OLIVE AITTANIEMI (Teen Fiona) is thrilled to be playing Teen Fiona in Shrek the Musical. She will be an eighth grader at Heritage Hall this fall and has loved performing from a young age. Favorite credits include Little Elsa in Frozen (Heritage Hall Performing Arts), Junie B. Jones in Junie B. Jones, and Alice in Alice in Wonderland (Kismet). She has also appeared in productions with Lyric Academy, Spotlight, and the Painted Sky Opera. Olive would like to thank the cast, crew, and creative team for making this experience so much fun, and she hopes you enjoy the show!  @olivenicole

TRUMAN BROWN (Young Shrek/Dwarf) is a rising 4th grader. Recent shows include: Into the Woods JR (Kismet Arts), The SpongeBob Musical YE (Lyric Theater Academy), and A Christmas Carol (Lyric Theater).

BELLA BULLOCK (Humpty Dumpty/Dragon U/S) has been performing in community and school productions for 10 years. She is a passionate actor, singer, and mover. She is currently pursuing a BA in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma. She has been seen in Fun Home (Upstage Theater), You on the Moors Now (Lindenwood University), and Oliver! (Kismet Arts).

CHARLES G. BURNS (Big Bad Wolf, Guard) is an educator for elementary and middle school who has a passion for arts education and community arts initiatives. At Kismet, he has both directed and assistant directed in addition to serving in other capacities on our creative teams. Under his direction throughout the state, over 70 productions have come to life including award-winning high school and community theatre shows. He loves to share theatre with and for all ages. He and his husband, Jason, and their daughter, Amelia, love to camp, attend festivals, support the arts, and try new food!

JULIANA CHERRY (Ugly Duckling) is thrilled to be in her 4th production of Shrek the Musical! She currently attends Millikin University where she is working towards her BFA in Musical Theater. Some of her favorite shows she’s performed include Carrie, Spamalot, Les Misérables: School Edition, Newsies, and Children of Eden. When she is not performing, she also works as a stage manager. Some recent stage management credits include Ride the Cyclone and Mean Girls. Shout out to her parents for being committed to watching her in Shrek so many times! Follow her on insta @_julianacherry!

GAVIN COLE (Papa Ogre/Papa Bear/Guard/Knight/Shrek U/S) has been performing around OKC for the past five years. Some of his favorite roles are Jean Valjean in Les Misérables School Edition (Kismet Arts), Dr. Neville Craven in The Secret Garden (Lyric Academy), Gleb in Anastasia (Spotlight Productions OKC), Edward Bloom in Big Fish (Rose State College), and Dickon in The Secret Garden (Poteet Theatre). He would like to thank his castmates and his parents for their inspiration and support.

ROBERT COOPER (Farquaad) is reprising the role of Lord Farquaad for Kismet’s production of Shrek the Musical. He has been an educator for 14 years, which includes time as the choral and drama teacher at Edmond Central Middle School, where he directed numerous shows. He has also stage directed the musical camp at Crossings Community Church. He would like to thank the amazing directors, fantastic cast, and his incredible wife Albany and their two precious girls for making this possible!

HADLEY CORNELSON (Gnome/Greeter) graduated as a Drama Major from Classen SAS and will be pursuing a BFA in Acting from Point Park University this upcoming Fall. Credits Include: Ride The Cyclone, Mean Girls: School Edition, Between The Lines (Kismet Arts Studio & Theatre) The Addams Family, Zombie Prom, Big Fish (Lyric Thelma Gaylord).

SIERRA DICKERSON (Elf) is a dancer, aerialist, and stuntwoman who mostly just loves bringing fun, high-energy characters to life. Whether she is playing an eccentric character in the air, a storyteller on a dance stage, or the person getting dramatically punched in a scene, she focuses on making every role memorable and entertaining. Her performance history includes sharing the stage with groups like RACE Dance Collective and Perpetual Motion, as well as performing for the Calderón Dance Festival. These days, you can usually find her hanging from the ceiling or getting into theatrical trouble as a resident performer at Six Flags, Frontier City. Sierra enjoys using her dance background and stunt training to jump into whatever wild, action-packed, or goofy character a director throws her way.

