Ranked, A Musical

Jadyn Gillette

Jadyn Gillette is 15 years old attending her Junior year at Empire High School. She has performed in over 30 shows since the age of 5 and some of her favorites include Six: Teen Edition as Anne Boleyn, Ride the Cylcone as Ocean, Grease as Marty, and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical as Annabeth Chase. In May, Jadyn had the honor to compete in the Monte Awards and won Best Up and Coming Actress as well as being a finalist. Jadyn is so excited to perform as Lily and hopes you enjoy the show!

Nathaniel Wiley

Nathaniel Wiley, he/him (John Carter) has performed professionally with Live Theatre Workshop, Saguaro City Music Theatre, and Arizona Theatre Company. Favorite roles include George Banks (MARY POPPINS), Deputy Jan (DEPUTY JAN), Zacky Price (BIG FISH), Dylan (TAKE A HIKE), and Winthrop Paroo (THE MUSIC MAN). He was recently honored as a finalist at the 2025 MONTE AWARDS at Arts Express Theatre. Next up, Nate will be stage managing DEATH DO US PART at the Rigby Theater Company in August. He is incredibly grateful for this organization, his castmates, the creative team, and the leadership at LTW for their dedication to this production. He thanks you for your support of Live Theatre Workshop and hopes you enjoy the show!

Chloe Harris

Chloe Harris, she/her (Sydney Summers) is a seventeen year old theater performer, originally based in Tucson, Arizona. A passionate and lifelong performer, she began her stage journey in kindergarten with the Tucson Girls Chorus, which sparked her deep love for musical theater. Chloe will be attending Rider University in the fall to pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theater, with minors in English and Journalism. Chloe is a two-time Jimmy Awards nominee, having first attended as a freshman in 2022, returning again in 2025 as a senior. She was also recognized at the International Thespian Festival with two prestigious Thespy Awards in Solo Musical and Duet Dance. In addition, she is the proud recipient of the Amy Bennett Foundation Scholarship. She thanks all who have supported her, and all who share in this beautiful world of theater with her! Big shout out to mom and dad for making all this possible. Selected Credits: HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION (Eurydice), INTO THE WOODS (Baker’s Wife), RIDE THE CYCLONE (Jane Doe), MEAN GIRLS (Cady).

Kellen Tanner

Kellen Tanner (he/him) is going into his junior year at Catalina Foothills High School. He has been acting since elementary school and learned to love it when he was cast in 101 DALMATIANS as his first lead role, Roger. He has gone on to perform in numerous exciting roles, such as Noel Gruber (RIDE THE CYCLONE) and Hades (HADESTOWN) at Inner Voice Studio, Rooster (ANNIE), Ryan (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL), Ladahlord (JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH), and Max (SOUND OF MUSIC) at CYT, and Danny Zuko (GREASE) and Emmett Forrest (LEGALLY BLONDE JR) at Arts Express. He is very excited to be performing in RANKED as Ryan and is extremely excited for you all to see it.

Mary Elda Olmstead

Mary Elda Olmsted, she/he/they (Alexis Larsen) is an incoming junior who has been involved in theatre at Empire High School since their freshman year, playing Featured Ensemble and Mary Sunshine understudy (CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION). Their other roles include The Oracle and Percy Jackson understudy (LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL) and Megoosa (THE WITCH’S PRINCESS). They have also participated in their school’s 24 HOUR PLAY FEST, and had their play chosen for the 2025 production of PAGE TO STAGE. They love theatre and everyone involved with this show, and are endlessly grateful to have been welcomed into LTW with open arms. RANKED will be their second show with LTW, having played Mina in DRACULA GOES TO FLORIDA in this year’s Young Playwrights. This musical is very special, and they hope that everyone resonates with its characters and messages. Enjoy the show!

Ivy Buffalo

Ivy Buffalo, she/they (Jordan, U/S Lily) is going to be a junior at Catalina Foothills High School, and is very excited to be a part of RANKED! Some of her past roles include Janis in MEAN GIRLS JR. at Live Theatre Workshop, Constance in RIDE THE CYCLONE and Eurydice in HADESTOWN with The Inner Voice Studio, and Elsa in THE SOUND OF MUSIC along with Prentiss in PETER IN THE STARCATCHER at CYT Tucson.

