Stuart Ambrose

Stuart made his debut with VYT in the VYT/Phoenix Theatre co-production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at the Herberger in 2005. Based out of Los Angeles, Stuart has numerous stage, concert and television credits to his name.

National Tours: Camelot, starring Michael York (Sir Lionel/Lancelot U/S).

Regional: The Ten Commandments, starring Val Kilmer at the Kodak Theatre in LA (Ramses U/S), 110 In the Shade at Pasadena Playhouse (Starbuck U/S), Annie Get Your Gun (Frank Butler), Carousel (Billy Bigelow), West Side Story (Tony), Floyd Collins (Floyd), and The Scarlet Pimpernel (Percy) among others. Concert credits include appearances with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra alongside Dick van Dyke, Judy Kuhn and Jodi Benson, the Atlanta Pops, and the Indianapolis Symphony with Sandi Patty. Television credits include multiple appearances on both Guiding Light and As the World Turns.

In 2006 Stuart released his first solo album Making It Through to stellar reviews. It features new music by LA and NY based songwriters along with a few covers, like What a Wonderful World, If It Wasn't For Your Love and a unique five part a cappella arrangement of Amazing Grace.

In his personal life, Stuart is proud to be a Sergeant in one of the Marine Corps' best reserve infantry battalions - 2nd Battalion 23rd Marines out of Pasadena, CA. Stuart is married to film/television actress Megan McNulty, and they currently live in LA. For more info, please visit www.StuartAmbrose.com.

Stuart is proud to have worked with VYT and would recommend it highly to any young actor looking to work hard and do great theatre.

Elyse Ault

First hit the VYT stage in 1999's Bye Bye Birdie. VYT shows include Grease, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Wiz and most recently, Honk!. Elyse attends University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Elyse returned to VYT in the Summer of 2004 to work as an administrative intern.

Emily Lynne Baker

First featured as one of the "Doo-Wop" girls in VYT's 2001 production of Little Shop of Horrors, followed by The Wiz in 2002, both at VYT's 1st Street theatre. Her Herberger shows include: The Wiz, Cinderella, and Titanic (AriZoni Nomination). Emily has performed with theatre companies around the valley including Phoenix Theatre, Tempe's Little Theatre and Gilbert's Hale Theatre. She toured Italy with a production of Caterina's Son.

Emily is presently employed by Disney Cruise Lines as a main-stage entertainer. She is very close to her good friends Cinderella and Snow White along with several other Disney favorites.

Casey Daniel Blonde

A graduate of American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Casey is now a working, professional actor based in New York City. Recently, he starred in professional productions of Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Pippin and in touring companies of Pocahontas and Sleepy Hollow. Casey's first stage experience was as Grandpa Joe in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory back in 1990. He also starred as the Pied Piper in The Pied Piper of Hamelin. "(VYT) was the center of my universe for the time I was there. Thank you for helping to plant the theatre seed in my mind so many years ago."

Alex Blouin

Was in VYT's first Annie production at The Herberger Theater Center in 1997. Other VYT shows include Cinderella, Grease, and The Wizard of Oz. Recent roles include wrangling child actors in The Lion King on Broadway and playing the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz in Philadelphia.

Annie (Karstens) Boon

Her first show at VYT was Pinocchio in 1991 playing along side her brother, Sam Karstens (also an alumni). She was part of the "construction crew" that cleared out and built the basement theater at Tower Plaza Mall. Annie continued in VYT plays for more than six years, performing as Anne in Anne of Green Gables, Virginia in the Canterville Ghost and Marty in the very first Grease.

Annie is currently Associate Editor of the Daily News-Sun and Northwest Valley Newspapers, living in El Mirage.

Annie married Adrian Boon (alumni Alana Messinger's cousin!) and several of her bridesmaids and wedding guests were dear VYT friends.

Recently wrapped filming a feature film in Phoenix called Kids in America starring Topher Grace and Anna Faris, produced by Universal and Imagine Entertainment. Annie has the principle role as the Sobbing Girl, and earned her SAG eligibility.

See Annie's IMDb entry.

Nick Cartell

Nick first got the acting bug while watching a children's tour of Cinderella... from then on out he has been performing in theatre. Starting with Valley Youth Theatre and going on to perform with Greasepaint Youth Theatre, Stagebrush Theatre, Phoenix Theatre...all in Phoenix, Arizona and Theatre on the Hill in Westminster, Maryland. Some of Nick's favorite roles include, Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Tony in West Side Story, Anthony in Sweeny Todd, Able in Children of Eden, Jack in Into the Woods, My Way and Route 66, along with Man 2 in the Maryland premier of Songs for a New World.

