Will Pellegrini (Director)

Will received his BA from UCLA Department of Theater in the spring of ’99. After graduation, he worked for 3 years with UC ArtsBridge, an arts education and outreach program, as well as designed sets and directed theater projects within the Los Angeles area; as is currently a substitute teacher for the Culver City Unified School District and is staff member of AVPA. For the Academy, Will teaches set design, the musical theater audition workshop, and plans to teach a course puppetry in the spring. He served as set designer for AVPA’s productions of "Little Shop of Horrors", "The Crucible", "Brighton Beach Memoirs", "Taming of the Shrew", "The Diary of Anne Frank", "Noises Off", "The Misanthrope", and "Twelfth Night". He directed last spring’s musical, "Oliver!", as well as 2001’s production of "Cabaret". Aside from his work at Culver High, Will served as scenic designer for the Chance Theater Company’s productions of "The Angelina Project", "Therese Raquin", and "A History of the American Film"; at the Blank Theater Co, in Hollywood, Will designed the "2002 Young Playwright’s Festival" as well as worked on the set for "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Other directing credits include "Save Me from My Sister" (Hot Glue Productions), "Damet Mamet: An Evening of David Mamet" (AtoMic Theater Project), and productions of "Once on this Island", "Hair", "West Side Story" and "Into the Woods". [top]

Mike Walker (Musical Director)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Dr. Tony Spano (Band Director)

Bio coming soon. [top]

CariAnn Henderson (Choreographer)

CariAnn is a professional rock star posing as a choreographer. She feels honored and truly blessed this year to have the opportunity to work with such a hard care, fearless and super stellar cast. I bow down to each of you, kiss your feet and give thanks for this time together. We truly climbed the mountain. Thanks and praises to the fantastic crew, production team, parents and staff. All of my love goes to our fabulous director Will Pellegrini, what a pleasure it’s been working with you. And for my cast, always remember to run faster, breathe deeper, jump higher, dance harder and always dream out loud. I love you all! [top]

Jeannine Campi (Costume Designer)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Resa (Set Designer)

In her final year as an art major, Resa has been involved with Blurred Vision for the past four years in the area of scenic painting. Her highlights with the art program include the "Ryman Program for Young Artists" (second year), "LACMA High School Internship Program" (second year), and MOCA's "Inside Out Art Exhibit" (2001). Theatre credits include "The Crucible", "Brighton Beach Memoirs" (sound design), "The Taming of the Shrew", "Cabaret" (props), "Java Drama 8 and 9", "Waiting for Godot", and "Twelfth Night". [top]

David (Lighting Designer)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Josh (Sound Designer)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Cap Scalzo (Construction Lead)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Darryl B. Hovis (Producer)

Darryl currently serves as the artistic director for the Blurred Vision Theatre Company. He also is an ensemble member of The Chance Theater, where he serves as director, actor, and designer. AVPA directing credits include "The Crucible", "The Miracler Worker", "Crimes of the Heart", "A Midsummer Night’s Dream", "The Wiz", the award winning "The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds", and "Into the Woods". Other directing credits include "A History of the American Film" (nominated for two OC Weekly awards), "Therese Raquin", and "The Angelina Project". Design credits include the Chance Theater’s productions of "Trail of Tears" (lights), "Pippin" (lights) as well as the La Jolla Playhouse production of "The Good Person of Setzuan" (projections). He is currently designing lights for "The Angel and the Fiend" at the Getty. Darryl is currently attending the masters program at Central Washington University in theatre production. [top]

Jim Knight (Producer)

Jim currently serves as the executive director of AVPA as well as the film department chair. Theatre credits include "Barefoot in the Park" (director), "Crimes of the Heart" (Technical Director), "The Miracle Worker" (Technical Director), and "Into the Woods" (Technical Director). Jim also served as the executive producer for the films "And So It Goes", "Kill Your Radio", as well as the upcoming project "SubRosa". [top]

Stacey Wilson (Producer)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Krista (Stage Manager)

