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Who can be a part of the troop?
The Havre de Grace Young Actors Drama Troop is for children and teens, grades 5th - 8th. Actors do not need to be in the Harford County Public School system. They can be from outside the county, home schooled and/or in a private school.

What happens at troop meetings?
Actors are taught drama techniques as well as stage and production fundamentals. Meetings can consist of drama games to written instruction - or even rehearsal time as we "gear-up" for opening night of one of our productions. At each meeting, actors should have a folder for hand-outs and a spiral notebook to take notes. We try to maintain a fun and enjoyable environment without too many restrictions on creativity, while maintaining an atmosphere of personal and fellow troop member respect.

Who decides what plays the troop will perform?
The governing body, or 'board', under guidance from the directors, compiles a list of plays that fit into the budget and timeframes alloted to the Troop. The list is then presented to the Troop at a meeting and the field is narrowed to the top three plays. More information about each play is then provided to the entire Troop and one more vote is cast to determine the 'winner'.

How is the Troop 'set-up'?
The Troop meets at the Havre de Grace Activity Center located at 351 Lewis Lane (next to the HdG Middle School. Since the space is provided as a courtesy to the troop, the Center is our main sponsor. Our producer is Karaoke Koncerts. We are directed by Tom Banes, Brandi McCoy, Dianne Hessenauer, with assistance by Mary Jo Gallion.

The troop has it's own governing body which is elected democratically by the troop. The board consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The 2008 board is as follows

President, Brooke Blackney;
Vice President, Ashley Fouty;
Treasurer, Elizabeth Miller;
Secretary, Sarah Leppert.

*NONE OF OUR STAFF (including play directors, students and coaches) OR BOARD MEMBERS ARE PAID. WE ALL CONTRIBUTE IN A VOLUNTEER CAPACITY*

All monies collected from registration are set-up in a fund monitored by the HdG Recreation Council. The funds are then used to pay for scripts and play incidentals, including sets and costumes as well as to pay for the stage and equipment used for all productions. It generally costs between $3000 - $3500 to put together a full production. So, as one can see, it is a costly but fun activity. We seek additional funding from companies and individuals in Harford County, as well as contract with companies to advertise as sponsors in our playbills for our productions.

We have also established a webstore at www.cafepress.com/dramatroop which sells clothing, mugs, calendars and other items related to our troop and the drama experience. Some ideas for designs even come from the actors themselves! Items are only marked up about a $1 to $2 from our cost to help save you money and make us a very modest profit.

CAST BIOGRAPHIES
(alphabetical order)

Alex Barber (Kitty Mansfield): I am 9 years old and a 4^th grader at Meadowvale Elementary School. This is my first time on stage as an actress in a big production. I like to do gymnastics. I’m in the 4^th grade chorus and I play in the band (clarinet). When I grow up I want to be a basketball star.

Kylee Barber (Jane Connolly): I am an 11 year old 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. I was ‘Snow White’ in “Mother Goose, Inc.” (Meadowvale Elem.) as well as ‘Bird Girl’ in “Seussical the Musical, Junior” (Tidewater Players) in 2007.   I love to act and sing and would really like to be on Broadway someday! I like to talk to friends and text. My hobbies are soccer, lacrosse and gymnastics.

Austin Barnes (George Bullock): I am a 12 year old 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. I currently have 5 acting credits (including the Nifty Fifties). I was ‘Jim Grimm’ in the musical “Mother Goose, Inc.” at Meadowvale Elementary in March of 2007. I played the role of a ‘Billy Idol look-a-like cater-waiter’ in the dinner theatre improv production of “Happy Anniversary Angel, Love Gino” at Harford Community College in April of 2007. I was ‘Horton the Elephant’ in the Tidewater Players production of “Suessical the Musical Jr.” in July of 2007. I’m in the April 2008 Havre de Grace Middle School production of “Beauty and the Beast” in the role of ‘Gaston’.   I’ve been a member of the Havre de Grace Young Actors Drama Troop, Tidewater Players & the Havre de Grace Middle School Drama Club as well as a chorus member in the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade chorus at Meadowvale Elementary and HdG Middle School. I love to act, sing & dance as well as play basketball and soccer. I am giving a special thanks to all the staff that has helped us this year including my Dad, Brandi, Mrs. Diane, Jaz and Mrs. Mary Jo.

