Born and raised as a photographer’s daughter, Ava has been in front of a camera since she was hours old. Modeling became a natural spirit for her at a young age and she began her print modeling for national brands at the age of 6. In addition to modeling, Ava is a competitive dancer who has spent over a decade performing on stage. She recently began her acting career just a few short months ago, making this performance her second theater appearance. She calls New York City her second home, where she trains with her dance, voice, and acting coaches while immersing herself in the magic of Broadway.

Heidi (Gladys Herdman) is a 7-year-old homeschooler with a love for dogs, reading, coloring, and riding her bike. She wants to own a doggy daycare and be a proofreader when she grows up. At age three, she appeared as Lulu in the national tour of Waitress, a role she reprised in 2024 at Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance. She also performed in Aladdin at PPT. Heidi is excited to return to the stage and share her joy for performing with audiences once again.

Coy is a sixth grader at China Grove Middle School. He was previously in The Wizard of Oz, Wind in the Willows, and Peter Pan at the Norvell and is excited for his debut performance at the Meroney. Coy enjoys playing basketball, tennis, piano, and participating in Boy Scouts. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Noah is a 6th-grade student at Salisbury Academy. Some of his past productions were Seussical the Musical Jr, Winnie the Pooh Jr, and Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr. His favorite activities are theatre and swimming. This is his first show with PPT, and he hopes to do many more in the future. He would also like to thank his director, Jacob, for making this show so fun. Enjoy the show!

John Michael is excited to be making his Meroney Theater debut. His onstage credits include PPT youth productions of The Wizard of Oz (Toto), Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. (Max), and Peter Pan (Twin Lost Boy) at the Norvell Theater, as well as local performances in Where the Wild Things Are (Max) at Salisbury Academy and Godspell Jr. (ensemble/soloist) at St. Luke’s. Offstage, John Michael is a second grader at Salisbury Academy who loves playing video games, hanging out with family and friends, and playing with his pets.

Fun fact: In December 1995, John Michael’s dad played Charlie in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever—right here on the Meroney stage!

Erin is happy to be back on the PPT stage. Previous shows with Piedmont Players include “One Man, Two Guvnors”, “Company”, “Curtains”, and “Look Homeward, Angel”. Other shows include “Cabaret”, “Oliver”, “Blithe Spirit”, and “Once Upon a Mattress”. Erin would like to thank her family and dog, Ruthie, for loaning her out this holiday season. Hope this is the best Christmas holiday season for all!

Carl is delighted to be performing with Piedmont Players again. His previous PPT credits include Stormtrooper from ‘The Producers’, Mal from ‘Addams Family’, and Joly from ‘Les Misérables’. In addition to theatre, he has also enjoyed singing in multiple local choirs over the years. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he currently lives in Salisbury. Carl is grateful for the support of his fiancée and two children.

My name is Gavin Harrison. I'm 11 years old and a student at Erwin Middle School. This is my fifth production with Piedmont Players, and I'm thrilled to portray Charlie in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. When I'm not acting or rehearsing at the theater, I love hanging out with my family and friends, playing video games, and enjoying the outdoors. I hope you enjoy the show!

Hi, my name is Skyla Louise! This is my fourth production with Piedmont Players, but my very first performance at the Meroney Theatre. My favorite role so far has been Adella in The Little Mermaid Jr., one of Ariel’s sisters. I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way - my family, my friends, my church, and especially Mr. Flaherty for believing in me and preparing me for this moment!

Eliana is a freshman in high school this year. This will be her first show at the Meroney Theater but not her first with PPT. Recent roles include Candy (Zombie Prom), Cat in the Hat (Seussical Jr.) and she has Annie coming up in the spring. Eliana loves three things: Church, Musicals, and Christmas, so this show is the perfect fit. She loves this show and the book a lot and hopes you enjoy The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!!!

Oliver is thrilled to be in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as Teddy Shoemaker. Other credits include Mr. Wormwood (Matilda) and ensemble (A Chorus Line). When not on stage Oliver can be found crafting or slinging teas and lattes. He wants to thank everyone who made this show possible!