JOHN DIXON (Donkey) is excited to be back on stage! John is entering his fourth year at The University of Oklahoma pursuing a degree in Psychology. He has recently been in Grease (Johnny Casino), The Addams Family (Uncle Fester), Spamalot (Sir Bedevere), Sister Act (Eddie Souther), and Legally Blonde (Kyle B. O’Boyle). John is grateful for the support from both his family and friends as well as the entire Kismet Arts team!

BRAXTON DRISKILL (Pig #3) is a Family Science/Human Development major at Oklahoma Christian in Edmond, OK. He has performed with numerous theaters including OC’s music department, Southwest Playhouse, Red Carpet Community Theater, Lyric Thelma Gaylord Academy, and Kismet Arts Studio & Theatre. Braxton now teaches at Kismet in their Curtain Call class as an assistant director. He has appeared in various shows including Les Misérables: School Edition (Kismet Arts), Newsies (Lyric Academy), Drowsy Chaperone (Southwest Playhouse), and Guys and Dolls (Oklahoma Christian).

BAYLEE DUFFINEY (Gingy) is thrilled to be part of Shrek the Musical! Previous credits include (Heidi) in {Title of Show}; (Helena Landless) in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, (Cinderella) in Cinderella, and (Heather McNamara) in Heathers: The Musical with Upstage Theatre; (Heather) in Green Day’s American Idiot and (Audrey) in Little Shop of Horrors with Gaslight Theatre; and (Holly) in The Wedding Singer at the University of Central Oklahoma. Baylee thanks her husband, Morgan, and her family for their love and support. And as always, a special shoutout to her puppies, Beau and Hosnar! @bayleeduffiney

ELIZA FEISAL (Young Fiona/Baby Bear) is an incoming freshman at Crossings Christian School where she has done theater, cheer and tennis. She’s been a Kismet student for multiple years participating in shows such as Les Misérables: School Edition (Gavroche), The Spongebob Musical Youth Edition (Spongebob), James and The Giant Peach JR (James), and Into The Woods JR (The Witch). She also is a voice student under Laura Himes. Outside of Kismet, Eliza has worked with Painted Sky Opera in The Magic Flute (Knaben 1).

MAKENZIE FORD (White Rabbit/Blind Mice) LYRIC THEATRE OF OK: The Sound of Music, Lyric’s A Christmas Carol. REGIONAL THEATRE: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Merrily We Roll Along, Les Misérables, Grease, Joseph and… Dream Coat, The Most Happy Fella. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Bachelor’s of Music in Musical Theatre from The University of Central Oklahoma. Makenzie has also gained numerous Directing, Choreography and Music Direction credits in the Edmond Community over the past 10 years! Makenzie would like to thank her family, boyfriend, and her besties for their constant support!

BRYCE GUY (Mad Hatter/Pied Piper) is a Rising Senior Drama Major at Classen SAS @ NE. His recent credits include, Mean Girls: School Edition and Big Fish (Kismet Arts and Studio); Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Othello, and 9 to 5 (Classen Drama @ NE).

EMILIE LANGE (Fiona) will be a Senior Musical Theater Major at the University of Central Oklahoma. She has appeared in several productions at her university, such as: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (UCO), and Chicago (UCO), and she will soon return to Historic Mitchell Hall Theater in Anything Goes! (UCO) this Fall. This is her first time working with Kismet Arts but she is having a blast and has loved working with every member in the cast and crew of Shrek: The Musical! She would like to thank her parents, grandparents, and all the friends and family who have supported her journey as a performer.

BRADY MCCOMAS (Shrek) is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Bachelors in Musical Theatre. Brady has performed in many OCU productions such as Willard in Footloose, General Waverley in White Christmas, and Bogdonavich in The Merry Widow. Brady trains vocally under the guidance of Dr. Christensen, and would love to thank his friends and family for their support through this process. He joins the Kismet Arts team as a voice teacher in the Fall!