Kennedy George

Kennedy George, she/her (Jacquie, u/s Alexis) is heading into her Junior year at CDO High School, and is so excited to be joining the cast of RANKED as her first Live Theater Workshop production! She has performed with CDO High School and Gaslight Music Hall. Some of her favorite past roles include Tobias Ragg (SWEENEY TODD), Gabriella (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL), Featured Ensemble (MAMMA MIA),  Baroness Bomburst (CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG JR.), and Amanda Thripp (MATILDA JR.). Kennedy developed a passion for theatre after seeing her first musical at the age of five. Since then, she has developed a love for singing, acting, dancing, and the technical aspects of theatre. Off stage, Kennedy can be found training as a third degree black belt in taekwondo, learning and perfecting American Sign Language, and volunteering in her local preschool. Kennedy is so grateful for the support of her friends, family, and everyone in the theater world and hopes you enjoy the show!

Sydney Johnson

Sydney Johnson (Carly, Sydney Summers u/s) is going into her junior year at Empire High School. She has been performing here at LTW for two years now and can’t wait to continue performing with this community. Some of her roles include Clarisse in LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, Ensemble and Understudy for Liz in CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION, and Gabriella in THE WITCH’S PRINCESS. In Young Playwrights here at LTW, she has played Evalyn in WRITERS BLOCK and Ruby in THE UNDERSTUDIES. She has loved getting to work with every member of the cast and crew of this show and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Eli Sallard

Eli Sallard, (Francis, Ryan Summers Understudy) is a seventeen-year-old at Empire High School, entering their senior year. They developed a strong love and passion for the arts after their first musical performances in high school, both in choir and theater, during their freshman year. Some of Elis’ favorite past performances that they’ve been a part of have been, Featured Chorus (SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: THE MUSICAL), Featured Ensemble & Junes Understudy (CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION), Rupert Van Brunt (SLEEPY HOLLOW), Lysander (Midsummer High School) and Percy Jackson (THE LIGHTNING THIEF). While portraying the role of Percy Jackson, Eli was nominated for the 2025 Monte Awards, competing for the possibility to perform at the Jimmy Awards in New York. Eli would like to thank their theatre director, Richard Gremel, and choir director, Aubry Wilkes, for their constant support and relentless encouragement throughout their journey towards achieving their goals. They would also like to express their deepest gratitude to their friends and family for their overwhelming support and love. Their constant presence at their shows means the world to them.

Ray Jones

Ray Jones, He/Him (Nate) Now in their Senior year of high school, Ray is a dedicated, motivated, and efficient performer. They have appeared in three musicals as minor roles, bringing enthusiasm and commitment to every performance. Some of Ray’s favorite roles have been appearing as Hades in THE LIGHTNING THIEF, and the Headless Horseman in THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW. As the president of their school’s thespian troupe, Ray leads by example, inspiring their peers and helping to grow a vibrant theatre community. Beyond the stage, they have contributed countless hours assisting in building sets for past plays and musicals, demonstrating their passion for all aspects of theatre production.

Rowan Sandeen

Rowan Sandeen, she/her (Kelly, u/s Jacquie) is heading into her junior year at Catalina Foothills High School, and is thrilled to be apart of RANKED! Some of her favorite roles include Janet Van De Graaff (THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, JR.), Wednesday Addams (THE ADDAMS FAMILY, JR.), Veruca Salt (WILLY WONKA, JR.), Sandy (DEPUTY JAN), and the Ghost of Carmel (THE UNINVITED). When offstage, Rowan can be found listening to Taylor Swift, exploring her love of chemistry, or reading a good book. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support (and Taylor Swift), and she hopes you have a fabulous time at the show!

Salem Hernandez

Salem Hernandez, they/them (Jenner/Christine/Isa/Kelly U/S) They are a recent high school graduate from Empire High School and will be going to college in Bellevue, WA this fall. Their favorite shows they have been in are CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION and SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL. They are recognized by the Thespian Society as an International Honor Thespian. They would like to shout-out Richard Gremel for introducing theatre to them, as well as their parents for supporting all of their shows.