Nick then journeyed to Japan and performed at the Tokyo Disney Resort for three years. Upon completion of his 7th and final contract, he then made the big move to New York. Nick now resides in Manhattan, with is fiance, and has performed in the showcase production of The Flood and staged readings of The Man Who Would be King and Frankenstein: a new Musical. This past summer Nick was part of the Regional Premier of Altar Boyz at the Mason Street Warehouse playing the role of Abraham.

He is so excited to announce that Frankenstein the musical is going Off-Broadway. Nick was in a reading of this show last December and it is making a move to 37 Arts Theatre in NYC, with an all star cast, which include Hunter Foster, Christiane Noll and Steve Blanchard.

VYT opened up the doors to theatre for me. I was in 8th grade when I started with Valley Youth, and now I am living in NYC and theatre is my life. If you want a great place to get involved in theatre and learn the discipline that goes with it, while making life long friends, then VYT is the place. Thank you to Valley Youth for giving me my start that was once a dream and now is becoming a reality.

To keep up with Nick, visit him at www.nickcartell.com.

David Chorley

Dave started out with VYT in 1996 in West Side Story starring the incredible and gifted M. Douglas Lacy, no Tony has ever worn a beauty mark with so much passion. Dave did double duty in Peter Pan, playing Mr. Darling and a severely disabled pirate. He appeared in West Side Story at the Herberger for only 36 seconds (a new record), and his performance as Willy Wonka still has children laughing. He won an AriZoni award for his direction of VYT's The Emperor's New Clothes in '01. VYT audiences will best know Dave for his portrayal of the lecherous disc jockey Vince Fontaine in all three productions of Grease. ('97, '01, '04). He has numerous acting credits, directed 15 productions, has garnered national attention with his writing and has owned his own fledgling theatre company. He won an AriZoni last year for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and has won three Maxie awards: Best Up and Comer 2001, Best Supporting Actor "The Ritz" and Best Direction of a Comedy "Rumors".

Dave currently lives in Orange County, California, and has concluded his studies at the famed Second City Conservatory for sketch comedy and improv. Nothing planned for 2005 except a lot of working, even more saving, and a vacation through Europe. He plans a return to the stage next year. Thanks to VYT for their continuing support.

Chris Ciccarelli

James and the Giant Peach, Grease and West Side Story Currently living in LA, playing Dick in Dames at Sea.

Graduated from University of Northern Colorado with a degree in musical theatre.

Emily Conforto

Annie in the 1998 production of Annie, Lucy in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Snoopy in You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, Marty in the recent performance of Grease.

Currently a Sophmore at the University of Arizona in Tucson. I am majoring in Fine Arts and minoring in sociology and/or journalism. I live in a house right off campus with three other girls that I have met here, and I have an amazing dog whose name is Juno. I am also in a band called A&M, we are working on our demo right now to be able to give to our manager by the end of May.

Joel Cranson

Joel's first experience with VYT was at age 16 when he was cast as the Scarecrow in the 1996 production of The Wizard of Oz. He went on to do other VYT shows such as Cinderella (King), Annie (Rooster), A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tale (Tigger), and Bye, Bye Birdie (The first show in the new Valley Youth Theatre Fall of 1999).

With a BA in theatre from Grand Canyon University, Joel has also been seen in such shows as Noises Off (Lloyd), Bus Stop (Dr. Lyman), King Lear (Kent), and as Scrooge in the Amlin Gray adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

His most recent involvement with VYT was as Monsieur D'Arque (the asylum owner) in Valley Youth's collaboration with Phoenix Theatre; Disney's Beauty and the Beast. He also had the honor of understudying Stuart Ambrose's role of the Beast.

"Thank you, VYT, for continuing to make young people's dreams come true on stage."

Chandra Crudup

Chandra's VYT work includes Wizard of Oz as Lead Dancer, Bye Bye Birdie as Stage Manager, The Sound of Music as Deck Audio, The Wiz as Addapearle.

Chandra graduated from Azusa Pacific University in May 2004 with a Masters in Social Work, and from Arizona State University in May 2005 with a Masters in Social Work.