Tucker Barnes (Donald Spinney & Ziggy Springer): I am 12 years old and in the 6^th grade at Havre de Grace Middle School. I played the role of ‘Simple Simon’ in the musical “Mother Goose, Inc.” in 2007 at Meadowvale Elementary. I played the part of ‘Billy Moore’ in the Tidewater Players production of “Assassins.”   In July 2007, I was in “Seussical the Musical, Junior” as ‘JoJo’ and in April 2008 I played the role of ‘LeFou’ in the HdG Middle School version of “Beauty and the Beast.” I was in the 4^th and 5^th chorus at Meadowvale Elementary School as well as the Meadowvale Singers and am currently in the and 6^th grade chorus at the Middle School. I like singing, playing video games (World of Warcraft) with my family, reading and acting.

Brooke Blackney (Ann Collier): I am a 12 year old 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. I played the role of ‘Binky the Dwarf’ in the Meadowvale Elementary production of “Mother Goose, Inc.” in 2007. I am the student President of the HdG Young Actors Drama Troop. My hobbies are horseback riding, texting, singing, dancing, yelling at my little bro’ and hanging out with my friends. I have also been in the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade chorus, and 4^th grade viola.

Allison Deal (Mrs. Nicholson): I am 12 years old and a 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. Last year I was Winky the Dwarf in Mother Goose Inc. and a member of the Meadowvale Singers. My hobbies are playing lacrosse and playing the clarinet. I like acting, being on the computer and texting.

Ariana Epps (Misty May): I am 11 years old and I’m in 6^th grade at Havre de Grace Middle School. I like to play outside but mostly I watch television. I love to swim, sing and dance. My previous experience is 6^th grade chorus.

Lindsey Fenner (Virginia Sega): I am 11 years old and in the 6^th grade at Havre de Grace Middle School. I was stage crew for the 2007 production of “Mother Goose, Inc.” I was in the Meadowvale Elementary School chorus in 4^th and 5^th grade. I have played clarinet since the 4^th grade. Currently, I am in Junior S.M.I.L.E.S, the newspaper club, and the girls empowerment group at the Middle School.   I like to go fishing and to the race track and love to play softball.

Ashlee Foutty (Gracie Stanley): I am 11 years old and in the 6^th grade at Havre de Grace Middle School. I played the lead role of Mother Goose in Mother Goose, Inc in 2007. I am the Vice President of the Havre de Grace Young Actors Drama Troop.

Rusty Gallion (Lennie King): I am 10 years old and in the 5^th grade at Havre de Grace Elementary School. I was ‘Prince Charming’ in the “Granny Awards” in 2007. I am in the chorus and I play the violin in the orchestra. I like to play video games, watch T.V. and play on the computer.

Kristina Johnson (Ensemble): I am 11 years old and a 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. This is my first theatre production. My Hobbies are horseback riding, caring for animals, swimming, soccer, and playing dodge-ball. When I lived in North Carolina I played for the championship soccer team, the Hurricanes.

Sarah Leppert (Evelyn Webber): I am an 11 year old 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. Last year I was ‘Cinderella’ in “Mother Goose, Inc.” and ‘Mrs. Mayor’ in “Seussical the Musical, Junior.” This year I was in the ensemble of “Beauty and the Beast” at HdG Middle School. I have also been ‘Fern’ in “Charlotte’s Web” and ‘July’ in “Annie.” I am the student Secretary of the HdG Young Actors Drama Troop. I’ve played the violin since 4^th grade and was a member of the Meadowvale Singers. I enjoy singing, acting, dancing, gymnastics as well as knitting, crocheting & sewing.

Allison Lewis (Rose Marie Famiano): I am 11 years old and a 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. I was ‘Frances Flashbulb’ in the Meadowvale Elementary production of experience is “Mother Goose, Inc”. in 2007. I also performed as member of the ensemble in Beauty and the Beast in April 2008 at HdG Middle School. I have been in the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade chorus and band (saxophone). My hobbies are soccer, softball, basketball, saxophone, dancing, acting, and computer. I have gotten straight A’s the past three years and I have made softball All Stars two years in a row.

Emily Lewis (Edna Stover): I am 11 years old and in the 6^th grade at Havre de Grace Middle School. I was ‘Goldilocks’ in the 2007 production of “Mother Goose, Inc.” and was in the 4^th and 5^th grade chorus at Meadowvale Elementary. My hobbies are sports: soccer, softball, basketball and swimming. I love acting and drama, hanging out with friends and I like to play my Wii (Guitar Hero and Carnival Games). I play the trumpet and I’ve been on the honor roll since 4^th grade. I love gum and made softball All Stars two years in a row.

Britney Little (Louise Adams): I am 11 years old and a 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. I was ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ in the March 2007 production of the musical “Mother Goose, Inc.” My hobbies are drama, swimming, cheerleading and singing. I love to sing and act. Mr. Tom rocks. I love the Nifty Fifties - IT ROCKS, TOO!

