Artists Wiki - User contributions [en]

Pedro Costa

2026-11-08T13:23:04Z

Ddehilster: /* School productions */

:''This article is about the Boca Raton musical theatre performer and producer. For the Portuguese film director, see [[wikipedia:Pedro Costa|Pedro Costa]] on Wikipedia.''
{{Infobox artist
| name = Pedro Costa
| image = Pedro_Costa.jpg
| caption = Costa performing on stage
| disciplines = Musical theatre performer · Producer · Director
| based_in = Boca Raton, Florida (from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
| education = Boca Raton Community Middle School<br />Boca Raton Community High School (2025)<br />University of Florida (class of 2029)
| known_for = Founding [[Our Time Productions]]
| productions = ''The Road Ahead'' (2026, producer and director)
| companies = [[Our Time Productions]] (founder)
| awards = "Blood, Sweat and Tears" scholarship (2024)
| notable_roles = Feldzieg (''The Drowsy Chaperone'', 2022)
| years_active = c. 2018–present
| website = [https://www.instagram.com/pedro_mboc/ Instagram]
}}
'''Pedro Costa''' is a Brazilian-American musical theatre performer, producer and director from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, now based in Boca Raton, Florida. While still a student he founded '''[[Our Time Productions]]''', an independent theatre company whose first show, the musical cabaret ''The Road Ahead'', sold out both of its performances in June 2026. He is a student at the University of Florida, in the class of 2029.<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/pedro_mboc/ |title=Pedro Costa (@pedro_mboc) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref><ref name="sold">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DaihvJcFpGj/ |title=The Road Ahead: thank you |website=Instagram (@our_time_productions) |date=2026-07-08}}</ref>

== Early life and training ==
Costa's hometown is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he began working in the entertainment business at an early age, before his family moved to the United States while he was still young.<ref name="fbabout">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007074481887&sk=about |title=Pedro Costa: About |website=Facebook |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> He settled in Boca Raton, Florida, and graduated from Boca Raton Community High School in 2025.<ref name="fbedu">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007074481887&sk=directory_education |title=Pedro Costa: Education |website=Facebook |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> In May 2024, at the end of his junior year, he rehearsed and performed in the opening number of the Dream Awards, Palm Beach County's high school musical theatre awards, on the main stage of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. That week he also received the "Blood, Sweat and Tears" scholarship. He called it "one of the most memorable weeks of my life".<ref name="dream">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C7fs7f_I_9y/ |title=Dream Awards week |website=Instagram (@pedro_mboc) |date=2024-05-27}}</ref>

He credits three teachers for his training: "Thank you to Jackie, Jason, and Mrs. Nixdorf for all your years of training, I could not have done any of this without the three of you as my mentors."<ref name="dream" />

== School productions ==
Costa performed in productions with the Boca Raton Community Middle School drama club, including ''The Little Mermaid'' (spring 2019), and in three or more at Boca Raton Community High School under director Stephanie Nixdorf.

In spring 2022, as a freshman, he played Feldzieg, the Broadway producer, in Boca High's ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' at the Kathryn Lindgren Theatre. Gianna Downing played Kitty. A reviewer wrote that Costa, "only a freshman, showed off acting skills well beyond his age… With impeccable timing and a powerful acting voice, Costa never missed a beat and looked like a veteran of the stage.<ref name="drowsy">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1525 |title=Back Home |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-04-17}}</ref> He went on to appear in the school's ''The Theory of Relativity'' (January 12–15, 2023)<ref name="relbm">{{cite web |url=https://bocamag.com/?p=14583 |title=The Theory of Relativity – Boca Raton High Drama |website=Boca magazine |date=2023-01}}</ref> and ''Hello, Dolly!'' (spring 2023).

== Our Time Productions ==
Costa founded [[Our Time Productions]] in 2026 "to bring together a group of artists aspiring to achieve something beyond what they've done before, with the courage to try new things and with the passion to achieve their goals."<ref name="why">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/our_time_productions/reel/DXkqQptDBcO/ |title=Why Our Time Productions |website=Instagram (@our_time_productions) |date=2026-04-25}}</ref> He raised money for its first show through a crowdfunding campaign, then produced and directed it: ''The Road Ahead'', a cabaret of musical theatre songs, at Barclay Performing Arts in Boca Raton on June 26 and 27, 2026. Both performances sold out. Afterwards he thanked "all of you who have supported me in this journey and made my dream of producing and directing come to life."<ref name="sold" />

== University ==
Costa began studying at the University of Florida in Gainesville on August 31, 2025, in the class of 2029.<ref name="ig" /><ref name="fbedu" />

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Feldzieg || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2023 || ''The Theory of Relativity'' || || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2024 || Dream Awards opening number || Performer || Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
|-
| 2026 || ''The Road Ahead'' || Producer; director || [[Our Time Productions]], Barclay Performing Arts, Boca Raton
|}

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.instagram.com/pedro_mboc/ @pedro_mboc] on Instagram
* [https://www.instagram.com/our_time_productions/ Our Time Productions] on Instagram

{{DEFAULTSORT:Costa, Pedro}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Pedro Costa

2026-11-08T04:10:10Z

Ddehilster: Early career in entertainment in Brazil before moving to the US

:''This article is about the Boca Raton musical theatre performer and producer. For the Portuguese film director, see [[wikipedia:Pedro Costa|Pedro Costa]] on Wikipedia.''
{{Infobox artist
| name = Pedro Costa
| image = Pedro_Costa.jpg
| caption = Costa performing on stage
| disciplines = Musical theatre performer · Producer · Director
| based_in = Boca Raton, Florida (from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
| education = Boca Raton Community Middle School<br />Boca Raton Community High School (2025)<br />University of Florida (class of 2029)
| known_for = Founding [[Our Time Productions]]
| productions = ''The Road Ahead'' (2026, producer and director)
| companies = [[Our Time Productions]] (founder)
| awards = "Blood, Sweat and Tears" scholarship (2024)
| notable_roles = Feldzieg (''The Drowsy Chaperone'', 2022)
| years_active = c. 2018–present
| website = [https://www.instagram.com/pedro_mboc/ Instagram]
}}
'''Pedro Costa''' is a Brazilian-American musical theatre performer, producer and director from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, now based in Boca Raton, Florida. While still a student he founded '''[[Our Time Productions]]''', an independent theatre company whose first show, the musical cabaret ''The Road Ahead'', sold out both of its performances in June 2026. He is a student at the University of Florida, in the class of 2029.<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/pedro_mboc/ |title=Pedro Costa (@pedro_mboc) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref><ref name="sold">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DaihvJcFpGj/ |title=The Road Ahead: thank you |website=Instagram (@our_time_productions) |date=2026-07-08}}</ref>

== Early life and training ==
Costa's hometown is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he began working in the entertainment business at an early age, before his family moved to the United States while he was still young.<ref name="fbabout">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007074481887&sk=about |title=Pedro Costa: About |website=Facebook |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> He settled in Boca Raton, Florida, and graduated from Boca Raton Community High School in 2025.<ref name="fbedu">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007074481887&sk=directory_education |title=Pedro Costa: Education |website=Facebook |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> In May 2024, at the end of his junior year, he rehearsed and performed in the opening number of the Dream Awards, Palm Beach County's high school musical theatre awards, on the main stage of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. That week he also received the "Blood, Sweat and Tears" scholarship. He called it "one of the most memorable weeks of my life".<ref name="dream">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C7fs7f_I_9y/ |title=Dream Awards week |website=Instagram (@pedro_mboc) |date=2024-05-27}}</ref>

He credits three teachers for his training: "Thank you to Jackie, Jason, and Mrs. Nixdorf for all your years of training, I could not have done any of this without the three of you as my mentors."<ref name="dream" />

== School productions ==
Costa performed in at least two productions with the Boca Raton Community Middle School drama club, including ''The Little Mermaid'' (spring 2019), and in three or more at Boca Raton Community High School under director Stephanie Nixdorf.