This is Krista's 4th and final year in the Academy. She will be so sad to leave it behind in just a few months. She would like to thank Hovis, Will and CariAnn for allowing her to stage manage this incredible production. Past Productions include "The Crucible", "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds", "The Misanthrope" (Assistant Stage Manager), "The Diary of Anne Frank", "The House of Bernarda Alba", and "Oliver!" This year and this show has brought her so many great experiences and opportunities. She would like to thank HOVIS for everything these past years, you’re awesome! She would also like to thank CariAnn, Will, Jeannine, CyCy for being so supportive and always having so much fun with life!! To Bridget, thank you for the great advice and talks during TGBA! To the other crew members you worked so hard these last weeks, thank you for all you put into this show! Last but definitely not least, the cast, you guys are the BEST and it has been so wonderful watching you bring TOMMY to life and rockin’ it. Special thanks to: Allison, Ben and Elisa you keep me on the ground rather than 30 million places in the sky! “I will always try to bring good news and a smile!! [top]

Heather (Asst. Stage Manager)

Heather is a senior and third year AVPA member. She was previously seen in "Oliver!" and "Cabaret" and stage managed "The Diary of Anne Frank" and "The Misanthrope". Heather is also a member of AVPA’s Young Filmakers and will be working on their 16MM production in April. She has really enjoyed working on the show and would like to congratulate the amazing cast. She’s also like to thank the excellent crew for letting her be a part of the team. [top]

Irene (Asst. Producer/House Manager)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Sara (Costume Manager)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Hilary (Ensemble)

Hilary is extremely excited to be working on "Tommy", she’s a fan of the Who’s music and was honored to be in this play. She has been in the past production, as the Spirit, "The House of Bernarda Alba" directed by Cheolseung Kim. She thanks the whole Academy this year and hopes for more good times. And special thanks to Will Pelligrini, Cari-Ann Henderson, and Darryl B. Hovis. [top]

Jack (Ensemble)

Jack is a senior and this is his first year in the academy, he finally joined. In October he played the part of Sebastian in Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night". Seeing as this is his last show he plans to have as much fun as possible and do his part to make it a great show. He hopes he won’t have to wear as much make up as he did in "Twelfth Night", but we will just have to wait and see. Most importantly he would like to thank Becca for getting him involved in the Academy, Alli for always being there, and Tom, Josh and Emanual for coming out for "Tommy". [top]

Lily (Acid Queen/Ensemble)

Lily has been in the Academy for 4 years. Lily has been in many shows like "Cabaret", "Oliver", "Taming of the Shrew", "Crucible", "Misanthrope", and many others. Lily is now a senior and she would like to tell everyone that the Academy has been more than words can explain. She would like to thank Hovis for being such a great dad to me. She truly feels that everyone in the Academy is one of Hovis’ kids. Hovis was always there from day 1 and she is truly blessed to have him in her life. She would also like to thank Mr. Knight and everyone who helped support the Academy and shows. To Will and Mike for believing in her and giving her the chance to be in this show. And to CariAnn for all of her help she could never have done it without her!! I love you guys! [top]

Stanley (Tommy)

Stanley started acting his junior year, and now regrets waiting so long to get sucked in. He knew it was inevitable, but his resistance was strong none the less. Stanley would like to thank Hovis and Knight first and foremost for all of their kindness and hard work. Besides those two, many other people have influenced and helped him along the way, namely Will Pellegrini, CariAnn, and Mike Walker. Stanley could write pages on pages about how great his fellow actors, stage managers, directors, etc, are, but will spare you all gracefully. He thanks you all for coming and hopes you enjoy his last full length show as a high school student. [top]

Will (Ensemble)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Emanuel (Ensemble)

is a senior a CCHS and "Tommy" is his second large production after "FAME" in the 8th grade. Emanuel currently participates in swimming, Water Polo and Wrestling at CCHS. Emanuel is also very dedicated to academics and is currently enrolled in 4 AP courses. [top]

Tiffany (Band Singer)

Tiffany is currently a sophomore at Culver City High School, and this is her second year performing with the AVPA. She’s been on quite the unfortunate hiatus, but is extremely glad to be back and working with her fellow AVPA members. Her past credits include; "The Pajama Game", "Crazy for You", "Going to see the Elephant", "The Misanthrope", "Baby with the Bathwater", "Java Drama 8"…And now this. She’s hoping to perform in many other shows in the upcoming years. She’d like to dedicate this show to her family, who will forever be first in her life, and her best friend Erin, who means the world to her. She’d like to say thank you to Mr. Will, Mr. Mike, Ms. CariAnn, Mr. Hovis, Dr. Spano, the Band and the MANY other helpers (we’re doomed to forget someone). She’d also like to tell the cast how much she loves them (I LOVE YOU GUYS & GALS!), and hopes that they all break their legs (hehe). She hopes you enjoy the show! [top]