Lindsey McCumber (Sandy Gallucci): I ama soon to be 12 year old in the 6^th grade at Havre de Grace Middle School. Last year I was part of the Mother Goose, Inc, ensemble as the ‘Witch.’ I was in the chorus in 4^th and 5^th grade, and now in 6^th grade, too. I was in the band in 4^th grade. My hobbies are cheerleading, singing, acting, modeling, dancing, texting (and yelling at my sister).

Melanie Mussman (Beverly Griffith): I am 10 years old and in the 5^th grade at Meadowvale Elementary School. This is my first musical production. I like drama, singing & playing with my friends. I was in the 4^th & 5^th grade chorus and I play the cello.

Elizabeth Miller (Muffin Mansfield): I am a 12 year old 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. I was ‘Rapunzel’ in the 2007 Meadowvale Elementary musical production “Mother Goose, Inc.” and was a “Wickersham Brother” in the Tidewater Players production of “Seussical the Musical Junior.” I am the student Treasurer of the HdG Young Actors Drama Troop. My hobbies are piano, violin, shopping, softball and anything I can get my hands on! I’m a creative person and like to take on any challenge.

Kateri Peters (Bobbie Stanley): I am 11 years old and in 5^th grade at Meadowvale Elementary School. This is my first theatre production. My hobbies are dancing, playing on the computer, softball, singing and playing the trumpet. I’m in the chorus, and I do tap and jazz dancing. I’m good at dancing!

Haydon Poole (Roxie Graff): I am 12 years old and a 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. I was one of the ‘Little Pigs’ in “Mother Goose, Inc.” at Meadowvale Elementary in 2007. My hobbies are hanging out with my friends and shopping with my mom.

Eric Stephens (Officer Moore): I am 11 years old and a 6^th grader at Havre de Grace Middle School. I played ‘Prince Charming’ in the Meadowvale Elementary School musical, “Mother Goose, Inc” in 2007. My hobbies are reptiles and drama. I’m a military brat (my parents are in the military) and I played the saxophone.

Michael Waldron (Jughead Jarvis): I am 10 years old and in the 5^th grade at Meadowvale Elementary School. This is my first musical production. I like swimming and drama troop. I like to read but it’s not really a hobby. I am in the Meadowvale Singers and I play the flute.

Katerina Witt (Ensemble):

STAFF BIOGRAPHIES

Tom Barnes (Director): I began my theatre career over 30 years ago in my first role in the 1975 musical, "The Electric Sunshine Man." Over the years, I have played a variety of roles including ‘Floyd Allen’ in "Dark of the Moon", ‘Danny Zuko’ and ‘Johnny Casino,’ in "Grease", ‘Yellow Feather’ in "Little Mary Sunshine", ‘Axel Magee’ in "Don't Drink the Water", ‘Mortimer Brewster’ in "Arsenic and Old Lace", and ‘Tom Wingfield’ in "The Glass Menagerie" as well as various bit parts in smaller productions. Tom also wrote and directed "Hansel & Gretel: Out of the Forest", and directed "Something Unspoken". More recently, I produced and directed the musical "Mother Goose, Inc" for Meadowvale Elementary School in 2007 and played the role of ‘Homer Cheeseman’ in the 2007 Harford Community College dinner theatre production of “Happy Anniversary Angel, Love Gino.” I am continuing my directing and drama coaching experiences through the HarCo Rec Council as the Director of the Havre de Grace Young Actors Drama Troop. I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to our cast and stage crew as well as my wonderful staff. You have all done a wonderful job.

Diane A. Hessenauer (Production Stage Manager): I like to sing, spend time with family and travel with the Volunteers in Mission group from Bel Air United Methodist Church. I was in the ensemble for high school productions of Pippin (1980) and All About Eve (1981). It has been my pleasure to meet and work with the children in the cast. They are an exceptional and talented group. I’ve enjoyed my time in this production so much. Thanks, Tom!

Franklin Fenner (Managers Assistant): I am a ten year old 5^th grader at Meadowvale Elementary School. This is my first theatre production. I was in the 4^th grade chorus. My hobbies are video games and riding my ATV or go-cart.

Tim Corbin (Managers Assistant): I’m 13 years old and in the 8^th grade at Havre de Grace Middle School. This is my first major production. I enjoy Bionicle building, Percussion (banging on everything in the world), bike riding Mom says that as a member of the stage crew my past experience would be building Legos & Lincoln Log cabins, moving furniture around the home & classroom.

Brandi McCoy (Assistant Director/Choreographer):

Jaz Simmons (Stage and Sound Manager):

Ashley Jackson (Directors Assistant):

Kayla Little (PSM Assistant):

Mary Jo Gallion (Prop and Costume Assistant):