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WelcomeWelcome to The DPAC Rising Star Awards! Tonight is a celebration of extraordinary talent, dedication, and the vibrant community that makes high school musical theatre in our region so special. We’re so glad you are here to share in this moment.
This season marks the 15th anniversary of The DPAC Rising Star Awards. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much this program has grown. In the first ever season back in 2010/2011, the awards ceremony was a simple gathering, with no production elements and participation from a small group of schools across the Triangle. Today, it has evolved into a full-scale production, featuring student technicians in lighting, sound, costumes, and stage management; more than 50 high school musicals participating; over 200 students nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress; nearly $10,000 awarded in scholarships; and over 15 awards distributed. Most impressively, the level of talent continues to rise — so much so that many of these students could be on Broadway tomorrow.
While the scale of what has been accomplished over the years is remarkable, what matters most is the spirit behind it. Rising Stars exists because of a powerful network of educators, artists, and advocates who believe deeply in the importance of arts education. To our teachers and program leaders: thank you. Your passion and care have introduced us to hundreds of talented, thoughtful, and inspiring young people, and your impact extends far beyond the stage.
At its heart, tonight is a celebration of growth, connection, and storytelling — beyond the recognition and awards it includes. My hope is that every student and school feels proud of what they’ve accomplished and inspired to continue creating, wherever their path may lead.
To our audience: thank you for being part of this community and for championing the next generation of artists and storytellers.
Enjoy the show!
Megan Rindoks Director of Community Engagement, DPAC Executive Director & Producer, The DPAC Rising Star Awards
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Starring 2026 Rising Stars Finalists
Hosted by Clay Aiken
Director Brendan Stackhouse
Head Coach David Henderson
Vocal Coach
Yolanda Rabun
Production
Stage Manager
Sasha Wolfrum
Microphone Manager
Ephraim Baksh
Costume & Props Manager
Isaac Baksh
Executive Director/Producer
Megan Rindoks
Music Director & Arranger
Mark Hopper
Vocal Coach
Lisa Jolley
Production Manager
Brian Hunt
Student Tech Team
Talent Manager
Anavia Sotirkys
Student Photographer
Addicyn Workman
Head Assistant Sound Designer
Joseph Swain
Costume & Props Coordinators
August Buczynski
Emma Hoffman
Lillie Martin
Sadie Martinez-Wayman
Head Choreographer
Freddie Lee Heath
Closing Number Choreographer Jose Rondon Jr.
Assistant Stage Manager
Ella Martin
Wigs & Makeup
Coordinator
Lana Clayton
Head Assistant
Lighting Designer
Brice Shearburn
Talent Coordinators
Ayla Cantrell
Ava Pieraccini
Niyah Seale
Emily Thacker
Mark Williams
Projection Operator
Emerson Wick
Teleprompter Operator
Robert Warren
Assistant
Sound Designer
Julia Olinger
Assistant Lighting Designers
Logan Chistopher
Paisley McIntyre
Albert Poxta-Ramirez
Act One
Hamilton Tribute Full Cast
Welcome Clay Aiken
Presenting Sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
Student Reporter Award ABC-11
Best Ensemble Awards Alumni
Judge Introductions Clay Aiken
Medley Group #1 Finalists
Best Student Lighting, Set, and Costume Design Awards Alumni
Medley Group #2 Finalists
Best Student Choreography and Orchestra Awards Alumni
“Fame” Finalists
20 Minute Intermission
Act Two
Behind The Scenes Video Root Media
“New Music” Finalists
Best Musical Awards Alumni
Outstanding Performance in an Ensemble Awards .......................................................... Alumni
NYFA Scholarships, Best Dancer and The DPAC Shining Star Awards Alumni
Curtain Call ...................................................................................................................... Full Cast
Starring
2026 Rising Stars Finalists
Listed in order of appearance in Medley 1
Khatari Lane “Make A Move”
Donkey Shrek The Musical
Senior at Nash Central High School
Natalie Gossin “All For You”
Gertrude McFuzz
Seussical Freshman at St. David’s School
Mollie Reeves “Vanilla Ice Cream”
Amalia Balash
She Loves Me
Senior at Cardinal Gibbons
High School
Maddie Behrens “A Trip to the Library”
Ilona
She Loves Me
Senior at Cardinal Gibbons
High School
Gabriella Brunson “World Burn”
Regina George
Mean Girls: High School Version
Junior at Pinecrest High School
Conor Hernandez “Stop!” Damian
Mean Girls: High School Version
Senior at Durham Academy
Gabriel Emery “God, I Hate Shakespeare”
Nick Bottom
Something Rotten!
Junior at Wake Forest High School
Colleen Eveson “Bring Him Home”
Jean Valjean
Les Misérables
Senior at Saint Mary’s School
Mason Miller “The Oldest Established”
Nathan Detroit Guys & Dolls
Senior at South Garner High School
Nicolas Sanchez “Step in Time”
Bert Mary Poppins
Junior at Enloe Magnet
High School
Starring
2026 Rising Stars Finalists
Listed in order of appearance in Medley 2
Kael Alley “Stranger”
Will Bloom
Big Fish: High School Edition
Senior at Millbrook High School
Campbell Hill
“Amazing Mayzie”
Mayzie La Bird
Seussical
Junior at St. David’s School
Rosalie Salissou
“From The Bottom of my Broken Heart”
Snow White
Once Upon A One More Time
Senior at Weaver Academy
Alexander Min “SOS”
Sam Carmichael
Mamma Mia!
Senior at East Chapel Hill
High School
Rain Readling
“Practically Perfect”
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins
Sophomore at Enloe
Magnet Hill High School
Gabrielle James “Adelaide’s Lament”
Miss Adelaide Guys & Dolls
Junior at South Garner High School
Owen Henderson “A Musical”
Nostradamus
Something Rotten!