SImone (Ensemble)

Simone is happy to be working with such a big and wonderful cast. Simone is a freshman at CCHS and this is her first year in the Academy. This is her second production with the Academy, the first being "The House of Bernarda Alba" (chorus). Simone has studied dance – ballet, modern, jazz and hip hop for 12 years. She is thrilled to be working with the whole cast and wishes everyone GOOD LUCK! [top]

Becca (Mrs. Walker)

This is Becca’s final year in the Academy and she is so sad to leave! Ever since she joined two years ago when she played a kit-kat girl in "Cabaret" the time flew by so fast! She wants to thank the entire cast and crew for their hard work. Thanks to Hovis and Knight for being the backbone to keep us all going strong. Will for always adding more and more people to his cast, Mike for his stories and CariAnn for always jumping around. Lastly she wants to thank all her fellow Blurred Vision drama geek friends for the fun, laughs, trips to Starbucks and their friendship. “I Love You” [top]

Melanie (Ensemble)

Melanie is extremely excited about being involved in a play as great as "Tommy", for this is her first musical in the Academy. Previous to this year she has been involved with numerous performances at Culver City Middle School. She has also put on plays at the Santa Monica Playhouse such as "Blurred Vision" and "The Feeling Zone". Last year she was in the academy, but unfortunately she wasn’t involved in many performances other than "Java Drama". This year, she decided to involve herself in more performances such as "Twelfth Night" and "The House of Bernarda Alba". Melanie has just finished working on "The Biggest Game of All" with the “Speak to Me” project. Oh yeah, she’s a sophomore. [top]

Ashley (Ensemble)

"Come to my house. Be one of my family’s people. Lovely bright home, were dancing all night never sleeping" This is Ashley’s 1st year and already 3rd performance she has done with the Academy. Ashley’s strong dance background and athletic ability won her a place in Long Beach Ballet Arts Center, San Pedro Dance Company, Lauridsen (South Bay) Dance Company, Dynamic Jazz Dance Company, and Trinity Lutheran’s Drill Team, which took first in many competitions. Her lead roles in "Keep the Ten That Made God Holy", "A Question of Life", and "Absolute Power", earned awards in regional competitions in Redlands and Lancaster and the opportunity to perform in national competitions. Other plays include "Pete’s Dragon", "Pippi Longstocking", "Our Town", "Taming of the Shrew", "The Biggest Game of All" and other small skits. She also did Costumes and Makeup for "The House of Bernarda Alba". Ashley would like to especially thank God for giving her all her gifts and her Mom, Dad, Brother and Henry. "Mom I’m turning into you more and more each day!" She would like to thank her Grandparents for supporting her, CyCy for driving her each day and getting her involved in the Academy, her two good friends Keoni (I love you bro) and Jimmy, Robbie, Tarrah, Kameah, Marilyn, All her Culver Buds, her dance coaches, Ms. Hohri, The Wilson’s, Will and Cari Ann. Enjoy the Show!` [top]

Shaina (Ensemble)

Shaina is a freshman at CCHS and she really wants to go to UCLA. She loves dancing and she can’t really sing all that well but she was a cheerleader in 7th grade. Since she was about 3 she’s either done ballet, jazz, modern or hiphop. She used to act on TV in various commercials and was in a Nickelodeon Show until she was 8. She’s a flag girl at CCHS right now. Tommy is her 1st performance with the Academy and I can’t wait to do more! This is her 2nd musical. She has done "Annie" and was Lily St. Regis and Pepper the Orphan when she was 10. She would like to thank the good lord in heaven, mama, daddy and joshy washy my brother. [top]

Jessie (Specialist Assistant/Ensemble)

Jessie has worked on over twenty productions- mostly as an actress or singer – but has also done various production work, including program design, video design and direction, set building, costume design, and assistant directing, not to mention the many dance recitals, talent showcases, and singing performances. Some shows include "The Pajama Game", "Crazy for You", "The Misanthrope", "Oliver!", "Footloose", "Twelfth Night", "Culverpalooza II", "The House of Bernarda Alba" and "The Biggest Game of All". This will be her eighth Academy production. She was a wide variety of dance experience including cha cha, swing, salsa, ballroom, hip hop, ballet, interpretive, tap, modern, jazz, and musical theatre. Jessie also has had training in swimming – diving, advanced and synchronized – for 8 years, cheerleading for 3 years and has a purple belt in ATA Tae Kwon Do. She recently began singing with the Neighborhood Church Youth Choir. She would like to thank Jesus – without whom nothing would be possible, Mom, Dad, CyCy, Keoni, Will, Mike, CariAnn, Hovis, Knight, Stacey, Ashley, Henry, Jimmy, Audri, Katie, Nolan, the whole cast and crew of "Tommy" and all of the seniors – she’ll miss you so such! Jessie can next be seen in Java Drama. [top]

