MEET THE CAST
EM.J ABBOTT
Ensemble
6
Mike,
Curly
Box
SINCLAIR BRALEY
ROLAND
SARAH CARTER
LOLA CHILDERS
MARANDA
ALEXIA CUEVAS
EMILIA DE WINKLE Ensemble Grade: 6 Enslen Elemetary School GRACE
LAILA EARHART
NIKELL GOECKERITZ
Dancer Grade: 10 Oakdale Christian
FRANCESCA FENTON
Grade: 12 Atwater High School
ARIELLA GIL
Ado Annie Carnes Grade: 12 Central Valley High School
ONYX GLESER Slim Grade: 9 Keyes to Learning Charter
VIVIAN ESCOBAR Ensemble Grade: 6
Ustach Middle School
year.
MEET THE CAST
LUNA GONZALES
Ensemble Grade: 9
Central Catholic High School
Ali Hakem Grade:12
Whitmore Charter High School
Ensemble Grade: 7 Whitmore Charter School
Box Social Girl Grade: 7 St Stanislaus Catholic School
CLAIRE JOHNSON Ensemble Grade: 8 Dutcher Middle School
Virginia Grade: 12 Whitmore Charter High School
GOWAN Ensemble Grade: 6 Agnes Baptist Elementary School
Ensemble Grade: 12 Ripon High School
J.
Fred Grade: 7 Somerset Middle School
Ensemble Grade: 8 PK Beaver Leadership Magnet School
Ensemble
Grade: 11 Davis High School
GEORGIE MOUSSAWER Ensemle Grade: 11 Gregori High School
SOLANA GONZALES
CARLEE
RHYLIE HOUTCHENS
ESTELLA JAQUES
AUSTIN JIMENEZ
ALANA JONES
CATALINA LINARES Jess Grade: 7 Great Valley Academy
RYAN KNUDSON Sam, Dancer Grade: 9 Enochs High School
CECILIA LOPEZ
Ensemble Grade: 8 Roosevelt Junior High School
EVA LYON Dancer Grade: 10 Beyer High School
AISLEY MARUCA Ensemble Grade: 7 Roosevelt Junor High School
ALANA MASON Ensemble Grade: 6 Somerset Middle School
ADDISON MENDENHALL
Laurey Grade: 9 Gregori High School
VICTORIA MYERS
Dancer
Grade: 7 Great Valley Academy
ISABELLA METHVIN
HANNAH METHVIN
RUSSELL
MILLER
MADELEINE OWENS Box Social Girl Grade: 9 Enochs High School
NEHA NAHAL Ensemble Grade: 7 Daniel Savage Middle School
REAGAN NOBLE Aggie Grade: 9 Greegori High School
MILAH NUNEZ Ensemble Grade: 9 Connecting Waters Charter School
DYLAN OWENS Curly Grade: 11 Ripon Christian High School
KAI PADDEN
Joe Grade: 9
Turlock High School
SAMANTHA READING
Dancer
Grade: 12
RIpon High School
KAYLA RUBIO
Ellen, Understudy: Aunt Eller Grade: 12 Central Valley High School
JONATHAN SWEHLA
Ike Skidmore Grade: 9 Sierra View
CARABELLA GARZA
Box Social Girl
Grade: 8 Roosevelt Junior High School
BREANAH PEÑA
Dancer, Understudy: Laurey Grade: 11 Whitmore Charter High School
KANE REES
Ensemble
Grade: 8 Prescott Junior High School
LENAI SALAZAR
Andrew Carnes Grade: 12 Gregori High School
EDDIE THOMAS III
Ensemble Grade: 8 Creekside Middle School
SARAH WALTERS
Ensemble Grade: 8 Roosevelt Junior High School
HALEY ROSE PEREZ
Vivian Grade: 12 Oakdale High School
REES
Ensemble
Grade: 7 Prescott Junior HIgh School
Cord Elam Grade: 10 Downey High School
CLAIRE THOMASON
Ensemble Grade: 7 PK Beaver Leadership Magnet School
LILY WATKINS
Dancer Grade: 10 Waterford High School
ELLA RAESE
Ensemble
Grade: 7 Great Valley Academy
Dancer
Grade: 8 La Loma Junior HIgh School
Chalmers
Grade: 8 Hickman Charter School
Aunt Eller Grade: 11 Pitman High School
RAYANN YAMASAKI
Ensemble Grade: 10 Homeschool
Ensemble
Grade: 9 Davis High School
Dancer
Grade: 10 Beyer High School
Grade level completed 23/24 in school year.
