SCR’s 30th Anniversary Production of A Christmas Carol Includes 16 Students from the Theatre’s Acting Classes
COSTA MESA, CA, October 28, 2009 —The cast of South Coast Repertory’s 30th annual production of A Christmas Carol includes 33 actors, 16 of them from the Theatre Conservatory’s Kids and Teen Acting Classes.
These young thespians alternate in eight roles, allowing them time to share the holidays at home with their families as well as onstage with the SCR family. According to Director John-David Keller, “The actors and other artists who have been a part of A Christmas Carol over the years are a very special group, most of whom return from season to season, so it’s great fun—as we begin rehearsals—to welcome the youngsters.”
Keller considers himself the family’s patriarch. “I’ve directed every production and have acted in most of them, so after all these years, I know everyone’s lines, but it would be a stretch for me to play some roles — especially the kids!”
Keller holds auditions for these roles, choosing from students who have completed at least one year in SCR’s acting program. “The audition process itself is exciting,” he said. “We try to cast new kids each season. This year we have a great cast, and all 16 will be appearing in A Christmas Carol for the first time. It’s a joy to be able to give them the opportunity to appear onstage with our cast of professionals.”
The young actors include Valentina Gehley/Nicole Dumbeck as Martha Cratchit, Congher Schomburg/Benjamin Dilsisian as Peter Cratchit, Charlene J. Geisler/Juli Biagi as Belinda Cratchit, Angeliki Katya Harris/Alisha Ambe as Tiny Tim, Karl Schreyer/Evan J.P. Green as Young Eb and Oliver Shelley, Andy Vargas/Alex Theologides Rodriguez as Turkey Boy, Julia Jech/Whitney Brooks as Teen Girl About Town and Billur Foley/Hamilton Sparks as Young Girl About Town.
Kids and Teen Cast by Cities
Corona del Mar - Angeliki Katya Harris Costa Mesa - Benjamin Dilsisian, Charlene J. Geisler, Karl Schreyer Huntington Beach - Nicole Dumbeck, Congher Schomburg Irvine - Alisha Ambe, Juli Biagi, Whitney Brooks, Alex Theologides Rodriguez Santa Ana - Hamilton Sparks, Andy Vargas San Clemente - Billur Foley Tustin - Valentina Gehley, Julia Jech Whittier - Evan J.P. Green
