John has been involved in all aspects of theater: actor, singer, sound/video engineer, set builder, musician. He generally plays ”dark” characters like Jonathan Brewster (Arsenic & Old Lace), Wolf (Into the Woods), Pontius Pilate (Superstar) and Scrooge (A Christmas Carol). It’s refreshing to see John play the REAL Santa Claus!
Kristin works as the Director of Communications/Development at St. Mary Catholic Church. She also volunteers as a preschool Montessori Catechist. Kristin’s previous stage experience includes Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Rumors, As You Like It and her debut with Arena Fair, Murder on the Orient Express.
Brendan is happy to return to the stage with Arena Fair after having been backstage in his last three shows as tech director (Fiddler on the Roof, A Midsummer Night's Dream) and director (Murder on the Orient Express). Brendan's hobbies involve renovating his 130-year-old house and keeping up with his many children. To Brendan, Christmas means “busy”.
Sofia is a 10-year-old 5th grader at David Smith Elementary. This is her 3rd production with Arena Fair. She played Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and her first show was A Christmas Carol. In her free time, she plays the double bass, but first cuddles with her sweet dog. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Tillie is 7 and in the second grade at St Mary School in Delaware. This is her third production with Arena Fair. This year for Tillie, Christmas means “a real live puppy”.
Bud is happy to return to the Arena Fair stage, not only as an actor, but this time as Assistant Director. Previous experience includes Caine Mutiny Court Martial, The Odd Couple and Murder on the Orient Express.
Margaret is a recent home-school graduate. She has appeared in several Arena Fair shows including The Sound of Music, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and A Christmas Carol. Margaret works at Ciao Café and referees middle grade soccer. Her word for Christmas is “joy”.
Sam is a sausage maker, husband and father. He and his wife, Jillian have 4 children including Matilda (Susan). This is Sam’s third production with Arena Fair. This year for Sam, Christmas means “a case of Rombauer Chardonnay and some baseball cards”.
Danny is new to Arena Fair, having first appeared as the Istanbul Waiter in Murder on the Orient Express. Other previous experience includes Arsenic and Old Lace, You Can’t Take it With You, Beauty and the Beast, and Cats. Danny is an avid gardener, a member of Delaware County Master Gardeners. Christmas means “family”.
Dan recently appeared in Arena Fair’s Murder on the Orient Express. Other productions include Henry IV, Part 1 and Carousel at Ohio Wesleyan University, where he taught chemistry & biochemistry for 42 years. Dan volunteers, reads, gardens, and tries to keep up with his grandchildren, who simultaneously amuse and exhaust him. To Dan, Christmas means “family and giving”.
Mike has been active in community theater since 1994, most recently appearing in Arena Fair’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. Mike lives in Westerville and is retired from the practice of law. To Mike, Christmas means “serendipitous joy”!
Rick last acted in Newark High School’s productions of Arsenic and Old Lace and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan in 2009 with a degree in English. After a prolific career as a craft brewer, he now works with triangles. Rick moved back to Delaware last year, with his wife and son. “Family” is what Christmas means to Rick.
Gage is 13 and in the 7th grade at Buckeye Valley Middle School. He lives in Ostrander and was recently in Finding Nemo Jr. and in The Year Without Santa Claus playing Heat Miser. Gage plays the piano, loves to read books and go antique shopping in his spare time. To Gage, Christmas means “family”.
Ryan is enjoying his 7th Arena Fair production. This is his first character with a middle initial, so you’re really getting your money’s worth! Having such an unusual middle initial adds a lot of pressure, but being the professional that he is, Ryan is ready for anything! The word that means Christmas for Ryan is “Emmanuel” (God with us).
Eli is 11 years old and this is his first official theatrical performance. He enjoys reading comics and is always looking for a reason to laugh. In his spare time, Eli enjoys building with Legos, racing go-karts, playing football, tickling the ivories and playing tunes on his violin.
Elaine earned her BA in Technical Theatre & Design from Ball State University. Previous productions include Goodbye Freddy, Crimes of the Heart and Electra. Elaine is happy to be part of Arena Fair Theatre. She volunteers with FEEDdelaware, enjoys creative cooking, photography and fashion design. “Persimmons” make Elaine think of Christmas.
Elizabeth is a mother of 4 and Grandma to 5 so far. She currently works as a tax accountant at Capstone CPAs in Westerville. Elizabeth has always loved theater and this is a bucket list adventure for her… with no experience other than getting thru life with a sense of humor. To Elizabeth, Christmas means “new birth”.
David is a relatively fresh actor, having made his Arena Fair debut in "Clue". He owns Griffeys' Book Emporium with his wife, Aria. "Peace" is the word that encapsulates the Christmas Spirit for David.
Payje is thrilled to be part of Arena Fair's Miracle on 34th Street. She is a senior at Otterbein University majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition. This is Payje’s first theater experience. In her free time, she loves dancing, nature, drawing and playing soccer. Christmas to Payje means “family”.
Miley is 13 and attends Dempsey Middle School. She lives here in Delaware and cannot be more excited to be part of this wonderful production. Miley’s previous theater experience includes Fiddler On The Roof and Finding Nemo Jr. She also enjoys playing the cello. “Family” is what Christmas means to Miley.
Derrick is “having a ball” in his first year with AFT. He was in the ensemble for Fiddler on the Roof and stage crew for Murder on the Orient Express. “Togetherness” is what Christmas means to Derrick.
Jack is a homeschooled sophomore and is excited to be part of this production. His recent experience includes Murder On The Orient Express, Fiddler On The Roof, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Jack also enjoys playing the piano and making stained glass windows. His word to describe Christmas is “boisterous”.