Puffs at J-DAPA

Josh is excited to be taking on the role of Wayne! He’s so excited to show you what this incredible cast has been doing for the past few months. Outside of theater, Josh is going into his senior year of high school and enjoys playing video games and playing music. "I’d like to thank everyone in our extremely talented cast and crew who made me feel welcome and included despite joining the production later on."

HIIII!!! Robert is so excited to play Oliver. This is his first non-musical stage performance since college and he’s glad it is in a show as amazing as Puffs. He played J Finch et. al in a previous production, so getting the chance to see the show from a completely different perspective is a great experience and challenge. He hopes you enjoy the show as much as he does! "Jared, thank you so much for inspiring me to do this show again! You mean the world to me!"

Abbey is thrilled to be making her J-DAPA debut in Puffs! Recent credits: Johanna (Sweeney Todd, East End Theatre and Performing Arts), Jane Doe (Ride the Cyclone, Academy Players of Rhode Island), Alyssa Greene (The Prom, East End Theatre and Performing Arts), Fanny Brice (Funny Girl, Pilgrim High School). "TR, MV, KK, LI, ER. Love you guys forever and a day <3"

David is thrilled to be Puff! He is a Rhode Island based actor and graduate of Rhode Island College with a degree in Theatre Performance. Regionally, he has taken part in productions at J-DAPA in Smithfield, Burbage Theatre in Pawtucket, The Players in Providence, and The Colonial Theatre in Westerly. David is also a resident teaching artist and director at J-DAPA.

Sofia (Cedric/Mr. Voldy) is stoked to be a part of this amazing cast! She has been seen at J-DAPA in The Bugs (Porthis) and Heroes and Villains: A Cabaret. She is a rising junior at Jaqueline M. Walsh School for the Arts, focusing on Theatre. "Thank you J-DAPA, the Puffs cast, and my family and friends!! I love you guys!!"

Aubrey is a RI based actor and voiceover artist – and a true Puff at heart! Aubrey is a graduate of Providence College, RI and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, UK. Regionally, she has taken part in productions at J-DAPA in Smithfield, Burbage Theatre in Pawtucket, and Stellar Studios Theatre in Fall River. Aubrey is also a resident teaching artist and director at J-DAPA. "Sending a huge Puff hug to the entire creative team and crew!!!"

Stephen Grivers is thrilled to join J-DAPA’s Puffs, his debut show with the company. Previous credits include Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein (East End Theatre and Performing Arts); Luke Castellan in The Lightning Thief (Swamp Meadow Community Theatre); Trent Oliver in the Prom (East End); and many more. When not on stage, Stephen can be found analyzing data, learning how to cook delicious foods, or generally reaching higher planes of existence. "Stephen would like to dedicate this performance to his former Jr Stage students. Shout out to RS, AH, AS, KP, and the Bryant Players, for their inspiration and support of his participation in this show. Enjoy!"

If you had told 13-year-old Allison that she would be in this magical show, she probably would have been pissed that Luna doesn’t make an appearance. But once she got over that, she’d be over the moon! Allison has been performing at community theaters in both Rhode Island and Connecticut for 14 years now, and is attending Rhode Island College as a musical theatre major this fall. "Allison would like to thank her fellow Puffs for never failing to make her laugh, and Serena and Matt for bringing the magic to life!"

Nahvalene is thrilled to be part of this production! A passionate performer, she has been involved in theater for less than a year and continues to grow as both an actor and artist. Past credits include her role in The Addams Family as an Ancestor, back in February. When she’s not on stage, Nahvalene enjoys singing, reading, and playing her many instruments. As an huge Potterhead, she hopes you enjoy the show! "I would like to thank my friends, family, and directors for their endless support and encouragement!!"

Janessa Ortiz is excited to portray Sally Perks in Puffs! She is drawn to the show’s unique blend of humor, magic, and heart, and is thrilled to be part of a story that highlights the unsung heroes. Janessa looks forward to sharing this whimsical journey with the audience and celebrating the friendships and triumphs of the Puffs!

Kaleigh is excited to be a part of her first production with J-DAPA! She has been a part of multiple theatre productions, but some of her past favorite shows include Sweeney Todd (Company Member), The Prom (Ensemble), and Sister Act (Sr. Mary Martin-of-Tours). Outside of theatre, Kaleigh enjoys crocheting and reading. "Thank you to the cast and crew for making this a great experience!"

Matt first proposed the idea of "Puffs" for J-DAPA's 2023-2024 season, and is overjoyed to see it realized almost two years later! He is an experienced performer, stage manager, and lighting designer, but Puffs marks his directorial debut! Selected credits: "School of Rock," "Disney's Descendants" (lighting design) and "Sweeney," "The Prom," "Spelling Bee" (performer). "Sending a huge Puff hug to the entire cast, crew, and the best co-director I ever could have asked for! I am so proud of you all!"

Serena is thrilled to be directing Puffs alongside her Co-Director Matt! Serena has been in many previous J-DAPA productions, both on and off the stage. Her most recent roles include Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Miss Dee/Kay in Radiant Vermin, and Rosalie in School of Rock. Serena has also been the Stage Manager for several J-DAPA shows, and is one of our acting teachers!

Kirk Longhofer is a Wichita, Kansas based theatrical sound designer, editor, producer, and live sound engineer who has been playing with sounds and sound systems since age 12. His theatrical sound designs are heard in educational, community, and professional theaters around the world virtually weekly. Recent theatrical work includes designs for Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (The White Theatre at the J), and Witness for the Prosecution (Wichita Repertory Theatre). www.technopraxis.org