About the Show

The dragon is back in town! Well… not really. That’s the story a ragtag band of innkeepers makes up, desperate to draw questing heroes to the struggling Dancing Dragon Inn. Soon the inn is full of unexpected guests, from an army of princesses out to prove their bravery, to a group of overwhelmed heroes trying to hold onto their fame. But what happens if they all discover the innkeepers’ dragon story is made up? Could there be more than one way to save the day? An epic folk-rock score brings magic to this funny, heartfelt fantasy musical.

Be In The Show

Registration

Steps for Registration

1. Complete one separate transaction per student using one of the four options below.
2. Read the new volunteer requirements below.

Registration Options

1. If you are registering 1 child for 1 show, choose “Early Bird” PLUS select the 3 hour volunteer commitment for your child’s show OR $75 Volunteer “Opt Out” fee.
2. If you are registering 1 child for 2 shows:
   • Choose option 1 for the first show
   • For the second show, choose “Early Bird – 2nd Show Discount PLUS 2 hour volunteer commitment OR Volunteer “Opt Out” Fee (additional $50).
3. If you are registering a second child for one show:
   • Complete the transaction for child 1 using option 1, then
   • Choose “Early Bird – Second Child Discount” PLUS select the additional 2 hour volunteer commitment (for a total of 5 volunteer hours) OR Volunteer “Opt Out” fee (additional $50) .
4. If you are registering a third (or more) child:
   • Complete the transaction for child 1 using option 1, then
   • Complete the transaction for child 2 using option 3, then
   • Choose “Early Bird – 3+ Child Discount” for your other children (You will not be asked to do more than five hours total of volunteer commitment per show or pay more than $125 total for opting out of the volunteer commitment.)

New for 2025 – Volunteer Requirements

Parent volunteerism is a crucial part of what makes Shade Tree Players summer productions successful. Not only it is an opportunity to be involved in and support your child’s growth in theatre, we cannot function without it. We respectfully request that you choose to either commit to at least 3 hours of volunteering for your child’s production (5 hours maximum for multiple children) or pay $75 (maximum of $125 for multiple children) up front to “waive” your volunteer commitment. This fee will go toward hiring summer help to fulfill the jobs not filled by volunteers. Volunteer job opportunities will be announced at the parent meetings for each production. The first 3 hours of volunteering will be rewarded with 2 comp tickets (3 for 5 hours) and at a rate of 1 ticket per every two additional hours with no maximum. Please note that we will have a more structured system of accountability and you will receive reminders for scheduled volunteer jobs and we will check that commitments are fulfilled.  We really appreciate your support and hope this year is even better and more successful than last year!

Auditions

For those Academy actors wishing to audition, auditions will be held during rehearsals. Everyone that registers is cast!

Session A Cast & Crew

Dillon Brick

Rowan (Hero)

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Dillon Brick

Rowan (Hero)

Dillon is currently eight years old and is going into the third grade. This show is his first time in Shade Tree, and his first play. He also has two guinea pigs. Dillon would like to thank his parents for supporting him and getting him his guinea pigs.

Evelyn Bratz

Princess Willow

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Evelyn Bratz

Princess Willow

Evelyn is 9 years old, and is excited to turn 10 soon. She is going into fourth grade. This is Evelyn’s first show at Shade Tree, she’s also performing in The Wizard of Oz at Rising Stars. Evelyn is ambidextrous. She would also like to say thank you to her mom for signing her up for Shade Tree.

Danielle Ebenal

Avalon (Hero)

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Danielle Ebenal

Avalon (Hero)

Danielle is currently 10 years old and is going into the fifth grade. This is her third time performing with Shade Tree. Danielle considers herself a fast talker and loves hedgehogs. She would like to thank everyone for supporting her and is so happy she gets to be in this show.

Adler Leffler

Robin (Bard)

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Adler Leffler

Robin (Bard)

Adler is twelve years old. He is going into the sixth grade this fall. Adler considers himself to be very tall. This is his first show and is happy he joined Shade Tree.