Keoni (Captain Walker)

"Tommy can you hear me? Tommy can you heeeaaarrrrr meeeeeeeeee?" Day and night itÕs dancing and singing to get it just right for opening night. "Rehearsals have been great," Keoni says, "learning all the new steps and moves, sweating like a horse, jumping into oblivion and catching people in mid air! Being one with the whole team, working together, holding each other up, and encouraging one another. It's the greatest!" Only he would like to say once again to his Director and Choreographer, Will and Cari Ann, " I Waannnnna DANCE!!! Cast as Capt. Walker, Keoni's boundaries to control his non-stop energies of dancing and bouncing have been stretched more than he ever imagined. You see, Captain Walker does not dance, in this show. Ops! As a junior in OFL Charter School, a second year student with the Academy, and playing Roller Hockey, Keoni has learned how to adapt to change, long hours, and hard work, academically, on stage, behind the scenes and on wheels (roller blades).
His past musical credits include, "Foot Loose", "Oliver", "Children of Eden", "Cinderella", "Godspell", "The Magical Dinner", and "Bye Bye Birdie". Dramatic plays include, Shakespeare "Twelfth Night", "Our Town", "The Dairy of Anne Frank", & "Loyalties". He has also co-written, co-produced, and acted in 4 One-Act plays where three placed 1st & one placed 3rd in competitions at the University of Redlands and Lancaster. He is also a member of The Neighborhood Church of Palos Verdes Youth Choir. Keoni has especially enjoyed learning from David, Josh and Paul, to build the tresses, intelligent lights, and sound stuff and Will, Cappy and Keith in building the sets for numerous productions of the Academy including "TOMMY"!
Keoni would like to thank all of you, who have come to see TOMMY, and hopes that when you leave tonight, your hearts are filled with a new understanding of life, love, excitement, warmth and fun like his is performing for you. He also thanks his mom for her continued love, support, and food! He would also like to thank his brother Robbie, sister Tarrah, his beautiful niece Kameah, best friend Jimmy, Aunty Marilyn, sis Ashley, pal Henry, Keith, Kathy Pate, Blair & my Neighborhood Church family for their belief in me and most of all, God for making all of this possible. [top]

Heather (Ensemble)

This is Heather’s fifth production with the Academy. She was previously a technical theatre minor. She has worked on "Oliver" as costume designer and "Java Drama 8" as co-lighting designer. She then was stage manager for "Twelfth Night" and light designer for this school years "The House of Bernarda Alba" and "The Biggest Game of All". This is Heather's last year and would like to thank the Academy for welcoming her with open arms. She would also like to thank her mom, dad and brother for being her support. And also would like to thank Robin and Irene for being there no matter what! Thank You everyone, she’ll miss you. [top]

Ben (Harmonica Player/Ensemble)

Ben is a junior and "Tommy" is his first drama production at Culver High. The last time he was in a musical was in 3rd grade when he played pirate #3 in "Peter Pan" at Visitation School in Westchester. He is a music major in the Academy and has performed in Java Drama VIII, Culverpalooza 1 & 2, plays the bass in the high school band and has done many other things with the music department of the Academy. He plays the electric bass in Mocking Audri and his own band Sole Contender. He’d like to thank his family for giving him a heritage and a love of music. A big thank you to his girlfriend, Allison Wexler for encouraging him to audition for this show and especially a big thank you to Dr. Spano and Audri for making him academy experiences so wonderful. Thanks to all my friends and the cast for your support and helping me to explore new things. Much love to the little people…techi for life! [top]

Katie (Band Singer)