RACHAEL MERKLEY (Mama Bear/Blind Mice/Fiona U/S) is honored to be part of this production and especially grateful to share the stage with her husband, Ryan, for the first time since their high school production of Crazy for You, where they shared their first kiss! Favorite recent credits include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and understudying Marian Paroo in The Music Man. Rachael studied Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City University under the vocal instruction of Dr. Courtney Crouse and has continued to pursue her love of singing while being a full-time mom to two beautiful children. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to her family for lovingly caring for their children during rehearsals, making this opportunity possible.

RYAN MERKLEY (Captain of the Guard/Bishop) is thrilled to be back on stage, sharing his love of live theater with this talented cast and, most especially, his wife. Previous roles include Philip Lombard in And Then There Were None, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, and Bela Zangler in Crazy for You. Ryan is grateful to his family and friends for their continuous encouragement and support. His hobbies include piña coladas and getting caught in the rain. This is his story.

ELLA MISIALEK (Wicked Witch/Blind Mice) is excited to be back at Kismet Arts Studio and Theatre! She is currently a senior at the University of Central Oklahoma studying musical theatre. She has recently been seen in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Kismet Arts), Guys and Dolls (UCO), Tuck Everlasting (UCO), and The Polar Express Train Ride (Rail Events Productions). She would like to thank her parents for supporting her.

GRACIE MORRIS (Teen Fiona) is so excited to be performing in this production and is grateful to be part of such a talented cast. Earlier this year, she had the opportunity to play Grandma Josephine in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a role she especially enjoyed for its humor and heart. Gracie has also appeared in The Addams Family, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Wizard of Oz, Big Fish, and Night of Broadway. She loves singing, acting, and dancing and enjoys every opportunity to grow as a performer. Gracie trains with Canterbury Youth Voices and Edmond Youth Choir and also takes voice and piano lessons. She thanks her directors, castmates, crew, and family for their endless support.

LILA MORRIS (Young Fiona/Baby Bear) is excited to make her Kismet Arts debut in Shrek the Musical! Favorite past roles include Sandy Cheeks (The SpongeBob Musical), Little Red (Into the Woods), Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz), Nemo (Finding Nemo JR), and Flounder (The Little Mermaid). Lila has studied private voice since 2022 and piano since 2021 and enjoys singing with the Edmond Youth Choir. She loves the friendships, creativity, and challenge that theater brings and is always excited to grow with each production. She is especially excited to play Young Fiona alongside her sister, who plays Teen Fiona, making this production even more special. Lila thanks the directors, cast, crew, and her family for their encouragement and hopes you enjoy the show!

TRACY PATTERSON (Mama Ogre/Fairy Godmother) is excited for her debut performance with Kismet in one of her favorite shows!  Since moving to Oklahoma in 2021, she immediately joined the theatre community and has performed in numerous musicals with Sooner and Poteet Theatres. She grew up in Kansas City studying dance and musical theatre and has performed at Starlight Theatre, The Theatre in the Park and at many other venues. Following college and grad school, she and her husband made their way to Abilene, TX, where they raised their three children. While in Abilene, Tracy performed with Abilene Ballet Theatre for 20 years before moving to Oklahoma. While not performing, she loves snow skiing, mountain biking, pickleball and being a first-time grandmother (“Glammy” and/or “Nannie”)!

TUCKER ELI PENNINGTON (Pig #2) has been seen in multiple Kismet Arts productions. Some of his most memorable roles include Horton (Seussical JR), Beetlejuice (Beetlejuice JR), Beast (Beauty and the Beast JR), Olaf (Frozen JR), and Rafiki (The Lion King JR). He’d like to extend his gratitude to Angela Polk, Laura Himes, Andrea Bartlow, Pam Doughty, and Audra Faust for being amazing consultants, dear friends, and supporters of Tucker for acting and composing reasons.

PRESLEY REDUS (Fairy) has been performing at Kismet Arts & Studio for eight years. In this time, her favorite shows have been Beetlejuice JR (Delia), Matilda JR (Lavender), and Mean Girls: School Edition (Ensemble). Her other credits include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Lyric Theatre) and A Territorial Christmas (Pollard Theatre Company).

