Eva loves musical theatre. Her recent roles include a narrator in Aladdin and Aunt Sponge in James and the Giant Peach (Xtreme Theatre), a munchkin in Gale: The Yellow Bricks of Oz and Rebecca in Our Town (Coquitlam Youth Theatre). She loved the Understood Betsy book and is excited to bring the story to the stage.

Sophie has dreamed of being in another musical since her fifth grade production of the Wizard of Oz, in which she was aptly cast as the Tornado. She is thrilled to be the Production Coordinator for Understood Betsy and help bring to life the vision of her dear friend, Carrie.

Terri grew up attending musicals with her mom and sisters, dreaming of the day she would have the chance to be in one herself. Her senior high school had a reputation for putting on wonderful musicals each year and Terri waited expectedly for the year she would be old enough to be part of this great school. In grade 11 she had a minor supporting role in a little known show called Dracula Baby. This was not the type of show she had been dreaming about, but it was what was offered, so she gave it her all. During her grade 12 year no musical was produced, so she did not have another opportunity until now. She is very pleased to be a part of the first production of this original musical written by her old friend.

Alea is excited to perform alongside her mom and sister and bring to life Understood Betsy. She has participated in musical theatre for several years, and her past show credits include Joseph and the Amazing Techicolor Dreamcoat (wife), The Little Mermaid (mersister), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie). She will be portraying Cosette in Les Miserables this May with Xtreme Theatre. Alea would like to thank all those involved for their patience and insight, and Carrie for composing such an incredible musical.  

As a child, April's hope of being in a musical was prevented with a sudden move. So, she is absolutely delighted to share her first musical performance alongside her two talented daughters. Off stage April makes time for walks in nature, meaningful conversations and creamy cups of coffee. She would like to thank Carrie for sharing her talents & following her dream, the production team for their tireless work on so many details and her fellow cast members for creating a supportive environment.

Melissa is excited to be a Park Lady with her mom and sister. Recently she has been involved in several musicals with Xtreme Theatre where she had the privilege of being challenged with various roles. Outside of theatre she enjoys conversations, learning and fitness. Her favourite part of Understood Betsy has been the wonderful music and she is thankful for this opportunity to participate in this lovely musical.  

Kayla has always enjoyed singing, dancing, and acting since preschool. She has participated in numerous school concerts and Christmas plays. She is excited to play Molly in Understood Betsy and act in a big theatre. 

Maiya is thrilled to be Betsy! Past roles include Alice (Alice in Wonderland; 2017), a Chimney Sweep (Mary Poppins; 2018), Marta (The Sound of Music; 2016), a bird (Lion King; 2014), as well as a munchkin and flying monkey (Wizard of Oz; 2014). Maiya is excited to be in Understood Betsy because she enjoys working with the team!

Amy is so very grateful for the opportunity, both on and off stage, to be a part of this incredible musical written by her incredible mother. The process has been a labour of love in every song composed, note sung, scene blocked, set built, costume sewed, and email written.

She is extremely thankful for every castmate, each committee member, the amazing creative team, and her heavenly Father for making this happen—and making it enjoyable too!

A grade twelve student, Amy sings in her school’s choir; she enjoys art of all kinds and has a passion for preserving history, helping others, and fostering community. Previous performance credits include Atina in The Little Mermaid (Xtreme), and the Baker in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (Xtreme). Amy was also the Production Coordinator of Between the Giants and The Gift of the Magi (Hillside Community Church). She hopes this show will bring great joy and life to every person who sees it.

Stephen has a relatively high amount of musical theatre experience, but he's never been in anything quite like this. Stephen is incredibly proud of his mother for realizing her vision, and truly honoured to be part of Understood Betsy's inaugural cast.

Kelvin plays the piano & tuba, and enjoys singing in several local choirs. He's pleased to be singing with the basses in the "Understood Betsy" choir.

A software developer with a ready quote for every setting, the only serious acting he's done, beyond off-the-cuff responses to opportune moments, was in a "Living Last Supper." A speaking role in the Mikado in High School could hardly be called serious.

Jarrett has loved being a part of this play. He enjoys acting, playing piano and doing ninja warrior competitions. He also loves serving with his church whenever possible. He would like to thank the teachers for everything they have done this year. Enjoy the show!

Kynzie is excited to be a part of this musical. She is shy but loves being on the stage where she can sing and dance. She also loves animals of all kinds and being in the water whenever possible! She would like to thank her teachers in this play!

Landon loves being onstage and has never met a stranger. He also loves being in other theatre shows and playing all sports. He is thrilled that his dad and siblings are in this play with him. He loves his teachers for this play and how they have helped him.  

Shaun is thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of this play as he's never acted before. He loves getting to share it with his children. He loves the Lord, his wife, his kids and his dogs. He loves running and plans to run his 3rd marathon this year.