In spring 2022, as a freshman, he played Feldzieg, the Broadway producer, in Boca High's ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' at the Kathryn Lindgren Theatre. Gianna Downing played Kitty. A reviewer wrote that Costa, "only a freshman, showed off acting skills well beyond his age… With impeccable timing and a powerful acting voice, Costa never missed a beat and looked like a veteran of the stage.<ref name="drowsy">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1525 |title=Back Home |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-04-17}}</ref> He went on to appear in the school's ''The Theory of Relativity'' (January 12–15, 2023)<ref name="relbm">{{cite web |url=https://bocamag.com/?p=14583 |title=The Theory of Relativity – Boca Raton High Drama |website=Boca magazine |date=2023-01}}</ref> and ''Hello, Dolly!'' (spring 2023).

== Our Time Productions ==
Costa founded [[Our Time Productions]] in 2026 "to bring together a group of artists aspiring to achieve something beyond what they've done before, with the courage to try new things and with the passion to achieve their goals."<ref name="why">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/our_time_productions/reel/DXkqQptDBcO/ |title=Why Our Time Productions |website=Instagram (@our_time_productions) |date=2026-04-25}}</ref> He raised money for its first show through a crowdfunding campaign, then produced and directed it: ''The Road Ahead'', a cabaret of musical theatre songs, at Barclay Performing Arts in Boca Raton on June 26 and 27, 2026. Both performances sold out. Afterwards he thanked "all of you who have supported me in this journey and made my dream of producing and directing come to life."<ref name="sold" />

== University ==
Costa began studying at the University of Florida in Gainesville on August 31, 2025, in the class of 2029.<ref name="ig" /><ref name="fbedu" />

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Feldzieg || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2023 || ''The Theory of Relativity'' || || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2024 || Dream Awards opening number || Performer || Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
|-
| 2026 || ''The Road Ahead'' || Producer; director || [[Our Time Productions]], Barclay Performing Arts, Boca Raton
|}

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.instagram.com/pedro_mboc/ @pedro_mboc] on Instagram
* [https://www.instagram.com/our_time_productions/ Our Time Productions] on Instagram

{{DEFAULTSORT:Costa, Pedro}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Pedro Costa

2026-11-08T01:13:35Z

Ddehilster: Restore previous article and photo (accidentally overwritten); merge school productions

:''This article is about the Boca Raton musical theatre performer and producer. For the Portuguese film director, see [[wikipedia:Pedro Costa|Pedro Costa]] on Wikipedia.''
{{Infobox artist
| name = Pedro Costa
| image = Pedro_Costa.jpg
| caption = Costa performing on stage
| disciplines = Musical theatre performer · Producer · Director
| based_in = Boca Raton, Florida (from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
| education = Boca Raton Community Middle School<br />Boca Raton Community High School (2025)<br />University of Florida (class of 2029)
| known_for = Founding [[Our Time Productions]]
| productions = ''The Road Ahead'' (2026, producer and director)
| companies = [[Our Time Productions]] (founder)
| awards = "Blood, Sweat and Tears" scholarship (2024)
| notable_roles = Feldzieg (''The Drowsy Chaperone'', 2022)
| years_active = c. 2018–present
| website = [https://www.instagram.com/pedro_mboc/ Instagram]
}}
'''Pedro Costa''' is a Brazilian-American musical theatre performer, producer and director from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, now based in Boca Raton, Florida. While still a student he founded '''[[Our Time Productions]]''', an independent theatre company whose first show, the musical cabaret ''The Road Ahead'', sold out both of its performances in June 2026. He is a student at the University of Florida, in the class of 2029.<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/pedro_mboc/ |title=Pedro Costa (@pedro_mboc) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref><ref name="sold">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DaihvJcFpGj/ |title=The Road Ahead: thank you |website=Instagram (@our_time_productions) |date=2026-07-08}}</ref>

== Early life and training ==
Costa's hometown is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.<ref name="fbabout">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007074481887&sk=about |title=Pedro Costa: About |website=Facebook |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> He moved to Boca Raton, Florida, and graduated from Boca Raton Community High School in 2025.<ref name="fbedu">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007074481887&sk=directory_education |title=Pedro Costa: Education |website=Facebook |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> In May 2024, at the end of his junior year, he rehearsed and performed in the opening number of the Dream Awards, Palm Beach County's high school musical theatre awards, on the main stage of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. That week he also received the "Blood, Sweat and Tears" scholarship. He called it "one of the most memorable weeks of my life".<ref name="dream">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C7fs7f_I_9y/ |title=Dream Awards week |website=Instagram (@pedro_mboc) |date=2024-05-27}}</ref>

He credits three teachers for his training: "Thank you to Jackie, Jason, and Mrs. Nixdorf for all your years of training, I could not have done any of this without the three of you as my mentors."<ref name="dream" />

== School productions ==
Costa performed in at least two productions with the Boca Raton Community Middle School drama club, including ''The Little Mermaid'' (spring 2019), and in three or more at Boca Raton Community High School under director Stephanie Nixdorf.

In spring 2022, as a freshman, he played Feldzieg, the Broadway producer, in Boca High's ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' at the Kathryn Lindgren Theatre. Gianna Downing played Kitty. A reviewer wrote that Costa, "only a freshman, showed off acting skills well beyond his age… With impeccable timing and a powerful acting voice, Costa never missed a beat and looked like a veteran of the stage.<ref name="drowsy">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1525 |title=Back Home |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-04-17}}</ref> He went on to appear in the school's ''The Theory of Relativity'' (January 12–15, 2023)<ref name="relbm">{{cite web |url=https://bocamag.com/?p=14583 |title=The Theory of Relativity – Boca Raton High Drama |website=Boca magazine |date=2023-01}}</ref> and ''Hello, Dolly!'' (spring 2023).

