Andrew is a writer/director known for his work on inspirational stories, such as The Thorn and Cardboard Dreams. His directing work spans both stage & screen & has been seen by audiences from coast to coast. He began directing The Thorn in 2013 and has continued to helm it for the past 13 seasons. He hosts the podcast The Meaning of Movie alongside fellow director and friend, Rob Stennett.​

Ariana Gonzalez is a dancer from Williamsburg VA. She began her professional career in dance performing with Norwegian/Celebrity Cruise Lines. Ariana is so excited to return to The Thorn tour for her second season this year. She is beyond blessed to have the opportunity to share His story through movement. Her prayer is that every audience member has an intimate encounter with Jesus and leaves knowing how deeply loved they are. To Him be all the glory. IG: arianalyngonzalez

As a wife of an artist and a homeschool Mom of four, it's a far cry to say that her everyday life is full of exciting tales of adventures like riding racing ostriches in Africa or deep-sea welding off the coast of New Zealand (though, she has done at least one of those things). It is safe to say that Becca Schmidt's life isn't all that boring. She and her family tour the country in a Skoolie and are always ready for a new adventure on or off the stage. She is our Hair & Makeup Cc-Lead and has brought the Narrator and Jesus to life and death on stage through SFX Makeup for the past 18 years.

Brooke Cheek, a native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has built an impressive career in the performing arts. Her early years were distinguished by numerous competitive dance titles and an expansion into live theater. She toured with DanceMakers Inc. as part of The Collective (Season IX) on their Brighter Still Tour. Brooke is deeply honored to return to The Thorn for her third season, where she will captivate audiences nationwide in the exciting new role of “Eve.” She hopes that through The Thorn, audiences will feel a profound connection and experience His presence. Instagram/Facebook: @brookecheek TikTok: @brookecheek13

Camden is tremendously grateful to tell Jesus’ story on and off stage! Recent credits: Principal Actor in For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (Disney’s Hollywood Studios), James/Dancer in The Last Adam (Orlando World Premiere), Adult Ensemble/Fuzzy u/s in A Christmas to Believe In (Columbus, GA), Leper/Tribe in His Story: The Musical (DFW World Premiere), Davey/Dancer in Newsies (Town Hall Arts Center), Disney Cruise Line, Ancestor in The Addams Family (Pickleville Playhouse), Six Flags Over Texas. Camden is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Bible at Liberty University, where he studied Musical Theatre for two years. He loves roller coasters and exclamation points!!! 1 Corinthians 1:18

Growing up in New Jersey, Connor found his love for theatre upon moving to New York. Recent work includes Blueprint: A DNA Musical and Everyday Charlie, as well as producing his Red Umbrella Theatre Company's site-specific production of All My Sons, co-founded with Annika Rudolph. Connor continually searches for ways to tell unique stories, and thanks God for the ability to work with The Thorn to share the gospel! IG: @connor.kopko

Cruz Hartman is from Nashville, TN and has a background in wedding videography. He has worked many different jobs in the entertainment industry from Camera-op to craft services. The Thorn gave him the opportunity to branch out in the content he can capture and edit together by recording candid moments for The Thorn team. From social media reels to documenting chapters of the tour, he has been shooting the behind the scene magic that goes into The Thorn production. He hopes that his craft can show people how beautiful The Thorn can be so more people will hear, know, and learn about it!

Daniel is a native of Colorado. He transplanted to Tennessee with his wife the irreplaceable Jessalyn (also a tour member). This is his 21st year with The Thorn. Daniel interned with The Thorn for three years, where he learned costumes, props, & stage management amongst other skills.​

With a life spent feeding an insatiable creative addiction (he's dabbled in everything from 3D Animation to Glassblowing and even Tattooing), it is no surprise that Devin Schmidt has his hands in the visual spectacle of SFX Airbrush Makeup and Costume Design that helps bring The Thorn Supernaturals to life. When not on tour, he owns a Brand Design Agency in East Tennessee and has dedicated his life to bringing top shelf visual art into the world, as well as raising four top shelf children with his wife Becca.