Braeley McIntire

Braeley McIntire, they/them (Tasia, Jayden, and Matt) is currently attending Empire High School as a junior. They’ve been in multiple shows such as Karnak in RIDE THE CYCLONE, Pinocchio in SHREK JR, Buddy in ELF JR, Knight of Blossoms in THE WITCH’S PRINCESS and various other shows. They want to thank their family for always supporting them and they hope you enjoy the show!!

Kai Piers

Kai Piers, they/them (Josh, Liv, Francis u/s) Kai is going to be an early graduate from high school, already attending college classes at Pima for acting and theater. Kai’s most recent show before RANKED was GREASE, in which they played Johnny Casino and understudied for Danny Zuko. Kai has played Scar in THE LION KING, Monsieur D’Arque in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, as well as singing for Jack Kelly and Alexander Hamilton in a BROADWAY HITS REVIVAL at AZRT. Kai was interviewed by KGUN9 News for their work with Arizona Rose Theater. They would like to thank Shanon Piers and Venus-Tyané Kuya for being such good teachers and for their continuous support.

Ila Olmstead

Ila Olmsted, she/her (Megan, Maya, u/s Jordan) is an incoming senior who has recently fallen in love with theatre and the fine arts. She began her journey into the theatre world as Mrs. Dodds and Sally Jackson understudy (THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL) during her junior year at Empire High School. She is so grateful for her opportunity to participate in RANKED this year alongside her sister, Mary Elda Olmsted. She wants to give a special shout out to the staff and actors at Live Theatre Workshop for welcoming her into this production with open arms. She would also like to thank her mom, dad, and sisters for being her biggest supporters. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Natasha Mascarenas

Natasha Mascarenas, she/her (Mason, Grace) I have loved acting so much since I was a little girl, and I always wanted to be on stage and show my talent to everyone. Now that I’m seventeen years old (almost 18), I’m hoping to become a star and accomplish many of my goals in theater!  Fun fact:  I had met Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, who played the role of Lily from Modern Family, such a sweet person. I’ve been in musicals since I was little. There was a time when I didn’t have theater for a while in middle school, and I didn’t know where to start off again or where to go to do theater again. I think my best performance would be this musical, because believe it or not, this is the first musical that I’ve been to outside of school. I been in the theater since COVID started. I’m grateful to be part of the theater again, and I love this community so much. I wanna thank my dad for letting me show my passion in theater and letting me try to accomplish my goals in wanting to become successful in acting!

Harmony Garner

Harmony Garner (Emily, Valerie, Carly u/s) attends an online academy allowing her to pursue her passions in performing arts. One of her favorite roles has been the lead in CRONAN THE BARBARIAN. Her dream productions would be HADESTOWN & DEATH BECOMES HER. This is only her 4th performance and she looks forward to upcoming adventures! She would like to thank all of her directors and their support, as well as her Improv teacher Ms. Jackson!

Ashlynn Gillis

Ashlynn Gillis (Maddy, Erica) is an incoming junior at Empire High School and a proud member of its award-winning theatre program. She has been acting for two years, with her first leading role in the production of THE WITCH’S PRINCESS (Princess Alessandra), which sparked her passion for the stage. In addition to performing, Ashlynn is equally fascinated by the technical side of theatre and enjoys exploring behind-the-scenes roles. She’s thrilled to be joining Live Theatre Workshop and looks forward to gaining her first real-world experience in a professional setting!

Ash Castro

Ash Castro (Gracie, Sarah) uses they/them pronouns and is a Tucson-based performer excited to bring RANKED to the stage. Their favorite credits include MEAN GIRLS as Regina George and INTO THE WOODS as Little Red and Rapunzel. Ash loves exploring complex characters and is especially grateful for the opportunity to portray both Gracie and Sarah in this production. Offstage, they enjoy reading sci-fi novels and crafting everything from clothes to handmade gifts.

Grayson Pfannenstiel

Greyson Pfannenstiel (Viv the Librarian, Understudy for John Carter) is a 17-year old former student at University High, starting at Pima Community College in fall. He’s acted in shows for both school & Live Theatre Workshop with roles such as King Arthur (SPAMALOT) & Pugsley (THE ADDAMS FAMILY). He’s an active supporter of the theatre community in Tucson and is excited to have been given the opportunity to perform in RANKED for you!