== Our Time Productions ==
Costa founded [[Our Time Productions]] in 2026 "to bring together a group of artists aspiring to achieve something beyond what they've done before, with the courage to try new things and with the passion to achieve their goals."<ref name="why">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/our_time_productions/reel/DXkqQptDBcO/ |title=Why Our Time Productions |website=Instagram (@our_time_productions) |date=2026-04-25}}</ref> He raised money for its first show through a crowdfunding campaign, then produced and directed it: ''The Road Ahead'', a cabaret of musical theatre songs, at Barclay Performing Arts in Boca Raton on June 26 and 27, 2026. Both performances sold out. Afterwards he thanked "all of you who have supported me in this journey and made my dream of producing and directing come to life."<ref name="sold" />

== University ==
Costa began studying at the University of Florida in Gainesville on August 31, 2025, in the class of 2029.<ref name="ig" /><ref name="fbedu" />

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Feldzieg || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2023 || ''The Theory of Relativity'' || || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2024 || Dream Awards opening number || Performer || Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
|-
| 2026 || ''The Road Ahead'' || Producer; director || [[Our Time Productions]], Barclay Performing Arts, Boca Raton
|}

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.instagram.com/pedro_mboc/ @pedro_mboc] on Instagram
* [https://www.instagram.com/our_time_productions/ Our Time Productions] on Instagram

{{DEFAULTSORT:Costa, Pedro}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Pedro Costa

2026-11-07T22:59:23Z

Ddehilster: New article

{{Infobox artist
| name = Pedro Costa
| image = Pedro_Costa_Drowsy_Chaperone_2022.jpg
| caption = Costa as Feldzieg in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022)
| disciplines = Actor · Singer
| based_in = Boca Raton, Florida
| education = Boca Raton Community Middle School<br />Boca Raton Community High School (class of 2025)
| years_active = c. 2018–present
| notable_roles = Feldzieg (''The Drowsy Chaperone'', 2022)
| productions = ''The Little Mermaid'' (2019)<br />''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022)<br />''The Theory of Relativity'' (2023)<br />''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023)
}}
'''Pedro Costa''' is an American actor and singer from Boca Raton, Florida. He performed in at least two productions at Boca Raton Community Middle School and three or more at Boca Raton Community High School. As a freshman he played the impresario Feldzieg in the high school's 2022 production of ''The Drowsy Chaperone''.<ref name="drowsy">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1525 |title=Back Home |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-04-17}}</ref>

== Education ==
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2021–2025)

== Career ==
=== Boca Raton Community Middle School ===
Costa appeared in at least two productions with the Boca Raton Community Middle School drama club, directed by Joshua Tay, including ''The Little Mermaid'' (spring 2019).

=== Boca Raton Community High School ===
In spring 2022, as a freshman, Costa played Feldzieg, the Broadway producer, in Boca Raton Community High School's ''The Drowsy Chaperone'', directed by Stephanie Nixdorf at the Kathryn Lindgren Theatre. Gianna Downing played Kitty, the would-be star who becomes his fiancée. The reviewer wrote that Costa, "only a freshman, showed off acting skills well beyond his age", and that "with impeccable timing and a powerful acting voice, Costa never missed a beat and looked like a veteran of the stage."<ref name="drowsy" /> The production won an award at the Kravis Center Dream Awards.<ref name="relbm">{{cite web |url=https://bocamag.com/?p=14583 |title=The Theory of Relativity – Boca Raton High Drama |website=Boca magazine |date=2023-01}}</ref>

He went on to appear in the school's productions of ''The Theory of Relativity'' (January 12–15, 2023, Kathryn Lindgren Theatre)<ref name="relbm" /> and ''Hello, Dolly!'' (spring 2023).

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Feldzieg || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2023 || ''The Theory of Relativity'' || || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || || Boca Raton Community High School
|}

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Costa, Pedro}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

File:Pedro Costa Drowsy Chaperone 2022.jpg

2026-11-07T22:59:23Z

Ddehilster: == Summary == Pedro Costa as Feldzieg in The Drowsy Chaperone, Boca Raton Community High School, April 2022. Photo: David de Hilster, from https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1525

== Summary ==
Pedro Costa as Feldzieg in The Drowsy Chaperone, Boca Raton Community High School, April 2022. Photo: David de Hilster, from https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1525

Main Page

2026-11-07T14:29:30Z

Ddehilster:

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Steven Taliaferro

2026-11-07T14:21:45Z

Ddehilster: Add headshot

{{Infobox artist
| name = Steven Taliaferro
| image = Steven_Taliaferro.jpg
| caption = Taliaferro in 2025 (photo: Landmark Community Theatre)
| disciplines = Actor · Singer · Scare actor
| birth_name = Steven Gregory Taliaferro
| also_known_as = Stephen Gregory; Steven Gregory
| based_in = Connecticut (formerly Boca Raton, Florida)
| years_active = c. 2016–present
| notable_roles = Shrek (''Shrek the Musical'', Landmark Community Theatre, 2025)<br />Miss Trunchbull (''Matilda'', Showtime, 2019)<br />Big Bud Dean and Kurt's Dad (''Heathers'', Showtime, 2019)<br />Tito Merelli (''Lend Me a Tenor'', Lake Worth Playhouse)<br />Franz Liebkind (''The Producers'', Brookfield Theatre)
| companies = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; Lake Worth Playhouse; Landmark Community Theatre; Musicals at Richter; Brookfield Theatre; Town Players of Newtown; The Brewster Theater; City Youth Theater / City Stage Company
| website = [https://www.facebook.com/steven.taliaferro.5 Facebook] · [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11539267/ IMDb]
}}
'''Steven Gregory Taliaferro''' is an American actor and singer, known for comic and character roles in community and regional theatre in South Florida and Connecticut. He was a regular performer at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, where his roles included Miss Trunchbull in ''Matilda'' and the fathers in ''Heathers''. He has since appeared with theatre companies in Connecticut, including as Shrek in Landmark Community Theatre's ''Shrek the Musical'' (2025). He has also been credited as Stephen Gregory.<ref name="lct">{{cite web |url=https://audienceaccess.co/bio/LCT-108692 |title=Steven Taliaferro – Shrek the Musical |website=Landmark Community Theatre (AudienceAccess) |date=2025}}</ref>

== Career ==
=== South Florida ===
Taliaferro was a regular in the teen and adult productions at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], the musical theatre school and theatre at Royal Palm Place in downtown Boca Raton run by [[Marilyn Perry]].<ref name="heathers">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=376 |title="Heathers": Off-Broadway at Its Very Best in Downtown Boca |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-24}}</ref> In February 2019 he played the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull in Showtime's ''Matilda'', which he later named among his favourite roles.<ref name="lct" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtfMYCSn_dM |title=Matilda The Musical "Revolting Children" - February 2019 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-18}}</ref>

In ''Rent'' (March 30 – April 14, 2019), directed by Emily Mittleman, he played the landlord Benjamin Coffin III, credited as Stephen Gregory. A reviewer wrote that he "was the perfect villain and 'person who cared' while sternly showing his affection for this difficult band of characters all the while belting and acting his way out of and into the audience's hearts."<ref name="rent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=340 |title=Luanda Thrives in First All Adult Cast |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-10-22}}</ref>

In ''Heathers'' (December 7–22, 2019), directed by Emily Freeman, he played two fathers: Big Bud Dean, the "very twisted dad" of the lead character Jason Dean, and Kurt's Dad. The reviewer praised his "two dads-gone-wrong", and said his "hippy-like, totally demented character revealed his versatile acting skills". In the second-act opener, "I Love My Dead Gay Son", he and Zaylin Yates, as Ram's Dad, "go through an entire transformation – several times over – during one rip-roaring song which had the audience rolling on the floor with laughter". The reviewer called it "the most lively and hilarious number of the entire musical".<ref name="heathers" />

In Lake Worth Beach he played the opera star Tito Merelli in the farce ''Lend Me a Tenor'' at the Lake Worth Playhouse.<ref name="lct" /> He also appeared in the 2020 films ''Lock-In'' and ''Seasons Screenings''.<ref name="imdb">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11539267/ |title=Steven Taliaferro |website=IMDb}}</ref>