VAUGHN
MAKAYLA RICHEY
ELA RANI RAJAPPAN
Gerti Cummings, Dancer Grade: 11 Davis High School
MARCUS A. RODABAUGH JR.
ZOEY SCARBOROUGH
LILY SMITH
HARPER SANCHEZ
ARIANA VALLEAU
Dream Laurey Grade: 9 Hart Ransom High School
LIANA TROSEN
Y E S CO
Music by RICHARD ROGERS
Book and Lyrics by OSCAR
HAMMERSTEIN II
Based on the Play “Green Grow the Lilacs” by LYNN RIGGS
Costumes Design
NOELLE SOUZA
Original Choreography by AGNES DE MILLE
Scenic Design
JOSH CHRISTIANSEN
Production Stage Manager THOMAS GARCIA
Lighting Design
JUSTIN HOFFECKER
Stage Manager JEWEL WHITAKER
Musical Director JAMIE JOHNS
Sound Design VERONICA CABALLERO
Production Assistant CHRISTIAN TORRES
Conductor ELLA WEBB
Direction and Choreography by MAGGIE SNIFFEN
OKLAHOMA! premiered on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on March 31, 1943. The production was directed by Rouben Mamoulian, with choreography by Agnes de Mille, scenic design by Lemuel Ayers, costume design by Miles White, and orchestration by Russell Bennet. The stage manager was Ted Hammerstein.
OKLAHOMA! is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. www.ConcordTheatricals.com
The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.
CREW, ORCHESTRA & STAFF
PRODUCTION TEAM
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER …………………………………….............................................………………………………………………...………. THOMAS GARCIA STAGE MANAGER ………………………………………………………………………………………………….......................................................…………….. JEWEL WHITAKER
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT ……………………..………………………..............................................………………………………………………………. CHRISTIAN TORRES
SCENIC DESIGNER
JOSH CHRISTENSEN ASSISTANT BUILDER
NIGEL AMBLER HEAD FLY ……………………………………………………………………………...............................................................……………………………..…………………….. BRAD HIGHT
HEAD CARPENTER ………………………..…………………………….....................................................……………………………………………….…………… JARED CAUDILL LIGHTING DESIGNER
SPOT LIGHT OPERATORS
JUSTIN HOFFECKER
JEFFREY TRUONG, IZRAEL DURAN-SORIANO, KEVIN MASON SOUND DESIGNER
VERONICA CABALLERO DECK AUDIO
JOSH REEDER COSTUME DESIGNER
NOELLE SOUZA COSTUME ASSISTANT …………………………………………....................................................…………………………………………….………………….. CLARA DEN DULK COSTUME TEAM MEMBERS…………………………………….........................................…………………………….. MARYANNE AMBLER, TANISHA JIMENEZ PROPS MASTER…………………………………………………………….........................................................…………………………………………………………..ALICIA DOOLEY PROPS ASSISTANT
ORCHESTRA
VICTORIA CANALES
Conductor ………….......................................................................……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………… Ella Webb Flute
Emily Zamudio
Susan Garza Oboe/English Horn
Clarinet 1 ……………………………….......................................................................…………………………………………………………………………………. Andrew Rosenblum
Clarinet 2
Mitch Beck Bass
Cyrus Elia Horn 1 ……………………………………………..........................................................................…………………………………………………………………………………... Ashley Crow
Horn 2 ……………………….………………….......................................................................……………………………………………………..…………………………..… Skylar Warren
Trumpet 1 …………………………………….....................................................................………………………………………………………………………..……. Alisha Chakravarty
Trumpet 2 ………….……………......................................................................…………………………………………………………………………..…………………….. Jeremy White
Violin 1 …..………………………………………….........................................................................……………………………………………………..…………………. Morgan Machado
Violin 2 ………………………………………......................................................................…………………………………………………………………………………………….. Rylan Post
Violin 3 …………………………………………………………………….......................................................................…………………………………………………………………. Sam Kraus
Viola ………………………………………......................................................................…………………………………………………………………………………………. Chuck Sheaffer
Cello
Drums
Bella Davila
Joel Maki
Guitar/Banjo ……………………………………………….......................................................................……………………………………………………………………. Kevin Johnson
Harp
Takako Maejima Trombone ………………………………………………………....................................................................…………………………………………………………… Jayden Laumeister
Keys/Assistant Musical Director
GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Anissa Jara