Sophomore at Wake Forest High School
Ethan Johnson “Nothing”
August
Water For Elephants: High School Edition
Junior at C.E. Jordan High School
Caleb Zedek “She Loves Me”
Georg Nowak
She Loves Me
Senior at Cardinal Gibbons
High School
Faith Sutton Daniels
“I Will Always Love You”
Rachel Marron
The Bodyguard
Senior at Knightdale High School
Brynlee Carey
Brianna Garcia
American Leadership Academy
Sophia Bell
David Mills
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Leigha Kernodle
Lian Petrella Carolina Friends School
Phineas Field
Tamizhini Thanavel Carrboro High School
Piper Knight
Lyric Young C.E. Jordan High School
Willa Rainey
Eliza Scott Chapel Hill High School
Wilmond Barnes
Brooke Lynn Murray
Clayton High School
Emma Bernstein Durham Academy
Hazel Cox-Morrison
Aiden Vaughn Durham School of the Arts
Helena Pithan Nunes
Sophia Zabala East Chapel Hill High School
Milo Accornero
Natalie Ross Enloe Magnet High School
Audrey Fagin
Beth Hilbert
Franklin Academy
Featuring
Ensemble Members
Ashley Morales Fernandez
Christian Ross
Graham High School
Luca Lemelle
Annelise Wadsack-Stewart Green Hope High School
Delaney Fuquay Angel Johnson
Jordan-Matthews High School
Isaura Aisa Rodriguez Dana Evans Knightdale High School
Delvin Cano-Gonzalez
Wren Motley Longleaf School of the Arts
Amelia Williams
Noah Wilson Millbrook High School
Jillian Hale
Matthew McKellar
Nash Central High School
Gabriel Delgado Northwood High School
Jeremiah Allen
Ella VanSleet Overhills High School
Logan Brown
Shelby Eubanks Pinecrest High School
Lilly Bowman
Kwesi Covington RJ Reynolds High School
Vivian Gustafson
Addison Phillips
Saint Mary’s School
Amelia Gray Karmen Hudson School for Creative Studies
Bailey Smith
Samuel Zwahlen Seaforth High School
Uel Nguandu
Abbi Sirmons South Garner High School
Lex Flanagan
Ava Smith South Stokes High School
Maxwell Friberg
Victoria Katz
St. David’s School
Jules Davis Di Gu
St. Thomas More Academy
Natalie Baker
Carson Ohrel
Wake Forest High School
Ella Molina
Lousia Steiner
Wakefield High School
Thomas Barnhill
Leila Dixon
Weaver Academy
Ava Wilson West Johnston High School
Kaden Dhaliwal
Charlee Wiesen
Willow Spring High School
Amanda Yoder
Featuring Returning Alumni
2011 Best Actress Winner
Anna Wentworth Higginson
2013 Best Actress Winner
Matthew Washington
2014 Best Actor Winner
Alexander Fernandez
2015 Best Actor Winner
Jacob Bush
2016 Best Actor Winner
Kaylee Terrell Sandelin
2017 Best Actress Winner
Nicholas Kraft
2017 Best Actor Winner
Elena Holder
2021 Best Actress Winner
Joshua Thompson
2022 Best Actor Winner
Noah Colvin
2023 Best Actor Winner
Alexandra Fluker
2024 Best Actress Winner
Conor Kruger
2024 Best Actor Winner
Carmen Sofia Dubon
2025 Best Actress Winner
Josiah Jennings
2025 Best Actor Winner
The DPAC Rising Star Awards Orchestra
Taiki Azuma Reed 1
Ron Ford Reed 2
Ian Rood Trumpet
Alan Winkler Violin 1
Emi Hildebrandt Violin 2
Sherry Lattin Viola
Davis Linger Cello
Tommy Nowell Bass
Matt Nowell Guitar 1
Tyler Nowell Drums/Percussion
Mark Hopper Keys 1
Diane Petteway Keys 2
Meet the Host
CLAY AIKEN (Host) has been a passionate supporter of The DPAC Rising Star Awards since first hosting the ceremony in 2019. America first fell in love with Clay during season two of American Idol, where his extraordinary talent and charisma made him a household name. His journey on the show became a cultural phenomenon, with nearly 40 million viewers tuning in for the finale.
Clay’s music career quickly skyrocketed, with chart-topping singles and albums that sold millions of copies worldwide. Over the course of his career, he has headlined 12 national tours and performed on some of the world’s most celebrated stages. In 2004, he co-headlined a national tour with Kelly Clarkson, earning praise for his dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals.
Beyond pop music, Clay has also found success on Broadway. His debut in Monty Python’s Spamalot earned rave reviews, and he later returned to Broadway for Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show alongside fellow Idol alum Ruben Studdard.
Offstage, Clay is deeply committed to advocacy and service. Building on his early experience as a special education teacher, he co-founded the National Inclusion Project, which works to create inclusive experiences for children with disabilities. He also served for a decade as a UNICEF ambassador, traveling internationally to advocate for children’s education, safety, and well-being.
Clay recently returned to music, releasing new material and performing his first new single in 18 years on American Idol. You can stream his music on Spotify or wherever you listen to music.
Musicals Adjudicated This Season
American Leadership Academy Johnston
The SpongeBob Musical Mamma Mia!
Athens Drive Magnet High School
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)
Broughton High School
Frozen The Musical
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
She Loves Me
Carolina Friends School
High School Musical
Carrboro High School
Once Upon A One More Time
CE Jordan High School
Water For Elephants: High School Edition -
National Pilot Production
Chapel Hill High School
Annie
Christ Covenant School
Anne of Green Gables
Clayton High School
The SpongeBob Musical
Dudley High School Dreamgirls
Little Shop of Horrors
Durham Academy
Upper School
Mean Girls: High School Edition
Durham School of the Arts
Hadestown: Teen Edition
East Chapel Hill High School
Mamma Mia!
Enloe Magnet High School
Mary Poppins
The Theory of Relativity
Franklin Academy High School
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)
Graham High School
Little Shop of Horrors
Green Hope High School
Urinetown
Green Level High School
Seussical TYA
Heritage High School
Footloose Newsies
Jordan-Matthews High School
Sister Act
Knightdale High School
SIX: Teen Edition
The Bodyguard Musical
Lee County High School
Mamma Mia!