Katie is very excited to be performing in "The Who’s Tommy" as she is not used to being on the stage during a performance unless something has gone horribly wrong. Katie is president of the Choir Council, and usually does most of her work with The Pink Elephant Music Co., although in the last two years, she has done plenty of (backstage) work for all of AVPA. Her past credits include: Rogers and Hammerstein’s "Cinderella", "The Brew 1& 2", "Culverpalooza 1 & 2", "Footloose", "The Diary of Anne Frank", "Noises Off", "Oliver", and "Java Drama 8", doing various jobs including and mostly lights but also Asst. Stage Managing, Props, Costumes, and House Management. Over the last three years she has also made various appearances performing with the Centaur concert and Chamber Choirs, and at "Java Drama 7". Katie would like to Thank the Cast and crew, as well as Will for all their work, and making Tommy a great experience. She would also like to thank her posse for all their love (Nolan, Audri, Lori, Blair, Saira, Shawn, Ben and all the freshman) you guys are my inspiration. Thanks also to Mike Walker for all his faith and encouragement, and to Dr.Spano, for…well, there just isn’t enough time in the day to list it all, but thanks for everything! [top]

Kahlil (Ensemble)

This is Kahlil’s 3rd production in the Academy. He is happy, excited, energized, chill and all of the left about being part of this. He has been in "The Misanthrope", and "The Biggest Game of All". He has also done sound and has been an MC for "Culverpalooza" and writes music. He would like to thank many people, so many people, so many people that he’s going to initial them, K, R, A, J, D, M, E, T, G… some of those letters are repeated more than once.. thank you. [top]

James (Hawker/Ensemble)

James is in 11th grade. "’04 Baby!! Joining the Academy was the best thing he could have done this year. It is so much fun working with peers who share the same passions as he does. His first production was in 8th grade in a play called "Dracula". He was the lead role of Dracula himself. Ever since then he was addicted to acting. [top]

Tess (Ensemble)

Tess is so excited to have been a part of this wonderful, incredibly fun play. This is Tess’ 2nd year with the Academy and she loves it. Tess’ past credits include "Oliver!"(Charlotte), "Twelfth Night"(Maria), "The House of Bernarda Alba" (Magdalena), and "Java Drama 8" ("Waking Dick" as Bertha). She would like to thank Mike for the wonderful music, Cari-Ann for the beautiful movement, all the people who helped with costumes and tech and last but not least Will for putting his all into the play, believing in us, and making this an incredible experience. She would also like to tell the cast that she is honored to be working with such an amazing talented group of people. She loves you all. Thanks also to her family for putting up with all the rehearsals. Enjoy the Show! [top]

Marisa (Ensemble)

Marisa is now a senior at Culver City High School. Throughout her four years participating in the AVPA, Marisa has worked on numerous shows including "Little Shop of Horrors", "Taming of the Shrew", "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds", "Cabaret", "Brighton Beach Memoirs", and "Going to See the Elephant". As an art major, Marisa has also contributed to MOCA's "Inside/Out", UCLA Fowler's "Youth Beyond Borders", installations in "Java Drama VII and VIII", and "Personal Space: an exhbiti of twenty artists under twenty". "The AVPA is unlike any other facility on earth. Only within the Academy are high school students encouraged to embrace their life's passions in an atmosphere which promotes camaraderie, intensity and dreams," Marisa says. She would like to thank her mother and her family for always supporting her; Robin for being her stable and always crazy other half; Katie, Irene and Heather for hugs and laughter; and Will, Hovis and Knight for letting her go off to be a crazy artist while always leaving her spot warm behind the scenes. "It would take an entire program alone to thank everyone who has helped and supported me throughout these four incredible years. You know who you are. Thank you. I love you.""An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." -Gandhi [top]

Elisa (Ensemble)

This is Elisa’s third year in Blurred Vision. She has been in "The Crucible", "Brighton Beach Memoirs", "Taming of the Shrew", "The Diary of Anne Frank", "The House of Bernarda Alba", "The Biggest Game of All", and "Java Drama 7 & 8". She would like to thank Will, Mike, CariAnn and Krista for all of their excellent work on this great production. To the whole cast, you guys rock!! Special thanks to my family, Allison, Krista and Kimi you guys are so cool! Luv ya lots. [top]

Kimiko (Acid Queen/Ensemble)

Kimiko loves the Academy!! And she also loves to be called Kimi! Her past performances have been "The Biggest Game of All", "The House of Bernarda Alba", "Twelfth Night", "West Side Story", "Rumors" and "The Visit". Her past hula performances have been The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Hollywood Bowl, Getty Museum, Disneyland, Democratic National Convention, various places around Hawaii, California, and Las Vegas. She is ecstatic about being in "Tommy" and loves her family and her best friends Elisa and Kahlil. I love you guys. [top]

