Sweetwater Union High School District’s William Virchis Visual & Performing Arts Department Presents Sweetwater Union High School District’s William Virchis Visual & Performing Arts Department

Director Jeff Kover 2017 Sweetwater Summer Theatre Institute Staff Robin Cartwright, Jenniffer Jouan, Laura Robinson, Jeremy Frazier, Joseph Kwan, Beatriz Gonzalez-Sallach VAPA Office 670 L Street - Suite C Chula Vista, CA 91911 (619) 796-7700

http://vapa.sweetwaterschools.org/ Superintendent July 26, 27, 28 at 7pm Dr. Karen Janney July 29 at 2pm Board President Arturo Solis Board Vice President Paula Hall Board Member Kevin J. Pike Board Member Frank A. Tarantino Board Member vapa.sweetwaterschools.org Nicholas Segura San Ysidro High School Dr. Maida Torres-Stanovik Performing Arts Center

Sweetwater Union High School District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information, sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. SUHSD Board Policy 0410 Billing

Book By Music and Lyrics by John Caird Stephen Schwartz

Based on a concept by Charles Lisanby Orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and Martin Erskine

CHILDREN OF EDEN Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Te.: (212) 541-4684 Fax: (212) 397-4684

www.MTIShows.com

THE VIDEOTAPING OR OTHER VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. In consideration of the performers and those around you, mobile phones and devices should be turned off during the show. No flash photography.

1 18 Production Crew

Jose C. Lopez ...... Director Rhys Greene ...... Assistant Director Valerie Ingram ...... Choreographer Tony Sacco ...... Orchestra Director Rebecca Land ...... Vocal Director Barbara Schroeder ...... Assistant Vocal Director Lionel Jasmin ...... Accompanist Paul Maley ...... Set Designer Keith Davis ...... Theater Manager/Lighting Designer Eusevio Cordova ...... Sound Designer Kelly Fox & Marce Drysdale ...... Costume Designers Analyse Gutierrez ...... Prop Master

Stage Tech & Set Construction Zoë Jones ...... Stage Manager Jamal Baldwin ...... Assistant Stage Manager Jordan Gutierrez ...... Assistant Stage Manager Jesus Hurtado ...... Technical Director Marco Moya ...... Tech Edriane Alvaro ...... Tech Dana Sebastian ...... Tech Alessandra Garcia ...... Tech Arturo Ortiz ...... Tech

“The Children of Eden Creative Team would like to thank the Drama Department, VAPA Costume Shop, and The Young Actors Theatre (YAT) Costume Shop for making costumes available to show!!”

17 2 Pit Orchestra Love Lines

Tony Sacco ...... Orchestra Director  Adrienne Gonzalez  Natalie Love Lionel Jasmin ...... Accompanist “Good luck Adrienne. We know “Monkey Girl, you’re so smart Kyra Sacco ...... Keyboard you will be awesome! Love, and so sweet! The world is at Andrew & Alex” your feet.” Student Orchestra Jia Wen Chen (ORH) ...... Flute “Baby Girl, we are so proud of “Monkey Girl, your solo was Geli Samia (OLH) ...... Piccolo you! Keep shattering ceilings much better than a double fan everywhere. Love, Mom & Dad” would have been.” John Cochran III (ELH) ...... Soprano Saxophone Jeremiah Vargas (OLH) ...... Oboe  Yelka Gonzalez Vargas “Natalie, we love you, but pick up Jason McCann (BVH) ...... Alto Saxophone “Yelka, we are proud of you. your clothes off the bathroom Anthony Belen-Gonzalez (SYH) ...... Tenor Saxophone Continue to pursue your dreams. floor.” Eliezzer Rodriguez (SYH) ...... Baritone Saxophone We support you infinitely. Israel Avila (MOH) ...... Trumpet Love, Your Parents & Sister. “Monkey Girl, I loved what you Adrian Lacsamana (BVH) ...... French Horn did during “Pieces of Eight”!  Drake Gutierrez Myles Gonzalez (BVH) ...... Trombone “I’m so proud of you, Drakey- “Natalie, the hardest part of love Gabriel Ledezma (BVH) ...... Percussion Boy!! It’s wonderful watching IS letting go, so don’t count on it Angus Campos (SYH) ...... Drum Kit your growth as a performer. anytime soon.” Love you so much! Momma”  Joshua Maple  Jordan Gutierrez “Joshua, we are excited to see “Jordan, I miss seeing you perform, your hard work shine on stage. but I’m so proud of the work We are proud of you! you’re doing backstage! Love Mom & Dad” Love you!!! Momma”  Vanessa Richardson  Edgardo Hernandez “Vanessa, we are all proud of you! “Edgardo Andre’. Some days there Love, Dad and Family won’t be a song in your heart. Sing anyway. Emory Autins. Love,  VAPA Creative Team Your Family.” “Thank you to the entire VAPA Back Row Left to Right: Gabriel Ledezma, Jeremiah Vargas, Angus Campos, Creative Team! What a wonderful Anthony Belen-Gonzalez, John Cochran III, Eliezzer Rodriguez, and Jason McCann. production!!! Your hard work and Front Row Left to Right: Mr. Tony Sacco, Mrs. Kyra Sacco, Myles Gonzalez, dedication is appreciated.” Israel Avila, Geli Samia, Adrian Lacsamana, Jia Wen Chen, and Mr. Lionel Jasmin.