Longleaf School of the Arts
Seussical
Massey Hill Classical High School
Hadestown: Teen Edition
Millbrook High School
Big Fish: School Edition
Nash Central High School
Shrek
Northwood High School
Mean Girls: High School Edition
Overhills High School
Hadestown: Teen Edition
Pinecrest High School
Mean Girls:
High School Edition
RJ Reynolds Magnet
High School
Frozen The Musical
Rolesville High School
Legally Blonde The Musical
Saint Mary’s School
Les Misérables
Seaforth High School
High School Musical
South Garner High School
Guys and Dolls
South Stokes High School Newsies
St. David’s School Seussical
St. Thomas More Academy
SIX: Teen Edition
Swept Away
The School for Creative Studies
The Wizard of Oz
Voyager Academy Newsies
Wake Forest High School
Something Rotten
Wakefield High School
Alice By Heart
Mamma Mia!
Weaver Academy for the Performing Arts
Once Upon A One More Time
West Johnston High School
Little Women
Western Harnett
High School
Rock of Ages Teen Edition
Willow Spring High School
The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical
Adjudication
The DPAC Rising Star Awards could not happen without our panel of incredibly dedicated judges. Rising Stars judges volunteer their time and expertise in support of this program and the many talented students and schools it serves.
Year-Round Judges
Year-Round Judges reviewed all high school musical productions. Their scores and comments determined finalists in all awards categories.
Lead Judges
Judy Dove
Joni Falvey
Susannah Hough
Michaela Ashworth
Dylan Bailey
Sandra Berman
Dustin Britt
Alli Mae Carnes
Rod Carter
Bryant Chappell
Abagail Dawkins
Mark Falgout
Patrick Falgout
Barbette Hunter
Diane Petteway
Lauren Sale
Matthew Hager
Douglas Hall
Jennifer Ijeoma
Chelsea James
Noel James
Tami Kress
Angela Lee
MC Malone
Dan Mason
Jennifer McEwen
Ceremony Judges
Samantha Scipioni
Michele Weathers
Sejal Mehta
Verlene Oates
Thomas Porter
Deb Royals
Bridget Sagolla-Slamp
Ted Silver
Bill Strader
Joyce Strand
Renee Wimberly
Nick Zayas
Ceremony Judges review Best Actor and Best Actor finalists, and together determine which two will advance to the Jimmy Awards in NYC this June.
Meredith Blair
President & CEO of The Booking Group
Courtney Liu
Director-Choreographer and Assistant Director of Music Theatre at Elon University
Eric Woodall
Broadway Casting Director, Broadway Associate Director, and Artistic Director of Theatre Raleigh
Meet the Ceremony Judges
MEREDITH BLAIR has served as the President of The Booking Group since its inception in 1996. In 30 years, TBG has represented 28 Tony Award® winning Best Musicals, Revivals and Plays. Some of TBG’s current touring productions include Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Book of Mormon, Hadestown, Six, Mamma Mia!, MJ the Musical, Suffs, Some Like it Hot, The Notebook, and The Wiz, as well As Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight. TBG is also proud to represent the upcoming tours of: Boop!, Buena Vista Social Club, Oh, Mary!, Operation Mincemeat, Ragtime, Schmigadoon, The Devil Wears Prada, The Lost Boys, Two Strangers (Walk a Cake Across NY), and Just In Time.
COURTNEY LIU is a Director-Choreographer and Assistant Professor of Music Theatre at Elon University. She has performed with the Broadway cast of The Phantom of the Opera (Ballet Ensemble, Swing, Meg u/s, Assistant Dance Captain), Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, AEA & Disney Developmental labs, the Broadway Dance Lab, Norwegian Cruise Lines (Performer, Assistant Director), Busch Gardens Theme Parks, the Cincinnati Ballet, and Peridance Contemporary Dance Company. Recent choreography credits include Forestburgh Theatre, Timber Lake Theatre, Playmakers SYC, and the American Dance Festival. Courtney has taught dance for 20+ years and completed certification programs in Luigi Jazz Technique, Giordano Jazz Dance Technique, Vinyasa Yoga, and the ABT Ballet Teacher Training Program. Her research on flow states and dance pedagogy has been published in the Journal of Dance Education (JODE) and presented at conferences across the United States. Courtney received her BA in Psychology and MFA in Dance from Duke University.
ERIC WOODALL is a director, casting director, and educator with a distinguished career in American theatre. He spent over fifteen years as Casting Director at Tara Rubin Casting, working on more than thirty Broadway productions, including The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Aladdin, Mary Poppins, and Mamma Mia!, with regional credits spanning Yale Repertory Theatre, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and The Old Globe, among others. He also served as Resident Associate Director of Mamma Mia!, overseeing its Broadway, National Tour, Las Vegas, and Royal Caribbean productions. A proud North Carolina native, Eric has taught and led masterclasses at NYU, Carnegie Mellon, Duke, and institutions in the UK and Australia. He returned to his home state in 2018 as Producing Artistic Director of The North Carolina Theatre — the same year American Theatre magazine named him “A Person You Should Know” — and was appointed Artistic Director of Theatre Raleigh in 2024. He holds a BFA in Drama with Honors from Carnegie Mellon University.
Who’s Who
Best Actor and Best Actress Finalists
KAEL ALLEY (Best Actor Finalist) is a senior at Millbrook High School. He has been in love with theater ever since starting high school with his first show Guys & Dolls. Kael is so excited to be a DPAC Rising Stars finalist this year as it has been his dream since starting theater. Kael looks forward to continuing theater after high school at UNC Wilmington. Thank to everyone who has supported his theater journey!
MADDIE BEHRENS (Best Actress Finalist) is absolutely thrilled to be a Rising Stars finalist this year! A senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School, Maddie has recently been seen as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and as Ilona in She Loves Me. Local credits include Emma in Curse of the Starving Class at Theatre Raleigh and Dancer/Chimney Sweep in A Christmas Carol at Theatre in the Park. She sends endless gratitude to Ferg, ZT, Ms. Julie, and Mrs. Ashley for their incredible support. Much love to everyone she’s had the joy of sharing the stage with, especially her Gibbons family!