Ophelia Lipetzky

Valerian (Hero)

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Ophelia Lipetzky

Valerian (Hero)

Ophelia is currently 8 years old and is going into third grade. This is her first show, she also loves animals. Ophelia would like to say thank you to her mom and dad for helping her make friends.

Joey Voegele

Princess Laurel

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Joey Voegele

Princess Laurel

Joey is currently ten years old and will be going into the 5th grade. This is Joey’s second show at Shade Tree, she is very thankful for Mason for encouraging her to join Shade Tree. Joey also considers herself to be very smart and brave.

Landry Isakson

Princess Juniper

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Landry Isakson

Princess Juniper

Landry is 10 years old and in 4th grade. This is her second time doing a Shade Tree production. Landry is very flexible and loves doing cartwheels, she also loves volleyball. She would like to say thank you to Katirina, Adrian, and her Aunt Dana for coming all the way from Switzerland to see her. She also thanks her mom and dad for signing her up for Shade Tree.

Alexa Gumke

Peregrin (Hero)

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Alexa Gumke

Peregrin (Hero)

Alexa is currently 7 years old and is going into 2nd grade. This is her first production with Shade Tree. Alexa has a dog. She would also like to thank her mom for always cooking for her.

Iris Dally

Chef

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Iris Dally

Chef

Iris is currently 10 years old, but will be turning 11 soon. She is entering the 6th grade this fall. Iris is originally from Washington D.C., and is so excited to be in her first Shade Tree Production. She would like to thank her family and hopes to see everyone at the show!

Jaxon Gumke

Tarragon (Hero)

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Jaxon Gumke

Tarragon (Hero)

Jaxon is 11 years old and is in 5th grade. This is his second show with Shade Tree, he is also very proud of his speed. Jaxon would like to thank his family for encouraging him to do the show, and is very excited to perform.

Elizabeth Halverson

Princess Zinnia

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Elizabeth Halverson

Princess Zinnia

Elizabeth is 10 years old and is going into the 5th grade. This is her first show with Shade Tree, but has been in dance and piano for years. Elizabeth loves ventriloquism, and says thank you to her family for letting her join Shade Tree.

Kinleigh Sisk

Caspian (Hero)

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Kinleigh Sisk

Caspian (Hero)

Kinleigh is a little over 9 years old and is going into the 4th grade. This is her 2nd year in Shade Tree, Kinleigh also loves math. She would like to thank her dad for giving her the passion to act.

Greer Custer

Princess Magnolia

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Greer Custer

Princess Magnolia

Greer is currently 13 years old, and will be going into 7th grade. This is Greer’s first show with Shade Tree, but she has been in 4 other productions outside of our theater. Greer loves animals, math, and science. She would like to say thank you to her mom and dad for always helping her out, and that she loves her parents very much.

Abby Buchholz

Florian (Hero)

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Abby Buchholz

Florian (Hero)

Abby is 7 years old and is going into 1st grade. This is her first show, she also has a dog. She would like to say thank you to her parents for supporting her and bringing her to track.

Chloe Chumley

Thorn (Guard)

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Chloe Chumley

Thorn (Guard)

Chloe is 13 years old and is going into 7th grade. This is their first show with Shade Tree, but has been in 13 shows with Lets Dance Studio. Chloe is also in competitive swimming. They would like to thank their mom for letting her act, and would also like to thank Claire for supporting her.

Benson Backman

Isobel

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Benson Backman

Isobel

Benson is 11 years old and is going into 6th grade this fall. This will be her 5th show with Shade Tree, she also loves the color pink. She would like to thank her mom and dad for signing her up for Shade Tree and believing in her.

Kaitlyn Hansen

Lark (Bard)

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Kaitlyn Hansen

Lark (Bard)

Kade is 10 years old and is going into 5th grade. This is also her 5th show with Shade Tree. Kade loves to travel, and used to live in Germany. She would like to thank everyone for coming to see her perform.

Quinn Isakson

Starling (Bard)

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Quinn Isakson

Starling (Bard)

Quinn is 9 years old and is going into 4th grade with her sister. This is her 2nd show with Shade Tree, and is very flexible. She would like to thank everyone for supporting her, especially her mom and dad.