Hailing from Colorado, Evan is a seasoned acrobat and All-Star Cheerleader. He is a two-time USASF Cheerleading Worlds Silver Medalist and has performed across the country with The California Allstars Smoed, Top Gun TGLC, and the CHEER Live tour.

Jataun Gilbert a.k.a Juice raised in San Diego by way of Cabo Verde moved to LA to chase his dreams of becoming a musician/actor. Acting has taken off for him in his last 5 years in the city he has done over 100 films and TV shows as well as started his own production company causing him to learn how to Edit, Film and produce film and shows. His overall goal is to create a legacy, give back to his mom and dad and ultimately lead the path that God has set for him and walk in his glory. IG: @juicemanjaja FB: @Jataun Gilbert

Javi is originally from Charleston, SC but currently resides in Orlando, Fl. Javi has been a martial artist his whole life and has been training and coaching parkour for 8 years. The last 3 years have been spent learning and performing stunts with various shows around the US. When not doing stunts Javi loves to practice his photography, travel, and spend time with family and friends. This will be his 4th time touring with The Thorn and his ever deepening faith in God keeps him coming back each year to tell God's greatest story.

The human Jessalyn originated in Washington State and now lives in Tennessee with her favorite human, Daniel (who also moonlights as a tour member), and a couple of outrageously fluffy feline overlords. When she's not frolicking on tour, Jessalyn can be found in her natural habitat, defying gravity. She's not your average mortal; she imparts the mystical secrets of aerial silks and straps to other unsuspecting humans. Hanging from ceilings, capturing the magic of circus performers through her camera lens, and playing the role of a fledgling flying director for ZFX are all in a day's work for her. For the past nine years, Jessalyn has had the honor to be a part of The Thorn, embarking on exhilarating adventures on the road. You might spot her in her hidy-hole, running the show's motor like a maestro, or even shedding a tear or two on stage, casting her spell as a pedestrian sad-person.

Jim Miles lives in Austin,Texas with his beautiful wife, Jenny & their four children. Jim has served as The Thorn’s narrator for 17 years playing such characters as John the Beloved, Doubting Thomas, and Simon Peter. Jim describes himself not as an actor, but as a lifelong storyteller, & is cherishing the opportunity to tell the greatest Story ever told! ​jimmilesactor.com

Joe Bettis is from the Pacific Northwest. Joe has a servant leadership heart to support ministries in various ways. After his first tour with The Thorn, he knew this unique opportunity was something worth pursuing. With the support of his wife and three daughters, he is able to fulfill this passion.​

Jon has spent his time on the road and on set learning from some of the best musical touring and tv/film industry professionals in the business for the last 25 years. This will be his 4th season with The Thorn and he is very excited to be a part of the team! ​

Joseph Gordon gave his life to Jesus at a small town passion play at age seven. He was raised in the church, but seeing Jesus on the cross during that performance is what made the Gospel come alive to him. His passion is to visually share God’s truth in the similar way it was revealed to him, and it has been his greatest honor to play Jesus in five different Gospel productions around the country. He had a longtime dream of playing Jesus in The Thorn and he is honored to be part of the team sharing the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on and off stage!

Lauren Russo graduated from Point Park University with a BFA in dance. Upon graduating in 2021, she began her professional career setting sail with Royal Caribbean and has been apart of the company since. She has a love for yoga and is a Registered Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Alliance. Lauren would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors who have continuously given their love and support throughout the years and God for the gift of dance. She is grateful to be joining The Thorn where she gets to combine her passion for the arts while spreading the powerful message of the Gospel. To Him be glory and honor forever! IG: laurenmarierusso

Levi B. Foster is a performer originally from Colorado now living in California performing in film and on stage. He is honored to be apart of his second Thorn tour and grew up with this show as it was originating. Some of his previous credits are on Disney+ for Nat Geo in “Something Bit Me”, on Amazon prime video in “The Thorn” and “Dream”, lastly on Netflix’s Are You Still Watching? YouTube in “Netflix Dreams” ep. 3&4. He hopes you enjoy the show and feel the love of Jesus. IG: @levibfoster

Lori's started her choreography career in Colorado Springs in 1983, alongside her coaching career in gymnastics. She coached and choreographed for athletes on the national & international scene. Lori had athletes compete in the National Championships, Pan American Games, World Championships, & Olympic Trials from 1992-2001. She has choreographed multiple performances for the Rock 'n Roll Gymnastics Tour & various Christmas shows in Colorado Springs. Lori started working with The Thorn on choreography & directing for tumbling and aerials in 2004. She now focuses on helping with aerial choreography. Her passion is creating & telling stories through movement.​

Macy was born and raised in the PNW, working for her dad (Joe Bettis, Production Manager) where she has learned many different useful skills for the production world. She’s very eager to travel and use her talents for such an impactful show!