Director of Arts Education …………………………………………………………….................................................................………………………………..……Cortney Hurst Arts Education Programs Manager………………………………………...............................................................……………………………..………...……Maggie Sniffen Arts Education Programs Coordinator …………………….............................................................………………………………….…………..……………… Maya Patten Director of Production and Technical Operations ………………...........................................................………………………………..………….. Jeremiah Lewis Chief Executive Officer …………………...................................................................……………………………………………………………………………………...Chad Hilligus
STANISLAUS COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Director I, The Arts ………………………………………………………………………………...………….....…….........................................................................….. Amy Bultena Event Planning Technician ............................................................................................................................................................................ Yvette Mauricio Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Support Services……………………………….…………........................................................……..…Christine Sisco Superintendent of Schools ………………………………………………………………………………......................................................................………...Scott Kuykendall
YES COMPANY IS A PARTNERSHIP OF: Gallo Center for the a r t s
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
Dear Patrons,
One of my favorite things about the performing arts is what they can evoke in us. Oklahoma! has drawn forth more than I could have imagined. Nostalgia, laughter, and hope are prevalent themes throughout, but I’ve also found myself riddled with questions about societal obligation, what it takes to build community, and the responsibility we all share in shaping the world we live in.
Oklahoma! holds an important place in history. Produced in 1943, it served as an escape for audiences as they grappled through the horrors of World War II. It was arguably the first musical of its time that combined music, dance, and text as equal means of storytelling - thus beginning the Golden Age of musicals that so many of us cherish. It also presents commentary on female independence and the necessity for communities to find common ground. It then confronts the cost when difference and diversity are not embraced, but are instead rejected. All topics ahead of its time and still relevant today, making Oklahoma! an important rite of passage for young theater makers.
Throughout the process of creating this production, this cast of intelligent, passionate, and curious students have engaged in dissecting these questions and themes through discussion, play, and performance. As the characters in Oklahoma! build their relationships and community ties on the backdrop of impending statehood, so to has this cast navigated the building of this company. They’ve worked hard, laughed, been frustrated, made and defended their artistic choices, then changed their minds. They’ve had creative breakthroughs and days where nothing seems to go right. They’ve had fun, made glorious mistakes and most importantly, been given the chance to grow.
When you watch this production, whatever it evokes in you, I hope you allow it to resonate within you long after you leave the theater. I hope you see more than just a shockingly talented group of teenagers. I hope you see what I see: endless possibility and a bright future. These are our next generation of artists, teachers, and policy makers. I have no doubt that they will lead with compassion, empathy, and integrity.
Without a community effort, YES Company does not exist. I want to personally thank the incredible team that contributed to the success of this program and production. Particularly the guidance and support of Director of Arts Education, Cortney Hurst, who also stepped into the role of Rehearsal Mistress as we tackled one of the most well-known dance musicals of all time. A feat to be sure, but one these two former dancers loved dearly. I am grateful for the trust this community continues to place in me to educate the next generation of performing artists. It is because of Gallo Center staff, Stanislaus County Office of Education, local designers, volunteers, families, alumni, donors and patrons like you that YES Company remains a place where students not only feel safe to be exactly who they are, but are supported in their journeys of self-discovery. Thank you for your continued support.
Lastly, I would like to dedicate this performance to my late grandfather, Don Stevenson who in his last few days sang nothing but “Oklahoma.” You are missed, you are loved.
