The Velveteen Rabbit Program

Zaiden is excited to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! She is 11 years old and is homeschooled. Past Company roles include Disney’s Aladdin Jr. and Alice in Wonderland at CFCArts. Zaiden would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and her directors and stage managers for this experience! Last but certainly not least, she would like to thank all of you for attending and making this possible!

Isla Asbell (Fairy Helper, US Skin Horse)

Isla is excited to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! She has been with CFCArts for five years. Isla would like to thank her CFCArts family for their support and dedication.

Ella Asbell (Toy Ensemble)

Ella is excited to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! She has been with CFCArts for three years. Ella would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and her directors and stage managers for this experience!

Nora Asbell (Baby Bunny)

Nora is excited to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! This is her third year with CFCArts. Nora would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and her directors and stage managers for this experience!

Daphne Barnett (Harper)

Daphne loves being on stage and has participated in productions of all kinds, from holiday specials to school and church choir. This is her fifth production with CFCArts, and she is thrilled to bring the role of Harper to life in The Velveteen Rabbit. Past roles include Molly in Annie Jr., Squirt in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., Wickersham in Seussical the Musical KIDS, and Palace Staff in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition with CFCArts. She is grateful for the opportunity to share this story and would like to thank her family, friends, and CFCArts staff for their encouragement and support!

Jackson Barry (Toy Ensemble)

Jackson is excited to be back this fall in his third role with CFCArts! Jackson has enjoyed learning and growing with this program and would like to thank all in the production and audience for another wonderful experience. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Matilda Barry (Toy Ensemble)

Matilda is excited to be returning this fall to star in The Velveteen Rabbit with her co-starring friends! Matilda is in her third role with CFCArts and adores and appreciates all of her supporting fans!

Everly Blake (Fairy Helper, US Springy)

Everly is bouncing with excitement to hop into The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! She is nine years old and proudly attends Hillcrest Elementary, where she shines on stage and belts her heart out in chorus. Everly has loved being part of CFCArts’ adventures, including The Wind in the Willows, Annie Jr., Little Women, and Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. When she’s not performing, she’s usually singing, laughing, or dreaming up her next big role. She sends a giant “thank you” hug to her loving family & friends cheering her on and the amazing directors and stage managers for making theatre such a magical journey!

Paige Boughner (Toy Ensemble)

Paige is a fifth grader at West Creek Elementary and proud to be in her 4th show. She was in Jr. Company for Winnie the Pooh, and Company for Alice in Wonderland, Annie Jr., and Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. She is also performing in the children's chorus for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat this season!

Scarlett Boughner (Toy Ensemble)

Scarlett has moved into the big leagues! This is her first Company production after five shows in Jr. Company: Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, Annie Jr., Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. Scarlett is in third grade at West Creek Elementary and takes private voice lessons with Kelly Park. Thank you Ms. Jessie for all your support!

Lily Kate Bressler (Fairy Helper, US Jumpy)

Lily is thrilled to be a Fairy Helper in The Velveteen Rabbit. She has enjoyed a variety of roles with CFCArts including the forgetful but lovable Dory (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), the Easy-Street aspiring Lily St. Regis (Annie Jr.), the elf who wants to be a dentist, Hermey (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.), and the woodland creature affectionately known by their friends as Ratty (The Wind in the Willows). Lily also serves on the CFCArts Student Advisory Panel. She would like to thank her voice teacher, Ms. Angelyn, the amazing teachers and staff at CFCArts, and her family and friends for all of their love and support.

Mary Romelle Briceno (Baby Bunny)

This fall is full of new creative and learning adventures for Mary Romelle (also known as RoRo). This thoughtful, expressive, and kind kindergartener is thrilled to be a part of her first show, The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts. In RoRo's formative years, those closest to her have borne witness to the contagious joy she exudes in imagining, constructing and creating through music, dance, and story. She would like to thank everyone with whom she shares the stage and each of you for supporting the arts.

Wyatt Buckland (Toy Ensemble)

Wyatt is thrilled to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit. He is in third grade at Monarch Learning Academy this year. Wyatt previously participated in a Company role for Disney's Finding Nemo Jr. He also was part of the Ensemble for The Sound of Music at his school.

Ashtyn Burgin (Toy Ensemble)

Ashtyn is thrilled to be a part of another CFCArts production with The Velveteen Rabbit! She is 10 years old and attends Hillcrest Elementary School, where she is a proud member of Girl Scout Troop 149. Past roles include an orphan (Annie Jr.) and a sea turtle (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.). Ashtyn would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support in her theatre endeavors as well as her directors and stage managers for this wonderful experience!