Winona Sommer

Princess Rose

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Winona Sommer

Princess Rose

Winona is currently 9, and will be going into 3rd grade. This is her 2nd show with Shade Tree. Winona likes sharks, as well as sports. She would like to thank her family for always encouraging her.

Violet Hovland

Princess Lilac

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Violet Hovland

Princess Lilac

Violet is 12 years old and is going into 7th grade. This is her 2nd show with Shade Tree play, though she has been in many plays outside of our theater. Violet loves writing, and is currently writing a fantasy trilogy of her own. She would like to thank her family for encouraging her to do her 2nd show here.

Audrey Kapella

Princess Lavender

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Audrey Kapella

Princess Lavender

Audrey is 10 years old and is going into the fifth grade. This is her first theater production, but has been in 3 of her schools music programs. Audrey loves crabs, and is so thankful for her directors for helping her out!

Merick Heid

Arden (Hero)

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Merick Heid

Arden (Hero)

Merick is 8 years old, and is going into the third grade this fall. This is his first show. Merick loves playing baseball with his teammates, and would like to thank his parents for buying him a watch.

Rilan Isakson

Terry

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Rilan Isakson

Terry

Rilan is 13 and is going into the 8th grade, this is his 5th show. He really likes making clay sculptures. He would like to say thank you to his family for always supporting him.

Lex Belile

Director

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Lex Belile

Director

Lex Belile is the current Administrative Assistant for Dakota Stage, and has been involved in theatre with Shade Tree and Dakota Stage since 2010. Her most recent shows include: Carrie (ensemble), Church Basement Ladies (Stage Manager), The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Choreographer), The Crucible (ensemble), Beetlejuice Jr. in New Salem (choreographer), and Suite Surrender (Stage Manager). She also has a double masters degree in Business Administration and Philosophy, and currently teaches at BSC.

Stephanie Frank

Music Director

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Stephanie Frank

Music Director

Stephanie has been involved in Shade Tree Players since 2013. She is originally from South Dakota and works for Mandan Public Schools as a band director. In addition to theater, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband Adam, son Tobias, daughter Josephine, and family and friends. She is also involved in the Bis-Man Civic Chorus, plays clarinet with the Bis-Man Wind Ensemble, and is involved in her church. Stephanie would like to thank her friends and family for all their support throughout this process. She would also like to thank the Shade Tree kids for their hard work and focus and their parents as well. You are what Shade Tree Players is all about!

Ella Patera

Stage Manager

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Ella Patera

Stage Manager

Ella Patera is currently 16 years old, and is entering her Junior year of High school at Mandan High. She has been doing theatre since 2017, and has been in approximately 12 productions since then. Her favorite roles consist of Mal in Descendants the Musical, Annie in Annie the Musical, and Helga in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.

Session B Cast & Crew

Isabella Bashus

Valerian

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Isabella Bashus

Valerian

Isabella is in 6th grade at Wachter. This is her 2nd year in Shade Tree. She was previously in Star Warts with STP. She loves theatre, the colors light pink and lilac (her favorite), bison and dogs, traveling, hockey, and lacrosse. She would like to thank her mom, her dad, and her older sister Audry.

Nicola Benson

Princess Rose

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Nicola Benson

Princess Rose

Nico is in 5th grade at Cathedral. This is her first year in Shade Tree. She has previously performed in Charlotte’s Web with STP. She enjoys hockey and swimming. She would like to thank her family and friends.

Wynn Benson

Princess Willow

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Wynn Benson

Princess Willow

Wynn is in 8th grade at St. Mary’s. This is her 5th year in Shade Tree. She has previously performed in The Wizard of Oz: The Deleted Scenes, Robin Hood, How I Became A Pirate, The Big Bad Musical, Channeling Grimm, and Star Warts with STP. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and swimming. She would like to thank her family and friends.

Emma Beverley

Princess Ensemble

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Emma Beverley

Princess Ensemble

Emma is going into 4th grade at Solheim. This is her 2nd year in Shade Tree. She has previously performed in Star Warts with STP. Her siblings, Charlie and Leela Beverley, are also in the play. Outside of theatre, Emma enjoys swimming.