Max (Uncle Ernie)

"Tommy" will be Max’s final full length theater performance with the Academy. Previously he has been Mr. Van Daam in "The Diary of Anne Frank", Selsdon in "Noises Off", DuBois in "The Misanthrope", Mr. Sowerberry in "Oliver!" and most recently Malvolio in "Twelfth Night" and Freddy in "The Biggest Game of All". Max has also played his trombone for 7 years including 4 years with the Culver High Marching Band and 2 years with the Stephan Wise Youth Orchestra. He hopes you will enjoy the show and bids you farewell. He sends his best to all of the cast and crew of "Tommy". And to those old Cabaret people “Shotzy… where are you?” [top]

Thomas (Specialist/Ensemble)

Thomas was born in Long Beach California and lived there until he was five years old. He then moved to Lake Elsinor and lived there till he as eleven where he then moved to Culver City in which he still lives. He is interested in such things as reading novel by Micheal Crichton and Tom Clancy. Also he likes to Break Dance and that is what keeps him in shape and limber to the extent that he is. He is grateful to have learned such an interesting form of dance and he plans to keep doing it. He thanks his friend Jack Adams for getting him involved in this play, for without him he wouldn’t have auditioned at all. This is his first theatrical production and he plans on putting everything he has into making it as great as he can. [top]

Iman (Ensemble)

Iman is currently a freshman at CCHS. Although this is her first theatre production with Culver City, she has much dance experience in various academies. Iman is a cheerleader going for MVP. Although she has a tight schedule she is confident in all of her performances and is currently earning a 4.3 GPA and hopes to attend to NYU or Yale. She’s also into political punk rock, especially Anti-Flag. [top]

Robin (Cousin Kevin)

"Tommy" marks Robin's last play of her fourth & final year with the Academy of Visual & Performing Arts/Blurred Vision Theatre Co. During her high school career, AVPA has been the reason Robin gets up in the morning and goes to school. Past credits as a performer and/or techie include "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "1984", "The Crucible", "The Taming of the Shrew", "Cabaret", "The Diary of Anne Frank", "Noises Off", "Waiting For Godot", "Oliver!", "Twelfth Night", "The House of Bernarda Alba", "The Biggest Game of All", and "Java Drama". She thanks her friends, particularly Kevin, Marisa, Irene, Heather & Keith for keeping her sane, the AVPA alumni for their support/inspiration throughout her pursuit of theater, and her parents for giving her up to the craft. Most importantly, a billion thanks to everyone who facilitated her theatrical journey and provided her with invaluable opportunities/experience: Hovis, Knight, Will Jesus, Mike, Jane, Martell, Cheolseung, Jonathan, Cari Ann, Doyle, Omar, Johnny, Andrea, the Mark Taper/Center Theatre Group. She's learned so much in multiple respects from you all, has formed countless memories & friendships, and for that, is eternally grateful. Tommy is just the frosting. Hats off to the cast/crew for the good times & hard work. Robin hopes you have as much fun watching the show as she has working on it. And for those of you who have watched her grow here, she hopes she's made you proud. [top]

Audri (Ensemble)

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away… (Okay, maybe not so far away, maybe here in Culver City…) there was a girl named Audri. Although Audri is a musician she has always loved theater of all kinds. You may remember her from such shows as "Little Shop of Horrors", "Cabaret" and "Waiter, there’s a fly in my soup!". She’s also done her share of behind the scenes work with props, running crew, assistant directing and performing in "Culverpalooza" and running sound for various outside productions as well. As much as she loves theater, her true passion is her music and she wishes to send out “mad props” to her band (Mocking Audri) and her fans. She would also like to thank her mommy, her pet hamsters Killroy and Grim, Trevor, Katie, Benjo, Olaf and Spud. A very special thanks to all the cast and crew(even the smelly ones) for being the people they are and for making the academy the wonderful place that it is. “I love you guys. Thanks for making high school worth enduring.” [top]

Richard (Ensemble)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Josh (Ensemble)

Josh is a junior and this is his first year with AVPA, he’s been involved in film productions before but has just recently taken an interest in theatre. "The Who’s Tommy" appealed to him more than any other play in the past, since it’s something completely different. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support, and especially his father. “I appreciate the time and dedication given to the project by everyone involved thanks!” [top]