Bertie Champoux (Toy Ensemble)

Bertie is thrilled to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit! Bertie is eight years old and is currently attending Lake Como Elementary in Orlando. Throughout her time with CFCArts, Bertie has been a part of several shows. Bertie has shined on stage in Disney's Aladdin Jr., Alice in Wonderland, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, The Wind in the Willows, Annie Jr., Disney's Finding Nemo Jr., and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. We can't wait see her stage confidence and skills grow this Fall!

Clementine Champoux (Fairy Helper, US Mom)

Clementine is thrilled to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit! Clementine is 13 years old and is currently attending the Fine Arts program at Howard Middle School in Orlando. Throughout her time with CFCArts, Clementine has been a part of several shows. Clementine has shined on stage in Disney's Aladdin Jr., Alice in Wonderland, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, The Wind in the Willows, Annie Jr., Disney's Finding Nemo Jr., Puffs, and will soon take the stage again in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat next month. We can't wait to see her stage confidence and skills grow this fall!

Bostyn Clark (Jess)

Bostyn is so excited to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! She is 13 years old and a proud eighth grader. Past roles include a Fishette (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), Dormouse (Alice in Wonderland), Lily (The Giver), Thing (The Addams Family Musical) and Mary Kingsley (Little Women). Bostyn would like to thank her family and friends for their support and love, and her directors and stage managers for this experience!

Frankie Cowart (Toy Car, US Harper)

Frankie is thrilled to be returning to CFCArts as a part of The Velveteen Rabbit. Their previous roles include Napoleon in Disney’s The Aristocats Kids, Damselfish and Moonfish in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and Apple Seller in Annie Jr. Frankie would like to thank their wonderful cast mates, directors, and stage managers for creating a fun and supportive experience.

Willow Dell (Mom)

Willow is thrilled to be joining the cast for her seventh production with CFCArts. She is 16 years old and a homeschooler with a love for the arts and sciences. She has been performing onstage since the age of two. Some of her favorite roles have been Timon (Disney’s The Lion King Jr.) and Grandma (The Addams Family Musical). Willow would like to thank her family, cast mates, and the CFCArts staff for their support and encouragement. She is grateful for this experience!

Venus Elizabeth (Baby Bunny)

Venus is so excited to be part of her fourth CFCArts production! She was formerly in Annie Jr., Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS. Venus loves singing and dancing - especially worship music, Broadway, or Disney music. She wants to be a dance or theatre teacher when she grows up.

Gabriella Evans (Toy Ensemble)

Gabby is so excited to jump into her sixth show with CFCArts! She’s an eight-year-old hospital-homebound student who loves being part of the fun any way she can. Every rehearsal and performance with her CFCArts family makes her smile big. Gabby’s whole family is super thankful for the kind, welcoming place CFCArts has created—helping make her theatre dreams come true one show at a time. Thanks, CFCArts!

Isabella Evans (Toy Ensemble)

Isabella is a bright, fun-loving seven-year-old second grader at Orlando Christian Prep. She is thrilled to be performing in The Velveteen Rabbit alongside her big sister Gabby and her CFCArts friends. From the first peek at costumes, to the excitement of tech week, to twirling under the glow of the stage lights—this spirited little performer cherishes every magical moment with CFCArts!

Willa Frost (Toy Boat, US Quinn)

Willa is so excited and appreciative to earn her first character role! She has poured her enthusiasm and energy into multiple CFCArts shows as a company member over the last few years and is so proud of this chance to take on more. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support and love, and the team at CFCArts for their guidance and assistance.

Noah Garnto (Baby Bunny)

Noah would like to thank CFCArts for the opportunity to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit! Noah is six years old and is in first grade. This is Noah’s ninth production with CFCArts. Noah’s last role with CFCArts was as a Guppy in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. in May. In 2019, Noah appeared as Jack-Jack in Disney Springs’ Happily Whatever You’re After campaign. He went on to appear in Downtown Orlando’s Find Yourself Downtown Summer 2024 ad campaign, and most recently was featured in Fun Spot America's 2025 Night of Gold commercial. Noah loves acting, dancing, and performing on stage with his friends, and is excited to continue to grow as an actor and performer!

Chris Gillespie (Skin Horse)

Chris is very excited to be in The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! She has been in theatre with CFCArts for almost ten years now and some of her favorite roles include the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, a featured dancer Ancestor in The Addams Family Musical, and Harry in Puffs. She would like to thank her friends for always being there for her throughout these 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.