=== Connecticut ===
Taliaferro later moved to Connecticut, where he has worked with several community theatre companies. His roles there include:<ref name="lct" />
* Franz Liebkind, the Nazi playwright, in ''The Producers'' (Brookfield Theatre)
* Marcellus Washburn in ''The Music Man'' (Musicals at Richter, Danbury)
* the Fifth Juror in ''12 Angry Men'' (Town Players of Newtown)

He has also appeared with The Brewster Theater in New York.<ref name="lct" /> In summer 2025 he played the title role in Landmark Community Theatre's ''Shrek the Musical'' at the Thomaston Opera House. His program biography said that Shrek was "'ogre' the moon to be spending the summer with Landmark Community Theater… playing one of his favorite characters".<ref name="lct" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thomastonct.gov/events/shrek-the-musical-8902a |title=Shrek the Musical |website=Town of Thomaston, Connecticut |date=2025-07}}</ref>

Outside the stage, he works as a scare actor at "Legends of Fear", the Halloween attraction at Fairview Tree Farm.<ref name="lct" /> He has also worked with City Youth Theater / City Stage Company, a nonprofit youth and community theatre in Waterbury, Connecticut.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/steventaliaferro/ |title=Steven Taliaferro |website=LinkedIn}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''Matilda the Musical'' || Miss Trunchbull || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Benjamin Coffin III || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Big Bud Dean; Kurt's Dad || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton
|-
| || ''Lend Me a Tenor'' || Tito Merelli || Lake Worth Playhouse, Lake Worth Beach, Florida
|-
| 2020 || ''Lock-In'' (film) || ||
|-
| 2020 || ''Seasons Screenings'' (film) || ||
|-
| || ''The Producers'' || Franz Liebkind || Brookfield Theatre, Connecticut
|-
| || ''The Music Man'' || Marcellus Washburn || Musicals at Richter, Danbury, Connecticut
|-
| || ''12 Angry Men'' || Fifth Juror || Town Players of Newtown, Connecticut
|-
| 2025 || ''Shrek the Musical'' || Shrek || Landmark Community Theatre, Thomaston Opera House, Connecticut
|}

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.facebook.com/steven.taliaferro.5 Steven Taliaferro] on Facebook
* [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11539267/ Steven Taliaferro] on IMDb

{{DEFAULTSORT:Taliaferro, Steven}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Film and video artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

File:Steven Taliaferro.jpg

2026-11-07T14:21:45Z

Ddehilster: == Summary == Steven Taliaferro headshot from his Landmark Community Theatre cast biography (Shrek the Musical, 2025): https://audienceaccess.co/bio/LCT-108692 — uploaded at the request of the wiki owner; not covered by the wiki's CC BY-SA licence.

== Summary ==
Steven Taliaferro headshot from his Landmark Community Theatre cast biography (Shrek the Musical, 2025): https://audienceaccess.co/bio/LCT-108692 — uploaded at the request of the wiki owner; not covered by the wiki's CC BY-SA licence.

Steven Taliaferro

2026-11-07T14:17:52Z

Ddehilster: Expanded: Matilda (Trunchbull), Lake Worth Playhouse, Connecticut theatre, Shrek 2025, films

{{Infobox artist
| name = Steven Taliaferro
| disciplines = Actor · Singer · Scare actor
| birth_name = Steven Gregory Taliaferro
| also_known_as = Stephen Gregory; Steven Gregory
| based_in = Connecticut (formerly Boca Raton, Florida)
| years_active = c. 2016–present
| notable_roles = Shrek (''Shrek the Musical'', Landmark Community Theatre, 2025)<br />Miss Trunchbull (''Matilda'', Showtime, 2019)<br />Big Bud Dean and Kurt's Dad (''Heathers'', Showtime, 2019)<br />Tito Merelli (''Lend Me a Tenor'', Lake Worth Playhouse)<br />Franz Liebkind (''The Producers'', Brookfield Theatre)
| companies = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; Lake Worth Playhouse; Landmark Community Theatre; Musicals at Richter; Brookfield Theatre; Town Players of Newtown; The Brewster Theater; City Youth Theater / City Stage Company
| website = [https://www.facebook.com/steven.taliaferro.5 Facebook] · [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11539267/ IMDb]
}}
'''Steven Gregory Taliaferro''' is an American actor and singer, known for comic and character roles in community and regional theatre in South Florida and Connecticut. He was a regular performer at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, where his roles included Miss Trunchbull in ''Matilda'' and the fathers in ''Heathers''. He has since appeared with theatre companies in Connecticut, including as Shrek in Landmark Community Theatre's ''Shrek the Musical'' (2025). He has also been credited as Stephen Gregory.<ref name="lct">{{cite web |url=https://audienceaccess.co/bio/LCT-108692 |title=Steven Taliaferro – Shrek the Musical |website=Landmark Community Theatre (AudienceAccess) |date=2025}}</ref>

== Career ==
=== South Florida ===
Taliaferro was a regular in the teen and adult productions at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], the musical theatre school and theatre at Royal Palm Place in downtown Boca Raton run by [[Marilyn Perry]].<ref name="heathers">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=376 |title="Heathers": Off-Broadway at Its Very Best in Downtown Boca |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-24}}</ref> In February 2019 he played the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull in Showtime's ''Matilda'', which he later named among his favourite roles.<ref name="lct" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtfMYCSn_dM |title=Matilda The Musical "Revolting Children" - February 2019 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-18}}</ref>

In ''Rent'' (March 30 – April 14, 2019), directed by Emily Mittleman, he played the landlord Benjamin Coffin III, credited as Stephen Gregory. A reviewer wrote that he "was the perfect villain and 'person who cared' while sternly showing his affection for this difficult band of characters all the while belting and acting his way out of and into the audience's hearts."<ref name="rent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=340 |title=Luanda Thrives in First All Adult Cast |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-10-22}}</ref>

In ''Heathers'' (December 7–22, 2019), directed by Emily Freeman, he played two fathers: Big Bud Dean, the "very twisted dad" of the lead character Jason Dean, and Kurt's Dad. The reviewer praised his "two dads-gone-wrong", and said his "hippy-like, totally demented character revealed his versatile acting skills". In the second-act opener, "I Love My Dead Gay Son", he and Zaylin Yates, as Ram's Dad, "go through an entire transformation – several times over – during one rip-roaring song which had the audience rolling on the floor with laughter". The reviewer called it "the most lively and hilarious number of the entire musical".<ref name="heathers" />

In Lake Worth Beach he played the opera star Tito Merelli in the farce ''Lend Me a Tenor'' at the Lake Worth Playhouse.<ref name="lct" /> He also appeared in the 2020 films ''Lock-In'' and ''Seasons Screenings''.<ref name="imdb">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11539267/ |title=Steven Taliaferro |website=IMDb}}</ref>

=== Connecticut ===
Taliaferro later moved to Connecticut, where he has worked with several community theatre companies. His roles there include:<ref name="lct" />
* Franz Liebkind, the Nazi playwright, in ''The Producers'' (Brookfield Theatre)
* Marcellus Washburn in ''The Music Man'' (Musicals at Richter, Danbury)
* the Fifth Juror in ''12 Angry Men'' (Town Players of Newtown)