Leela Beverley

Princess Ensemble

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Leela Beverley

Princess Ensemble

Leela is in 2nd grade at Solheim. Leela is making her Shade Tree debut! She has two siblings in the show, Charlie and Emma. She enjoys going to Shade Tree Players, dancing, and swimming.

Charlie Beverley

Avalon

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Charlie Beverley

Avalon

Charlie is in 6th grade at Wachter. This is his 3rd year in Shade Tree. He has previously performed in How I Became A Pirate and Star Warts with STP. Charlie has two younger sisters (Emma and Leela). He likes art, singing, Legos, choir, piano, his favorite color (yellow) and Pokemon club. He would like to thank his mom for driving him here.

Carson Butz

Terry

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Carson Butz

Terry

Carson is in 5th grade at Prairie Rose. Carson is making his Shade Tree debut! He has two dogs and one bearded dragon. He enjoys hockey, football, baseball, soccer, chess, and tennis. He would like to thank his mom, dad, and all his family for all that they do, and his directors.

Katie Butz

Starling

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Katie Butz

Starling

Katie is in 6th grade at Wachter. This is her 2nd year in Shade Tree. She was previously in Star Warts with STP. She has two dogs and one bearded dragon. She enjoys soccer, volleyball, and hanging with her dogs. She would like to thank Max, Millie, Becca, her mom, her dad, and her dogs Charlie and Archie.

Lola Campbell

Tarragon

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Lola Campbell

Tarragon

Lola is going into 5th grade at Pioneer. Lola is making her Shade Tree debut! She was previously in Moana and Frozen with Arioso. She likes cats, art, hanging out with family, and playing in her pool. She would like to thank Max, Becca, Millie, and all the other people who are making Shade Tree stand.

Penny Campbell

Princess Ensemble

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Penny Campbell

Princess Ensemble

Penny is going into 3rd grade at Pioneer. Penny is making her Shade Tree debut! She enjoys swimming, playing with her tea set, and being in this play. She is glad she signed up for it.

Emma Christian

Princess Lavender

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Emma Christian

Princess Lavender

Emma is going into 7th grade at Simle Middle School. This is her 1st year in Shade Tree. She has previously participated in Charlotte’s Web with STP. She enjoys CDCC, swimming, hanging out with friends, playing with her cat Luna and dog Grizz, performing in ACDA National Honor Choir, and reading (she loves the Harry Potter series). She would like to thank her parents.

Kinsley Cook

Bill Collector

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Kinsley Cook

Bill Collector

Kinsley is in 6th grade at Simle. This is her 2nd year in Shade Tree. She has previously participated in Star Warts with STP. She loves summer, going to the lake, hanging out with her friends (she would like to shout out her besties, Isabella and Katie!), and playing with her dog. She would like to thank her dad, her mother, Isabella, and Katie.=

Klara Dickhut

Isobel

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Klara Dickhut

Isobel

Klara is going into 8th grade at Saint Mary’s. This is her 5th year in Shade Tree. She has previously performed in 6 shows with Shade Tree Players (most recently Star Warts and Alice in Wonderland), 6 shows with Northern Plains Dance (most recently Cinderella and The Nutcracker), and Anastasia with Bismarck State College. Outside of theatre, Klara enjoys swimming, babysitting, and dance. She would like to thank her parents.

Embry Fischer

Princess Juniper

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Embry Fischer

Princess Juniper

Embry is going into 3rd grade at Lewis and Clark. This is her 2nd year in Shade Tree. She has previously performed in Star Warts with STP. She enjoys swimming, playing with friends, playing outside, having playdates, sleepovers, singing, and shopping. She would like to thank her family.

Haley Fredrickson

Princess Ensemble

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Haley Fredrickson

Princess Ensemble

Haley is going into 2nd grade at Solheim. Haley is making her Shade Tree debut! She would like to thank her little sister, Payton Fredrickson, her mom and dad, Amy and Kent, her dog, Marley, and her friend Emmeline.