Phoenix Hairston (Baby Bunny)

Phoenix is seven years old and in the second grade. She is super excited to be part of The Velveteen Rabbit. In her spare time she loves to swim and ride her bike.

Callie Halliday (Baby Bunny)

Callie is excited to perform with CFCArts for the first time in The Velveteen Rabbit! She is in second grade at Tildenville Elementary School where she participated last year in Disney’s The Lion King KIDS. Callie would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her as she starts her thespian career!

Avani Herrick (Fairy Helper, US Toy Fairy)

Avani is excited to be part of this classic story. She is in seventh grade at Howard Middle School. She has recently participated in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., Little Women, and Annie Jr. with CFCArts. She is thankful for the support from her family and friends and the support and encouragement she receives from the team at CFCArts.

Kydan Herrick (Dad)

Kydan is excited to be part of this amazing cast for The Velveteen Rabbit. He is an eighth grader at Howard Middle School. His recent "dad" roles have included Marlin in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., Mr. March in Little Women, and Warbucks in Annie Jr. Kydan would like to thank his family and friends for their support and the entire CFCArts team for all their support.

Riyan Jones (Baby Bunny)

Riyan is seven years old and in the second grade. At school she enjoys participating in the running club, gardening club, and art club. She is excited to be in her fourth production with CFCArts this fall! She loves being in the junior company and can’t wait to participate in more shows this season!

Arya Kennedy (Quinn)

Arya has always had a passion for performing and is excited to work with CFCArts again!

Willa Kramer (Toy Ensemble)

Willa is a fifth grader at Princeton Elementary. She is excited to be participating in her seventh CFCArts show! Willa loves performing, and studies voice and piano. She also performs with her school chorus and church choir. When she’s not performing, Willa enjoys fashion and makeup.

Alice Kunkel (Jumpy, US Jess)

Alice is jumping with joy to be part of The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! She is 10 years old and attends Dommerich Elementary School, where she never misses a chance to be on stage in the school talent show! She also participated in the CFCArts’ production of Annie Jr. and summer theatre programs. Alice would like to thank her family, friends and Huck for their support. She is so grateful to the CFCArts team, especially her director and stage managers for this amazing experience!

Bobbie Jaie Locke (Fairy Helper, US Velveteen)

Jaie is excited to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! She is twelve years old and homeschooled. Past roles include Fiona (Shrek the Musical), Sandy Cheeks (SpongeBob the Musical), Rabbit (Winnie the Pooh) and Fishette (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.) Jaie would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and her directors and stage managers for this experience!

Nora Locke (Baby Bunny)

Nora is excited to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! She is seven years old and she is homeschooled. Past roles include Roo (Winnie the Pooh Jr.), Ensemble (Annie Jr.), and Bubble (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.) Nora would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and her directors and stage managers for this experience!

Avery Long (Springy, US Sage)

Avery is thrilled to be playing the role of Springy in this production of The Velveteen Rabbit! This is Avery’s third performance with CFCArts, and her first as a member of the Jr. Troupe! Avery has loved being on stage and bringing stories to life in the Companies of Annie Jr. and Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and she is grateful for the chance to learn and grow alongside such a talented cast! She would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their love and support.

Darina Lyapina (Baby Bunny)

Darina is excited to join The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this season. She loves music and began learning piano inspired by her mother. Darina composed her own piece for the National PTA Reflections competition and earned an Honorable Mention Award. She also enjoys singing and putting on little performances for her family. With experience as a child model, she has gained confidence on stage. Darina would like to thank her family and teachers for their support and encouragement, and she is thrilled to grow as a young performer through this production.

Cora Maharam (Toy Ensemble)

Cora is happy and excited to be back on stage for her second show at CFCA! Cora enjoys working with her castmates and bringing the show to life! Theatre brings her joy, and she’s proud to be part of this magical show. She’s thankful for the support from her teachers, family, and friends. Bravo, Cora! Keep shining and doing what you love!

Gemma Maharam (Baby Bunny)

Gemma is five years old and in kindergarten at Dommerich Elementary School. She is excited to be back on stage with CFCA and performing in The Velveteen Rabbit! She loves being on stage with her friends! Gemma is thankful to her family and teachers for all their support.

Emily Masucci (Fairy Helper, US Toy Train/Bouncy)

Emily is so happy to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit! She goes to Boone High School and is fourteen. Past roles include Bundles (Annie Jr.), Hortense (Little Women), and Rabbit (The Wind in the Willows). She wants to thank her teachers, parents, and her dog, Stormy, for their support.