@maddie_behrens_”
GABRIELLA BRUNSON (Best Actress Finalist) is a junior at Pinecrest High School. She has been a part of theater since she was six years old and she started dancing three years before that. Gabby is so excited to be performing as a Rising Stars finalist. She has always loved watching shows at this magnificent theater and can’t believe she gets the opportunity to perform on this exact stage. Gabby is lucky to be moving on to the UNCSA High School of Drama for her senior year. She’d like to thank her friends and family for believing in her, even when she didn’t.
@brunson._burner
GABRIEL EMERY (Best Actor Finalist) is a junior at Wake Forest High School. He has been performing since 7th grade and is so excited to perform on the DPAC stage with these incredible people as a DPAC Rising Stars finalist. Gabriel would like to thank his family, friends, and all his teachers!
@gabriel_emeryy
COLLEEN EVESON (Best Actress Finalist) has been in love with singing and performing from a young age, but didn’t discover her passion for musical theater until reaching high school, when she performed as Miss Honey, Jane Seymour, and her nominated role, Jean Valjean. She couldn’t be more thrilled to be making her dreams come true as a Rising Stars finalist on the DPAC stage! Next year, she will be attending Duke University with a dual major in Vocal Performance and Religious Studies. Love to her family, Mrs. Moran, and Mrs. Wells. Mark 9:23
@colleenevesonmusic
NATALIE GOSSIN (Best Actress Finalist) is a freshman at St. David’s School. She has loved the stage ever since she was three years old and started musical theatre in the 7th grade playing Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods Jr. at Salem Middle School. She then went on to play Regina George in Salem Middle School’s production of Mean Girls The Musical Junior. Natalie is beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a DPAC Rising Stars finalist for the 2026 year. She would like to thank Mr. McClutchey and her friends and family for supporting her throughout her journey.
OWEN HENDERSON (Best Actor Finalist) is a sophomore at Wake Forest High School. He fell in love with theater after participating in his first high school show as a 7th grader.
Who’s Who
Owen is so excited to be a Rising Stars finalist this year and cannot wait to perform on the DPAC stage. He wants to thank Mr. Cerullo, Ms. Mcgrath and Ms. Hoy for helping him shine in his role. He also wants to thank his friends and his parents for everything they do for him.
@owenhendy14
CONOR HERNANDEZ (Best Actor Finalist) is a senior at Durham Academy and is thrilled to be a finalist for the 2026 DPAC Rising Star Awards. He can’t wait to reprise his role as Damian in Mean Girls. Some of his past credits include Jimmy Ray Dobbs in Bright Star, Trent Oliver in The Prom, and Amos Hart in Chicago. Conor plans to continue pursuing theatre and would like to thank his teachers, family, and friends for their support throughout every production.
@conorhernandez_
CAMPBELL HILL (Best Actress Finalist) is a junior at St. David’s School and feels so blessed to be on the DPAC Stage with such great performers. Some of her favorite school performances have been: The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Matilda (Miss Honey), Seussical (Mayzie La Bird). Other local credits include: Our Town (Emily), A Christmas Carol (Martha & Belinda Cratchit), and Anything Goes (SSTI). She is grateful to her parents, teachers, and mentors who encourage her along the way! All Glory to God! Jeremiah 29:11!
@campbell.hill11
GABRIELLE JAMES (Best Actress Finalist) is a junior at South Garner Higher School. She has aways strived for the arts, whether it be dance, acting, or singing. Her firstever musical had her playing a plethora of roles, from Principal Dancer to Garvin in the production of Footloose, and from then on has found a new love in the arts. After making her DPAC debut last year as an
ensemble member for Rising Stars, Gabbie was ecstatic when she found out she was a finalist this year. She can’t wait for her second time performing on the DPAC stage.
ETHAN JOHNSON (Best Actor Finalist) is a junior at Jordan High School. Some of his previous roles include Mr. Mayor in Seussical and Jack Kelly in Newsies Jr. at Trinity School. He just recently played the role of August in the high school national pilot of Water for Elephants. He is so excited to be a Rising Star finalist this year and would like to thank his family and close friends for their love and encouragement, the amazing cast and crew for making this an unforgettable experience, and to Ms. Bellido for welcoming him to Jordan Theatre, and for her guidance and support on and off the stage.
KHATARI LANE (Best Actor Finalist) is a singer-songwriter and actor from Rocky Mount, NC. He is a current senior at Nash Central High School. Khatari has been performing since the ripe age of three. But he officially made his debut on stage as Reverend Hopkins in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. He plans to continue to inspire future generations (and even older) through performance.
MASON MILLER (Best Actor Finalist) is a senior at South Garner High School and has been accepted into the BFA program at East Carolina University for acting. Mason has been in several other productions such as Nate the Great at Raleigh Little Theater, Mischa Bachinski at Pure Life Theater, and Horton the Elephant at Clayton Theatricals. Mason is truly honored to receive this nomination and cannot wait for everyone to see what he has in store in his future. He would like to thank his chorus teacher Sarah Kronenwetter, his amazing theater teacher Kylee Elrod, and his always supportive mom!
Who’s Who
ALEXANDER MIN (Best Actor Finalist) is a senior at East Chapel Hill High School. From loving theatre at a young age, he’s blossomed into an incredibly accomplished artist. Some of his favorite roles have been Orpheus in Hadestown, Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, and the Narrator in Every Brilliant Thing Alexander will be continuing his theatrical studies at Northwestern University next fall. He’s loved coming to see DPAC shows ever since he was as young as four, and he can’t wait to perform on stage!
RAIN READLING (Best Actress Finalist) is 15 years old and a sophomore at Enloe High School. She has been performing with Theatre Raleigh ACT for five years now and trains vocally with Lauren Tompkins. She is beyond thrilled to have been granted this opportunity to be a Rising Stars finalist. She has worked so hard to get to this point and can’t wait for what comes next. Rain wants to thank her parents for their utmost support through her theatre journey.
TikTok: @rain..readling
MOLLIE REEVES (Best Actress Finalist) is honored and delighted to be returning to The DPAC Rising Star Awards! She is a senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, where she has been seen in She Loves Me (Amalia Balash), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Shrek the Musical (Princess Fiona), and Matilda the Musical (Matilda), as well as other professional, international, community, and school performances. In the fall, she will attend Elon University to pursue her BFA in Music Theatre. Endless thanks to family, teachers, friends, and Gibbons Drama for their unwavering support. You can find Mollie on Instagram.
@mollie.f.reeves
ROSALIE SALISSOU (Best Actress Finalist) is a senior at Weaver Academy. She’s been singing for as long as she can remember and
acting for almost as long. Her favorite role, besides Snow White, has been Eurydice in Hadestown. She is so excited to bring her last high school role to life again on the DPAC stage and is honored to have been chosen for the opportunity. Next year she plans on studying Public Policy and Dramatic Arts at either UNC Chapel Hill or Columbia University!
NICOLAS SANCHEZ (Best Actor Finalist) is a junior and is nominated for Bert in Enloe High School’s production of Mary Poppins Next year, he will be attending UNC School of the Arts for their High School Drama program. He is incredibly grateful to his voice teacher, Matthew Hager at the Alli Mae Carnes Studio, his family, everyone at Enloe, and Cresc for their support, love, and guidance. Nic feels honored to be returning to the DPAC Rising Stars Awards and to be part of such a vibrant and encouraging Raleigh theater community.
FAITH SUTTON DANIELS (Best Actress Finalist) is a senior at Knightdale High School. She has adored theatre since the age of five. Faith is honored to be a Rising Stars finalist and is grateful for this opportunity to perform on the DPAC stage. Faith will continue her journey on the stage next year at Hofstra University. Special thanks to Mom, Dad and all of my family.
CALEB ZEDEK (Best Actor Finalist) is a senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh. Growing up, he primarily played baseball until his sister introduced him to musical theater. Ever since, he’s been hooked, and thanks to Gibbons Drama, he’s been able to grow beyond what he thought was possible. After seeing countless shows at the DPAC, Caleb is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform on stage at DPAC as a Rising Stars finalist. Caleb will be attending UNC Chapel Hill next year where he hopes to pursue a major in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Musical Theatre Performance.
Who’s Who
Student Tech Team
EPHRAIM BAKSH (Microphone Manager) is a senior at Carrboro High School and is honored to return as a member of the Student Tech Team. Throughout high school, Ephraim has primarily focused on set design and construction, sound design, and stage management. He is grateful to the Jag Theatre community for their continued support and looks forward to studying biotechnology at UNC Charlotte.
ISAAC BAKSH (Costume & Props Manager) is a senior at Carrboro High School and a returning member of the Student Tech Team. He is well-versed in all aspects of backstage technical theatre and has been a consistent leader within his high school program, Jag Theatre. As an avid sewist, he brings strong costume experience and has also earned the Critics’ Choice Award for Prop Design at the 2025 NC Thesfest. Beyond school productions, he has worked with PlayMakers Repertory Company on the wardrobe crew for Macbeth, and you can follow him on Instagram. @isaacbaksh
AUGUST BUCZYNSKI (Costume & Props Coordinator) is a current junior at Seaforth high school, working as a costume & props coordinator for DPAC Rising Star awards! She has previously worked on Seaforth’s high schools tech team as a runner, a costume designer/dresser, and as assistant stage manager, and out of school shes worked with blue box theater as a sound board operator. August is super excited to be working with DPAC and everyone involved on the show!
AYLA CANTRELL (Talent Coordinator) is a senior at Willow Spring High School and is thrilled for the opportunity to join the DPAC Rising Stars Student Tech Team this
season! Ayla serves as the President of Theatre Leadership at WSHS and leads the WSHS Chapter of the International Thespian Society. Additionally, she has been Stage Manager for three productions. She looks forward to applying her skills to the Student Tech Team and hopes you enjoy the show!
LOGAN CHRISTOPHER (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a sophomore at Pinecrest High School and is excited to be working as an Assistant Lighting Designer. He has been involved in lighting design for the past three years, developing skills in programming and live production. He looks forward to continuing to grow in technical theatre and contribute to future productions. Many thanks to all of his educators and his parents.
LANA CLAYTON (Wigs & Makeup Coordinator) is a Junior at Heritage High School and is thrilled to be helping as a member of the Student Tech Team for the first time this year. She wants to thank Bryan Pheobus and all of the wonderful team at Heritage who have given her the most amazing support and have pushed her to pursue opportunities just like this one!
EMMA HOFFMAN (Costume & Props Coordinator) is excited to be a member of the Student Tech Team this season. She is a sophomore at American Leadership Academy and has served as costume lead for the past year. Through this role, she has developed a passion in costuming and looks forward to improving her skills.
ELLA MARTIN (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Junior at Clayton High School. She is thrilled and truly honored to be a member of the Student Tech Team. Ella started out as an Assistant Stage Manager her freshman year, and recently took on the
Who’s Who
role of Production Stage Manager for CHS’s most recent production of SpongeBob the Musical. She plans on majoring in technical theatre in college in order to pursue a career in technical theatre. She would like to thank her mom for her endless love for theatre, her sister and brother for always being there for her, Mr. Wade for believing in her and giving her countless opportunities, Mrs. Meigs for being so supportive, and Miss Sullivan for her guidance!
LILLIE MARTIN (Costume & Props Coordinator) is a sophomore at Durham School of the Arts and is so excited to be part of the Student Tech Team! Lillie was the Costume Designer of Sense & Sensibility at her high school and hopes to pursue costumes and fashion in college and as an adult.
SADIE MARTINEZ-WAYMAN (Costume & Props Coordinator) is a sophomore at Durham School of the arts and has taken on the role of Costumes & Props Coordinator in this season of DPAC Rising Stars. She’s been a props department head for multiple shows and has experience in stage management as well. She loves learning new things about tech and is so excited for this opportunity. Find her on Instagram! @_sadie.martinez_
PAISLEY MCINTYRE (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a junior at Longleaf School of the Arts and is honored to be on the Student Tech Team as an Assistant Lighting Designer. Paisley has been a part of the theatre departments at both LSA and Raleigh Little Theatre in various roles, but they found their love in lighting. They want to thank Alexis for encouraging them to join theatre in middle school.
