Elise Brown (Announcer, Ensemble) Elise is a rising 7th grader at Awtrey Middle School and is excited to be performing at The Strand Theatre for a second time! Her prior roles include Shrek Jr (Papa Ogre, Papa Bear, Bishop), Matilda (Amanda), and Lion King Jr (Scar). When not acting or singing, Elise enjoys playing soccer, baking, and crafting. She would like to thank all of her family, friends, and helpers of the play who had to wrangle all of the kids.

Talen Bortz (Dimitri) Talen Bortz is a recent Kell High School graduate, where he graduated with honors. A dedicated Thespian since middle school and throughout high school, he is excited to be attending Kennesaw State University in the fall, majoring in Theatre and Performance Studies. The theatre is where he belongs, and is thankful to his family and friends for showing him the wonderful worlds of the arts. 

Bailey Brietzke (Nikola, Ensemble) Bailey is thrilled to be in Anastasia the Musical: Youth Edition. She has done other shows including Newsies, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King. Her favorite show is Hamilton and her idol is Lin Manuel Miranda. Her dream role is Lydia in Beetlejuice, Matilda, and Eliza in Hamilton.

Emma Burnett (Sasha, Ballet Soloist, Ensemble) This is Emma’s first production at The Strand and she’s excited to be part of it. Her previous plays were Aladdin Jr. and Matilda Jr. She has been dancing for 8 years and loves singing, writing, and reading as well. She is grateful to everyone who is making this production come to life.

Fallon Cornish (Mira, Ensemble) Fallon is so happy to be a part of this program. She was recently in Footloose Jr. at Marietta Middle School and Shrek Jr. here at The Strand. When Fallon is not performing on stage she is often helping backstage with sound and set pieces. She also enjoys painting, dancing, and baking with friends. She is thankful for all the kindness and support from family and friends!

Shyne Darden (Gorlinsky, Ensemble) Shyne Darden is excited to be part of Anastasia! He enjoys singing and bringing stories to life on stage. When he’s not performing, Shyne loves spending time with his family. He thanks them for their constant love and support.

William Gaines (Brother, Ballet Soloist, Ensemble) William is a rising fifth grader at Hickory Hills Elementary School and is honored to return to The Strand stage in Anastasia. A committed and disciplined dancer, he trains in the Company Division at Georgia Metro Dance Theatre, focusing on ballet and jazz. He performs regularly with the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Company, and in GMDT’s annual production of The Nutcracker. His theatrical credits include roles in the HH Dragon Players’ Finding Nemo Jr. (Professor Ray) and, most recently, Shrek Jr. (Papa Bear/Guard). Beyond the stage, William has contributed backstage as a Costume Assistant for Jukebox Giants: Motown and More, A Christmas Tradition, and Rock of Ages at The Strand. He extends his sincere gratitude to The Strand, his parents, brothers, cast, crew, and instructors for their ongoing support and encouragement.

Monica Goodman (Ensemble) Monica Goodman has been doing theatre for eight years and has participated in over 23 different productions. If she isn’t performing on stage, she is typically helping backstage at a children’s theatre. She loves performing and hopes to continue doing so throughout her adulthood. She wants to thank her family and friends for all the support they have given her throughout the years.

Sophia Goodman (Sister 1, Exiled Russian, Ensemble) Sophia Goodman is an eleven-year-old girl who started acting at the young age of five. She loves performing and some of the shows she has done include, High School Musical JR, Finding Nemo JR, Shrek JR, Alice in Wonderland JR, and so many more! She wants to thank all of her supporters who have helped her through this journey. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Gianna Ginel (Tsarina Alexandra, Policeman 1, Ensemble) Gianna Ginel is overjoyed to be a member of this production. She has previously been featured in Pride & Prejudice, The Wizard of Oz, High School Musical, and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and is thrilled to be branching out of her school’s theater department for this show. When not acting, she enjoys playing bass guitar, being a barista, and talking to her friends. She wishes to thank her sister, Juliet, for doing this show with her as well as her friends and family for their support.

Juliet Ginel (Photographer, Policeman 2, Ensemble) Juliet is very excited to be branching out to local theater and taking a new approach on her acting. She enjoys learning more about different musicals and was thrilled to be introduced to Anastasia. Juliet wants to give all of her thanks to God, and is honored that He opened this door for her. Overall, Juliet is so happy about this opportunity, and cannot wait to see how it goes.

Laykin Haney (Galina, Ensemble) Laykin Haney is a 15-year-old student at South Paulding High School and is thrilled to be part of this production! Her previous stage credits include SpongeBob the Musical and Shrek Jr. In addition to performing, Laykin stepped into a leadership role as Assistant Director for South Paulding’s production of Sister Act. She has a deep love for theater and enjoys attending live performances and music concerts whenever she can. Laykin would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support—she couldn’t do it without them!

Kristofer Hatfield (Gleb Vaganov, Assistant Director) Kristofer Hatfield is so excited to be a part of this production! He has previously appeared on the Strand stage in Shrek Jr. as both cast and assistant director. He is currently studying Theatre and Performance studies at Kennesaw State University. He would like to thank his family for supporting his theatre dreams!

Mackenzie Harris (Alexei, Ensemble) Mackenzie Harris is stoked to be a part of this awesome production. She has appeared in other productions as well like, Madagascar JR, Shrek JR, Matilda JR, and Beauty and the Beast. When she’s not on stage she enjoys crocheting, hanging out with friends, and listening to music. Mackenzie would like to thank Jesus and her family for their overflowing love and support.