Arts
Education Programs Manager Director & Choreographer, Oklahoma!, 2024
SONGS & SCENES
ACT ONE
Opening Act I: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’ ……………………..................................................................…………………….……………………….…………… Curly Laurey’s Entrance …………………………………………………………........................................................................…………………………………..………………………… Laurey
The Surrey With the Fringe On Top …………………….............................................................……………………………………………… Curly, Laurey, Aunt Eller Kansas City …………………………………….………………………....................................................................…………………………………………….… Will, Aunt Eller, Boys
The Surrey With the Fringe On Top (Reprise) ……………………………………................................................................………………………………...…..….… Curly
I Cain’t Say No ……………………………………………………………………………….......................................................................………………………………….….… Ado Annie I Cain’t Say No (Reprise) ……………………………………...................................................................………………………………………………………………….… Ado Annie Entrance of Ensemble …………...............................................................……………………………………………………………………….… Will, Ado Annie, Ensemble Many A New Day ………………….………………….......................................................................……………………………………………………………………….… Laurey, Girls Dance & Many A New Day (Reprise) ………….................................................................……………………………………………………………………… Laurey & Girls It’s A Scandal! It’s A Outrage! ………………...............................................................………………………………………………………………… Ali Hakim, Boys, Girls People Will Say We’re In Love …………….................................................................………………………………………………………………………....... Curly & Laurey Pore Jud Is Daid ………………………………....................................................................…………………………………………………………………………………..… Curly & Jud Lonely Room …………………………………………........................................................................…………………………………………………………………………………………... Jud Dream Sequence ……………………………...........................................................…………………….…………… Laurey, Girls, Jud, Ensemble & Dream Figures (a) Melos (b) Out Of My Dreams (c) Interlude To Ballet (d) Dream Ballet
ACT TWO
The Farmer And the Cowman ……………………………………………......…………………….. Carnes, Aunt Eller, Curly, Will, Ado Annie, Slim, Ensemble All Er Nuthin’ ………………………………………………………………………................................................................………….… Ado Annie, Will, Two Dancing Girls People Will Say We’re In Love (Reprise) ……………………………………….…….............................................................…………………………..… Curly & Laurey Oklahoma …………………………………………………………………...............................................................…....… Curly, Laurey, Aunt Eller, Ike, Fred, Ensemble Oklahoma (Encore) ………………………………………............................................................…….…….…….… Curly, Laurey, Aunt Eller, Ike, Fred, Ensemble Finale Ultimo ………………………………………….…….......................................................................……………………………………………………………………..….… Company
There will be a 20 minute intermission between acts.
PLOT SYNOPSIS
Setting: Indian Territory (now the state of Oklahoma)
Time: Just after the turn of the century
The groundbreaking musical that set the stage for all that followed! Rodgers & Hammerstein’s exuberant classic is a lively, tuneful musical full of cowboys, farmers, romance and fearless optimism. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and rules of modern musical theatre. In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.
As you read in the Director’s Note, the original script and story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! is laced with themes of independence, community and the notion of common good as seen through the individual characters’ story lines and their collective effort in the place they call home becoming a state. Because statehood is a central theme, students spent some time reviewing their US History, and the timeline and journey of Oklahoma’s statehood. We invite you to read about and reflect on it, too. In 1803, the land that eventually becomes the state of Oklahoma is given to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase. On May, 28, 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed into law the Indian Removal Act, authorizing the president to grant lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within existing state borders. A few tribes went peacefully, but many resisted the relocation policy. This mass involuntary movement would become known as The Trail of Tears. The land that would become Oklahoma is where tribes were forced to live and was called Indian Territory. From 1830-1875, over 25 Native American tribes were relocated to Oklahoma. In 1889, the United States opened the lands to settlers. Colonizers from Texas were allowed to cross the borders at designated times and claim land. If they crossed early they were called “Sooners”. In 1890 the lands are officially recognized as Oklahoma Territory and eventually becomes the 47th state on November 16, 1907. Our story of Oklahoma! takes place in 1906. The new settlers (our farmers, cowmen and their families)
The over 25 tribes relocated to the Oklahoma Territory includes: Cherokee, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Peoria, Quapaw, Ottawa, Modoc, Shawnee, Wyandotte, Seneca, Kaw, Tonkawa (Nez Perce), Ponca, Otoe-Missouria, Osage, Pawnee, Sac, Fox, Iowa, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Shawnee, Seminole, Wichita, Caddo.
At the Gallo Center for the Arts, we acknowledge that we are on the ancestral and unceded land of the Yokut People. We are grateful to the Yokut People who have stewarded this land throughout the generations, and pay our respect to elders both past and present.
