Elise Mercadel :
9, has been performing in school and community productions since age 5 and has appeared in local television commercials. She is enrolled in gifted and talented classes for academics and attends dance classes at Off Broadway Dance Studios of New Orleans. Elise has won numerous writing awards, including 1st place in the Louisiana Writes competition. This is her 5th year with UMT.
Jaelynn Pearl Ricks :
9, has participated in 5 UMT productions since 2010. Her passion for musical theater was discovered at the age of 2, since which time her love of the liberal and performing arts has expanded into dancing, singing and playing the piano. Jaelynn regularly performs at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, Art in Motion Dance Studio, and performs solo piano recitals under the direction of Ms. Barbara Murray. She is an avid swimmer with Elmwood Sharks and has been swimming competitively since the age of 4.
Regan Peters Roussell :
9, is a 4th grade “A” honor student at KIPP McDonogh 15 school. She recently received a Citizenship Award from the New Orleans City Council for being a model student, tutoring fellow scholars and donating books to younger students. Reagan studies ballet, is a member of her school’s choir and has written and recorded an original song, Life is Great, with her own band. Currently, she is an advice columnist for her school’s newspaper and she serves as a 4th grade computer technician. In her spare time, Reagan enjoys reading, writing songs and stories, and playing with her dog Nibbles. This is her 2nd year with UMT.
Justice Amri Smith :
11, is currently in the 5th grade and is living a dream come true as a 3rd year UMT Competition Team Member. His hobbies are reading, acting, singing, dancing, skating and playing video games. Justice has a strong interest in Science, but his greatest love is theatrical performance. His theater credits include: 101 Dalmations – Policeman, Aristocats – Berlioz, Jungle Book – Baloo, School House Rock – George, Godspell – Ensemble, Obilio’ s Odyssey – Father, and Hello Dolly – Parade Ensemble.