ALEX RODRIGUEZ (Pinocchio/Donkey U/S) is a senior Musical Theatre major at Oklahoma City University (OCU). He is from Lawton, Oklahoma. Professionally, he played “Huck” in Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s Big River, and has recently been featured in OCU’s “Stripped” production of [title of show] as “Hunter Bell”. He is set to star as “Pirate King” in the collegiate premiere of the Tony-Nominated Broadway show of Pirates! The Penzance Musical. After he graduates, he’s looking to move to NYC to pursue his dreams further. He wants to thank his family and everyone who has supported him throughout his journey. Instagram: @ughitsalexagain

BLAKELY SCHMIDT (Ensemble) has participated in theatre at Kismet Arts Studio & Theatre and Central Middle School. She has also volunteered as a mentor for children’s theatre at Kismet. Recent productions include Legally Blonde JR, Sweeney Todd: School Edition, Little Women JR, and Big Fish: School Edition.

ESTELLA STEVENSON (Peter Pan) is thrilled to be back onstage with Kismet Arts! Previous credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Schwartzy), Grease (Cha-Cha), Bright Star (Lucy), and many more. Estella is a Communication Sciences and Disorders student at the University of Oklahoma and hopes to become a speech-language pathologist after graduation. She is so grateful to be part of the Shrek the Musical cast and would like to thank her family, friends, and the Kismet team for their constant encouragement and support! #shilaboop

ANNA TAYLOR (Puss in Boots) is thrilled to be performing in Shrek the Musical! She has been in numerous productions with Kismet Arts Studio & Theatre, her favorites including Beetlejuice JR (Delia), The SpongeBob Musical YE (Sandy), and Big Fish: School Edition.  Anna is a voice student under the professional training of Angela Polk. After Shrek the Musical, she will continue her summer at Kismet, performing in Raise Your Voice and Hadestown: School Edition.

RILEY TURNER (Pig #1/Farquaad U/S) is an Oklahoma born director and actor. His work focuses mainly on high school level theatre education, where he has worked for the past seven years as the Director of Theatre at Deer Creek High School. He received the award for “Best Direction” at the Oklahoma State One-Act Competition for his work on Twelfth Night (2021), Almost, Maine (2023), and The Women of Lockerbie (2025). His previous musical productions nominated for a Kelli O’Hara Award are: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Outstanding Musical Performance - Winner) and Pippin (Outstanding Ensemble). Riley graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelors of Fine Arts Education in Theatre Education/Communication. Most recently he has directed: The Women of Lockerbie, The Outsiders, The Addams Family, and most recently, Ride the Cyclone here at Kismet Arts.

ELLIE VALDEZ (Dragon) works at Kismet as a dance and yoga instructor, as well as a choreographer and director! She is over the moon to be a part of this production, especially alongside so many dear students! Ellie most recently directed, music directed, and choreographed Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical at Oklahoma Children’s Theatre. She has also choreographed for Oakdale School, Casady School, and Classen SAS High School at Northeast. Ellie has a BM in Musical Theatre from UCO. Favorite roles include: Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Lizzie Borden in LIZZIE, Joyce/Will in Stranger Sings: A Parody Musical, and Lucy Van Pelt in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. LOVE my Kismet fam!! @smellie_kitten

RAECHEL BROWN (Makeup/Prosthetics) is an artist from Oklahoma City and owner of Kaleidoscope Arts. She has been involved with makeup and prop creation for productions at Choctaw High School, Classen Middle School and Kismet Arts.

MADISON CARTMILL (Assistant Director/Stage Manager) is a Performing Arts and Psychology student at John Brown University, active in both the Oklahoma City metro and Northwest Arkansas region. Her technical experience includes light designing, assistant directing, stage managing, and working tech for multiple projects. Madison's recent performance credits include Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family), Nikki (Curtains), and Mamma Murphy (Bright Star). She is a NATS national qualifier and Irene Ryan nominee, and currently serves as the Assistant Camp Director at Edmond Youth Theatre.

AMELIA CASTOR (Choreographer), a Kismet alum, is currently getting her BM in Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City University. She has worked as assistant choreographer on The Prom at Lyric Theater of Oklahoma and choreographer for The Prom at OCU, as well as several productions at Kismet. Some past favorite roles include: Judy Haynes in White Christmas (OCU), U/S Louise/ensemble in Carousel (Lyric Theater of Oklahoma) and Fiona in Shrek the Musical (Kismet).