Recently performed at the Herberger in the Black Theater Troupe's Ain't Misbehavin', Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, and The Life, as well as in Phoenix Theater's Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Chandra also Stage Manages for several Black Theater Troupe shows every season.

Max Crumm

Max is the winner of the part of Danny in NBC's Grease: You're the One That I Want. Grease is playing at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York City!!

Max is currently doing 8 shows a week at the Brook Atkinson Theater on Broadway in New York City.

Check out Max on Wikipedia and IMDb.

Max started out as a member of VYT's performance troupes, and later moved to mainstage productions, appearing in both of Valley Youth Theatre's productions of Grease in 2001 and again in 2004. He also performed in Little Shop of Horrors in 2001, The Wiz in 2003 and Titanic in 2003.

Here are a few photos of Max in VYT shows.

Byron St. Cyr

Byron was in VYT's production of West Side Story.

Will be hitting the road in September, 2007 with the national tour of My Fair Lady which ends quite nicely in Tempe at Gammage Auditorium in June, 2008.

Courtney Ozer DeCristofaro

Courtney was Doc in the first VYT production ever -- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Other favorite roles: Giant's housekeeper in Jack and the Beanstalk; lead female in Rumpelstiltskin; witch in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; Jo in Little Women. Courtney also stage managed many shows and directed After the Ball: The Search for Cinderella while still in high school. She was regularly involved in VYT from 1989-1996 and was the president of VYTeens.

Courtney graduated from New York University with a B.A. in political science and creative writing in 2000. She went on to graduate from Georgetown University Law Center with a J.D. in 2003, where she was editor-in-chief of the Georgetown Law Weekly, senior articles editor and line editor of the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal, published in the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal, and student member of the admissions committee.

Courtney has been working in New York City at the litigation firm of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman since September 2003. She is also the copy editor for mom Hope Ozer's community newspaper CITYSunTimes. She was married at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale in May 2004 to James DeCristofaro, who she met at Georgetown and who also practices law in New York City. She and James had their first child, daughter Oakley Basche DeCristofaro, on August 22, 2007.

Chad Frederick Gilbert

Toad in A Year with Frog and Toad (AriZoni Award WINNER), the Cat in Honk! (AriZoni Award Nominee), Joe in School House Rock LIVE!, Geppetto in Pinocchio (Arizoni Award WINNER), Tweedle Dee in Alice in Wonderland (AriZoni Award WINNER), The Funky Monkey in The Wiz, Mike Tee Vee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fagin's Boy in Oliver! (AriZoni Award Nominee), Winnie The Pooh Christmas Tail 4 times Owl (AriZoni Award Nominee), Christopher Robin twice, and Rabbit, Yorick in The Little Mermaid (AriZoni Award Nominee). and many more!

Chad was involved with the improv troupe for two seasons, interned and directed at summer camps for 3 summers, helped start up the NEW VYTeens and was a part of it for three years.

Chad has been going to school at Scottsdale Community College getting generals out of the way. He signed with Dani's Agency, and has been going on auditions for TV/Film jobs. He will be moving to California this summer (June 2007). He wants to go to the Art Institute of San Diego where he will study his other passion, Fashion Merchandising. Chad hopes to get an agent in California so he can continue to reach for his dream.

Sean Rhys Gilyeat

Most recently performed in Titanic playing Captain EJ Smith. Started with VYT in The Sound of Music, The Secret Garden, and Bye Bye Birdie.

Currently playing the title role in Nearly Naked Theatre's production of Tommy on the Phoenix Little Theatre stage. Will be attending The Academy for the Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles in 2007 as well as summer programs with the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Persuing a career as an actor in film, theatre, film, and a vocalist/songwriter. His first album, self-produced and written is slated to be released summer of 2007.

Kimiko Glenn

Kimiko has been seen by VYT audiences for over seven years. Most recently, she appeared as Demeter in CATS and received ariZoni Awards for her portrayal of Ursula Merkle in Bye Bye Birdie and Aunt Sponge in James and the Giant Peach as well as a nomination for A Year with Frog and Toad as Turtle, Young Frog and Squirrel.

Other roles include Ayah in The Secret Garden, ensemble in the joint VYT/Phoenix Theatre production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods.

Kimiko attended Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan as a musical theatre major. She was honored to represent the Musical Theatre department in the school's esteemed "Collage" performance in October, 2006.

Kimiko Glenn was a 2007 NFAA youngARTS Winner in Theater and joined other winners in Miami in January, 2007.