Stefanie (Band Singer/Ensemble)

Stefanie loves to sing. She has been in many other musicals including "The Wizard of Oz", "Into The Woods", "Bugsy Malone", and "Leader of the Pack". Stefanie is thankful that she has gotten the opportunity to work in "The Who’s Tommy" production. She would like to thank the wonderful cast and crew for all their extremely hard work. [top]

Brian (Mrs. Walker's Lover/Ensemble)

This is Brian’s second big production this year, in fact his second production ever. He played Orsino in Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night" earlier this year and now he’s playing Mrs.Walker’s lover. Brian is a self proclaimed Renaissance man, good at many things, master of nothing. He’s a visual artist primarily and planning on going to art school next year. Acting has always been an interest of Brian’s and acting Tommy has been a blast. [top]

Allison (Ensemble)

Allison could not be happier about her senior year. She has been involved in every single play this year and is not planning to stop now. She wants to thank everyone involved in the production of "Tommy" for their hard work and dedication. She would like to especially thank her wonderful boyfriend Ben for all his love and support throughout this crazy time in her life. High School has definitely been quite an amazing experience and Allison wants to thank everyone who has supported her on the way, especially Hovis, Knight, Will and Mike and all the other teachers. Also, she would like to thank her parents for putting up with the crazy hours and the crazy people. Last but certainly not least, mucho love to her second family, the ACADEMY. Muah! [top]

Jafar (Ensemble)

This is Jafar’s first school play. He is very excited to be able to participate in "Tommy". He is sure he will have a great time. He decided to try acting because his English teacher told him it is something he would prevail in. He likes to sing and dance so he thought "Tommy" would be a good play to audition for. He was very happy when he found out he was casted. He hope he will have a good time and meet some nice people. [top]

Tiffany (Sally Simpson/Ensemble)

This is Tiffany’s second year with the Academy and sixth performance. She was previously seen in "The House of Bernarda Alba" as Angustias earlier this year. Tiffany is very excited to share the experience of putting together "Tommy" with such a talented and wonderful cast and crew. It’s been such a joy!! Tiffany has loved singing, dancing and acting since she was a little girl. She’d like to especially thank her family for putting up with her busy schedule, and to her Starbucks coffee crew buddies for being so gosh darn cool…hehe. She sends her love to everyone who has supported them! Thanks again! [top]

Henry (Ensemble)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Daryl (Band SInger/Ensemble)

Daryl is in her sophomore year at the AVPA. Her past performances include "Waiting for Godot", "The Maids" and "Twelfth Night". She was also a member of the costume design team for "The House of Bernarda Alba" and "The Biggest Game of All". Daryl is really excited to be a part of this play and is happy to be working with Mike Walker again. As a singer, what more can a girl ask than to be a member of the band in one of the greatest musicals ever? Daryl thanks Darryl Hovis, Will Pellegrini, CariAnn Henderson, Stacey Wilson, Jim Knight, Mz. Pchiz(her mom), the Parents Committee and all the parents who fed the cast and crew during rehearsals. Daryl sends big hugs to all the members of the Academy. [top]

Carol (Band Singer)

Carol is a senior in Culver City High School. It is her second year, here at CCHS. Before she lived in Seoul, South Korea and went to 3 american/international schools there. This is her first major production for Carol. Carol was never in school plays/musicals. However, she did take acting classes. She knows a little bit of jazz dancing, although she’s not that great, or quick. She also has some minor singing experience. She was a praise singer at her last school (Christian school) (Korea) and sang some duets at talent shows. Though she is very shy with new people, she feels welcomed. She is looking forward for this production and hopes she can have some impact. She also hopes she learns a lot from this, and it becomes a very good experience. She hopes that the Academy can be her second family. [top]

Gabriel (Young Tommy)

Bio coming soon. [top]

Christopher (Child Tommy)

Chris is an 8th grader at Culver City Middle School. This is his second production with the Academy. He portrayed one of Fagan’s Boys in last year’s "Oliver!". He is very excited to once again be working with Will Pellegrini and the rest of the talented cast and crew. Chris would like to thank Will for allowing him the opportunity to portray 10 year old Tommy and the cast and crew for being so supportive. He looks forward to joining the AVPA next year as a freshman. [top]