ALBE EL AMM (Lighting Designer & Light Board Operator) began his lighting career working under Charlie Burns at the Kim Lanier Fine Arts Center. He now produces the lights for the productions Kismet holds at Oakdale Middle School’s theatre. He is currently a rising senior at Edmond Memorial High School.

HANNAH FINNEGAN (Wigs) loves working with Kismet and is so happy to be back for her fifth time! Currently the elementary music and middle school drama teacher at Bishop John Carroll, she loves creating art with her brilliant little artists. She began working with wigs at age 14 with a small studio production and has since worked with hair, makeup, and wardrobe on shows like Dreamgirls, Hairspray, The Producers, Beehive, Singin in the Rain, Wicked, Book of Mormon, The Wiz, Shrek, and many more. Thank you to her old friends, Laura and Angela, for inviting her to come work with you. She is truly lucky. Shoutout to her family for helping with precarious transportation issues, shoutout to Puddles for being the biggest and best lapdog a girl could ask for. Yay local theatre!! Support local arts!

ANDREW HIMES (Technical Designer/Sound Board Operator) has been with Kismet all of its life. He has been involved in theatre for over 20 years, both on and off stage, has never caused one fire (directly), and once sat in a pool of water in the ceiling (IYKYK). Favorite (acting) roles include Bill Sikes (Oliver!), Jigger (Carousel) and Jamie (The Last Five Years), where he got to marry Laura (as Cathy) onstage before marrying her in real life just a few months later. He is also the play-by-play voice of Oklahoma City University basketball, and with the crew at KREFSports.tv, calling many sports at Norman High School, and collecting three Outstanding Achievement awards from the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.

LAURA HIMES (Music Director/Producer) is a graduate of The University of Oklahoma with a BME in Vocal Music Education. She worked as a choir teacher in the public schools for five years until she decided it was time to follow a lifelong dream of opening a performing arts studio. As a performer and music director, she has worked at Lyric Theatre, Sooner Theatre, Poteet Theatre, Cimarron Opera, Jewel Box, The Bethany Stage, and The City Cabaret. Favorite acting roles include Amalia (She Loves Me), Cathy (The Last Five Years), and Betty (White Christmas). She has played the piano for 25+ years and accompanies choirs, private voice students, ensembles, and musicals. She most recently directed Sweeney Todd: School Edition and will direct Hadestown: School Edition in just a few weeks! She met her husband, Andrew, at the theatre, and is so happy to share this life together. @laurarhymeswithcapybara

KIM HORNBUCKLE (Costumer) learned to sew from her grandmother at age five, proving that grandmothers are usually right about everything. She never expected those skills to land her backstage, but in 2021 she was recruited to rescue the costumes for her son Zander’s school production of The Little Mermaid. One emergency turned into costuming every one of his school productions until he graduated this year. Since joining the Kismet family in 2024, Kim has helped keep seams intact, buttons attached, and actors stage-ready for 13 productions. By day, she’s a Professional Engineer managing water projects across Oklahoma. By night, she’s armed with a sewing machine, safety pins, and just enough theatrical magic to save the show.

ALEXANDER LOUGHRIDGE (Set Painter) began his set painting career working under Kismet and now paints for select productions Kismet holds at Oakdale Middle School’s theatre, and other middle school productions at the Kim Lanier Fine Arts Center arranged by Charlie Burns. He is currently a rising senior at Edmond Memorial.

ANGELA POLK (Director/Producer) worked for The Mine in NYC as a Talent Agent with 200+ clients in TV, Film, and Theatre. While in NYC, she worked for Leading Artists, Dave Clemmons Casting, and DGRW. As a director, actor, and stage manager, she has worked for Lyric Theatre, Fresh Paint Performance Lab, Ignition Arts, Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Paper Mill Theatre, CityRep, Poteet Theatre, Jewel Box, The Bethany Stage, The City Cabaret, and Red Carpet Theatre. Angela holds a BM and MM in Music Theater from Oklahoma City University where she studied under Florence Birdwell. She currently works as an Executive Assistant to Lance Baker at The Advisors Raymond James in Edmond. @angeladpolk