He has also appeared with The Brewster Theater in New York.<ref name="lct" /> In summer 2025 he played the title role in Landmark Community Theatre's ''Shrek the Musical'' at the Thomaston Opera House. His program biography said that Shrek was "'ogre' the moon to be spending the summer with Landmark Community Theater… playing one of his favorite characters".<ref name="lct" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thomastonct.gov/events/shrek-the-musical-8902a |title=Shrek the Musical |website=Town of Thomaston, Connecticut |date=2025-07}}</ref>

Outside the stage, he works as a scare actor at "Legends of Fear", the Halloween attraction at Fairview Tree Farm.<ref name="lct" /> He has also worked with City Youth Theater / City Stage Company, a nonprofit youth and community theatre in Waterbury, Connecticut.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/steventaliaferro/ |title=Steven Taliaferro |website=LinkedIn}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''Matilda the Musical'' || Miss Trunchbull || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Benjamin Coffin III || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Big Bud Dean; Kurt's Dad || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton
|-
| || ''Lend Me a Tenor'' || Tito Merelli || Lake Worth Playhouse, Lake Worth Beach, Florida
|-
| 2020 || ''Lock-In'' (film) || ||
|-
| 2020 || ''Seasons Screenings'' (film) || ||
|-
| || ''The Producers'' || Franz Liebkind || Brookfield Theatre, Connecticut
|-
| || ''The Music Man'' || Marcellus Washburn || Musicals at Richter, Danbury, Connecticut
|-
| || ''12 Angry Men'' || Fifth Juror || Town Players of Newtown, Connecticut
|-
| 2025 || ''Shrek the Musical'' || Shrek || Landmark Community Theatre, Thomaston Opera House, Connecticut
|}

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.facebook.com/steven.taliaferro.5 Steven Taliaferro] on Facebook
* [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11539267/ Steven Taliaferro] on IMDb

{{DEFAULTSORT:Taliaferro, Steven}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Film and video artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Showtime Performing Arts Theatre

2026-11-07T14:00:58Z

Ddehilster: Link Steven Taliaferro

{{Infobox venue
| name = Showtime Performing Arts Theatre
| image = Showtime_Performing_Arts_Theatre_logo.jpg
| caption = Showtime's marquee-style logo
| former_names = SHOWTIME Dance & Performing Arts Theatre
| venue_type = Youth and community musical theatre · Performing arts school
| address = 503 SE Mizner Blvd., Suite 73<br />Royal Palm Place
| location = Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
| opened = c. 2006 (website online by July 2006)
| closed = c. 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic)
| founder = [[Marilyn Perry]]
| director = [[Marilyn Perry]] (executive director and producer)
| capacity = 100–125 seats
| stages = One theatre; 3 dance studios; recording studio; 5 instructional studios in total
| art_forms = Musical theatre, dance, acting, voice, instrumental music
| programs = Children's Broadway season; adult and teen series; ShowStoppers Broadway troupe; Kidz on Stage; classes and private lessons; holiday and summer camps
| productions = ''Alice in Wonderland'' (2007)<br />''Les Misérables''<br />''Nunsense''<br />''Matilda'' (2019)<br />''Rent'' (2019)<br />''Billy Elliot'' (2019)<br />''Heathers'' (2019)<br />''Newsies'' (2020)
| website = [https://www.youtube.com/@showtimeperformingartsthea3594 YouTube] · [https://www.facebook.com/ShowtimePerformingArts Facebook]
| archived_website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20170203172943/http://www.showtimeboca.com/ showtimeboca.com] (Wayback Machine)
}}
'''Showtime Performing Arts Theatre''' (originally '''SHOWTIME Dance & Performing Arts Theatre''', often called '''Showtime Boca''') was a performing arts school and small musical theatre at Royal Palm Place in downtown Boca Raton, Florida. Its founder, [[Marilyn Perry]], ran it as executive director and producer. From the mid-2000s until the COVID-19 pandemic it staged seasons of children's, teen and adult musicals and taught dance, acting, voice and instrumental music to students from age three to adult.<ref name="about2014">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/aboutus.htm |title=About Us |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321182925/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/aboutus.htm |archive-date=2014-03-21}}</ref><ref name="staff2017">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/staff.htm |title=Staff |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203174716/http://www.showtimeboca.com/staff.htm |archive-date=2017-02-03}}</ref>

== History ==
The theatre's website was online by July 2006 under the name '''SHOWTIME Dance and Performing Arts Theatre'''. At that time it described a 3,400-square-foot facility at Suite 73, 503 SE Mizner Boulevard, in the Royal Palm Place shopping district.<ref name="home2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/ |title=Showtime Boca (home page) |website=Showtime Dance and Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721212343/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/ |archive-date=2006-07-21}}</ref><ref name="contact2007">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/showtime_contactus.htm |title=Contact Us |website=Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222090855/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/showtime_contactus.htm |archive-date=2007-02-22}}</ref> Its stated mission was "to provide a professional, yet fun and supportive atmosphere where students of all levels can succeed", teaching "not only 'how you do' but 'why you do'".<ref name="home2006" /> The facility had:<ref name="home2006" />
* three dance studios with sprung ("floating cushioned") floors
* a 24-track digital recording studio for voice and music classes
* a teaching and performance theatre with about 120 seats, stage lighting and a custom sound system

Later descriptions gave the size of the two-storey building's theatre as 100 seats (2010) and 125 seats (2014).<ref name="about2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/aboutus.html |title=About Showtime |website=Showtime Dance and Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423162609/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/aboutus.html |archive-date=2010-04-23}}</ref><ref name="about2014" /> In early 2007 Sara Perry Trabin was listed as artistic director, Sergio Crego as acting program director and Scott Sutter as music director.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/showtime_staff.htm |title=Staff |website=Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601175336/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/showtime_staff.htm |archive-date=2007-06-01}}</ref> By the mid-2010s the name had changed to '''Showtime Performing Arts Theatre'''.<ref name="staff2017" />

=== Closure ===
Showtime's 2019–2020 season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Facebook page had scheduled ''The Sound of Music'' for Saturdays from March 28 to April 11, 2020, and the teen musical ''13'' for weekends from April 4 to 12. Neither production was staged.<ref name="fb">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/ShowtimePerformingArts |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre in Boca Raton |website=Facebook |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="luanda13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> A "Stranger Things" spring-break camp (March 23–27, 2020) and the end-of-year Showcase awards on May 31, 2020 were also on the calendar. Showtime's YouTube channel posted its last video, a second trailer for ''13'', on March 13, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

On the day of the cancelled showcase the theatre posted: "Today would have been the day… our 14th annual Red-Carpet event. Years of great memories but so sad to be missing our favorite families today." Later in 2020 it shared news of a COVID-19 outbreak at a Broward County summer camp, commenting: "Not the best of times to be putting our young ones and families at risk.<ref name="fb" />

Showtime never publicly announced a permanent closure. After 2020 its Facebook page posted only occasional memories: in 2021 a clip from ''Annie Warbucks'' singing "Changes… oh so relevant!", and in 2024 a video of ''Rent''.<ref name="fb" /> The home page of its website, still online in 2023, read: "Please stay tuned for updated performance dates."<ref name="home2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.showtimeboca.com/ |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre (home page) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529043103/https://www.showtimeboca.com/ |archive-date=2023-05-29}}</ref> Business directories now list the theatre as closed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://startpage.mapquest.com/us/florida/showtime-performing-arts-theatre-22291950 |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=MapQuest}}</ref>

[[File:Showtime_Performing_Arts_Theatre_main_theatre.jpg|thumb|right|Showtime's main theatre and stage at Royal Palm Place]]

