at the Fletcher School of Music, at East Carolina University, earning a degree in Cello Performance. He has been a part of various orchestras and performing arts companies in Virginia and the Carolinas, and currently plays with the Maitland Symphony, Lakeland Symphony, and Encore Central. A recent honor was as a featured soloist for the Pulse Remembrance Ceremonies in 2024 and 2025. Rick has been a full time Flight Attendant for the past 25 years and makes time for music in between flying around the country. In his free time he enjoys working out, reading, scary movies, and live music.

Brad Hewitt

Trombone

Brad has been playing trombone for almost 30 years. This is his first experience in a pit orchestra and what an exciting first show! He currently plays in the CFCArts Big Band. For his day job he works as data analyst for a children’s book publisher.

Camden Jordan

Cello

Camden is currently the Orchestra Director at Edgewater High School and a member of the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra. She is a sought after pit musician and wedding musician. Camden also plays with the Lakeland Symphony and at Walt Disney World.

Micah Knight

Keys

Micah has played Violin and Piano since he was a wee lad, and loves playing with the CFCArts Symphony Orchestra! An Aerospace Engineer by day, he loves all things space, film scores, and their two orange cats.

Andrew Tannus

Guitar

Andrew is a part-time professional musician that rediscovered his love for performing thanks to CFCArts. Having played bass and guitar for many musicals, he’s thrilled to perform another amazing production alongside another cast of fantastic musicians and young performers.

Diane Vazquez

Violin

Born and raised in Orlando, Diane began playing violin at the age of four. She is currently a violinist with the CFCArts Orchestra and previously performed with the UCF Symphony Orchestra for 15 years and with the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra for seven years. Outside of music, Diane works as a Professional Mechanical Engineer, holding an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UCF. She enjoys balancing a career in engineering with a lifelong passion for music and bringing live music to the community.

Ashley Batton

Costume Assistant

Ashley has been designing and making costumes for over a decade now. She is very passionate about all forms of art and has an eye for detail. She is excited to begin making and designing costumes for theatre with CFCArts. She is also looking forward to working with the team and learning more about the behind the scenes process.

Kyle Cartee

Scenic Coordinator

Kyle is a dedicated alumni and member of the Central Florida Community Arts team, and is proud to be a part of the CFCArts family, where they help bring music, theatre, and creative programs to life for audiences of all ages. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or working with fellow artists. Kyle works to ensure every performance and program reflects the spirit of connection and inclusivity that defines CFCArts.

David Greene

Technical Director

David is a Florida native and has been a part of the CFCArts family for several years. He has a degree in Music Education from Jacksonville University. David has spent his working career as a producer and audio engineer for the NFL, ESPN, NBC, FOX and CBS. David says, “Nothing is more fun than last-second problem solving on shows, and being able to use my skills to help out an organization as strong as CFCArts is an exciting experience!”

Erin Hernandez

Stage Manager

Erin started working with CFCArts in the Spring of 2019 as an intern and has loved working with them ever since. She graduated from the University of Central Florida that spring with a degree in Theatre Studies and a double minor in Education and History. When Erin isn’t in rehearsal, she is a middle school Language Arts teacher for Orange County Public Schools. She is so proud of these young performers and has loved watching them grow over the years into kind, passionate, and hardworking young adults.

Rachel Johnson

Assistant Stage Manager

Rachel is thrilled to be returning for another CFCArts Youth Season! She has worked as an Assistant Stage Manager and Stage Manager for multiple productions since 2021 and started working as a Technical Director for the program this past Fall. When not working with CFCArts, Rachel can be found in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe as an entertainment costumer, and stage managing with other theater companies around the Orlando area. Some of her past stage management credits include 9 to 5 the Musical, Rudolph… Reindeer Jr., and Barbenheimer the Musical. She holds a degree in technical theatre and is originally from St. Louis, Missouri.

Annie Lewis

Lead Choreographer

Newly based in Orlando after years working in NYC, Annie has collaborated with Xavier’s Theater Company, Dancekerr Company, 32nd Pack, and Linda Diamond + Company, performing at venues including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dixon Place, Green Space, Spoke the Hub, and TADA! She studied dance at Adelphi University with a concentration in theatre and music. She appeared as the lead in the Off-Broadway production Doula Monster. Since relocating to Florida, Annie has performed with 3rd Space Dance Company and teaches as a classical Pilates instructor.

Elisa Marilys

Assistant Director, Associate Choreographer, Acting Coach

Elisa is thrilled to return to CFCArts for her second production as Assistant Director. After a wonderful experience assistant directing Joseph with the troupe last year, she is more excited than ever to join the Hadestown artistic team. Elisa recently relocated from NYC, where she worked professionally, to help open Epic Universe as part of the Harry Potter Entertainment cast. She is grateful to continue expanding her directing and teaching work and extends special thanks to Leah for being an incredible director and mentor, while working with the talented performers of CFCArts.