Makenzie Murdock is a New York City based dancer, originally from Los Angeles, who has trained with the Joffrey Chicago Ballet, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, and Broadway Dance Center’s Professional Semester. She received her B.A. in Human Biology and a minor in Dance from the University of Southern California. Performing highlights: Victoria in Cats (Interlakes Theatre), Dance Against Cancer (Lincoln Center), and Night of Faith with For King and Country. Makenzie is so grateful to her family and overjoyed to return to The Thorn tour as she has a passion to dance for an Audience of One, to praise and share His story. IG: @makenziemurdock

Mason aka Mase Boogie began doing Tae Kwon Do and breaking while in high school. In 2009 he started performing professionally on cruise ships. Once done with that he continued entertaining at various theme parks in the Central Florida area. Aside from dancing and stunt performing, he is also an accomplished professional stilt walker and DJ.

Mari Takayama was born in Japan and is now a professional ballet and contemporary dancer based in NYC. She has performed as a principal and soloist with Eglevsky Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, Connecticut Ballet, City Dance NY, and Neville Dance Theatre. She graduated from the ballet course at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Japan with two scholarships, where she also organized and choreographed ballet, contemporary, and musical theater performances. She is also an ABT Certified Teacher. She is very excited and grateful to be dancing with The Thorn for the first time. IG: @maritakayama_ballet

Mattea Harrison is from Pennsylvania. She studied theater production in Virginia specializing in costume design & wardrobe management. Mattea has worked as a designer for collegiate theater productions, a stitcher for Regional Theater & productions & undertaken several freelance contracts.​

Michael Girgenti is a Catholic 2x Grammy Award Winning Actor from Chicago. His main objective is to use his time and talents to further the Gospel. This is Michael's second tour with The Thorn family. He feels extremely privileged to be chosen to help live out the Lord's mission of spreading the good news across America through this incredible visual presentation. Beyond tour life and acting, Michael spends the majority of his time maintaining his boutique music management company “Premo Hq. Corp” and his independent children's book publishing brand "Strawberry Pencil Magic". Stay connected with Michael on any major social app @michaelgirgenti

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Michael A. Hel is a professional stunt performer, actor and Filmmaker. He started his martial arts training at the age of 8 years old in traditional Chinese Gong Fu and later transitioned to boxing, muay thai and taekwondo at 13 years old. Since then, he picked up parkour, tricking and tumbling throughout high school and started working as a professional stunt Performer after graduation. He studied Sport Medicine at Cal State Long Beach and holds several personal training licenses and on his off time he likes to draw, read, write and enjoys all things nerdy.

Milan, Born in London, UK, currently calls Fort Lauderdale, Florida, home. Milan has a background in dance and gymnastics, following in the footsteps of her late grandmother, Christine, a professional choreographer who used creative arts to spread the Christian message. Milan is grateful for the opportunity to continue the work her grandmother once did and is thrilled to be a part of the Thorn family. All praise to God for this wonderful journey!

Paris was born in London, UK, and currently resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He inherits his natural acting talent from his grandfather. Paris has successfully portrayed two lead roles in his school's annual Christian play. He feels blessed and grateful to be part of the Thorn Team, sharing the greatest story ever told.