JULIA OLINGER (Assistant Sound Designer) is a sophomore at Heritage High School, and is honored to be assisting as an Assistant
Sound Designer & Microphone Coordinator for the DPAC Student Tech Team. Julia has been in Tech Theater since 7th grade as she is excited to continue her career and fulfill her dreams.
AVA PIERACCINI (Talent Coordinator) is a junior at Jordan High School, and is so excited to be a part of the DPAC tech team this season. Ava has performed in her school’s productions for the last three years along with serving as their Marketing Manager and Social Media Coordinator. She’s so excited to learn more about stage management and for tonight’s show. Follow her.
@ava_pieraccini
ALBERT POXTA-RAMIREZ (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a senior at East Wake Magnet High School and has been involved in technical theatre for all four years. He began working in sound and projections before focusing on lighting during his junior and senior years. Albert will attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to pursue a BFA in Technical Theatre with a concentration in Lighting Design. He is excited to serve as a lighting designer for the DPAC Rising Stars 2026.
BRICE SHEARBURN (Head Assistant Lighting Designer) is stoked to be a part of the Student Tech Team for a second time! Brice is a senior at RJ Reynolds High School, where they do lighting design, stage manage, and do most theatre-related things. Brice would like to thank their mom for everything, and they hope you enjoy the show!
@_briceshea
ANAVIA SOTIRKYS (Talent Manager) is a junior graduating early from American Leadership Academy and is grateful to be working on the DPAC Rising Star Awards Student Tech Team this season. She has been co-director and stage manager at her school for three years. Anavia plans to continue
Who’s Who
pursuing technical theatre on the side while preparing for a future in marine biology and conservation in Australia. Follow her.
@navia_bliss
JOE SWAIN (Head Assistant Sound Designer) is a senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School, and is very exited to be working backstage a second time for the DPAC Rising Star Awards. Joe has been the head of audio and a lighting designer at his school since last year, and is going to be studying Theatrical Design & Technology at UNCG starting in fall of 2026. See some of his work at joelightsound.com.
@joe_lights.sound
EMILY THACKER (Talent Coordinator) is a senior at East Chapel Hill High School, and is honored to be a member of the backstage Student Tech Team. Emily has been Stage managing for two years and part of technical theater for four at her high school. She is excited to continue her tech skills along side studying veterinary medicine at Lees-McRae College in the Fall of 2026.
ROBERT WARREN (Teleprompter Operator) is a current senior at Longleaf School of Arts, and would like to thank DPAC for giving him an opportunity to try something, he has never tried before in giving him a chance to be a part of the DPAC rising star tech team. Robert has always like working in live events and theater productions, and started doing theater since freshman year at Longleaf. His plan for the future once he has graduated is to carry on working in live theater and get a degree in entertainment technologies. He can’t wait to be a true professional and a field that he loves.
EMERSON WICK (Projection Operator) is a junior at LongLeaf School of the Arts and excited to be a part of the tech team at DPAC Rising Stars. He would like to thank his parents for encouraging him to not give up on the theater when he was done with being onstage. He hopes that you enjoy the show.
MARK WILLIAMS (Talent Manager) is a senior at Clayton High School, he is honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the Student Tech Team this year at the DPAC Rising Star Awards. Mark Has been a Stage Manager at his high school for the past two years, and he will be studying Technical/ Design theatre at University of North Carolina-Greensboro starting in the fall of 2026. Follow him.
@mwil6224
SASHA WOLFRUM (Production Stage Manager) is a senior at Durham School of the Arts. This is her third year participating in the DPAC Rising Stars Stage Management team. You can follow her on Instagram.
@sashawolfrum
ADDICYN WORKMAN (Student Photographer) is a junior at Longleaf School of the Arts. She is very excited to be working with DPAC Rising Stars as the Student Photographer. For almost four years now, Addi has been taking photos for her school and other communities’ productions as well as events. She loves to document these experiences through her photography so everyone can look back and remember how much fun they had. Follow her at on Instagram for more fun content! Thank you! @addis.super.secret.spam
Who’s Who
Artistic Team
BRENDAN STACKHOUSE (Special Guest Director) is a New-York-City based Director and Choreographer whose work has been seen on stages throughout the country including on Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours, and regionally. Most recently, he spent a year and a half as the Resident Director of the North American tour of Les Misérables. In addition to his theatrical pursuits, he is also a certified Special Education teacher. Programs like The DPAC Rising Star Awards are crucial to the development of young artists in this country, so he feels honored to be working with such dedicated and important artists.
MARK HOPPER (Music Director & Arranger) has directed and MD’d over 50 musicals in the Triangle Area, and is in his sixth season as MD for The DPAC Rising Star Awards. He is the Executive and Artistic Director at
McGregor Hall in Henderson and Director of Music and Worship Arts at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Downtown Raleigh. In 2024, his McGregor Hall production of Ragtime swept the Broadway World Raleigh awards, naming him Best Director of a Musical, Best Music Direction, and Ragtime as Best Musical, among other awards. “Thanks to some incredibly talented students for their hard work (and fun personalities!) and to Freddie-Lee, David, Megan, and Brendan for making this such a formative event for their careers.”
FREDDIE LEE HEATH (Head Choreographer) has technically been involved with Rising Stars since the very first year, as at the time he was teaching and was a school participant. He later became the choreographer of the awards ceremony, which he has been doing now for
GALLERIES | COMMUNITY | ART | OPPORTUNITY
Who’s Who
12 years. He has worked on nearly 150 shows, but Rising Stars is one his favorites. Upcoming projects include School of Rock, Hello, Dolly, Evil Dead, and Frozen! Thanks to the teachers that do the hard work daily for the next generation of artists! Love to Megan and the team for making it happen!