She was one of 50 youths nominated nationally to be a 2007 Presidential Scholar in the Arts.

She graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan and is currently a freshman at The Boston Conservatory.

Kimiko has landed the role of "Thea" in the national tour of Broadway's 2007 Tony award winning Best Musical Spring Awakening.

Katie Olsen Hart

My first show at VYT was the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. I also performed in Titanic (ariZoni nomination), Annie, Grease, Into The Woods, The Wizard of Oz (ariZoni award) and Disney's Beauty and the Beast (ariZoni Award).

While I was still in high school, I worked for Phoenix Theatre in three of their contracted plays: Picnic, I Love A Piano (ariZoni nomination) and Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. In the fall of 2006, I moved to St. Louis, Missouri to pursue my B.F.A. degree in Musical Theatre at Webster University's Musical Theatre Conservatory in the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts.

Christian Hochhalter

Started with VYT in the Comedy & Improv Troop, then on to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Augustus Gloop).

Involved in theater at Mountain Pointe High School in Ahwatukee. Professor How Could You. Member of SAG have done a Best Buy international commercial, filmed a TV pilot and short movie that went to Caanes film festival. Am currently waiting to stop growing so tall to get back to LA Auditions. With Bobby Ball/Defining Artists agency in LA.

Have been on quite a few interesting auditions -- was called back for role in Cheaper by the Dozen with Steve Martin but was too tall for the role; they literally got out a tape measure and got an accurate measurement at the call back. I had already filmed a TV pilot with Hailey Duff so I knew I was a full head taller than Hillary's sister. That was a big disappointment I would have really enjoyed working with Steve Martin. That was back in 6th grade. Currently a sophomore at Mountain Pointe. I still have my sights set high for the future.

Anthony Jackson

Oliver! - Oliver
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Charlie
The Wiz - Ensemble
Jack and the Beanstalk - Man in the Moon
Honk! - Bullfrog
Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail - Eeyore
School House Rock LIVE! - George
Alice in Wonderland - King
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Simeon, Levi
Titanic - Stevedore
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown - Linus
Grease! - Eugene
Into the Woods - Narrator
The Wizard of Oz - Uncle Henry/Ozian

I'm currently going to school at Emerson College in Boston, MA. I'm pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre.

Alyson Maloney

Alyson started acting when she was five years old in her home state of Omaha Nebraska, after watching a Shirley Temple film. She started her early training with The Omaha Theatre Company for Young People, and The Omaha Community Playhouse. She moved to Phoenix in 2001. Alyson's favorite roles include The Night Before Christmas (Sarah Mae, Phoenix Theatre/Cookie Company), The Miracle Worker (Helen Keller, Scottsdale Community Players, Maxie Honorable Mention), Wait Until Dark (Gloria, Tempe Little Theatre, AriZoni nomination), 102 (Laura, Is What It Is Theatre, original drama). Alyson's VYT credits include Charlotte's Web (Ensemble), A Winnie-The-Pooh Christmas Tail 2004 (Eeyore), James and The Giant Peach (Narrator, AriZoni Nomination), and A Year with Frog and Toad (Mouse, Squirrel, Mole).

Alyson just finished her third season with Actors Theatre of Phoenix annual production of A Christmas Carol as Belinda Cratchit/Female Ensemble. Beginning in January of 2007, Alyson will move to Los Angeles California to pursue her passion at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Alana Messinger

I began my experience with VYT in the late 80's or early 90's as the white rabbit in Alice and Wonderland, a role that I actually played again in a later VYT production. My very favorite role was Lucy in the first The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I was involved in numerous other productions until 1997 including Annie, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. I was also a part of VYTeens and sang in the touring group.

I am currently a graduate student at Northern Arizona University pursuing a master's degree in English. I continued singing throughout my time as an undergraduate student and acted in a few independent films. I hold many memories from VYT close to my heart and am happy to see many old friends on this page. =)

Wolfram Ott

Wolfram first began his time with Valley Youth Theatre as a member of the male ensemble for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He was also then seen in Titanic (John Astor), Charlotte's Web (John Arable), and The Hobbit (Gollum) for which he received his first AriZoni Award of Excellence. In Wolfram's time with VYT he was also a member of the improv troupe, and was intern working with the Lowell Afterschool Playhouse.

Wolfram also had his first taste of technical theatre while working for Valley Youth Theatre, having worked as an electrician and follow spot operator for a number of shows in his time there.