== Programs ==
Showtime presented a season of children's musical theatre each year from September to May, together with programs for teenagers and adults. Its classes and programs included:<ref name="about2014" />
* '''Theatre''' (age 3 to adult): acting, improvisation, audition preparation, musical theatre, "Broadway Babies" and "Kidz on Stage"
* '''Dance''': ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, hip hop, ballroom and musical theatre jazz
* '''Music''': voice, piano, guitar and drums
* '''Private coaching''' for auditions to performing-arts magnet schools and college conservatory programs
* '''ShowStoppers''': an auditioned "triple threat" Broadway performance troupe with junior and senior divisions<ref name="home2023" />
* '''Youngest Performers / Kidz on Stage''': 12-week performance programs for small children, ending in a show. Titles included ''Moana'', ''Trolls'' and ''Mary Poppins''.<ref name="fb" />
* '''Camps''' during the winter, spring and summer school holidays, each built around a show, such as ''Cats'', ''Grease'', ''Mamma Mia'' and "Stranger Things"<ref name="fb" />
* '''Showcase''': an annual "Red-Carpet" awards event at the end of each season. The 2020 event would have been the 14th.<ref name="fb" />

CBS Miami included Showtime in a list of the best theatre groups for children in South Florida. It highlighted the acting and dance programs, music lessons, the "Musical Test Drive" (a one-on-one session trying up to four instruments), holiday musical theatre camps and birthday parties.<ref name="cbs">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/best-theatre-groups-for-kids-in-south-florida/ |title=Best Theatre Groups for Kids in South Florida |website=CBS Miami}}</ref>

== Productions ==
Showtime staged a children's and young performers' "Broadway season" every year from at least 2007–08 to 2019–20, with adult and teen productions alongside it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/past-youth-productions |title=Past Youth Productions |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929182533/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/past-youth-productions |archive-date=2017-09-29}}</ref> Each season ended with Showtime's own "Tony Awards" ceremony for its students.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK14JIC4lMM |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre 2014 2015 Season Tony Awards |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2017-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4_ljwrVyUk |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre 2015-2016 Season Tony Awards |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2017-07-19}}</ref>

=== Early years ===
Saturday matinées in 2007 included ''Alice in Wonderland – The Musical'' and ''You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown''. That year an adult cabaret series presented ''An Evening with Richard Rodgers'', ''Rock 'Em Broadway'' and ''Broadway Rhythm''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/showtime_productions.htm |title=Productions |website=Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209104419/http://showtimeboca.com:80/showtime_productions.htm |archive-date=2007-02-09}}</ref> Around 2014 the adult series included ''Nunsense'' and ''Les Misérables'', and the theatre hosted monthly shows by the improv troupe Sick Puppies Comedy. Other productions announced on Showtime's Facebook page include ''The Little Mermaid'' (2012, reopening after Hurricane Sandy), ''Legally Blonde'', ''Willy Wonka'', ''American Idiot'' and ''The Story of the Nutcracker'', which was performed at the Willow Theatre. There was also a cabaret series, ''The Golden Age of Broadway'', with wine and snacks.<ref name="fb" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/adultseries.htm |title=Adult Series |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321182940/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/adultseries.htm |archive-date=2014-03-21}}</ref>

=== 2016–2020 ===
The table below lists productions documented by videos on Showtime's YouTube channel. Dates are the production dates given in the video titles where available; otherwise they are approximate, based on when the video was posted.<ref name="ytchannel">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/@showtimeperformingartsthea3594/videos |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre – Videos |website=YouTube |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Date !! Production !! Notes
|-
| 2016 || ''Les Misérables'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuP4x7Rwos8 |title=Les Miserables - "Bring Him Home" 2016 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-08-06}}</ref>
|-
| 2016–17 season || ''The Addams Family''; ''A Charlie Brown Christmas''; ''The Lion King''; ''Mulan''; ''School of Rock''; ''Hercules'' || Previews posted July 2017<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4ERmvTMH_c |title=Showtime 2016-2017 Season |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2017-07-11}}</ref>
|-
| 2017–18 season || ''Aladdin Jr.''; ''Into the Woods''; ''Shrek the Musical''; ''School of Rock''; ''Les Misérables''; ''Hairspray''; ''Frozen'' || Performance videos posted June–August 2018<ref name="ytchannel" />
|-
| 2018 || ''Elf'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMG0OW1o5OM |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre - Elf 2018 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-09-13}}</ref>
|-
| February 2019 || ''Matilda the Musical'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtfMYCSn_dM |title=Matilda The Musical "Revolting Children" - February 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-18}}</ref>
|-
| March 2019 || ''Annie Warbucks'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkKhvaDOGdw |title=Annie Warbucks "Annie Ain't Just Annie Anymore" - March 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-11-07}}</ref>
|-
| March 30 – April 14, 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Teen and adult cast; directed by Emily Mittleman, musical direction by Rebeca Diaz<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VlysuPMsqM |title=Rent The Musical - April 2019 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref><ref name="rent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Thrives in First All Adult Cast |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-10-22}}</ref>
|-
| May 2019 || ''The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMpzLDGmxKw |title=The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - May 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref>
|-
| Summer 2019 || ''Grease'', ''Mamma Mia'' and Disney Karaoke camps || Summer camp productions<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL16W0jCDTw |title=GREASE Summer Camp 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-08-05}}</ref>
|-
| September 2019 || ''Billy Elliot the Musical'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6LUGEkAfFc |title=BILLY ELLIOT The Musical - September 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/miami/article/Showtime-Performing-Arts-Theatre-Presents-BILLY-ELLIOT-20190913 |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre Presents BILLY ELLIOT |website=BroadwayWorld |date=2019-09-13}}</ref>
|-
| November 2019 || ''Shrek the Musical Jr.'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caOps4l7OiQ |title=Shrek the Musical Jr. Trailer - November 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-11-02}}</ref>
|-
| December 7–22, 2019 || ''Heathers'' (high school edition) || Produced by Marilyn Perry, directed by Emily Freeman, musical direction by Rebeca Diaz, choreography by Nicole Perry, costumes by Stephanie LoVerde<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjQyye1MrnE |title=Heathers Trailer - High School Edition 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-11-27}}</ref><ref name="heathers" />
|-
| 2020 || ''Newsies'' || Trailer posted January 2020<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWMjyhkRqNQ |title="Newsies" the Musical Trailer |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-01-15}}</ref>
|-
| Spring 2020 || ''13'' || Teen production; postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic and never staged<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUMkhscJPe0 |title="13" the Musical TRAILER - Getting Ready |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-02-16}}</ref>
|-
| Spring 2020 || ''The Sound of Music'' || Postponed by the pandemic and never staged
|}

A local reviewer called the December 2019 ''Heathers'' a "must see", and said its final performance was so full that extra chairs had to be brought out.<ref name="heathers">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title="Heathers": Off-Broadway at Its Very Best in Downtown Boca |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-24}}</ref> [[Luanda de Hilster]] appeared in ''Rent'', ''Billy Elliot'', ''Heathers'' (as Heather McNamara) and ''Newsies''. She was cast as Patrice in the cancelled ''13'', and also trained and worked as a camp counsellor at the theatre.<ref name="heathers" /><ref name="luanda13" />