Greyson Fugere

Rowan

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Greyson Fugere

Rowan

Greyson is in 7th grade at Simle. This is his 3rd year in Shade Tree. He was previously in Newsies, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan with Simle, and How I Became A Pirate and Star Warts with STP. He enjoys choir, art, working out, and nature walks. He would like to thank his parents, brother, and friends.

Clare Hoffert

Princess Lilac

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Clare Hoffert

Princess Lilac

Clare is going into 5th grade at St. Anne’s School. Clare is making her Shade Tree debut! In her free time, she enjoys reading, singing, dogs, school, and piano. She also loves fairy tales and that’s why she loves this play. She would like to thank her mom.

Rebel Hurley

Hero Ensemble

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Rebel Hurley

Hero Ensemble

Rebel is in 5th grade at Will-Moore. This is her 3rd year in Shade Tree. She has previously participated in Star Warts and Robin Hood with STP. She enjoys drawing, writing, sewing, playing video games, walking, and playing games. Rebel would like to thank her mom and dad.

Aryana Jangula

Hero Ensemble

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Aryana Jangula

Hero Ensemble

Aryana Jangula is in 7th grade at Simle. Aryana is making her Shade Tree debut! She has previously performed in Newsies and Peter Pan and Wendy with Simle. She enjoys art, singing, swimming, and bike rides. Aryana is also a part of CDCC. She would like to thank her mom, her dad, and Mema.

Maeve Jarolimek

Hero Ensemble

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Maeve Jarolimek

Hero Ensemble

Maeve is in 2nd grade at Dorothy Moses.This is her 1st year in Shade Tree. She has previously performed in Charlotte’s Web with STP. Some things she likes are her favorite food, chicken nuggets, her dog, Grover, and playing outside. She would like to thank Max, Millie, Brittany, and her friends.

Hannah Johnson

Hero Ensemble

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Hannah Johnson

Hero Ensemble

Hannah is going into 5th grade at Solheim. Hannah is making her Shade Tree debut. She likes playing with her best friend, Piper, reading, nature, being in the Cougar Chorale, playing outside, and spending time with her two dogs and one fish. She would like to thank her mom for signing her up for this show.

Lea Kessler

Caspian

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Lea Kessler

Caspian

Lea is going into 6th grade at Wilton Middle School. This is her 1st year in Shade Tree. She has previously performed in Charlotte’s Web with STP, Anastasia with Bismarck State College, Moana, Aladdin, and The Lion King with Arioso Music Academy. She enjoys art and band (guitar). She would like to thank her mom, all of her family, and Greta Larson.

Greta Larson

Arden

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Greta Larson

Arden

Greta is going into 6th grade at Horizon. This is her 3rd year in Shade Tree. She has previously performed in Rumpelstiltskin Private Eye, Star Warts, and Charlotte’s Web with STP. She enjoys basketball, dance, viola, band, art, music, orchestra, and hanging out with family. She would like to thank her mom, her dad, and Lea Kessler.

Clare Matthews

Princess Ensemble

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Clare Matthews

Princess Ensemble

Clare is going into 4th grade at Northridge Elementary. Clare is making her Shade Tree debut! Some things she likes are her favorite color, purple, dogs (she’s saving money for one), her favorite food, pizza, playing outside, watching TV, and everything animal related. She has an older sister named Norah. She would like to thank her mom and dad.

Emma Mills

Chef Clove

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Emma Mills

Chef Clove

Emma is going into 8th grade at Horizon. This is her 4th year in Shade Tree. She has previously participated in The Big Bad Musical, Robin Hood, Channeling Grimm, Star Warts, and Alice In Wonderland with STP. She enjoys BMX, soccer, volleyball, and dance. She would like to thank her mom, her dad, her grandma, her sister Gloria, her brother Nolan, and Kinley.

Amelia Moch

Robin

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Amelia Moch

Robin

Amelia Moch is going into 5th grade at Fort Lincoln. Amelia is making her Shade Tree debut! Some things she likes include her favorite color, lavender, dogs, the theatre game winking murderer, and practicing the play (she’s wanted to be an actor but she has not done anything about it until this year). She would like to thank her mom, her dad, her dog Remi, Max, Millie, and Becca.

