Wizard of Oz Youth Edition at The Depot Theatre

Down The Yellow Brick Road: Depot Theatre Academy Presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition

Full Cast of 39 Young Artists Announced for August 8–10 Performances

Westport, NY — The Depot Theatre Academy is proud to introduce the 39 young performers, ages 5-16 bringing to life L. Frank Baum’s timeless story in this year’s The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, running August 8–10 at the historic Whallonsburg Grange Hall, with live musical accompaniment.

The musical is the culminating project of the Academy’s summer program, which emphasizes skill-building, teamwork, and creative exploration through three weeks of rehearsals and workshops led by Equity-level teaching artists in voice, dance, and scene work.

“This program is about much more than putting on a show,” said Gigi Mason, Director of the Depot Theatre Academy. “It’s about empowering young people through theatre—on stage, backstage, and in the community.”

Lead roles include:

• Dorothy Gale – Kalyn Kivlehan

• Scarecrow/Hunk – Claudia Halloran-Donaldson

• Tin Man/Hickory – Calen Duso

• Cowardly Lion/Zeke – Otis VanDeusen

• Glinda – Tatum Brearton

• Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Gulch – Jianna Giovacco

• Professor Marvel / Wizard / Voice of Oz – Jay McDaniel

• Aunt Em – Anna Duso

• Uncle Henry – Lucas LaPage

• Toto – Sabine Brearton

• Doorman / Guard – Ava Leibeck

• Nikko – Chief Henderson

Featured roles and ensemble performers include: Layla Jacques, Felicity van Rijsewijk, Lilliana Soto, Ava Kurak, Louisa Scott, Juliet Giovacco, Eloise Eaton, Etta Saltamach, Hielhy Birch Allen, Zoey Kingzack, Samantha Stone, Aubrey Shumway, Chloe Allen, Keenan Duso

Student backstage assistants are Alayna Kivlehan and Keenan Duso.

Intro to Theatre “Munchkin Camp” participants: Harper Baumann, Harriet Brooks, Carolyn Castelli, Fran Castelli, Nora Dorney, Scout Eaton, Jordana Giovacco, Lovett Henderson, Rowan Holland, Cali Kingzack, Grace Robinson, Mae Scott

The production is led by Depot Theatre Academy staff and returning Academy alumni, with generous support from visiting teaching artists, seasoned volunteers, and theatre professionals connected to the Depot Theatre’s Main Stage and regional arts community.

TICKETS & SHOWTIMES

Performances of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition will take place:

• Friday, August 8 at 7:00 PM

• Saturday, August 9 at 7:00 PM

• Sunday, August 10 at 2:00 PM

Please note at this time all of the shows are sold out

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

The Depot Theatre Academy is the educational wing of the Depot Theatre, the Adirondacks’ oldest professional Equity theatre company. Through summer and year-round offerings, the Academy introduces children and teens to theatre arts with programs including live performance, Equity guest artist workshops, and holistic creative development. Known for sold-out productions and deeply invested students, the Academy emphasizes collaboration, discipline, and creativity in a welcoming, professional setting.

For more information, visit depottheatre.org/academy-main.

PROGRAM SPONSOR

The Depot Theatre Academy Summer Program is sponsored by TrailNorth Federal Credit Union. The Depot Theatre Academy is underwritten by The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation. The 2025 Season is sponsored by The Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation.