Thorn 2024 Spring Cast & Crew

Alexander is a Dominican/American actor. He played baseball & practiced martial arts for most of his life. He now dedicates his life to Christ & works at being a light in the entertainment industry.

Alison has been part of The Thorn for nearly her entire life but is now a part of the official tour team as photographer, social media manager, and VIP host! After solo trekking through Europe for her gap year, Alison is now traveling the US with the greatest team ever! She is passionate about nature, music, and building community around her. Alison is most often found wherever the most people are and loves anything adventure. IG: @photos_by_alison.b

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/aerialist from Williamsburg Virginia. Ariana has toured with Norwegian and Celebrity Cruise Lines, performing in multiple production shows and musicals. She has also been a part of the Australian Shakespeare Company in London, joining the cast of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. She is so grateful to be joining The Thorn for her first season and blessed to be a part of telling the story of Jesus. All glory to God forever and ever. IG: arianalyngonzalez

Howdy! I’m so glad you’re here! Here’s some of my recent work! International Tour: “NED’s Mindset Mission.” Regional Tour: “Bourbon on Broadway,” Off-Broadway: “These Shining Lives” “Charlie Brown Christmas” “Frosty the Snowman,” Outstanding Performance in a Duet Scene: “Lie of the Mind,” Film: “Grievances” “Magic in the Maze” “Love is all you Need.” Music: “Sailors & Stories” “Enough” Books: “Temporary Infinity” (70% of proceeds to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention). Outside of entertainment I am a scuba diver and mountaineer, tackling my third of the Seven Summits in July and writing cultural reflections for the missionary alliance, TEAM. But my biggest love is Jesus and I’m overjoyed to be returning to “The Thorn”. He’s the reason I have a story, why would I not tell His? Instagram: @aus10lanning

Becca is a homeschool Mom of four. Her life may be a far cry from exciting tales of adventures like riding racing ostriches in Africa or deep-sea welding off the coast of New Zealand (though she has done one of those things). However, Schmidt's life isn't all that boring. She is the Lead Makeup Artist for The Thorn and has brought Jesus to life on stage through SFX Makeup for the past 17 years.​

Brianna is based in NYC and discovered her love for production as she joined her church’s (Fount) production team, learning how to amplify worship and the Word. After years of working in Operations, she took her skills on the road, joining The Thorn team. She is the Tour Manager for The Thorn, helping wrangle the tour team, keeping them housed and fed as we take the story of Jesus across the nation. IG: brialicia TT: briordenes

Brooke Cheek was born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Growing up, she achieved numerous competitive dance titles and expanded into live theater. She also toured as The Collective (Season IX) with DanceMakers Inc. on their Brighter Still Tour. Brooke is honored to be returning to The Thorn and gracing stages nationwide. Brooke prays that Jesus will always be glorified in every performance and that audiences will feel His presence. IG: @brookecheek TT: @brookecheek13

Caleb is the VP of Design and Operations at Illuminate Production Services, and first started working in lighting at the age of 7 with his dad. He’s going on year 11 serving with The Thorn, and is the mastermind behind the design and lighting you’ll experience.

Christian Mucci resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. A recent graduate of Liberty University, he has been blessed with an exciting amount of opportunity to write, produce, & act in productions that entertain with excellence and make a deep impact. He hopes that The Thorn will provide meaning and life in a world of darkness. Christian would like to thank his friends for their joyful support, his family for their devotion, & Jesus for his loving sacrifice. IG: @chrishin.fishin

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.​

Devin has spent his life feeding an insatiable creative addiction (he's dabbled in everything from 3D Animation, Glassblowing & Tattooing). It’s no surprise that Devin has his hands in the visual spectacle of SFX Airbrush Makeup & Costume Design that helps bring The Thorn Supernaturals to life. Devin works as a Creative Director in East Tennessee & has dedicated his life to bringing top-shelf visual art into the world while raising four top-shelf children with his wife Becca.​

Emma is 7 years old and a 2nd grade homeschooler. After watching her brother in plays when she was little, she couldn't wait for her turn to join him on stage. She performed in her first play at age 5 and has been a part of Joyful Light Youth Theater for the last two years. Emma loves ballet, reading, crafting, camping and being outside in her home state of Colorado. She is so excited to join the cast of The Thorn and share with people about Jesus.

