Sina Skates (Playwright): With over 20 years of ballet, theatre, movement, improvisation, choreography, performing, and teaching experience, Sina brings a unique and creative approach to dance, movement and writing. Professionally trained with the Royal Academy of Dance, with an undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts from Brandeis University, two Master’s degrees and a Doctorate, Sina has inspired thousands of students over the years in the studio setting. She is also an accomplished writer and playwright, writing mostly Theatre for Young Audiences. Her professionally produced, commissioned works for Birmingham Children's Theatre include: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Little Miss Muffet and the Lost Sheep, and Robin Hood. She has also written two puppet shows for Birmingham Children's Theatre, Science is Fun and Evy and the Pirates. Her enthusiastic, joyful, and heart-centered approach to her work and writing is supported by her on-going memberships with the Royal Academy and the Dramatists Guild of America. She currently lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband, 3 children, 4 cats, a dog and a hamster named Birch.

Alex Ungerman (Director) is the Associate Artistic Director of Birmingham Children’s Theatre. Recent directing credits include: The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus (Birmingham Children's Theatre), BCT's Cardboard Puppet Theatre series, The Ice Front (Birmingham Festival Theatre), Mr. Burns, a post-electric play (Theatre Downtown), Hindsight (Sackerson), and The Weird Play (Plan-b Theatre). Alex is originally from Salt Lake City and is co-founder of Grassroots Shakespeare Company, and Sackerson.

Jared Brodie (Francis) is glad to be making his BCT debut for the Holidays. An Atlanta Native, Jared has performed all around Atlanta theaters, including The Center for Puppetry Arts, Alliance Theater, Theatrical Outfit, Legacy Theatre, and more! Past roles consists of Donkey (Shrek), Snail (A Year With Frog and Toad), Blarggie-Blarggie (Play, the Play, with Cat, the Cat), Brer Rabbit (Brer Rabbit and Friends) and more! When not performing, Jared is either teaching drama to the youth and adults, or co-leading an episode of his podcast, Open Canvas Live (ig: open_canvas_live), which deals with unpacking trauma. Jared would like to take this time to thank his family and friends, God, and of course, the patrons of the arts. Thank you all for your continued support!

Alanna Fagan (Francis) is so thrilled to be spending her COVID holiday season with the elves at the NP. Currently based in Portland, Oregon, Alanna is an actor and creator who graduated nearby BCT at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) with a BA in theatre and BS in Economics. Previous children’s theatre credits include: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Amos) and The Jungle Book (Akela/Kaa) She hopes you find happiness and safety at the NP this winter. Follow her at @avelyesqe & alanna-fagan.com

Hannah Hill (Jojo) is SNOW excited to be making her debut at Birmingham Children’s Theatre with E.L.V.E.S. the Experience! She is a recent graduate from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas where she received her BFA in Musical Theatre. She is extremely thankful to be a part of this virtual show and wants to thank everyone who is supporting the arts during these uncertain times. The show must go on(line)! Keep up with all of Hannah’s theatrical endeavors at www.hannah-hill.com.

Zakary Morton (Jojo) is excited to be returning to the (virtual) BCT stage for the second time, having played The Prince in Rapunzel and the Rabbit earlier this year. A native of Iowa, Zakary has performed all over the US, and even on the high seas as a performer with Silversea cruises. Now living in Birmingham, he is excited for the opportunity to perform again and bring some holiday cheer to everyone after this difficult year!

BCT is now offering in-person classes after-school and on weekends for 2021. We are extremely committed to keeping students and teaching artists safe at this time, and will be following protocols in alignment with the CDC, WHO, and Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines as we move into the new year. (more info here)

IMAGINATION PARTY Games and activities will engage your child’s imagination and creativity while developing theatrical skills. Through storytelling, writing, drawing, games, and theatrical elements participants will have a chance to explore, express themselves, and get the ”wiggles” out! Great for ages 3 - 7 years!

BCT STUDIO Students will have an opportunity to build their performing and technical skills while engaging in the theatrical rehearsal process. Children will work individually and collaboratively to create a showcase performance highlighting their growing artistic talents. Great for ages 8 - 13 years.

MAGIC PLAYERS The new MAGIC Players is a group of top notch triple threat performers who want to explore multiple aspects of theatre. For ages 14+