JOSE RONDON JR. (Closing Number
Choreographer) is a former member of Actors Equity Association, the Freddie G Class of 2015, and serves as the Community Engagement Manager for DPAC. His work has been featured at the NBTF and JTF. Favorite choreography credits: Songs for A New World, Spongebob the Musical, Rock of Ages, Heathers the Musical, Tarzan the Musical, Addams Family the Musical, It’s A Hard Knock Life, and Pride Land. Favorite performing credits: Mary Poppins, Spamalot, and Kinky Boots. Jose is very excited for his first year on the production team and believes that “everything happens for a reason.”
DAVID HENDERSON (Acting Coach) has been working with Rising Stars for 13 years. He is the founder and Co-Artistic Director of Honest Pint Theatre Company, and is thrilled to return to Rising Stars, a program that provides endless inspiration. Recent director credits include A Chorus Line and Tiny Beautiful Things, as well as Hamlet. As an actor, he most recently appeared as Joe Kelerl in All My Sons, Nostradamus in Something Rotten! and as James T in Barbecue. Other notable roles include Joey in A Steady Rain, Richard in Richard III, Hamlet in Hamlet, Tracy in The Legend of Georgia McBride and Leontes in A Winter’s Tale. For the past 32 years, he has portrayed Jacob Marley in TIP’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. Thanks to all who support the arts. Drink Deep!
LISA JOLLEY (Vocal Coach) is thrilled to be back with Rising Stars as a vocal coach! As a performer, Lisa has had principal roles on Broadway, (Hairspray), and at regional
Who’s Who
theatres (Paper Mill, Yale Rep, Maine State, North Carolina Theater, PlayMakers) as well as TV roles and several appearances with the NC Symphony. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, she has coached musical theater and acting students at UNC-Chapel Hill, William Peace University, the North Carolina Theater Conservatory, Theatre Raleigh ACT, and Moonlight Stage Co, and improvisation at ComedyWorx in Raleigh, as well as maintaining a private studio.
YOLANDA RABUN (Vocal Coach) is a renowned as a modern Renaissance woman who’s had a career that is a masterclass in versatility. After a distinguished tenure as a Vice President and Executive Lawyer for IBM, Yolanda has successfully pivoted her “brilliance” into the arts and global activism. Her journey from Atlanta’s legendary Northside High School of the Performing Arts — where she graduated as a National
Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) Scholar — to her current status as a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (The Grammys) reflects a lifetime dedicated to the highest standards of the industry. Whether she is delivering a keynote, headlining Music Festivals, or opening shows at DPAC, her presence is transformative. An award-winning Equity actor, Yolanda’s recent stage work includes a powerhouse turn in Theatre Raleigh’s production of Come From Away and a “tour de force” portrayal of the High Priestess of Soul in the one-woman show, No Fear and Blues Long Gone: Nina Simone A celebrated wife, mother, and published BMI/ASCAP songwriter, Yolanda remains a dedicated youth activist and motivational spark. She doesn’t just follow her passion— she accelerates it, proving that you never have to choose between a seat at the corporate table and a spot in the spotlight. www.yolandarabun.com @yolandarabun
Where Are They Now?
2025 Best Actor and Actress Winners
CARMEN SOPHIA DUBON is currently a junior at Weaver Academy in Greensboro. Following her Best Actress win in 2025 at The DPAC Rising Star Awards, Carmen went to NYC to compete nationally at the Jimmy Awards® where she made her Broadway debut on the Minskoff Theatre stage. Since returning home, she has stayed busy this past year and performance season, portraying Dr. Mortimer in The Hound of Baskervilles, and Belinda in Once Upon A One More Time. She’s also made time to continue honing her craft by taking voice lessons and attending professional workshops, including the Disney Imagination Campus “Disney to Broadway” Tangled Intensive, where she performed as Rapunzel. Carmen is dedicated to increasing her versatility as an artist and performer by finding opportunities outside of traditional theater; this past year she’s enjoyed both being a giggling artist and a Battle of the Bands participant. What’s next? Carmen is looking forward to auditioning for Creative Greensboro’s upcoming production of Bye Bye Birdie, and is excited to tour colleges as she prepares to take on her senior year of high school. She is beyond optimistic for all that lies ahead and is thrilled to return to DPAC this spring in support of this year’s student finalists at The DPAC Rising Star Awards!
JOSIAH JENNINGS has continued to rise as an emerging force in the performing arts since lighting up the stage at The DPAC Rising Star Awards last May. Now training in Musical Theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, he is sharpening his skills as a dynamic triple threat performer. His journey already includes remarkable milestones, such as recognition at the Jimmy Awards® and signing with Stewart Talent. Josiah has taken the stage at some of New York’s most iconic venues, including 54 Below and The Green Room 42, performing for James Lapine (writer of Into the Woods), and most recently appeared in Times Square with Broadway Celebrates Earth Day. Josiah is truly honored to join you all tonight and is proud to continue uplifting and celebrating arts education and the transformative power of live theater.
Jeremiah 29:11
Where Are They Now?
Alumni Spotlight
AMANDA YODER (2011 Best Actress Winner) earned a BFA from East Carolina University and then spent several years performing in national tours, regional theatre, and Off-Broadway productions before eventually settling in Asheville, where she studied woodworking and launched a small furniture business. She now works in healthcare technology while continuing to run a furniture studio on the side, embracing a career path shaped by curiosity and unexpected opportunities. Amanda credits Rising Stars and the Jimmy Awards® with giving her an eye-opening introduction to the professional theatre world and the confidence to pursue it herself.
ANNA WENTWORTH HIGGINSON (2013 Best Actress Winner) is thrilled to return to the DPAC stage, as the Jimmy Awards® and Rising Stars offered defining moments for her career. After earning a double BFA in Musical Theatre and Professional Acting from East Carolina University in 2017, she went on to perform professionally across the country, including time based in New York City. Now back in Raleigh, Anna continues pursuing her career as a performer while staying actively involved with the Jimmy Awards® organization through alumni events and performances.
MATTHEW WASHINGTON (2014 Best Actor Winner) For Matthew, Rising Stars and the Jimmy Awards® marked the final performances of his time on stage before pursuing a career in education. Now teaching elementary school in Huntersville, he reflects on the experience as a meaningful turning point that surrounded him with talented peers who shared his passion and dreams. What began as a competition became a lasting community and source of inspiration, and Matthew remains grateful for the friendships and sense of belonging that continue to this day.