3 16 Dylan Silarak (Cain, Japheth) is a junior at Chula Vista High School where his favorite subject is Drama. Dylan has been in many productions at San Ysidro High School, in the community, and this is his second VAPA Summer Theatre Musical Numbers Institute production. His hobbies include running and music, whether it’s singing or playing his beloved guitar. After gradu- ating from high school, Dylan would like to pursue a career ACT ONE ACT TWO in the music industry or join the United States Marine Corps and fight for his country. He would like to dedicate this performance to Al Copeland for bringing 1. Let There Be 26. Generations forth Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen Style Fried Chicken into this universe, for mak- 2. Perfect, Part I 27. The Gathering Storm ing living in this cruel world easier, and for influencing Dylan on the true exquisite forms of fried chicken. 3. The Tree Of Knowledge 28. A Piece Of Eight 4. The Naming 29. Blind Obedience 5. Grateful Children 30. The Return Of The Animals 6. Father’s Day 31. The Naming 7. Perfect, Part II – Reprise/Noah’s Lullaby 8. The Spark Of Creation 32. Stranger To The Rain 9. In Pursuit Of Excellence 33. In Whatever Time We Have 10. The End Of A Perfect Day 34. The Flood 11. Childhood’s End 35. What Is He Waiting For? 12. A World Without You 36. Sailor Of The Skies 13. The Expulsion 37. The Spark Of Creation 14. The Wasteland – 2nd Reprise 15. The Wilderness Family 38. The Hardest Part Of Love 16. The Spark Of Creation – Reprise 39. Words Of Doom 17. Lost In The Wilderness 40. The Hour Of Darkness 18. Lost In The Wilderness – Reprise 41. Ain’t It Good 19. Close to Home 42. Precious Children 20. A Ring Of Stones 43. In The Beginning 21. Clash Of The Generations 22. Death Of Abel 23. The Mark Of Cain Like us on facebook! Visual and Performing Arts – SUHSD 24. Incidental Before “Children Of Eden” 25. Children Of Eden