Sarah is incredibly excited to be a part of Understood Betsy! Her love for music has drawn Sarah to the world of musical theatre, and she has had the pleasure of being in five productions thus far. The music of Betsy, so expertly composed, expresses the deep emotion of the story, and Sarah is thrilled to be within the cast bringing that to life, for you! This cast has been a joy to build a relationship with, and a HUGE shout-out goes to the production team. May we bring God the Glory as we hit the stage! 

Julia is excited to be part of this amazing production. Past experience in musical theatre includes "The Lion King", "Peter Pan" "James and the Giant Peach" and "Thoroughly Modern Mille" to name a few. Outside of theatre she enjoys daydreaming, reading, piano, anything Marvel, running, basketball and Starbucks. Thank you to everyone who made this wonderful show possible. Enjoy the show! 

Victoria is excited to perform in this amazing production! She has performed in nine musicals since the age of five such as Seussical, Joseph and Peter Pan. Outside of theatre Victoria skis, Irish dances, enjoys cooking and playing piano. She would like to thank everyone for such a great and fun experience!

Elyshia is thrilled to be playing Aunt Frances! As a teenager, she enjoyed musical theatre and participated in numerous productions with Xtreme Theatre and Lindbjerg Academy. Earlier this year, she graduated with her Bachelor in Music and continues to work as a private voice/piano teacher (since 2010). Elyshia is grateful for the opportunity to perform with this wonderful cast and crew, and to share the heartwarming story of Understood Betsy.

Kevin is an author, business consultant, and lover of all music. He's excited to participate in Understood Betsy, cast as an older man (which he says is a stretch!) since his last role was some time back in grade one playing a tree in Charlotte's Web. 

Linda has worked behind the scenes making costumes for many years for her two beautiful daughters who have acted in various plays and musicals over the years. It is with great excitement and gratitude that she will be performing on stage for the very first time and fulfilling her lifelong dream! Many thanks to Ellie and Carrie for this opportunity! Hope you enjoy this original production of "Understood Betsy". God Bless.

Patty enjoys music in many areas of her life including singing with Elektra Women's Choir and at church. Her past shows include Mrs Malloy in Hello Dolly, Mitzi in Waltzes from Vienna, and chorus in My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Regina Revisited, Pirates of Penzance and the Gondeliers. When not singing Patty can be found answering the phone at the Burnaby Counselling Group.

Lauren has been singing Disney musicals since she was 2 years old and loves musical theatre. In her free time Lauren plays drums at her church and enjoys country music and swing dancing. She is thrilled to be a part of her Aunty Carrie's dream of bringing this musical to life.

Carrie is a wife, Mom and Coquitlam resident who aspires to write beautiful music. Her musical training
includes an ARCT in piano and a diploma from VCC where she studied classical voice. There are too
many answers to the question of why she should compose a musical seemingly out of the blue, but
suffice it to say that she felt compelled to do it.

Carrie is honoured and humbled that so many quality people have given of their time and energy to
bring this show to life. She feels indebted to and sincerely, profusely thanks each member of the
talented Cast, the servant-hearted Crew, the oh-so-gifted Creative Team, her ever supportive husband
Dave, their four amazing children, John, Ellie, Stephen and Amy and mostly, the Lord Jesus Christ, from whom all blessings, including the music, flow.

Director Aurelia (Ellie) Forsyth is honoured to have a part in bringing this important story to the stage. For more than 10 years, she has been involved in musical theatre in various capacities, but directing a show written and composed by her own mother, Caroline M. Forsyth -- that’s a first!

Aurelia studies Worship Arts at TWU, and has been Director of Minis at Xtreme Theatre since 2016. Over the past two summers, she served as Program Director at Jesters Theatre.  She is trained in musical theatre, ballet and voice, and has sung in ensembles such as the Tri-Cities Fusion Gospel Choir and the TWU Chamber Choir. Select directorial credits include Gift of the Magi (HCC) and Jungle Book Kids (XT).  Among her performance credits are Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins (TIC & OTS), Millie in 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (XT), and Cinderella in Cinderella (CAPA), for which she received the Director’s Choice Award.

She is inspired by her mother, who displayed tremendous amounts of artistry, gumption, and elbow grease in the creation of this musical. Aurelia is grateful to and for the whole Creative Team, Production Committees, Cast, and host of other people who have contributed to this production in so many different ways. Thank you all.

Corinna Scholing began dancing when she was six years old. She trained in ballet under the Royal Academy of dance, and also trained in musical theatre and lyrical. Today, she continues to dance by choreographing, teaching, and performing in musicals. 

Corinna has choreographed shows at schools and dance studios, with credits including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Comedy of Errors, and Alice in Wonderland Jr. Corinna is currently studying Education with minors in Music and Theatre at Trinity Western University.

She loves being a choreographer, because it meshes together her favourite things: teaching, dance, theatre, and music! She is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful show, and is so very proud of the cast for working so hard on their dance numbers.