33 YEARS OF YES COMPANY!
The Me Nobody Knows
The Red Sneaks
Fame, The Musical
Once on This Island
The Wiz Grease
West Side Story
Children of Eden
Once on This Island
The Music Man
Footloose
Les Misérables, School Edition
Damn Yankees
Honk!
Anything Goes
Seussical the Musical
The Wizard of Oz
Bye Bye Birdie
The Music Man
Hairspray, the Broadway Musical
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka
Ragtime, School Edition
Peter Pan
Disney’s Mary Poppins
Les Misérables, School Edition
Footloose
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Singin’ in the Rain
30 Year Anniversary Concert Spectacular
Annie
The Addams Family School Edition
Oklahoma!
Damn Yankees, 2004
Footloose, 2002
The Wizard of Oz, 2008
Seussical the Musical, 2007
Anything Goes, 2006
Honk!, 2005
Mary Poppins, 2015
Hairspray, the Broadway Musical, 2011
The Music Man, 2010
Bye Bye Birdie, 2009
30 th Anniversary Concert Spectacular, 2021
Singin’ in the Rain, 2019
Footloose, 2017
Les Misérables, School Edition, 2016
Annie , 2022
The Music Man , 2001
ANNUAL AWARDS
ROBERT MORENO YES COMPANY AWARD
In recognition of excellence in musical theater and a desire to pursue the arts beyond high school.
1997
Robert Moreno
Joe Frausto
Pete Garcia
Garcia
Chris Hamby 2017 Yonate Stinson 1998
Angie Navaro
Regina Chandra
Ronan Baker Angel Hermosillo
Jennifer Freeland
T.J. Sullivan 1999
Christopher Goodwin
Christopher Hanks 2009 Bianca Plascencia
Iraya Cress
Allisun Blum 2000
Victoria Canales
Selina Salazar 2010 Zach Jorgenson 2023 Daniel Hudson
2001 Benito Apodaca 2011 SheErica McKenzie 2002
David Phipps 2012 Shane Oliver
Christopher Rivera 2013 Simone Chambliss 2003
Justin Su’esu’e
Brandon Castillo 2015 Stefanie Menera 2004 Jacob Cangiamilla Kevin Singleton
ALAN G. BAUTISTA SPIRIT AWARD
For embodying the YES Company values of trust, acceptance, responsibility, communication and teamwork.
2010 Alex Lucero
2011 Rachel Burns
2012 Melissa Ingalls
2013 Jessica Weber 2014 Emanuel Bautista
MELANEE WYATT SENIOR AWARD
2015 Laurence Tabangcura
2016 Mary Curry 2017 Careliseo Blair-Arana
2018 Daniel Vermeulen
2019 Catherine Charles 2021 Jose Hernandez 2022 Zuhey Perez 2023 Jess Johnston
In recognition of your commitment to YES Company, on and off the stage, as a performer, leader and advocate for the performing arts.
SPECIAL THANKS!
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE WITH OUR 2024 PRODUCTION:
Modesto Performing Arts
The Ambler Family
John and Kathy Sniffen
TheatreWorks Costume Rentals
Oregon Shakespeare Festival Costume Rentals
Naomi Arnst with Santa Clara University for providing costume rentals.
Mary Reilly and the Modesto Junior College Theatre Department for provideing cowboy hats
Christine’s Garden for providing the real corn stalks used on the stage
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS:
Valerie Armenta
Maryanne Ambler
Nigel Ambler
Summur Braley
Sandra Campbell
Mario de Sa Campos
Sara Drabert
Ana Garza
Heather Gleser
Autumn Gowan
Cortney Lewis
Claudia Linares
Elizabeth Lyon
Kevin Mason
GALLO CENTER ARTS EDUCATION DONORS:
$25,000+
Alfred Matthews
California Arts Council
Education Foundation of Stanislaus County
U.S. Bank Foundation
$10,000+
Make Dreams Real Fund
Modesto Subaru
Porges Family Foundation Fund
Silva Injury Law, Inc.