Since leaving Valley Youth Theatre, Wolfram worked for many community and professional companies in Phoenix as an actor, including Nearly Naked Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre, Artist's Theatre Project, Actor's Renaissance Theatre, South Mountain Community College, Glendale Community College, Phoenix Theatre's Festival of New Works, and Phoenix Theatre's The Cookie Company.

Wolfram has of late shifted his focus to things that lie behind the scenes. Wolfram is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Design and Production with a focus in lighting design from Arizona State University.

Wolfram has worked as an electrician, master electrician and designer for countless companies in Arizona, including Arizona State University's Mainstage Theatre, Childsplay, Nearly Naked Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, Actor's Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre, Center Dance Ensemble and many, many more. Wolfram received his first AriZoni Theatre Award of Excellence Nomination for lighting design in 2006 for his design of The Shakespeare Theatre's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Wolfram was also honored for his lighting design for ASU's production of Paul North' s new play The House Where Nobody Lives with a nomination for 2007 The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

"I would like to thank all of the production staff, for giving me such a great experience and such amazing opportunities. If it weren't for my time with VYT I never would have met so many amazing professionals and learned so much about this craft I love so much."

Lindsay Page

Wizard of Oz - lead dancer, Ransom of Red Chief - Mrs. Hicks, Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail (first production) - Stage Manager/set design Summer Workshop, Alice in Wonderland - Assistant Director, and many, many others!

"After VYT, I taught voice for a few years and traveled around Europe for a few months. Now, I am an Assistant Branch Manager at a mortgage company and have a wonderful husband and a two year old son. Thank you Bobb (and everyone else I worked with) for helping to make me the successful and happy person I am today!"

Shelley Rae Phetteplace

Shelley was part of the first production of The Wiz, and shortly after performed with VYT at the Herberger in Cinderella.

She currently is living in New York City, and has been for the past couple of years. The first job she booked was the national tour of Camelot. Since then, she's been performing regionally in shows like Anything Goes, Brigadoon, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and most recently A Christmas Carol, in New York City.

Vince Reign

Vince has appeared in several notable VYT shows: Beauty and the Beast, Grease and Little Shop of Horrors.

After VYT, Vince signed with Dani's Agency and has been in films like TransAmerica, The Controller, Jake's Corner, Star Power, Dollie's Diner, & Like You Said. In addition to film, Vince has landed numerous commercials and public service announcements like "Expect the Max", AMVets, and Valley Metro. Vince was recently featured in MYFM magazine.

Follow Vince's career at his website, www.VinceReign.com, or his IMDb entry.

Katie Rex

A veteran VYT performer having appeared as Maria in The Sound of Music, Peter in Peter Pan and Anita in West Side Story. Katie is a graduate of Loyola Marymount.

Alex Ringler

Attended The University of the Arts where he appeared in many faculty, senior and student choreography shows working with such chorographers as Christopher Huggins, Roni Koresh, Scott Jovovich (Fosse Original Cast) and local Philadelphian Dance Company Brain Sanders' Junk. Alex will be graduating May 2005 with a BFA in Jazz Dance Performance with Honors.

Alex has appeared as Alonzo/Understudy Munkustrap with Troika Entertainment's North American tour of Cats.

See photos of Alex as Alonzo and Munk in the touring production of CATS.

In the summer of '07 Alex performed in Naked Boys Singing in Provincetown, MA. After that, he performed as Action in the 50th Anniversary European tour of West Side Story. He is currently a Swing in the first national tour of A Chorus Line.

Alex is proud to have been a part of the Valley Youth Theatre and thanks all involved with the productions he was in for furthering his love of performing.

Brandon Rivard

West Side Story, Oliver!, The Wiz (both productions, ariZoni award), Joseph and the Amazing Techniocolor Dreamcoat, Cinderella, Grease, A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail, Titanic: The Musical (ariZoni award). Also a member of VYT Troupes, Improv, and directed "Snoopy: The Musical" at summer camps.

Currently resides in New York City. His most recent role was Cleopatra in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York City, in March of 2006. At AADA, performed in Dolly West's Kitchen, Moonchildren, The Right Honourable Gentleman, The Shadow Box, The Three Angels, and Boys' Life.

Ashley Robinette

Ashley was the lead in The Little Mermaid at Valley Youth Theatre and is currently pursuing acting roles in LA where she has an agent and a manager.