Showtime students also competed outside the theatre. In 2019 [[Sarah Lash]], one of the three Heathers, won the Future Stars competition singing "In My Dreams" from ''Anastasia''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_D58_uMuCM |title=Sarah Lash Wins in Future Stars 2019 with "In My Dreams" from Anastasia |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-06-05}}</ref>

== Recognition ==
Showtime listed the following awards on its website:<ref name="awards">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/awardsarticles.htm |title=Awards & Articles |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203172943/http://www.showtimeboca.com/awardsarticles.htm |archive-date=2017-02-03}}</ref><ref name="staff2017" />
* '''Kids Crown Award''' from ''South Florida Parenting'' (2015 and 2016) for best arts/academic program in Palm Beach County
* "Best of Boca" Readers' Choice awards from the ''Sun-Sentinel'' / Forum Publishing Group for #1 entertainment/activity for kids and #1 summer camp
* Featured in ''Boca'' magazine via the "Modern Boca Mom" column<ref name="fb" />
* Finalist for best theater group for kids in Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect "Parents Pick" awards

== People ==
* [[Marilyn Perry]]: founder, executive director and producer
* Rebeca Diaz: voice teacher and musical director
* Stephanie LoVerde: instructor and costume designer
* Emily Freeman (Mittleman): director
* Sara Perry Trabin: artistic director (2007)
* Sara Sack Gass
* Rome Saladino, performer
* [[Steven Taliaferro]] (also credited as Stephen Gregory), performer
* Notable students include [[Luanda de Hilster]] and [[Sarah Lash]].

== Online presence ==
Showtime opened a Facebook page ("Showtime Performing Arts Theatre in Boca Raton") on January 25, 2010. It described the theatre as "Boca's Premier Performing Arts Theatre for Children" and had about 2,700 followers.<ref name="fb" /> Its YouTube channel, started on June 25, 2015, holds 55 videos of trailers, performances, showcases and season highlights, posted up to March 2020.<ref name="ytchannel" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxdDDE8QAsY |title=Welcome To Showtime |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2015-06-25}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/2017*/showtimeboca.com showtimeboca.com] (archived website, 2006–2023)
* [https://www.youtube.com/@showtimeperformingartsthea3594 Showtime Performing Arts Theatre] on YouTube: 55 trailers and performance videos (2015–2020)
* [https://www.facebook.com/ShowtimePerformingArts Showtime Performing Arts Theatre in Boca Raton] on Facebook
* [https://www.instagram.com/showtimeperformingarts/ @showtimeperformingarts] on Instagram
* [https://stageagent.com/theatre-companies/21891/showtime-performing-arts-theatre Showtime Performing Arts Theatre] on StageAgent

{{DEFAULTSORT:Showtime Performing Arts Theatre}}
[[Category:Theatres]]

Steven Gregory Taliaferro

2026-11-07T14:00:58Z

Ddehilster: Redirect

#REDIRECT [[Steven Taliaferro]]

Stephen Taliaferro

2026-11-07T14:00:58Z

Ddehilster: Redirect

#REDIRECT [[Steven Taliaferro]]

Steven Gregory

2026-11-07T14:00:57Z

Ddehilster: Redirect

#REDIRECT [[Steven Taliaferro]]

Steven Taliaferro

2026-11-07T14:00:57Z

Ddehilster: Merged article: Steven Taliaferro (credited as Stephen Gregory in Rent)

{{Infobox artist
| name = Steven Taliaferro
| disciplines = Musical theatre actor · Singer
| also_known_as = Stephen Gregory; Steven Gregory
| based_in = South Florida
| notable_roles = Big Bud Dean and Kurt's Dad (''Heathers'', 2019)<br />Benjamin Coffin III (''Rent'', 2019)
| companies = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
| website = [https://www.facebook.com/steven.taliaferro.5 Facebook]
}}
'''Steven Taliaferro''' is an American musical theatre actor and singer from South Florida. He was a regular performer in teen and adult productions at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, where he was known for comic and character roles. He has also been credited as Stephen Gregory.

== Career ==
Taliaferro appeared in many productions at Showtime Performing Arts Theatre, the musical theatre and performing arts school at Royal Palm Place in downtown Boca Raton run by [[Marilyn Perry]]. One reviewer called him "a regular at Showtime".<ref name="heathers">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=376 |title="Heathers": Off-Broadway at Its Very Best in Downtown Boca |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-24}}</ref>

=== ''Rent'' (2019) ===
In Showtime's teen and adult production of ''Rent'' (March 30 – April 14, 2019), directed by Emily Mittleman, he played the landlord Benjamin Coffin III, credited as Stephen Gregory. The reviewer wrote that he "was the perfect villain and 'person who cared' while sternly showing his affection for this difficult band of characters all the while belting and acting his way out of and into the audience's hearts."<ref name="rent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=340 |title=Luanda Thrives in First All Adult Cast |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-10-22}}</ref>

=== ''Heathers'' (2019) ===
In Showtime's ''Heathers'' (December 7–22, 2019), directed by Emily Freeman, Taliaferro played two fathers: Big Bud Dean, the "very twisted dad" of the lead character Jason Dean, and Kurt's Dad. The reviewer wrote that he played them "perfectly rendering the hilarious characters of two dads-gone-wrong", and that his "hippy-like, totally demented character revealed his versatile acting skills". In the second-act opener, "I Love My Dead Gay Son", he and Zaylin Yates, as Ram's Dad, "go through an entire transformation – several times over – during one rip-roaring song which had the audience rolling on the floor with laughter". The reviewer called it "the most lively and hilarious number of the entire musical".<ref name="heathers" />

Both casts included [[Sarah Lash]] and [[Luanda de Hilster]].<ref name="rent" /><ref name="heathers" />

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Benjamin Coffin III || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Big Bud Dean; Kurt's Dad || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|}

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.facebook.com/steven.taliaferro.5 Steven Taliaferro] on Facebook

{{DEFAULTSORT:Taliaferro, Steven}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Stephen Gregory

2026-11-07T14:00:56Z

Ddehilster: Ddehilster moved page Stephen Gregory to Steven Taliaferro: Merged: Stephen Gregory and Steven Taliaferro are the same actor

#REDIRECT [[Steven Taliaferro]]

Steven Taliaferro

2026-11-07T14:00:56Z

Ddehilster: Ddehilster moved page Stephen Gregory to Steven Taliaferro: Merged: Stephen Gregory and Steven Taliaferro are the same actor

{{Infobox artist
| name = Stephen Gregory
| disciplines = Musical theatre actor · Singer
| based_in = South Florida
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton
| notable_roles = Benjamin Coffin III (''Rent'', 2019)
| companies = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
}}
'''Stephen Gregory''' is an American musical theatre actor and singer from South Florida. He was a regular performer in productions at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton.

== Career ==
Gregory appeared in many productions at Showtime Performing Arts Theatre, the musical theatre and performing arts school at Royal Palm Place in downtown Boca Raton run by [[Marilyn Perry]].