Mary Ann McCubbin has been in too many plays to count, appearing with Piedmont Players, Lee Street Theatre, St. Thomas Players, Soup Company and others. She has been recognized with awards from MTA, NCTC, and SETC. Her favorite role was as Florence Foster Jenkins in Souvenir. When not on stage, her favorite role is as “Grammy” to her four darling grandchildren.

June is a 10 year old homeschooler from Rowan County. She has been involved in theatre programs since she was 4. Some of her favorite past roles include being an Electric Skate (SpongeBob Musical) with the Piedmont Players and Marie (The Aristocats) with The Talent Company. This will be her 13th show! When June is not on stage, she is likely loving on all her animals, especially cats. June loves working with this creative team and cast and hopes you enjoy the show!

Tayden is eleven and thrilled to be part of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This marks his fourth production, having previously performed at Norvell and Old Courthouse Theatre as Iago in Aladdin, Jr. and the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. Known for his great sense of humor, he also enjoys playing guitar. Tayden thanks God for his talents and everlasting love, and he is grateful to his family and friends for their constant support.

I am so thrilled to share the stage with my favorite performer and IRL daughter. It's an adventure being on this side of the bright lights. What a great story to share alongside a wonderful cast. Favorite roles include father, husband, brother, son, friend and Marryin' Sam (Lil' Abner, way back when in high school).

Ava is excited to be back at the Meroney for their second Christmas in a row. The role of Imogene is one of Ava’s bucket list roles, and they are excited to bring this character to life this Christmas season. This performance marks Ava’s 7th main-stage play and the 3rd with PPT.Ava would like to extend their appreciation to their friends and family for their continued support of both Ava and the arts.

Janaye is 11 years old and was born in El Paso, Texas. She is the daughter of Henry and Keysha Rule and has three siblings, Jaylen, Jakiera, and Jamal Rule. She is currently a 6th-grade student at North Hills Christian School. Janaye loves singing, dancing, performing, and enjoying new experiences. Janaye would like to thank her family, friends, and NHCS for their support. She also thanks the Piedmont Players for this amazing opportunity.

Vida is an 8 th grade Honors student, and has been in numerous productions at the Norvell Theater, performing with Piedmont Players since 2022. Roles such as Junie B. in “Junie B., Jingle Bells Batman Smells!”, Gretchen in “M“ean Girls Jr.”, Goldilocks in “Trial of Goldilocks”, Matilda in “Matilda: The Musical”, Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz”, Tinkerbell in “Peter Pan,” and Mrs. Which in "A Wrinkle In Time. And The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is her first show at the Meroney Theater!

Zen loves to act, sing, and make people laugh! Zen began performing with Piedmont Players in 2022 after attending Summer Camps at the Norvell Theater. Zen has had several roles, such as Old Man Jenkins in “SpongeBob the Musical”, Jose in “Junie B., Jingle Bells Batman Smells!”, ensemble of “Trial of Goldilocks”, and Nibbs, one of the Lost Boys in "Peter Pan”. And now, he’s Elmer in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, his first show at the Meroney Theater!

Jessie is excited to be in their first show at Piedmont Players. They last directed “The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”. Jessie is new to Salisbury but has been seen as “Greta” on “Witness for the Prosecution” and “Annabelle/Pamela/Margaret” in “The 39 Steps”. They wish to thank their ever-patient family!

Caroline Monroe is a Kindergarten teacher at North Rowan Elementary School. She graduated from North Rowan High School in 2019, and was a part of the theatre program being in “The Wiz” and “The Lion King Jr.” Most recently, you may have seen Caroline as Ray Court and vocal ensemble Walker in Piedmont Players’ production of “The Bodyguard.” Favorite roles of Caroline include Maria in “The Sound of Music”, Miss Honey in “Matilda”, Kylie in “May We All”, and Marty in “Grease”. She wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

Emma Stephenson is a 5th grade student at Salisbury Academy. Emma loves theatre, music, reading, and cats. Her favorite roles include Flounder in The Little Mermaid, Jr., Mayzie in Seussical, Jr., and Hortensia in Matilda, all with PPT. She is also a Chorister at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.