Molly Robinson

Molly started at VYT in 2000 as Grandma Josephine in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Since then, she has been involved many times backstage, in the pit, and onstage in such roles as Esmeralda in Princess and the Pea (Zoni award), Shulie in School House Rock, Aunt Em in The Wiz ('the voice' forever!), Alice Beane in TITANIC (Zoni nomination) and Rizzo in Grease. She also was given the opportunity to teach and music direct at VYT workshops and outreach programs. She's currently a sophomore studying Musical Theatre in the University of Miami's Music Theatre Conservatory, just completed her first summer stock at Quisisana in Center Lovell, Maine, as Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof.

Truely, I'd never be the performer or person I am if it weren't for Valley Youth Theatre. The staff constantly gave everything they had to make all of us the best we could be both onstage and off, and I wouldn't trade my experience for the world! Much love to all, and I MISS AZ!!!

Tyler Chad Service

Annie, Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music, Titanic. Was the technical director for two years.

Joined actors equity union, got married and I am currently pursuing my career doing shows like Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Golf the musical and A Christmas Carol to name a few.

Columbus Keith Short

Columbus starred at Valley Youth Theatre as The Lion in The Wizard of Oz.

He toured with Stomp and as a backup dancer for Britney Spears. He has recently appeared in ER, American Dreams, That's So Raven, and Judging Amy.

Columbus Keith Short recently starred in the feature film Accepted with Justin Long (2006). See the IMDb for more about Accepted.

Matthew E. Smith

Matt started his acting credits in the 6the grade with Alpha Omega Publishing doing Short Films for Home School Curriculum, and also did Public Service Announcements for the City of Chandler.

His VYT credits include Cinderella, The Wiz (Spot Operator), "Asher" in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, "Officer Lightoller" in Titanic, "Artie and Mr. Hull" in Annie and Vince Fontain's sidekick "Flip McDoogle" in the preshow for Grease. Matt also did an Independent Film done by another Alumni, David Chorley.

Matt now is working for Disney Cruise Line on the ship "The Magic" as an Entertainer. He's a great friend with Goofy, Captain Hook and The Beast from Beauty and the Beast. He is having the time of his life doing what he loves to do, making people smile.

Jordin Sparks

2007 American Idol Jordin Sparks first appeared with Valley Youth Theatre as a Poppy and an Emerald City dancer in The Wiz in March of 2002. She appeared in Cinderella at the Herberger Theater Center in June of 2002 and again when Valley Youth Theatre staged The Wiz at the Herberger in August.

Born to former NFL player Phillipi Sparks and mother Jodi Wieman-Sparks, Jordin is home-schooled with her younger brother, PJ, who also appeared in The Wiz at Valley Youth Theatre. Her music career has already taken her around the country in a whirlwind tour of award show after another, winning titles including Overall Spotlight Winner in the Gospel Music Association in Washington, D.C., Alice Cooper's Proof is in the Pudding Contest in Phoenix and has placed in numerous other national contests.

Here are a few photos of Jordin in VYT shows.

Chelsea Staub

Chelsea Staub was nine years old when she landed the role of "Young Kim" in the National Broadway Tour of Showboat. That same year, she discovered Valley Youth Theatre and made her first appearance as Marta in The Sound of Music. VYT became her second home as she continued to perform in such shows as Peter Pan, The Wiz, Cinderella, Oliver, Schoolhouse Rock, Titanic, and in her favorite run of all time, Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden.

Chelsea is now 18 and has moved her life to Los Angeles where she is pursuing an acting career. Since the big move, she has booked guest starring roles on Cracking Up, Listen Up, and Summerland and will be starring as the evil student body president, Meredith, in Bratz: The Movie coming to theaters in August, 2007. You may catch Chelsea next year as Kari Langsdorf on Disney's The Wizards of Waverly Place and as Stella Malone in the new original series, J.O.N.A.S! Starring the Jonas Brothers.

Track Chelsea's career at her Internet Movie Database entry, Wikipedia, or visit the Bratz Film website.

Visit Chelsea's website.

Whitney Steele

Whitney Steele's first show at VYT was The Canterville Ghost playing the role of Rebecca. She also performed in A Winnie The Pooh Christmas Tail playing the role of Kanga and in the first Grease production playing the role of Patty Simcox. Whitney was also seen in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe as well as the first Bye Bye Birdie production.

Recently, Whitney recorded her first EP which can be found on CD baby, Itunes, and the PMN. She also recorded her first music video for her song Storm Warning due to be released in November of 2006. Whitney is currently working on her full length debut album which you can find in March of 2007 which will include the song she wrote, "You Won't See Me Crying", featuring Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms!