Shauna Mossawear
Jessica Myer
Louise Nunez
Shannon Panfilio-Padden
Jocelyn Raese
Tiffany Richey
Rebecca Rodabaugh
Rosalba Rubio
Kara Smith
Kimberly Smith
Cynthia Soto
Natalie Thomason
Rocky Valleau
$2,500+
Beard Land & Investment Co.
Enterprise Mobility Foundation
Jeff Gaudio & Karen Freeborn
Jason, Beki, & Stephen Rush
Ella Webb & Shelley Dameron
$1,000+
Carl A and Margaret A Johnson Family Foundation
Modesto Rotary Club Foundation
Modesto Sunrise Rotary
The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation
SENIOR HIGHLIGHTS
ALANA JONES (SHE/HER)
Favorite Show Tune?
Wait for Me Reprise from Hadestown
Favorite YES Company memory?
Kooky Karaoke from last summer. The energy just filled the room and we all bonded together as a cast. It was so fun, especially after a long rehearsal.
Favorite part of YES Company?
I always look forward to sitzprobe day, because it’s just a magical experience to hear a live orchestra playing our shows music for the first time. It’s when we know the show is truly coming together.
Anything else you want to share about your experience?
I wouldn’t have spent my summers any other way than with my amazing YES Co family.
Favorite YES Company production? Annie 2022
Favorite Musical?
Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812
Plans for the future?
In August, I will be attending the OpenJar Institute Musical Theatre Intensive in NYC, before starting college at UC Irvine for Musical Theatre this fall!
One thing you learned from YES Company?
Never be afraid to ask questions!
Favorite Show Tune?
Because I Am A Wife from The Pirate Queen
Favorite YES Company memory?
Spending time with my friends before I leave for college.
Favorite part of YES Company? Getting to be part of a show that I would not usually be apart of.
Anything else you want to share about your experience?
I started performing a little over a year ago, and after playing the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz, I knew that’s what I wanted to do as a career.
Favorite YES Company production? Oklahoma!
Favorite Musical:
Evita or Falsettos
Plans for the future?
I’ll be pursuing my BFA in musical theatre from CAP 21 At Molloy University.
One thing you learned from YES Company?
An authentic performance is not necessarily an entertaining one.
SAMI READING (SHE./HER)
Favorite Show Tune?
Hopelessly Devoted to You
Favorite YES Company memory? Getting to meet everyone this year and everyone being so welcoming.
Favorite part of YES Company?
The chance to learn new things and to be surrounded by so many talented people.
Favorite YES Company production? Oklahoma!
Favorite Musical?
The Sound of Music
Plans for the future?
I am attending Sacramento State to study English while still pursuing theater or dance.
One thing you learned from YES Company?
How much more you can learn when you put yourself out there.
FRANCESCA FENTON (SHE/HER)
(SHE/HER)
Favorite Show Tune?
My Man from Funny Girl
Favorite YES Company memory?
Going to Lucille’s for lunch with my friends.
Favorite part of YES Company?
The professionalism that comes with it and pushes us to achieve greater things.
Favorite YES Company production?
Annie because I think it was a super sweet story and everyone in the cast did an amazing job at telling it.
Favorite Musical?
Wicked
Plans for the future?
I’m moving to Long Beach and studying theatre at LBCC while pursuing acting for film
One thing you learned from YES Company?
Anyone can achieve anything with perseverance and a good attitude.
Favorite Show Tune: Without Love from Hairspray
Favorite YES Company memory:
During Addams Family tech when we all got scolded for meowing and moving during cue to cue. Sorry!
Favorite part of YES Company?
The community that has been built up in my time here. All of these performers are some of my closest friends who I would proudly call my family.
Anything else you want to share about your experience:
YES CO has truly shaped me as a person, and has bettered me in all aspects of life. It bled into how I acted as school, at home, and with friends.
Favorite YES Company production: The Addams Family, Wednesday was a dream role for me.
Favorite Musical:
Recently it has been Heathers again. I love a good contemporary show.
Plans for the future:
I am attending Stanislaus State in the fall majoring in child development, with the goal of becoming a med student. I plan to continue doing local theatre programs.
One thing you learned from YES Company?
In my six years with YES, I’ve learned to love. Without the discipline that YES instilled in me, I would not be able to stick things out and see all of the good in everything. I will forever cherish my time here.
ALIZEH ALI (SHE/HER)
Favorite Show Tune?