Ronnie is from Maryland. He currently resides in Lynchburg, VA. Before moving back to “The Burg,” Ronnie spent a decade enduring the secular world of theater. He worked on cruise ships, at theme parks, dinners & regional theater. Ronnie is a lead server, banquet manager, floor supervisor & bartender at the Marriott Bonvoy Craddock Terry Hotel. He’s also choreographing in the local theater scene, sometimes balancing three shows. He is thrilled to embark on a journey with The Thorn, sharing the good news of the one who saves, Jesus Christ! ​

Santos “Flip” Perez is a self taught acrobat and tumbler from Paterson, New Jersey. He is also a former NBA Brooklyn Nets Dancer and acrobat. He is one of our newest members of our team and has chosen to use his god given talent to help tell the story of Jesus!

Sarah Bolin is all things details and logistics and people with The Thorn. She and her husband, John, are the creators and executive producers of the show and can’t believe it’s been 26 years stewarding this amazing Story of Jesus. Sarah finds joy in empowering others to use their talents and gifts to their fullest. In her not-Thorn time she loves to cook, read and spend time with her awesome 5 kids and husband.​

Spencer was born and raised in Central Oregon where he performs as a One Man Band. Through performing in the industry he learned the ins-and-outs of production, specifically building LED walls. The Thorn has been an amazing way for Spencer to continue pursuing his career as a musician and spreading joy in the form of music.

Stefano was born and raised in his family home in Coral Springs, Florida. He studied acting in college at New World School of The Arts and Florida Atlantic University. He complimented his education by attending multiple conservatories over the years including; ‘Pape Perez Acting for the Camera’ in Madrid, Spain and ‘Sociedad Actoral Hispanoamericana in Miami, Florida. Since he finished his studies in 2022 he has performed in multiple professional shows including musicals like “Anything Goes” at ‘The Wick Theatre’ and most recently “Pippin” where he played the male lead “Pippin” at PPTOPA. Stefano is immeasurably thankful for his parents who have always been supportive of his craft and to his lifelong friends who never miss an opportunity to see him perform. Most importantly he is thankful to God for presenting the amazing opportunity to be able to perform a show that is so aligned with his Faith. He prays that Jesus is always glorified in his life and any performance that he does! John 14: 6-7 IG: @stefanogaleb

Steven L. Williams is the Theatre Coordinator and Full Professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). He is a freelance scenic, lighting, and graphic designer who has designed over one hundred fifty productions with such notable theatre companies as the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, Omaha Community Playhouse, The Rose Theatre, Theatre Aspen, Heritage Repertory Theatre, Indiana University, Brown County Playhouse, and Mcleod Summer Playhouse. Since 1998, Steven has proudly served as Theatrical Consultant and Scenic Designer for The Thorn including the most recent film of The Thorn. His most rewarding design work has been for a police investigation/training facility for Project Harmony in Omaha, NE. Steven is in his twenty-ninth year with UNO.

Taofik Lucas-Walker, an actor and model, was born and raised in Washington, D.C., with roots in Trinidad and Tobago. He played professional soccer in DC United’s academy and later in Denmark’s 2nd division. Taofik discovered his passion for acting in 5th grade, performing as Tybalt in a Shakespearean play for his middle school. He continued to explore acting through improv classes during his time at Georgetown Day High School. His enthusiasm for acting grew alongside his soccer career. Fast forward to January 20, 2023, Taofik was cast as Jesus in “The Thorn” Spring 2023 tour, keeping his acting dream alive. Since then, he has transitioned to acting full-time, appearing in multiple commercials and has trained under Brenna McDonough at the Theatre Lab in D.C. Now on his fourth tour with “The Thorn,” Taofik is honored and ready to step back into the role of Jesus Christ. He hopes that you enjoy “The Thorn” and walk away being touched, knowing the full story of Jesus. IG: @taofiklw

Tim Hildebrand recently located from LA to Nashville, where he continues to work in theater and film. Tim has 30+ equity stage credits and was nominated for LA’s Best Featured Actor Ovation Award in 2020. His most recent film appearances are Apple TV’s The Big Conn (Eric Conn), and the Sony/PureFlix series, Fragment: Oblivion (Harrison Arlow). Tim finds highest fulfillment in those rare opportunities where his faith and art intersect, and was overjoyed to land the role of Pilate in The Thorn.​

Vija has been part of The Thorn since the early years and is responsible for setting our color palette, design and overall artistic direction of the show. She has faithfully prayed for The Thorn and all those that come to experience the love of God.