Luke McBride (Kasey)

Luke is thrilled to play Kasey in The Velveteen Rabbit this year. He loves reading, swimming, and using his imagination when not working on his homeschooling. He has appeared as Jonah in The Magic Treehouse: Pirates Past Noon and in several ensembles in Disney’s Moana Jr. He would like to thank CFCArts for this opportunity to grow and learn!

Matthew McBride (Baby Bunny)

Matthew loves cars, trucks, and other vehicles of all kinds. He loves to look at books and play with his siblings. He brightens up every room with his smile! This is his second production. He rocked it in Disney’s Moana Jr. as a village kid and can't wait to show his stuff in The Velveteen Rabbit!

Samantha McBride (Baby Bunny)

Sam loves to craft, dance, and play with her siblings. She has performed in The Magic Treehouse: Pirates Past Noon and Disney’s Moana Jr. She can't wait to show what she can do in The Velveteen Rabbit too!

Sarah McBride (Sage)

Sarah can't wait to perform in The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts. She loves reading, swimming, gymnastics, and homeschooling with her siblings. She has performed as Pirate Wilhelmina in The Magic Treehouse: Pirates Past Noon and in several ensembles in Disney’s Moana Jr. She is so thankful for this opportunity to continue to perform.

Miles Mroczkowski (Baby Bunny)

Miles is thrilled to be back for another show with CFCArts! Past shows include Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., and Annie Jr. Miles would like to express his gratitude for the instructors, directors, cast, crew and community that come together to make this happen. Thank you all! Looking forward to many more shows!

Kate Orpilla (Bouncy, US Toy Boat/Car)

Kate is an energetic and creative nine-year-old with a love for performing. Whether she’s acting on stage or singing a favorite song, she brings enthusiasm and heart to everything she does. Katie is kind to others, a supportive classmate, and a true team player. She also has a big love for animals, which shines through in her caring personality. Her dream is to become an actress or singer someday, and she works hard to grow her skills with each opportunity. Katie’s passion, kindness, and determination make her a wonderful performer to watch and an inspiring friend to her fellow classmates.

Madeline Orpilla (Baby Bunny)

Madeline is a sweet and talented seven-year-old who loves to sing and dance, especially alongside her big sister. She has been acting since kindergarten and is already showing incredible stage presence. An amazing dancer, Madeline’s clean moves and natural rhythm light up every performance. Combined with her kind spirit and sparkling personality, she shines on stage and captivates every audience.

Flynn Orr (Baby Bunny)

Flynn is excited to be a part of CFCArts’s production of The Velveteen Rabbit! He is 5 years old and has loved performing since he took the stage as a Guppy in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. This is his second time performing with CFCArts, and he is excited to bring the magic of this classic story to life. When not on stage, Flynn enjoys swimming, making new friends, and riding his bike (without training wheels!). He would like to thank his family, friends, directors, mentors, and former teachers for all their support and encouragement. Flynn hopes you enjoy the show and believes that, just like in The Velveteen Rabbit, love truly makes us real.

Gabrielle Orr (Baby Bunny)

Gabby is thrilled to be a part of CFCArts’s production of The Velveteen Rabbit! She is seven years old and has been performing on stage since 2022. This is her fourth time performing with CFCArts (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), and she is excited to bring the magic of this classic story to life. When not on stage, Gabby is a karaoke champion, dancer, gymnast and swimmer. She would like to thank her family, friends, directors, mentors, and former teachers for all their support and encouragement. Gabby hopes you enjoy the show and believes that, just like in The Velveteen Rabbit, love truly makes us real.

Riley Orr (Toy Ensemble)

Riley is thrilled to be a part of CFCArts’s production of The Velveteen Rabbit! She is 8 years old and has loved performing ever since she took the stage as a Butterfly in her first dance recital. This is her fourth time performing with CFCArts (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, and Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), and she is excited to bring the magic of this classic story to life. When not on stage, Riley is an avid singer, dancer, gymnast and swimmer. She would like to thank her family, friends, directors, mentors, and former teachers for all their support and encouragement. Riley hopes you enjoy the show and believes that, just like in The Velveteen Rabbit, love truly makes us real.