The Plagues from The Prince of Egypt
Favorite YES Company memory?
Going to McDonalds after rehearsal.
Favorite part of YES Company?
The gorgeous costumes and set, the music lectures, and the attention to detail in every scene.
Anything else you want to share about your experience?
This is my first YES Co production! I have had the most amazing time. It was the best way to spend the summer before college!
Favorite YES Company production? Annie
Favorite Musical?
The Prince of Egypt
Plans for the future?
I will be attending UC Berkeley to study business.
One thing you learned from YES Company?
Understanding the context of a scene is very important. Knowing why the characters are saying a line makes it easier to react and convey the atmosphere of the scene.
KAYLA RUBIO
HANNAH ELIZABETH METHVIN (SHE/HER)
ARIELLA
Favorite Show Tune:
The Ballad of Jane Doe from Ride the Cyclone
Favorite YES Company memory:
Hearing the orchestra play for the first time during the production of Annie.
Favorite part of YES Company:
Getting to meet the cast for the first time. All of the cast members are very different and come from different backgrounds. It’s very exciting getting to work with them.
Anything else you want to share about your experience:
When I joined YES Co, I was very shy but the cast was so kind and supportive. This helped my confidence immensely and allowed me to perform without worry. YES Co, really changed my outlook on myself and the art that comes with it. I’m glad to be part of such an amazing experience for five years.
Favorite YES Company production: Annie
Favorite Musical: Ride the Cyclone
Plans for the future:
I will be going to California State University Northridge and I will be studying Fashion Design and Merchandising. I always knew I was artistically creative and I wanted my career to follow that.
One thing you learned from YES Company:
Always be supportive of your cast members.
Favorite Show Tune:
The I Love You Song from The 25th Putnam Annual Spelling Bee
Favorite YES Company memory:
The pre-show “ooo I feel so good” chants. Even though its something small, I’m definitely going to miss it.
Favorite part of YES Company:
The kind and inclusive environment. 70 students singing and dancing together everyday for two months creates a great family bond that is impossible to explain.
Anything else you want to share about your experience:
Its bittersweet to know that this is my last year. I’ve grown up in this program and I’m so happy and so thankful to have met all these amazing and talented people.
Favorite YES Company production:
Annie. The sets were absolutely incredible and it was our first production directed and choreographed by Maggie!
Favorite Musical: Anastasia
Plans for the future:
I plan on attending MJC for two years to complete my general classes and then going to another university to major in abnormal psychology and journalism. I also plan on minoring in film and theatre.
One thing you learned from YES Company: Work hard and never give up.
LENAI SALAZAR (SHE/HER)
Favorite Show Tune:
Welcome to the Sixties from Hairspray and Just a Ride from Ride the Cyclone
Favorite YES Company memory:
Doing our warm up line dances. My personal favorite being Boot Scootin’ Boogie
Favorite part of YES Company:
Going to Lucille’s during our lunch and chatting with everyone.
Anything else you want to share about your experience:
Though it’s my last year, I want to thank everyone that’s made this experience a safe space to learn and grow together. Truly one of the best collective environments I’ve been in. <3
Favorite YES Company production: The Addams Family
Favorite Musical: Hairspray
Plans for the future:
Next year I am continuing my education at MJC where I will be studying theater and arts in hopes to earn an Associates degree.
One thing you learned from YES Company:
To move past my embarrassing epic fails and make the best of the moment. ;)
LAILA AMINA EARHART (SHE/HER)
GIL (SHE/HER)
SENIOR HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUED
(SHE/HER)
Favorite Show Tune: Paciencia y Fe from In The Heights
Favorite YES Company memory: Meeting everyone for the first time.
Favorite part of YES Company: Reading through the script and learning the blocking.
Anything else you want to share about your experience: YES Co has opened my shell more. It has made me more confident about myself and boost my self-esteem.
Favorite YES Company production: Annie
Favorite Musical: Shrek the Musical
Plans for the future:
Go to college and study to become a teacher and learn the performing arts.
One thing you learned from YES Company:
It’s a family. They will always be there to pick you up and not bring you down. It makes me so happy that I have found my people.