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.

Hannah Marie Harmon (Mary) is an actor/singer making NYC her home, and originally hailing from Denver, CO. Regional theatre credits include: Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady), Jerusha (Daddy Long Legs), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), Fiona (Brigadoon). Much love to her family and friends - Soli Deo Gloria. IG: @hannahmarieharmon

Hudson is 12 and a 7th grade homeschooler. He first discovered his love for theater at age 5 and has been on stage ever since. He has been a part of Joyful Light Youth Theater for the last two years and has enjoyed his roles as Genie in Aladdin, Scar in Lion King, and Will Parker in Oklahoma. Hudson loves reading, all things science and history, drawing and being outdoors in his home state of Colorado. He is so excited to join the cast of The Thorn and share about Jesus through theater.

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

Joanne Liebenberg is a performing artist from South Africa based in NYC. She is overjoyed to be returning to The Thorn for another Live Tour. Joanne studied Performance Arts through Trinity College London and graduated with distinction from the Waterfront Theatre College. A few performance highlights: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Shade Productions, Lead Dancer with Kalk Bay Theatre and multiple dance companies. Joanne represented her country in the World Dance Champs for 5 consecutive years winning gold, silver and bronze medals. Joanne has also Judged dance competitions across the U.S.A, teaches and choreographs dance and is a certified Yoga and Fitness Instructor. Joanne is forever thankful for her family’s support in SA, her agent in NYC and to Jesus, for the opportunity to dance her dreams sharing the greatest story ever told. IG: @jo_lieb

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 second year with The Thorn and he is very excited to be a part of the team! ​

Is from Monterey, California. He started flipping at a young age and started competing in Cheer & Dance competitions for many years until starting stunt work on short films and live shows. IG: Tumbledor.bbb

Joshua is enjoying his 9th year with The Thorn where he has played roles as an aerialist, Jesus, & many more. He enjoys acting but also enjoys rigging & has found a career in production.​

Kathrine Honch is from Kyiv, Ukraine. She started training in ballet, jazz, and modern dance at an early age. Kathrine moved to the United States to pursue her dance career after being accepted into the Ailey School Scholarship Program. Kathrine lives in New York where she works as a professional performing artist & dancer. Kathrine is excited for her first tour with The Thorn and share the story of a miraculous life. She prays that the Story is a reminder that one can never be alone in faith, which creates infinite miracles!​

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

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.​

Born on the South Side of Chicago, Michael has always had a passion for the arts. Whether music, fashion, or film, count him in. Baptized within the Catholic faith, Michael's main mission is to use his time and talents to help build the Lord's kingdom. Thanks to "The Thorn", this Spring 2024, Michael will assist in spreading the Gospel by performing the story of Jesus within an incredible ensemble city to city. To learn more about Michael, follow him on Instagram - @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.

Originally from Italy, Ottavio has been performing in dance productions, operas, movies, television shows and musicals in Italy, Qatar, Oman and the U.S., hitting some of the most prestigious stages of the world including the MET, Walt Disney Music Hall, The ‪Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, The Royal Opera House of Muscat, The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and The Pasadena Playhouse. Ottavio has performed principal roles in theatre midsummer night’s dream, Freddie, Bolero, The Boatman, Anna In The Tropics and repertory ballet such as Firebird, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Body Parts, Qatar Marine Festival, I Promessi Sposi the musical, Lo Spettacolo Dell’Acqua and many more. A few of his film credits are the academy award winning movie Ford V Ferrari, His Only Son, The devil Is You, La La Land, Apollo Jump, What Happens In The Desert etc. Ottavio also worked in many operas as a dancer and actor such as Prince Igor, Moise et Pharaon, Die Zauberflöte, LaBoheme, Hansel and Gretel, Madame Butterfly, Tosca, Nabucco, Rigoletto. IG: @ottaviotaddei