Richard Gremel

Richard Gremel (Director) has been a part of the LTW family for over 20 years . Richard is a graduate of the University of Arizona where he received a B.F.A. in Theatre Education. Richard is the acting and technical theatre teacher at Empire High School where he has directed almost 90 plays and musicals for the past 17 years.  Under his direction, Empire Theatre has earned numerous awards including 4 state championships in One-Act Performance.  Some of his past LTW directing credits include PUFFS, TALL TALES: LEGENDS OF AMERICA, and TILLY THE TRICKSTER.  He is the recipient of the Arizona Thespians Teacher of the year (2017-2018 & 2023-2024) and the OnMedia Tucson Arts Hero (2018-2019).  Richard has also received the award for “Best Director” from Arts Express’ Monte Awards for his productions of THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL (2023) and THE LIGHTNING THIEF (2025).  Aside from teaching, and directing, Richard writes plays for the LTW stage. He currently has 11 published plays which have been seen all over the United States, Canada, India, Hong Kong, England, and Australia. www.richardgremelplaywright.com

Jonathan Heras

Jonathan Heras (Music Director) is an accomplished actor, singer, and musical director from Yuma, Arizona, now a prominent figure in Tucson’s performing arts community. As a long-time member of the Borderlands Theater Ensemble, Jonathan has been working with Borderlands Theater professionally since 2005. He has also collaborated with various local theaters, including Live Theatre Workshop, where he served as a musical director for RAPUNZEL and previously had the opportunity to assist in other children’s summer camps and performed on their main stage and children’s stage plays, touring performances to schools as part of an outreach program. Jonathan was honored to also be a teaching artist at the Strathmore Performing Arts Center in Maryland, where his work as a children’s youth theater educator inspired the creation of the Borderlands Barrio Stars Youth Theater Program in Tucson. Since 2021, Jonathan has been the musical director for Salpointe Catholic High School’s main stage season, earning recognition in 2024 with the Monty Award for Best Musical Director for his work on INTO THE WOODS. Additionally, since 2017, Jonathan has been a year-round cast member at the Gaslight Theater, one of the few remaining melodrama comedy theaters in the country. In 2024, Jonathan co-devised the play ANTIGONE 3.0, which was featured at the Los Angeles Theatre Center as part of the Encuentro festival. He would like to thank his wife Ericka Quintero for all her support and say hello to his son Jonny Ace.

Samantha Cormier

Samantha Cormier (Choreographer) holds a M.F.A in Performing Arts from SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) and a B.F.A in Directing/Theatre Production from the University of Arizona. She has performed and directed in theaters from New York to Savannah to your favorite theaters in Tucson/Phoenix including Arizona Theatre Company, The Gaslight Theatre/Music Hall, Live Theatre Workshop, Arizona Broadway Theatre, The Rogue Theatre, Invisible Theatre, Old Tucson Studios and Scoundrel and Scamp. Favorite shows Directed/Choreographed:THE MOUSETRAP, PLAZA SUITE, THINGS BEING WHAT THEY ARE [MAC Award Nom, Best Director] POTUS or…, and SNOOPY!!! THE MUSICAL[MAC award nomination, Best Director] Favorite roles include: Senga in DANCING LESSONS [MAC Nom, Best Actress], Princess Fiona in SHREK THE MUSICAL, Louise in ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE, Winnifred in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Columbia in THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW [MAC Award nomination, Best Actress], and Frankie VOICE OF THE PRAIRIE [MAC Award Winner, Best Actress]. She has taught/instructed theatre for over 22 years having the pleasure of teaching all over Tucson and at Stagedoor Manor In New York [#1 Theatre Camp in the world] She thanks you for supporting the Arts in Tucson—especially during these times.