Danny Meneses

Student Director

Danny is a 15 year old student at Lake Howell High School who loves theater and has always been fascinated with how the directing portion of rehearsals worked. Danny jumped at the opportunity to student direct when it was presented to him, and has enjoyed contributing some of his ideas and thoughts to Hadestown Teen Edition. Danny has always been fascinated with Greek mythology and that’s why this show really stood out to him. Danny is thrilled to be behind the scenes and helping with this truly amazing show!

Sara Myers

Production Manager

Sara has been highly active in music since elementary school. She was active in concert bands, orchestras, and marching bands throughout high school and college where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from UCF. She’s also been heavily involved in Drum Corps International since 2006, both as a marching member of the Boston Crusaders and as a staff member of several other ensembles. She also had the opportunity to travel and perform all over Japan with the all-female stage show, Brass Angels: Odyssey in 2008. Sara spent 10 years in the classroom as an elementary music teacher and joined CFCArts as a trumpet player in 2018 in both our Symphony Orchestra and Big Band before joining the staff in the summer of 2022!

Ali Nadassy

Costume Assistant

Ali is a graduate of UCF with a Bachelor in Theater. She is so excited to return to CFCArts after working as a Wardrobe Assistant at The Gateway in Bellport, NY. Her past work with CFCArts includes shows such as Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition (2024), The 39 Steps (2022), and A Christmas Carol the Musical (2020). She would also like to thank Leah for her continued support in being included in CFCArts productions. Break a leg Hadestown cast and crew!

Ethan Patalano

Assistant Technical Director, Lighting Designer

Ethan is an up and coming lighting designer and theatre technician in Orlando who loves his work in the theatre. Ethan started with CFCArts as the lighting designer for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and has since designed for Yule Be Sorry You Asked and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical. He is very happy and excited to join the CFCArts family and community.

Leah Porrata

Producer; Director; Costume, Scenic, and Prop Designer

Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts and teaching certification in Theatre Education and Directing from Ohio Wesleyan University. Following her studies, Leah completed a Theatre Education apprenticeship at Cleveland Play House, then relocated to Florida as the Director of Education at regional theatre Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples. Leah is in her ninth year with CFCArts and Hadestown Teen Edition is the 14th show she has directed with CFCArts. In addition to their work in the Central Florida theatre community, Leah and her husband Jason enjoy being supporters of Orlando City Soccer, members of Lake Baldwin Church, and parents to their son Marcelo and daughter Luisa. She would like to thank the CFCArts family, especially Melissa and Amy, for loving her and her children, and the Hadestown Teen Edition team, especially Erin, Elisa, Jason, Rachel, Christina, Annie, and Danny, for the incredible experience they have created for this cast and community. You are the raisins to my oatmeal cookies.

Jason Sefick

Assistant Stage Manager

Born and raised in Florida, Jason has been connected to the arts from a very young age. From starting in theatre at the age of eight to being in concert bands, marching bands, choirs, and helping, he has truly found a home in the performing arts. Jason has previously been a part of the Central Florida Community Arts Youth Theatre Program, and more recently a member of the amazing and ever growing Community Choir, and is excited to expand his role and involvement within the CFCArts family.

Christina Trulio Hasty

Music Director

Christina is originally from Los Angeles, and began writing and performing as a teenager. Her passion for music led to a degree in composition and voice from Berklee College of Music in Boston. She continued her music education back in Los Angeles with a Masters degree in music education from UCLA. An ASCAP writer who has continued to write and perform, she has taught music in Southern California and the Chicago area as both a public school music teacher and a private vocal and guitar coach/teacher. She has been the music director for numerous youth musicals for over 30 years for public and private schools/organizations.

Anaïs Mitchell is a Vermont-based singer-songwriter and the Tony and Grammy award-winning creator of the Broadway musical Hadestown, for which she wrote book, music and lyrics. Hadestown won eight Tony Awards overall, including Best Musical, as well as the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Mitchell was named to TIME’s prestigious TIME100 list in 2020, and her first book, Working on a Song – The Lyrics of Hadestown, was published by Penguin/Plume in the same year.

Dubbed by NPR as “one of the greatest songwriters of her generation,” Mitchell comes from the world of narrative folksong, poetry and balladry. Her Grammy-nominated recordings include her recent self-titled album Anaïs Mitchell (2022) and the self-titled debut of her folk-rock band Bonny Light Horseman (2020), whose third album will be released in 2024. Anaïs tours worldwide, and her music has featured in year-end best lists including NPR, The Wall Street Journal, MOJO, Uncut, The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Observer.