Abigail Henry (Anya, Ensemble) Abigail Henry is extremely thrilled to be a part of this production! She has previously appeared in Little Women, Matilda JR., Little Shop of Horrors and Into the Woods. When Abigail is not on stage she enjoys spending time with friends, going to church, working with children, and playing guitar. Abigail would like to thank her parents and most of all her older brother for encouraging and helping her in her musical journey!

Dailee Howard (Marfa, Ensemble) Dailee is so excited to share this wonderful story with you! You may have seen her as Feste in Twelfth Night The Musical (Woodstock Arts) or Spongebob in Spongebob the Musical (Woodstock Arts). When not performing Dailee enjoys cheerleading and drinking bubble tea. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support through this process.

Caroline Jackson (Young Anastasia, Ensemble) Caroline is honored to be in Anastasia. A rising fifth grader, she’s a proud member of the A.L. Burruss Elementary Showstoppers and their past productions of Shrek Jr., Matilda and Beauty and the Beast. Dancing since age three, she is a company dancer at the Spirit of Dance and was Cindy-Lou Who in their 2024 Christmas production. Runner-up of the 2025 Marietta City Schools Spelling Bee, she thanks family and teachers for their support!

Emma Lizarazo (Young Anastasia, Ensemble) Emma is a young performer who loves to sing, act, and dance—and has made it her mission to play every young princess, including Young Fiona (Shrek), Young Anna (Frozen Jr.), and now Young Anastasia! Favorite roles include JoJo (Seussical), Sky the Girl Scout (Beetlejuice Jr.), and Pearl Krabs (The SpongeBob Musical). She recently trained and performed with Broadway Dreams, an incredible opportunity. Emma is thrilled to be part of this production and thanks her teacher Savannah, her supportive family, and her friends who never miss a show!

Decca Nichols (Sister 2, Ensemble) Decca Nichols has previously appeared in shows such as Aladdin Jr., Shrek Jr., Annie Jr., Fiddler on the Roof Jr., and Matilda Jr. She is thrilled to be in her second show with The Strand, because Anastasia is one of her favorite shows. Outside the theater, she enjoys reading, writing, and drawing. She thanks her family, friends, and cats for everything they do for her!

Sylvie Nichols (Sister 3, Ensemble) Sylvie Nichols is so excited to be in her second production at The Strand. Previous roles have included “Spooky Voice” in Aladdin Jr. at MCAA, “Peter Pan” in Shrek Jr. at The Strand, and other roles in Annie Jr. and Fiddler on the Roof Jr. Outside of theater, she enjoys reading and petting cats. She would like to thank her family and cats for their unwavering support.

Ava Norris (Paulina, Ensemble) Ava Norris is thrilled to be in Anastasia! Her most recent performances are Ms. Winx in Between the Lines, and Joy in Cinderella at the Dallas Theater. When not on stage, Ava likes to focus on reading and learning how to bake. She would like to thank her Mom and Dad for the support in theatre! Enjoy the show!

Allie Orivri (Luda) Allie Orivri is thrilled to be part of this production! She has previously appeared in Newsies Jr, and Frozen: The Musical, and enjoys singing, playing piano, writing screenplay, and hanging out with her friends. When she’s not on stage, Allie enjoys swimming, reading, and collecting vinyls. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support.

Hannah Popham (Dowager Empress, Ensemble) Hannah Popham is beyond excited to be a part of this production. She has previously appeared in productions such as Mary Poppins Jr, Mean Girls Jr, Tinkerbell, Little Women Jr, and Women of Lockerbie. Hannah has a passion for singing and acting, as well as a love for improv and creating writing. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support, and she is grateful for the opportunity to meet and perform with her castmates in Anastasia: Youth Edition.

Presley Robertson (Anya, Ensemble) Presley Robertson is thrilled to be a part of this production of Anastasia! She is currently a Voice and Musical Theater student at Columbus State University. She has previously been in Shrek Jr. (Fiona), SpongeBob (Dance Captain), The Addams Family (Alice), and many more! Presley would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support! She hopes you love the show and enjoy this journey to the past!

Rachel Rudd (Dunya, Ensemble) Rachel is a fifth grader who enjoys playing piano, acting, singing, and soccer. She started performing at age 6. Her list of stage successes are Aristocats (Flower Cat), Snow White (Queen’s Servant), performed in A Christmas Carol (Fan/Petra/Lamp Lad), Shrek the Musical Jr. (Pig 2 and Knight 2), and Cobb Idol Jr.

Elyse Tindall (Countess Ipolitov, Lily, Ensemble) Elyse Tindall is a 17 year old incoming senior at Woodland high school. As a member of New York’s Broadway Artist alliance and the Alliance Theater Ensemble in Atlanta, she keeps busy learning and performing. Some of her credits include: Amy in Little Women the Musical, and Hope in Almost, Maine.

Taylor Williams (Mikhal, Ensemble) Taylor is excited to be part of this production! She has starred as Miss Hannigan in Annie Jr, Thomas O’Malley in Aristocats Kids, the Prince in Cinderella, and Roosevelt in Newsies Jr. She loves to sing, dance, draw and act. She plays field hockey and is a first degree Black belt in martial arts.