(HE/HIM)
Favorite Show Tune: Johana from Sweeny Todd
Favorite YES Company memory:
Getting to work with Sidney Dupont and Nicholas Rodriguez on improving my performance.
Favorite part of YES Company: The community and how there is so much kindness and camaraderie that develops amongst the cast during the summer.
Anything else you want to share about your experience:
I believe I have formed some of my most fulfilling and greatest friendships at YES Co.
Favorite YES Company production: Oklahoma is my favorite production YES Co has done.
Favorite Musical: Paradise Square
Plans for the future:
I will be going to the University of the Pacific to study music in order to pursue my dreams as a performer.
One thing you learned from YES Company:
The networking you do is with your peers and the meaningful relationships you build with your fellow actors are the best things you can do as a performer.
Favorite Show Tune:
Show Stopping Number from The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals
Favorite YES Company memory: All the meows.
Favorite part of YES Company: All the friendly faces.
Anything else you want to share about your experience:
I want to thank everyone for being so welcoming and patient with me.
Favorite YES Company production: Oklahoma!
Favorite Musical:
The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals
Plans for the future:
I plan to continue a career in acting and hope I can make it big someday.
One thing you learned from YES Company:
I have gotten a taste of how the professionals work.
HALEY ROSE PEREZ
DANIEL CAMPBELL
AUSTIN JIMENEZ (HE/HIM)
GALLO CENTER ARTS EDUCATION
Gallo Center Arts Education works to provide motivating performing arts experiences for the youth of the San Joaquin Valley through programming available to school partners and the community. From live performances to hands on learning opportunities, all Gallo Center Arts Education programs offer students an opportunity to be illuminated, educated and entertained. At the Gallo Center, we believe that an arts education should be accessible, relevant and creatively inspiring.
FOR SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS
STUDENT MATINEE SERIES: A series of day time performances presented specifically for our region’s students. All student matinee performances align with and support state curriculum standards in all core subject areas.
GCA ON TOUR: Designed for school sites unable to visit the Gallo Center, GCA On Tour brings the wonder of live theater directly to the students. GCA On Tour features both locally produced and nationally touring productions created specifically for school sites, re-enforcing our belief that art truly can happen anywhere – even a school cafeteria.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
YES COMPANY: Youth Entertainment Stage (YES) Company is an audition based youth theater company that produces a full length Broadway musical each summer. Directed and designed by local theater professionals, the cast for all YES Company productions features only students in grades 7-12. Through a unique eight week preparation process that combines both practical training and curriculum based performing arts, students learn to develop their individual craft alongside an ensemble of peers. It’s through this work as an ensemble that students gain a sense of community through trust, acceptance, and celebration of their differences as they work toward a common goal. YES Company is a partnership of Gallo Center for the Arts and Stanislaus County Office of Education.
YES ACADEMY: YES Academy provides year-long musical theater education, performance, and community engagement opportunities for current YES Company and graduating Gallo Center Youth Academy students. Through YES Academy, students will engage in regular musical theater classes (including vocal, dance and acting) and masterclasses in other theatrical production elements. These masterclasses include but are not limited to: lighting, sound design, costume, set, and properties design, stage management, higher education, audition preparation, and performing arts/creative careers. Participation in YES Academy is by audition.
GALLO CENTER YOUTH ACADEMY: Gallo Center Youth Academy is an afterschool musical theater program for students in grades 1-8. Through a unique ten week semester, students receive both practical training and curriculum based performing arts teaching as they develop their individual craft alongside an ensemble of their peers. Each semester culminates in a musical theater production presented in the Foster Family Theater. Gallo Center Youth Academy is a partnership of Gallo Center for the Arts and Stanislaus County Office of Education.
CREATION STATION SUMMER CAMP: Creation Station is a week-long musical theater camp for students in grades 1-6. Each summer, Creation Station takes on a new theme through which campers experience and learn about all aspects of the performing arts. The week-long camp culminates in a showcase performance for friends and family in the Foster Family Theater.
BROADWAY DAY SERIES: A unique experience made available to all students in grades 1-12 in our region with exclusive and behind the scenes access to the Center’s touring productions. Students participate in a masterclass themed about the show, sit in a special reserved section with fellow students and members of the GCA Arts Education team, receive a discounted ticket price and attend a post-show talkback with members of the cast or production staff.