Belle Nelson

Princess Zinnia

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Belle Nelson

Princess Zinnia

Belle is in 6th grade at Horizon. This is her 2nd year in Shade Tree. She was previously in Channeling Grimm with STP. She loves cats, acting, music, art, reading, badminton, basketball, volleyball, and playing with her siblings. Belle has one sister and two brothers and would like to thank her family. She hopes you enjoy the play!

Ford Nelson

Thorn

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Ford Nelson

Thorn

Ford is going into 4th grade at Elk Ridge. This is his 2nd year in Shade Tree. He has previously participated in Channeling Grimm with STP, Elf, Jr., Grubs, Squirm, and Hats. Some of his favorite things include the book The Hobbit, the show X-Men, reading, making comics (he is trying to make a business called “74 Comix”), boxing, baseball, legos, and acting. He would like to thank his directors and his family.

Nora Nelson

Princess Laurel

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Nora Nelson

Princess Laurel

Nora Nelson is going into 8th grade at Horizon. Nora is making her Shade Tree debut! She has previously performed in Beauty and The Beast Jr. and A Kid’s Life with Horizon. She enjoys reading (she’s a bookworm) debating, and playing tennis and softball. Nora is excited to participate in this musical and help make it a great show! She would like to thank her family for always cheering her on.

Eva Parent

Princess Magnolia

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Eva Parent

Princess Magnolia

Eva is going into 6th grade at Horizon. This is her 4th year in Shade Tree. She was previously in Robin Hood, The Big Bad Musical, and Star Warts with STP. She likes dogs (she has one dog named Louise and by the time you are reading this, she will have a puppy named June. Her dogs will both be setters.) She’s very excited for opening night. She enjoys volleyball, art, reading, and talking with other humans. She is 139 months old. She would like to thank her mom, her dad, and Hayden.

Oliver Perry

Florian

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Oliver Perry

Florian

Oliver is in 5th grade at Will-Moore. This is his 5th year in Shade Tree. He has previously performed in The Big Bad Musical, How I Became A Pirate, and Star Warts with STP, and A Christmas Carol with Dakota Stage. Oliver enjoys hockey, gymnastics, bike riding, math, drawing, legos, skating, and doodling. He would like to thank his mom for letting him join Shade Tree.

Willow Perry

Princess Ensemble

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Willow Perry

Princess Ensemble

Willow is in 1st grade at Will-Moore. Willow is making her Shade Tree debut! She has a dog named Baxter. She enjoys swimming in Beulah, her favorite animal, koalas, peppers, reading, watching TV, and playing. She would like to thank her friends, including her best friend Hudson.

Lillian Schwind

Lark

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Lillian Schwind

Lark

Lillian is in 7th grade at Simle. This is her first year in Shade Tree. She has previously performed in Charlotte’s Web with STP, and Peter Pan and Wendy and Newsies with Simle. She has 7 cats. Lily enjoys reading, playing games outdoors, swimming, training her cats to do cool tricks, participating in CDCC, spending time with her close friends Aryana, Emma C, and Nico, and hanging out with friends in general. She would like to thank Mrs. Weichel and Brittany.

Jameson Suggs

Peregrin

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Jameson Suggs

Peregrin

Jameson is in 4th grade at Sunrise. Jameson is making his Shade Tree debut! He has one older sister in the show, Zoey. He enjoys spending time with his dogs, Jinx and Loki, and playing soccer. He would to thank his mom and dad for getting him to rehearsal and the directors for all the work that they do.

Zoey Suggs

Chef Basil

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Zoey Suggs

Chef Basil

Zoey is in 8th grade at Simle. This is her 3rd year in Shade Tree. She has previously performed in Robin Hood, Star Warts and Alice in Wonderland with STP, Have You Seen My Little Lamb, Dear Edwina, Peter Pan and Wendy and Newsies with Simle. She truly enjoys Shade Tree/Dakota Stage. Outside of theatre, Zoey enjoys dance, swimming, being with friends, and being outside. Zoey is very excited to be in this production along with her brother and friends. She would like to thank her parents, family, and friends.