Watch Whitney's music video.

Emma Stone

Emma's past show credits with VYT (as Emily Stone) include Otter in The Wind in the Willows (ariZoni Nomination and Drama Beat Award), two seasons as Eeyore in A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail (ariZoni Nomination), Old Queen Maude in The Princess and the Pea (ariZoni Award), Portia in Cinderella (ariZoni Award, Maxie Honorable Mention), and ensemble roles in both productions of The Wiz. Emma's most recent VYT credits include Stewardess Robinson in Titanic; Dot and Mother Swan in Honk!; Rabbit in A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail; Great Mother in The Little Mermaid; Dori in Schoolhouse Rock Live!; Tweedledum in Alice in Wonderland; Ensemble/Wives in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Emma has an impressive and thriving professional career, including:

Super Bad - Released 2007.

Lucky Louie - an HBO TV series. Emma was Shannon in the Get Out episode.

Malcolm in the Middle - played Diane in the Lois Strikes Back episode.

The Suite Life of Zack and Cody - played Ivana in the Crushed episode.

Drive - Played Violet Ashton in the pilot episode. Drive went to series and will begin airing on FOX in April, 2007, probably after American Idol.

Medium - Played Cynthia McCallister in the Sweet Dreams episode.

The New Partridge Family - Played Laurie Partridge in the series.

Keep up with Emma's professional career at the Internet Movie Database and Wikipedia.

Ashley Stults

Ashley started her theatre experience as an Indian in Peter Pan at the Herberger with Valley Youth Theatre in 2000. Since then she was in many VYT productions including The Wiz (both times), Cinderella, Honk! (Queenie/Grace), The Little Mermaid, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Titanic (Marion Thayer-Zoni nomination), Charlotte's Web (Charlotte-Zoni nomination), You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (Sally), Annie, Into the Woods and most recently in The Wizard of Oz as Glinda the Good Witch of the North (Zoni Nomination). Ashley was the president of VYTeens in its first year, interned and choreographed at VYT's Lowell Afterschool Playhouse, interned and taught dance for summer camps for at least three years.

Ashley currently attends ASU and will graduate in December of 2006 with a Bachelor's in Theatre.

She is currently working in professional theatre in the valley with Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Actor's Theatre of Phoenix and Phoenix Theatre. Some credits include Babette in Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol and The Will Rogers Follies.

Jen Temen

VYT credits include Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Milkmaid in Oliver, Ensemble of Grease, Stepmother in Cinderella, Ida Strauss in Titanic.

I played Dainty June in a production of Gypsy at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago, IL. It stars Patti Lupone as Mama Rose and Jessica Boevers as Louise. Directed by Lonny Price, Musical Direction by Paul Gemignani.

See a photo of Jen in Gypsy with Patti Lupone.

Otherwise, I will be a senior Musical Theatre major at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM) in Cincinnati... graduating in March! woo hoo! Then off to New York City...

Alessia Thompson

Dorothy in The Wiz at the Herberger, Dina in Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Apache Dancer in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

After VYT, performed in Chicago at Phoenix Theatre then attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. Recent credits include the nat'l and int'l tours of Dora the Explorer Live! (Isa) and Go Diego Go Live! (Bobo). She is a proud member of Actors Equity Association. Alessia recently recorded an album for Kid Concoctions with the pop group NFUSION Music videos to be aired nationally on PBS beginning this christmas season.

For more on her adventures check out www.AlessiaThompson.com.

Megan Walker

Starred as VYT's first Annie in 1994. She recently performed in Summer of '42 and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn at the famed Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut (where Annie premiered in 1977).

Laura Waters

Laura (Gasparac) appeared in VYT's The Prince and The Pauper (2001) and was a member of the inaugural season of the VYT Performance Troupes.

Laura lives and works in LA and recently completed the film Bryan Loves You with George Wendt and Tony Todd.

View Laura's Internet Movie Profile Database entry.

Alanna Wilson

The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble) and The Sound of Music (Sister Sophia) both at the Herberger Theatre Center. She also appeared as Deborah Sue in Bye, Bye Birdie.

A graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University, she is currently living in New York City and is pursuing an acting career. She has appeared in numerous shows, films, and TV pilots. "Special thanks to everyone at VYT for inspiring me to pursue my love of performing."