ALEXANDER FERNANDEZ (2015 Best Actor Winner) has gone on to star in multiple OffBroadway musicals and cabarets, including a recent return to a Broadway stage through the Jimmy Awards® alumni program alongside performers like Alan Cumming and Jennifer Lopez. He credits his Rising Stars and Jimmys® experience with giving him his first true glimpse of both his dreams and his potential, as well as lifelong memories with fellow participants. Most recently, Alex won Season 3 of Cabaret Superstar and earned a fully produced solo show with ASHARP Theater Company, a milestone he attributes to the love and support of his family.
JACOB BUSH (2016 Best Actor Winner) has gone on to build a career in Hollywood, working in script development and franchise/IP management after graduating from Emerson College in 2020. Though his professional focus has shifted offstage, he still enjoys performing locally in Los Angeles and for personal milestones, most recently officiating his sister’s wedding in 2025. Jacob credits Rising Stars and the Jimmy Awards® with teaching him that dedication and authenticity can open unexpected doors, while also connecting him to a lasting creative community.
KAYLEE TERRELL SANDELIN (2017 Best Actress Winner) is thrilled to return to the DPAC stage after participating in Rising Stars and the Jimmy Awards® in 2017, experiences she says opened countless doors both personally and professionally. Since earning a BFA in Musical Theatre from Belmont University, she has built a professional performance career with credits including productions at the Stephen Foster Drama Association and Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre. Kaylee currently performs full time as a Vocal Swing at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, where she has been working alongside her husband, Christian, for nearly four years.
Where Are They Now?
Alumni Spotlight
NICHOLAS KRAFT (2017 Best Actor Winner) studied Drama at University of North Carolina School of the Arts before earning a BFA in Musical Theatre from University of Michigan. Now based in New York City, he most recently appeared in the original Off-Broadway production of DRAG: The Musical, produced by Liza Minnelli. Nicholas credits Rising Stars and the Jimmy Awards® with giving him the confidence to believe in his future in the performing arts while also teaching him the value of learning from and celebrating his peers.
ELENA HOLDER (2021 Best Actress Winner) earned degrees in Dramatic Art and Advertising from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was invited to perform in Times Square for Broadway’s reopening following COVID-19. Although she ultimately chose not to pursue theatre professionally, she continued performing throughout college while developing a passion for storytelling and community engagement. Today, Elena works at a major local news outlet writing about nonprofit initiatives, and she credits Rising Stars and the Jimmy Awards® with shaping her ability to connect with audiences and tell meaningful stories.
JOSHUA THOMPSON (2022 Best Actor Winner) has been immersed in conservatory training, continuing to grow as both a performer and storyteller through demanding artistic work and collaboration with other passionate artists. He is currently developing a major upcoming project that reflects the culmination of years of creative growth and preparation. Joshua credits The DPAC Rising Star Awards and the Jimmy Awards® with challenging him to pursue excellence, connecting him to a community of dedicated artists, and inspiring the passion and discipline that continue to shape his work today.
NOAH COLVIN (2023 Best Actor Winner) has been pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he has continued developing his craft through multiple productions, most recently starring as a Lead Vocalist in The Prince Project honoring the music and legacy of Prince. Noah says his experiences at the DPAC Rising Star Awards and the Jimmy Awards® taught him the importance of professional practice, collaboration, and working within a supportive ensemble of talented artists. He encourages this year’s finalists to trust their process, value their talent, and cherish the relationships built throughout the experience.
ALEX FLUKER (2024 Best Actress Winner) has continued performing locally, reconnecting with fellow Jimmy Awards® alumni, and supporting fellow nominees, including attending performances on the DPAC stage. She credits the experience with giving her the confidence and optimism to pursue new opportunities and continue growing as an artist. Today, Alex remains active in her local theatre community, whether performing, supporting productions, or teaching youth theatre, and is deeply grateful to call DPAC home and herself a Jimmy Awards® alumna.
CONOR KRUGER (2024 Best Actor Winner) has been pursuing a BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen at the University of Southern California. He has acted in over 20 short films and a fulllength production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Conor has a minor in screenwriting and music production and is exploring all that LA has to offer. His participation in the Jimmy Awards® is a constant source of pride, and he’s extremely lucky to be a part of the vast alumni network it offers. He still talks to people he met during his time in New York, and couldn’t be happier to be a Jimmy Awards® nominee.
Congratulations to DPAC’s Student Reporters!
Presented by ABC11
Acknowlegements
The DPAC Rising Star Awards would not be possible without the generous support of our presenting sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Their investment acknowledges that the arts enrich our lives beyond measure – and not just by entertaining us. The arts improve mental and physical health, and experiencing the arts delivers real physiological and emotional benefits. DPAC is honored to work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in celebration of the many ways that the arts bring strength to our communities.
DPAC is incredibly grateful for the support of two major rehearsal space partners this season: Durham Arts Council, and Duke Venue & Production Management. Their participation and generosity ensured a smooth rehearsal process as Rising Stars students prepared to make their DPAC debuts.
As Rising Stars has grown, so too has the artistic team behind this event. We are thrilled to welcome guest director Brendan Stackhouse to DPAC this spring. His leadership has brought fresh energy to the ceremony and has been a source of encouragement for students throughout the process. We’re also proud to have expanded this year’s finalist experience with vocal coaching led by Yolanda Rabun and Lisa Jolley, and to welcome Jose Rondon Jr. as choreographer of our Closing Number.
This program would not be what it is today without the dedication of several longtime collaborators whose impact has shaped Rising Stars at its core: Freddie Lee Heath, choreographer for 12 years; David Henderson, acting coach for 13 years; and Mark Hopper, music director and arranger for the past 6 years. Their artistry, mentorship, and commitment have left a lasting imprint on this program and its students.
Thank you!
Elena Arias Junior at Knightdale High School
Corra Balding Senior at East Chapel Hill High School