15 4 Vanessa Richardson (Storyteller/Snake) just graduated from Eastlake High School and will be a freshman at UC Ir- vine where she will be majoring in Classical Civilizations. This Biographies is Vanessa’s first production with the VAPA Summer Theater Institute. Her hobbies include reading and swimming. She would like to dedicate this performance to her sister Sabrina Mr. Jose C. Lopez (Director) is a theater teacher at San Ysidro High and is excited to be working with such a because she is always on her side in the decisions she makes talented cast and creative team. He has been producing and and is always there to support her if she falls. directing plays and musicals such as, “Willy Wonka”, “Wizard of Oz”, the dual language version of “Aladdin” and “Disney’s Karen Rivas (Storyteller, Animal) is a junior at San Ysidro High School Musical” and “Beauty and the Beast”. He is very High School where her favorite subject is Theater Produc- excited to direct “Children of Eden”. He teaches three levels tion. Karen’s past experiences are being stage manager for of acting and technical theater classes, where students learn about the hard work both High School Musical and Beauty and the Beast, Haunted that happens backstage. He is also a member of several professional theater edu- Houses, Christmas Eve Chaos, Airbands, and short scenes cator associations such as EdTA, CETA, and SDTEA. Jose’s love for theater started shows. Her hobbies include dancing and drawing. She would in high school and now he loves seeing how theater can transform the lives of the like to dedicate this performance to her family for always cast, crew, and when done right, the audience. He would like to thank his wife supporting her no matter what. and daughter for being supportive of his work. Mark Anthony Rodriguez-Rangel (Storyteller/Ani- mal) is a junior at San Ysidro High School and is overjoyed Mr. Rhys Greene (Assistant Director) is co-founder and Artistic Director of the San Diego Black Ensemble Theatre. to perform in this year’s VAPA Summer Theatre Institute’s He earned his BFA in acting from the California Institute of Children of Eden. Being part of the theatre world has opened The Arts, after which he joined the creative arts team out up his enthusiasm with his social life as well as his educa- of New York University, teaching conflict resolution. He was tional life. Mark Anthony has developed great characteristics a teaching artist with the La Jolla Playhouse, North Coast and abilities all thanks to his fellow Children of Eden perform- Rep, The Institute for Arts and Education and The San Diego ers. He has also performed in many remarkable programs, including SYH Color Black Ensemble Theatre. Mr. Greene has toured with Disney, Asian Story Theatre, Guard, SYH Mariachi, and even Team Omega’s Production of Beauty and the Beast National Theatre for children, Fights r’ Us, La Jolla Playhouse and Travelling Lantern (Pepper/Wolf). Mark Anthony plans on going off to a university to graduate with and numerous productions in New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and San a minor in theatre and major in the medical field. He would like to take this op- Diego. Mr. Greene is an Associate Artist with the Asian Story Theatre and serves portunity to thank his parents, siblings, grandmother, and fellow cast members for on the board of Chronos Theatre and Teatro Máscara Mágica. Currently he teach- their guidance and appreciation showed to him, which has affected him in a posi- es theatre at in Imperial Beach. You can also listen out for tive way. Thank you once again, and “Let There Be” a fantastic show. Mr. Greene when he’s playing drums around town with any number of Jazz Cats. Doniella Mae Sebastian (Eve, Storyteller) is a graduate of San Ysidro High School. She plans to further her education Mrs. Valerie Ingram (Choreographer) is currently a teacher in the dance department at Chula Vista High, School at Southwestern College where she will be double major- for the Creative and Performing Arts, where she has taught ing for transfer in Business Administration with an