Marcelo Porrata (Baby Bunny)

Marcelo is so hoppy to be in his first-ever play, The Velveteen Rabbit, as a Baby Bunny (and Cottontail) after joining CFCArts this summer for his first-ever musical, Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS, as an Alley Kitten! Mars is turning four years old this week - what better way to celebrate than joining his friends onstage? He loves taking ballet with Studio 150, attending Sunday school at Lake Baldwin Church, and playing with his friends and his baby sister Luisa. Mars would like to thank his mama and daddy for their love and support, and the awesome team at CFCArts (especially Ms. Stacey, Ms. Elaina, Ms. Amy, and Mr. Richard) for their patience and guidance!

Wendy Redmond (Baby Bunny)

Wendy is very excited to be a part of The Velveteen Rabbit with CFCArts this fall! She is seven years old. She also enjoys ballet and swimming. Wendy would like to thank her family and friends for their support!

Renata Savchenko (Baby Bunny)

Renata is excited to return to the stage in The Velveteen Rabbit! At just 6 years old, she already has three years of theater experience and truly loves performing. Renata enjoys bringing characters to life through acting, singing, and dancing, and she feels at home under the spotlight. Outside of theatre, she takes piano lessons, swims, and loves spending time creating art and stories. Renata is a bright, kindhearted, and imaginative child who always brings joy to her family, friends, and two dogs. She is thrilled to share this production with her fellow cast members and looks forward to many more adventures on stage!

Thoryn Schroeder (Toy Ensemble)

This is Thoryn’s first show with CFCArts. She is excited to be part of the production. Thoryn is 10 years old and a Junior in her local Girl Scout troupe. She looks forward to being part of many more productions at CFCArts, making great friends, and lasting memories. She would like to thank her family for their love and support.

Piper Simpson (Baby Bunny)

Piper is seven years old and has been performing in theatre for the past two years. She loved being part of Annie and The Little Mermaid, and she’s excited to keep learning, growing, and having fun on stage. Piper is so happy to share her love of performing with you today and hopes you enjoy the show!

Maddie Strenth (Toy Ensemble)

Maddie is excited to participate in The Velveteen Rabbit. She is in middle school and enjoys acting, dancing and playing with her cat Arnold. This is her first play with CFCArts and she looks forward to doing other plays in the future. Maddie would like to thank her mom, dad, brother and family for their support and all the staff who helped make this play happen!

Jaycie Swank (Velveteen)

Jaycie is thrilled to play the title role in the CFCArts production of The Velveteen Rabbit. She is in the sixth grade and this is her ninth performance with CFCArts. Her most recent role was Peach in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. She plays violin, ukulele, electric and acoustic guitar. Jaycie would like to thank her family and cast friends for their support, and her directors and stage managers for this wonderful experience. It’s a dream come real. Like Velveteen!

Riley Thomas (Baby Bunny)

Riley is thrilled to be part of The Velveteen Rabbit! She is seven years old and attends Brookshire Elementary. This is her fifth performance with CFCArts. Previous roles include Baby Bubble (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), Little Orphan (Annie Jr.), Baby Duckling (The Wind in the Willows)/Mrs. Mallard (Make Way for Ducklings preshow), and Mouse (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition). In her free time, Riley loves to read, draw, and play the piano and violin. Riley would like to thank her directors for their loving support.

Ella Thompson (Toy Fairy)

Ella is delighted to play the Toy Fairy in The Velveteen Rabbit! This is her 11th production with CFCArts. Some of her favorite roles have been a Featured Dancer in Disney’s Aladdin Jr., a Mean Sister in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, a Hedgehog in The Wind in the Willows, Tessie in Annie Jr., and Young Beth March in Little Women. Ella would like to thank the directors and teachers at CFCArts for all they have taught her and for believing in her with this opportunity. Ella is grateful for the many friendships made through these productions, and the support and encouragement of her friends and family! She would also like to thank God for blessing her by bringing all these people and CFCArts into her life!

Emma Vargas (Toy Ensemble)

Emma is excited to be returning to the stage, having participated in the last two productions with CFCArts Youth Theatre. She has enjoyed developing her skills in performance, teamwork, and creativity while bringing each role to life. Beyond the stage, Emma is passionate about music, art, and academics. She is grateful for the support of her family, friends, and teachers, and is thankful for the opportunity to grow as a performer. Emma looks forward to continuing her journey in theatre and sharing this production with the family.

Talia Wagner (Toy Train, US Kasey)

Talia is thrilled to be a part of such a fun show! Talia is in fifth grade at Audubon Park School. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her through this amazing process. She would especially like to thank her teachers, parents, and the leadership at CFCArts for investing and encouraging her love of theatre. Even though Talia plays a villain in the show, she knows that the show is about the transforming power of love and hopes everyone in attendance feels that love today.