Patrick Chu is from Tallahassee FL and started martial arts tricking since 2004 and also been doing stunts in movies since 2017. Also if you've seen a flipping trex on the internet he has also participated in the latest season of Americas Got Talent as the trex. He is excited to be part of the tour to use his talents to serve and help tell the story of Jesus. IG: ramenfood TT: trexflips YT: ramenfood

Riccardo is a professional stunt performer for more than 5 years. He started his career in Italy and Europe studying stunts worldwide, he’s specialize in fights, high falls, rigging and fire burn. Having the love of the entertainment he has experience not only in Live shows but in Movies, Tv show, Commercials, Music Videos and Theater. Starting when he was 7 competing in gymnastics he was already passionate in action movies, so he decide to practice more in martial arts, training and competing 3 years ago. "Being a part of The Thorn family is a pleasure, can’t wait to show everyone what we worked in the past weeks. Perform on a live show is the best way to see how can you prove yourself in front of a thousands people, is a great challenge.

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.​

Sebastien currently lives in Los Angeles, CA and is a passionate movement-artist and coach. Sebastien has been training movement-arts such as Martial-Arts-Tricking, Freerunning, Parkour and Tumbling for 10 years, and has been teaching these disciplines for the past 6 years. He intends to continue to present his movement in a way that inspires others to explore movement-arts, and believes there is great value in developing and maintaining a strong connection between mind, body and spirit. Sebastien feels honored to be a part of The Thorn and to help present this depiction of the spiritual & physical world together as one, through the story & message of Jesus Christ. He is very excited to bring his practice to a production with such profound & beautiful purpose on this tour. IG: sebastiensxp

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.

Tamara Denson is an artist based in Northern Virginia. She is excited to join the Thorn Tour as an ensemble dancer. She has received her BFA in dance and choreography with a minor in media studies from VCUarts. Recently, Tamara danced in the Broadway production of Footloose with Norwegian Cruise Line and in an original NCL production called Elements. Tamara has trained at Joffrey Ballet (spectrum), Cirque du Soleil workshops, Point Park University, and Broadway Dance Center. She would like to thank her family for their continued support and love! IG:@danc202

Taofik Lucas-Walker is an actor and model who was born and raised in Washington D.C with a background from Trinidad and Tobago. Growing up Taofik played professional soccer under DC United’s academy and then eventually played abroad in Denmark’s 2nd division. Taofik’s spark for acting happened in 5th grade where he acted as Tybalt in a Shakespearian play for his middle school. Since then he has always had a passion for acting, doing improv classes throughout his time at Georgetown day high school. Now transitioning into pursuing acting full time, Taofik has training under Brenna McDonough at the Theater Lab in D.C. On his third tour with “The Thorn”, Taofik is honored and ready to step back into the role of Jesus Christ. 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 the 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.​

Whitney is from the coastal town of Ventura, California. She climbed her first silk at age fourteen and was hooked from the start. She has trained in multiple cities and countries, coached dozens of students, performed at a variety of showcases and events, and is now on her fourth tour with the Thorn. She is thrilled to have the privilege of participating in sharing the good news of Jesus while doing aerial dance. This story is important to her because God's gracious gift of redemption through Christ has given Whitney a secure identity in God's love, freed her from striving, given her joy and purpose, and is continuing to transform her today.

Yasmine Harrell is thrilled to be making her professional tour debut with The Thorn! She was born and raised in South Florida & graduated a year ago from New World School of the Arts where she received her BFA in Music Theatre. She's always dreamed of performing to glorify God & is so grateful for this opportunity to do that in such a big way! She feels honored to be a tiny part of the life change that will occur in the hearts of those watching - This story is alive, beautiful, & TRUE! Yasmine would like to thank all those involved for making this such an unforgettable experience and is grateful to her family & friends for always supporting her & pushing her to follow her dream! Most importantly, she wants to thank Jesus for blessing her with this beautiful moment. IG: @yasmineharrell