emphasis beginning to advanced level tap, ballet, and jazz for the past in management & Music Theater. Doniella has been a part fourteen years. She is also a director of the advanced dance of countless productions over the last several years. Some ensemble, Dance Force. Mrs. Ingram started her dance of her favorite productions include In The Heights (SUHSD teaching career twenty-three years ago, working at multiple VAPA - Ensemble), Legally Blonde (SUHSD VAPA - Delta Nu), High School Musical studios throughout San Diego, and has taught and choreographed for competition (SYHS - Gabriella), and Beauty and the Beast (SYHS - Belle). Doniella would like to level classes in tap, jazz, and lyrical for twelve of those years. She is a graduate of dedicate this performance to her Team Omega family, her choir family, her best , holds an Associate of Arts degree in fashion design and friend Emily, her T.H., her family, and all those who have given her endless support has recently received her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education in her endeavors. with an emphasis in English. She has performed with various dance companies here in San Diego, is trained in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, contempo- rary, and both Ballroom and Latin styles of social dance. She is proud to take on the role of choreographer for her 5th season with the Summer Theater Institute. 5 14 Diego Mosquera (Animal, Storyteller) is a senior at San Mr. Tony Sacco (Orchestra Director) began studying Ysidro High School where his favorite subject is Drama. This music at Portolla Jr. High on the Cello back in 1984. In High is his first high school musical. His hobbies include playing School he was switched to percussion where his love of with his band and drawing. He would like to dedicate this music and performance grew. Mr. Sacco performed with performance to his mom because she always supports him. the LAUSD All-District Honor Band as the lead snare drum (of thirty-two) for two Rose Parades and was featured at Disneyland in their Main Street Parade. He attended San Adrienne Ortiz (Storyteller, snake) is a senior at Eastlake Diego State University where he was a member of the Marching Band, Percussion High School, where her favorite subject is Government. This Ensemble, Concert band, Wind Symphony, African Percussion Ensemble, and Latin is her second consecutive performance with the VAPA Sum- Percussion Ensemble. While at San Diego State he was the lead percussionist in mer Theatre Institute and has performed in two other plays the Wind Symphony and Section Leader for the Drum line in the Marching Band. including a drama festival where she performed in Scrooged He also received the prestigious Director’s Award for his dedication and skill Up! Her hobbies include theater and singing. She would like within the music program. to dedicate this performance to her family because they have always supported her passions and helped her through everything. In 2002, Mr. Sacco graduated from San Diego State with a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education with a specialization in percussion and spent the next year work- Marianne Parra (Aysha, Storyteller) is a junior at San ing with the Marching Aztecs as the coach for their drum line. In 2003, he was Ysidro High School where her favorite subject is Theater hired to be the Band Director at San Ysidro High School and, fourteen years later, Production. This is her second musical production and fourth he is still there. The San Ysidro High School Band has received numerous awards production overall. Her hobbies include playing the transver- under his tutelage including Unanimous Superiors at CMEA Festivals, Gold and sal flute and singing to show tunes all the time. She would Silver rankings at the Heritage Festivals, and many trophies in field show com- like to dedicate this performance to her family and friends petitions. He recently competed his Master’s Degree is School Counseling and that have supported her throughout this fantastic journey. received Pupil Personnel Services Credential.