Saki Grobe

Saki Grobe, they/them (Stage Manager) is going to be a freshman next year at Utah State University, studying theatre education as well as theatre design & technology, after graduating from Catalina Foothills High School. They are super excited to be working on this show as it is their first time stage managing a musical outside of high school. They recently were production stage manager for The 6th Annual Young Playwrights at Live Theatre Workshop. Fun fact! The piece of wood that they are holding in their headshot is the first ever piece of wood they cut on a table saw during their first theatre class 4 years ago. They would like to thank all of the amazing cast and crew for making this experience so memorable. They hope you enjoy the show!

Emmalynn Whitney

Emmalynn Whitney, she/her (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior who attends Empire High School. She has been the Assistant Stage Manager and has worked the tech for many shows that have taken place at her school including CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION and PERCY JACKSON: THE MUSICAL. She has also been a part of some of the productions that have taken place at Live Theatre Workshop including the 5th and 6th Annual Young Playwrights of Tucson, as well as being the Sound Designer for RAP-UNZEL: THE HIP HOP MUSICAL. She is honored to be able to work with such a dedicated and talented cast and crew and cannot wait for everyone to see the hard work that has been put into this production.

Logan LaGrange

Logan LaGrange, He/Him (Co Designer/Lead Set Builder) graduated from Empire High School and has been participating backstage in theater for five years. He enjoys hiking, kayaking, and puzzles. He was the 24-25 Vice President of Empire’s thespian troupe, stage manager of their advanced drama class, and graduated as International Honor Thespian with 204 points. Logan’s favorite productions he’s been a part of was being lighting operator for the 2024 Arizona Chapter Select One Act, IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT.  set designing for CHICAGO; TEEN EDITION and THE LIGHTNING THIEF, acting as the character “Stage Manager” for KING CHARLIE’S ANGELS, and playing The Boulder in SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL.

Jess Parker

It was wonderful being able help with this set and to work with the set design team. The set came out amazing, I’m glad to have had this opportunity to do this as a part of my senior exit project.

Brian McElroy

Brian McElroy (Lighting, Projection, Sound Designer) was, essentially, raised on the LTW stage, with his first play there at the age of 6. You may have seen him in recent years on the LTW stage in THE MINUTES or PUFFS, or on other Tucson stages in MATILDA or AMADEUS. Off the stage, he has managed or designed over forty-five LTW productions, and over one hundred and twenty other productions in Southern Arizona and off-Broadway over the past 13 years. He now runs Monsoon Staging and Design which supports the U of A, small businesses, and nonprofits in Arizona. During the day, he is a published neuroscientist and data scientist. Thanks as always to family and friends who support his drive for theatre.

Maryann Green

Maryann Green (Costume Design) is honored to be a part of the LTW family, since they gave her her first ever paid acting gig over 20 years ago. She has a BFA in Theatre Education and a Master’s Degree in Directing from Roosevelt University – Chicago College of Performing Arts. Favorite LTW credits include SIC (director) and RADIANT VERMIN (Director). When she’s not at LTW, she’s molding the theatre artists of tomorrow at Pima Community College. She would like to thank her parents for their support, her husband and son for being such wonderful humans, and you for attending this show.

Karin Hupp

Karin Hupp (Prop Master) has been the prop master for over eight years; she also does scenic painting and box office. Some of her favorite projects included the wedding cake for ONE SLIGHT HITCH, the hound from BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK MYSTERY, and the cookies from FROG AND TOAD. Favorite scenes she has painted include Dorothy Parker’s VICIOUS CIRCLE and the bookshelves in THE COLUMNIST. Karin enjoys working for LTW because it helps her grow as an artist.

Kyle Holmes

Kyle Holmes (playwright) is an educator, director and playwright. He spent almost a decade as the Director of Theatre Arts at Granite Bay High School in Northern California where his students went on to create art in Southern California, New York City, and across the United States. He currently works with school districts receiving Title I funding to create equitable opportunities in California schools. As a playwright he wrote the book for Ranked, A Musical. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America, and a proud alumni of artEquity’s first National Board Training cohort. www.kpholmes.com

David Taylor Gomes

David Taylor Gomes (Music & Lyrics) is a Composer, Musical Director, Actor, and Educator, best known for writing the music and lyrics for Ranked, A Musical and Boxed Up: The Musical. His voice students have performed on Broadway, national tours, The Disney Channel, and many regional theatres across the US. He is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. www.davidtaylorgomes.com