Marielle Parra (Storyteller, Snake) is a junior at San Ysidro Ms. Rebecca Land (Vocal Director) is a graduate of Cal High School. She has been in Christmas Eve Chaos and Beauty State University, Fullerton where she received her Bachelor and the Beast and some other class productions. She is so of Arts degree in music education and teaching credential in honored to be performing beside such a talented cast and 2013. She recently taught the show choirs at Eastlake High is so thankful to have created new friendships. She’d like to School and is now continuing her career in music and teach- thank her parents and twin sister Marianne for the endless ing in LA come the fall. In her free time she sings with the support, her friends, and Mr. Lopez for helping her grow as San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adeline’s, Sacra Profana and the an actress and as a person. Folklore Guild. And in August, a week after this musical closes, Ms. Land will be getting married! Jovana Partida (Storyteller, Animal) is a junior at San Ysidro High School where her favorite subject is Drama. Ms. Barbara Schroeder (Assistant Vocal Director) This is her first performance with the VAPA Summer Theatre graduated from Texas Christian University where she ma- Institute but she has been in musicals and scenes in the past. jored in Piano Performance and also received her teaching Her first play was when she was four years old. When she credential in Vocal Music Education. Mrs. Schroeder has ac- did her first musical at San Ysidro High School, she thought companied and/or music directed nearly 60 musical theater that she could turn it into a career. Her hobbies include productions for many of San Diego’s theater companies, dancing and roller skating. She would like to dedicate this performance to her including Lamb’s Players, La Jolla Stage Company, San Diego family because they always support her. Repertory Theater, Junior Theater, and Starlight Musical Theater, as well as produc- tions at SDSU, SWC, CVHS, and for SUHSD. She worked for 25 years as the staff Alan Ramos (Storyteller, Animal) is a graduate from accompanist for the CVHS School for the Creative and Performing Arts, as well Southwest High School where his favorite subject is AP Lit- as for SDSU and PLNU. She is currently the Staff Accompanist for the Concert erature. This is his first production with VAPA as an actor, and Choir at Southwestern College. his second musical. His hobbies include being with friends and watching musicals. He would like to dedicate this perfor- mance to his friends because they always support him. 13 6 Mr. Lionel Jasmin (Accompanist) was born in Haiti to a who he is. He hopes the audience enjoys a show that came to be thanks to the musical family and attended the National Conservatory of combined effort of dozens of talented individuals. Haiti until he migrated to the United States of America. He was accepted on scholarship by the Brooklyn Conservatory Natalie Love (Aphra, Storyteller) is a senior at Chula Vista of Music. He studied Jazz and composition with John Lewis of High School, where her favorite subject is Drama. Natalie has the Modern Jazz Quartet while attending CUNY, City Uni- done three musicals previously; Pippin, Bye Bye Birdie, and The versity of New York. He played most of the traditional Ora- Music Man. Natalie’s hobbies include reading and listening to torios of the church repertoire and choral music. Josephine, a Broadway play about podcasts. She would like to dedicate this performance to her the life of Josephine Baker with Floyd Gaffney earned him a nice review in The Mom and Dad, because without them, she never would have Union-Tribune. He was also the accompanist for Annie directed by Leigh Hatfield. heard of this musical. Presently, he is the music director of New Hope SDA church on Saturdays and the organist at Community Congregational Church of UCC on Sundays. He has been Kiana Lusk (Animal/Tech) is a sophomore at Eastlake High with the Visual And Performing Arts (VAPA) of the Sweetwater Union High School School where her favorite subject is Math. This is her second District for the last twelve years working with eight choirs in three schools. musical. Her hobbies include robotics and humorous hijinks. She would like to dedicate this performance to the viewers Mr. Paul Maley (Set Designer) graduated from UCLA’s for allowing her to whisk them to a different world and bring Theatre program in 1984 where he concentrated on acting, a little more wonder to them. playwriting, and a girl named Sharon! After their marriage in 1987, they spent two years creating sketches for a North- Joshua Maples (Animal/tech) is a senior at Otay Ranch ern California church before moving to San Diego in 1990 High School. He enjoys and loves to perform on stage. In his to work with Lamb’s Players’ Educational Touring Company. musical theatre career, he has gotten two awards; the Leap Paul served at LPT for 20 years as a performer, playwright, Frog award and the Rose award at CYT. Previous shows set & lighting designer, and road manager. He has also performed with Scripps include James And The Giant Peach (Rich Folk/ and Hollywood Ranch Theatre, Oceanside Theatre Company, SeaWorld, Write Out Loud, the Agent), Tom Sawyer - Broadway Musical (The Sheriff), and The San Diego Symphony, and with his family’s own company StageWorks! He has Jungle Book (Durvad and Townsfolk). When he’s not in a show designed lights for numerous productions at Chula Vista High. In 2015 he co- or in school, Joshua enjoys relaxing and going on family vacations. He would very designed costumes with his daughter Ellen for the Sweetwater Summer Theatre much like to dedicate this performance to his mom and dad. He couldn’t have Institute musical In The Heights and last summer he designed the set for Legally done it without them. Blonde. Alexa Martinez (Storyteller, Animal) is a sophomore Mr. Keith Davis (Theater Manger/Lighting Designer) is at where her favorite subject is proud to be a part of the 15th annual SUHSD Summer The- English. Alexa’s previous theatre experience was at Castle atre Institute. After working for 14 years in various adminis- Park where they put on a performance of “Almost Maine”. trative positions for Berkeley Repertory, Old Globe, and San Her hobbies include drawing and reading. She would like to Diego Repertory Theatre, Mr. Davis joined the Sweetwater dedicate this performance to her mother for always being District in 1995 to manage the Ruth Chapman Performing there and supporting her to be in this production. Arts Center at Eastlake High and now also manages the new Dr. Maida Torres-Stanovik Performing Arts Center at San Ysidro High. He is proud Rio Moreno (Storyteller, Ham) is a senior at San Ysidro to lend his expertise to the creation of theater magic for even more aspiring High School where his favorite subject is Drama and Health. performers in the Sweetwater District. Rio’s previous works include Beauty and the Beast, High School Musical and other Team Omega productions. His hobbies in- Mr. Eusevio Cordoba (Sound Designer) has worked in clude video gaming, helping others, and meditation. Rio would every branch of theatre arts since his time at Castle Park like to dedicate this performance to both his grandmothers, High, from which he graduated in 1996. Since then, he has his family, and the teachers who brought him to where he is been working throughout San Diego County as an actor, today, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Mercado, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. P, and Mr. Lopez. technician, and sound designer for several local theatre com- panies. Since 2004 he’s been working as a Theater Technician at Eastlake High and San Ysidro High.

7 12 Jesus Hurtado (Technical Director) is a senior at San Max Akerlundh (Shem, Storyteller) is a sophomore at Ysidro High School and this is the third VAPA Summer The- . His favorite subject is Show Choir. atre Musical he has been apart of. He has been the Technical Max was in last year’s production of Legally Blonde, where he Director at SYHS for three years and has been involved in played Ensemble. He’s also been in other productions such many other school productions such as Disney’s Aladdin, as The Sound of Music, where he played Kurt. If Max isn’t busy High School Musical, and Beauty and the Beast. Jesus got very with rehearsal or homework, he enjoys hanging out with his interested in technical theater once he did an internship at friends or endlessly listening to show tunes. He would like the Lyceum Theater in Downtown San Diego and is currently working at The to dedicate this performance to his Show Choir fam and his friends, especially Old Globe Theater as a carpenter and is a part of their strike/load in crew. Jesus Kristina Ortiz, Qianna Desquitado, Kyle Florendo and Kevin Chiroque for always plans to go to college after high school where he will continue to study Technical being there for him, supporting him, and helping him go through rough times. He Theater and hope one day to become a scenic designer. He would like to thank also would like to dedicate this performance to his family for supporting him and his parents for their never ending support and love because if it weren’t for them, loving him no matter what and for understanding his love and passion for theater. he wouldn’t have the possibility to pursue and achieve his goals. Edriane Alvaro (Tech) is a junior at San Ysidro High Zoë Jones (Stage Manager) is a recent graduate of Otay School. This is Edriane’s first VAPA musical and first time be- Ranch High School and will be attending San Diego State ing a tech. Although she is used to performing on stage she University in the fall, majoring in Business Administration - was amazed and enjoyed building what goes on stage. Being Management and Stage Management, and plans to continue in able to work as a tech has given her a good experience using her career as a stage manager. This is Zoë’s 12th production tools and learning the basics to building anything. She would and second run with the VAPA Summer Theater Institute. like to thank Mr. Lopez for giving her this huge opportunity, She had acted, stage managed, and done tech in an array of as she has learned so much. She would also like to acknowledge Mr. Maley for productions at Otay Ranch, and Children of Eden is only the second musical she’s teaching her as well and her “mentors” Jamal, Arturo, and Moya. been a part of. She would love to share her gratitude for her family and friends who have always supported her in her performing art endeavors. She would also Cristal Ami (Young Abel, Storyteller) is a senior at Eastlake like to recognize those who have inspired her and helped her in her journey with High School where her favorite subject is Honors Human the performing arts: Mrs. MaSuy, her drama teacher, for beginning her journey and Anatomy and Physiology. This is Cristal’s first performance always being there for her, Joseph Shumate, her past director, who has opened up with the VAPA Summer Theatre Institute. Her hobbies great doors for her, and of course, Mr. Lopez, who has given her the opportunity include singing, opera, and dancing. She would like to dedicate to be stage manager and helped guide her through learning the skills she needs. this performance to her family, because without them she Lastly, she wants to thank the entire cast and crew and any person who has con- wouldn’t be able to continue down the pathway of music. tributed to making Children of Eden what it is. They have dedicated their summer to this show and deserve the loudest round of applause possible. They all inspire Jamal Baldwin (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior at her and give her the motivation to come to rehearsals, she loves them all and is San Ysidro High School and is proud and excited to assist in so proud of all of their hard work. the production of Children of Eden. Jamal has had a productive year, starting with stage managing the one act Christmas Eve Keane Lalas (Abel, Storyteller) is a senior at Eastlake High Chaos and Beauty and the Beast. Jamal would like to thank his School where his favorite subject is the show choir he’s in, best friend Doniella (Eve) for being his personal Uber and CenterStage. Keane has never had “official” theatre experi- for being a great conversationalist. He would like to thank ence and Children of Eden will be his first official production. everyone who supported him and his teachers for allowing him to pursue this His hobbies include playing video games and listening to lo-fi passion of his. hip hop. He would like to dedicate this performance to his parents, because of how much they are willing to continu- Christiana Bowdan (Snake/Storyteller) is a sophomore ously support what he enjoys doing so much. at Otay Ranch High School where her favorite subjects are Math and Choir. Christiana has no previous theater experi- Josiah Lopez (Adam) is a senior at San Ysidro High School ence, this is her first performance with the VAPA Summer and is excited to be a part of VAPA’s Children of Eden. He Theatre Institute, but she looks forward to participating in was last involved in Team Omega’s production of Beauty and many more. Her hobbies include reading and doing gymnas- the Beast as the Beast. Josiah would like to thank his family, tics. She would like to dedicate this performance to her par- friends, and creative influences for allowing him to become ents and best friend Tori, for their constant support as she tries something new. 11 8 Samuel Castillo (Father) is a senior at San Ysidro High reading. She would like to dedicate this performance to her family because they School. He is very happy to be part of this wonderful have always supported her in following her passion for music and performing. production. He has been part of San Ysidro High School’s Christmas Eve Chaos, High School Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Analyse Gutierrez (Prop Master) is an alumni from and smaller after school productions. He wants to pursue Eastlake High School. This is her 5th VAPA production. She a career in performing arts in the future. He would like to is currently a Musical Theatre major at AMDA - The Ameri- thank his parents Danny and Sophie who have always sup- can Musical and Dramatic Academy - and is going to study ported him, and his friends and cast members for being so awesome and fun to in New York this coming Fall. She has done many shows work with. including Miss Saigon, Pippin, Rent, In The Heights, and Legally Blonde, and her hobbies include listening to various musicals Amanda Castro (Storyteller, Yonah) is a freshman at and jamming out with her siblings in the car. She is very grateful for the opportu- SDSU where she will be studying Zoology. Amanda has been nity to work on this beautiful show, and would like to dedicate her work in this in many productions including VAPA’s Legally Blonde and production to Mr. Lopez and to thank him for all he’s taught her. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Her hobbies include volunteer- ing at the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility. She would like to Drake Gutierrez (Young Cain, Storyteller) is a senior dedicate this performance to her family and boyfriend who at Eastlake High School where his favorite subject is Show support her endlessly. Choir. Drake has teched many shows such as In The Heights and The Addams Family, and also performed in Legally Blonde Tiffany Dizon (Animal, Tech) is a sophomore at Otay last year. His hobbies include listening to entire musicals and Ranch High School where my favorite subject is Math and playing games to fill the emptiness of boredom. He would Science. Previous theatre experiences include Paint the Town like to dedicate this performance to his parents for always and Mulan in Hedenkamp Elementary School. She likes to encouraging him to find where he belongs and his girlfriend for always being lov- dance and listen to music often. She would like to dedicate ing and supportive. this play to her parents and school friends for supporting her. Jordan Gutierrez (Assistant Stage Manager) This is Kenneth Garcia (Seth) is a junior at Eastlake High School Jordan’s first experience teching a show and she is so glad to where Social Science is his favorite subject. Kenneth has no be a part of it. Jordan has also participated in VAPA’s previ- experience in theatre and this has been his first production. ous show Legally Blonde where she was in Ensemble. She is in His hobbies include casually playing sports, analog, and video her second year of being apart of the Eastlake High School’s games. He would like to dedicate this performance to his show choir, Center stage. Jordan has been dancing since she best friend because she helps with keeping life interesting. was three and a half and hopes to have a career in the per- forming arts. Her love for theater keeps growing and she has VAPA to thank for Adriana Gonzalez (Storyteller/Animal) is a sophomore that, these musicals have helped her with being more confident and meeting new at Bonita Vista High School. Her favorite subject is History. people. She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her. Adriana has played many roles; such as Spanish soloist in The She also would like to thank Mr. Lopez for giving her a chance to be a part of such Nutcracker, step-sister in Cinderella, and Sugar Plum Fairy in an amazing production. She can’t wait to be a part of more amazing musicals. The Nutcracker. This is her second production with the VAPA Summer Theater Institute. Her hobbies include dancing and Edgardo Hernandez (Noah, Storyteller) is a sopho- being a part of The Music Machine. She would like to dedi- more at San Ysidro High where his favorite subjects are the cate this performance to her grandmother Colle and to her parents Robert and sciences. Edgardo has been a part of two productions at his Teresa for always supporting and believing in her. high school, one of them was Beauty and the Beast in which he played Chip. His hobbies include photography and partak- Yelka Gonzalez-Vargas (Mama) is a sophomore at ing in performances such as these. He would like to thank all where her favorite subject is Drama. of the cast and his family members for the constant support Over the past five years, Yelka has performed at many and help throughout the whole rehearsal process of Children of Eden. festivals and events all over San Diego including at the San Diego Civic Theater. This is her first year with the VAPA Sum- mer Theatre Institute and she is very excited to begin her journey in theater. Her hobbies include playing the piano and 9 10