In Showtime's teen and adult production of ''Rent'' (March 30 – April 14, 2019), directed by Emily Mittleman, he played the landlord Benjamin Coffin III. A reviewer wrote that "Gregory was the perfect villain and 'person who cared' while sternly showing his affection for this difficult band of characters all the while belting and acting his way out of and into the audience's hearts."<ref name="rent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=340 |title=Luanda Thrives in First All Adult Cast |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-10-22}}</ref> The cast also included [[Sarah Lash]] and [[Luanda de Hilster]].<ref name="rent" />

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Benjamin Coffin III || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|}

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gregory, Stephen}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Showtime Performing Arts Theatre

2026-11-07T13:59:18Z

Ddehilster: Link Stephen Gregory

{{Infobox venue
| name = Showtime Performing Arts Theatre
| image = Showtime_Performing_Arts_Theatre_logo.jpg
| caption = Showtime's marquee-style logo
| former_names = SHOWTIME Dance & Performing Arts Theatre
| venue_type = Youth and community musical theatre · Performing arts school
| address = 503 SE Mizner Blvd., Suite 73<br />Royal Palm Place
| location = Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
| opened = c. 2006 (website online by July 2006)
| closed = c. 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic)
| founder = [[Marilyn Perry]]
| director = [[Marilyn Perry]] (executive director and producer)
| capacity = 100–125 seats
| stages = One theatre; 3 dance studios; recording studio; 5 instructional studios in total
| art_forms = Musical theatre, dance, acting, voice, instrumental music
| programs = Children's Broadway season; adult and teen series; ShowStoppers Broadway troupe; Kidz on Stage; classes and private lessons; holiday and summer camps
| productions = ''Alice in Wonderland'' (2007)<br />''Les Misérables''<br />''Nunsense''<br />''Matilda'' (2019)<br />''Rent'' (2019)<br />''Billy Elliot'' (2019)<br />''Heathers'' (2019)<br />''Newsies'' (2020)
| website = [https://www.youtube.com/@showtimeperformingartsthea3594 YouTube] · [https://www.facebook.com/ShowtimePerformingArts Facebook]
| archived_website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20170203172943/http://www.showtimeboca.com/ showtimeboca.com] (Wayback Machine)
}}
'''Showtime Performing Arts Theatre''' (originally '''SHOWTIME Dance & Performing Arts Theatre''', often called '''Showtime Boca''') was a performing arts school and small musical theatre at Royal Palm Place in downtown Boca Raton, Florida. Its founder, [[Marilyn Perry]], ran it as executive director and producer. From the mid-2000s until the COVID-19 pandemic it staged seasons of children's, teen and adult musicals and taught dance, acting, voice and instrumental music to students from age three to adult.<ref name="about2014">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/aboutus.htm |title=About Us |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321182925/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/aboutus.htm |archive-date=2014-03-21}}</ref><ref name="staff2017">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/staff.htm |title=Staff |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203174716/http://www.showtimeboca.com/staff.htm |archive-date=2017-02-03}}</ref>

== History ==
The theatre's website was online by July 2006 under the name '''SHOWTIME Dance and Performing Arts Theatre'''. At that time it described a 3,400-square-foot facility at Suite 73, 503 SE Mizner Boulevard, in the Royal Palm Place shopping district.<ref name="home2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/ |title=Showtime Boca (home page) |website=Showtime Dance and Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721212343/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/ |archive-date=2006-07-21}}</ref><ref name="contact2007">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/showtime_contactus.htm |title=Contact Us |website=Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222090855/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/showtime_contactus.htm |archive-date=2007-02-22}}</ref> Its stated mission was "to provide a professional, yet fun and supportive atmosphere where students of all levels can succeed", teaching "not only 'how you do' but 'why you do'".<ref name="home2006" /> The facility had:<ref name="home2006" />
* three dance studios with sprung ("floating cushioned") floors
* a 24-track digital recording studio for voice and music classes
* a teaching and performance theatre with about 120 seats, stage lighting and a custom sound system

Later descriptions gave the size of the two-storey building's theatre as 100 seats (2010) and 125 seats (2014).<ref name="about2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/aboutus.html |title=About Showtime |website=Showtime Dance and Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423162609/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/aboutus.html |archive-date=2010-04-23}}</ref><ref name="about2014" /> In early 2007 Sara Perry Trabin was listed as artistic director, Sergio Crego as acting program director and Scott Sutter as music director.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/showtime_staff.htm |title=Staff |website=Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601175336/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/showtime_staff.htm |archive-date=2007-06-01}}</ref> By the mid-2010s the name had changed to '''Showtime Performing Arts Theatre'''.<ref name="staff2017" />

=== Closure ===
Showtime's 2019–2020 season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Facebook page had scheduled ''The Sound of Music'' for Saturdays from March 28 to April 11, 2020, and the teen musical ''13'' for weekends from April 4 to 12. Neither production was staged.<ref name="fb">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/ShowtimePerformingArts |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre in Boca Raton |website=Facebook |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="luanda13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> A "Stranger Things" spring-break camp (March 23–27, 2020) and the end-of-year Showcase awards on May 31, 2020 were also on the calendar. Showtime's YouTube channel posted its last video, a second trailer for ''13'', on March 13, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

On the day of the cancelled showcase the theatre posted: "Today would have been the day… our 14th annual Red-Carpet event. Years of great memories but so sad to be missing our favorite families today." Later in 2020 it shared news of a COVID-19 outbreak at a Broward County summer camp, commenting: "Not the best of times to be putting our young ones and families at risk.<ref name="fb" />

Showtime never publicly announced a permanent closure. After 2020 its Facebook page posted only occasional memories: in 2021 a clip from ''Annie Warbucks'' singing "Changes… oh so relevant!", and in 2024 a video of ''Rent''.<ref name="fb" /> The home page of its website, still online in 2023, read: "Please stay tuned for updated performance dates."<ref name="home2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.showtimeboca.com/ |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre (home page) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529043103/https://www.showtimeboca.com/ |archive-date=2023-05-29}}</ref> Business directories now list the theatre as closed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://startpage.mapquest.com/us/florida/showtime-performing-arts-theatre-22291950 |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=MapQuest}}</ref>

[[File:Showtime_Performing_Arts_Theatre_main_theatre.jpg|thumb|right|Showtime's main theatre and stage at Royal Palm Place]]

== Programs ==
Showtime presented a season of children's musical theatre each year from September to May, together with programs for teenagers and adults. Its classes and programs included:<ref name="about2014" />
* '''Theatre''' (age 3 to adult): acting, improvisation, audition preparation, musical theatre, "Broadway Babies" and "Kidz on Stage"
* '''Dance''': ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, hip hop, ballroom and musical theatre jazz
* '''Music''': voice, piano, guitar and drums
* '''Private coaching''' for auditions to performing-arts magnet schools and college conservatory programs
* '''ShowStoppers''': an auditioned "triple threat" Broadway performance troupe with junior and senior divisions<ref name="home2023" />
* '''Youngest Performers / Kidz on Stage''': 12-week performance programs for small children, ending in a show. Titles included ''Moana'', ''Trolls'' and ''Mary Poppins''.<ref name="fb" />
* '''Camps''' during the winter, spring and summer school holidays, each built around a show, such as ''Cats'', ''Grease'', ''Mamma Mia'' and "Stranger Things"<ref name="fb" />
* '''Showcase''': an annual "Red-Carpet" awards event at the end of each season. The 2020 event would have been the 14th.<ref name="fb" />

CBS Miami included Showtime in a list of the best theatre groups for children in South Florida. It highlighted the acting and dance programs, music lessons, the "Musical Test Drive" (a one-on-one session trying up to four instruments), holiday musical theatre camps and birthday parties.<ref name="cbs">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/best-theatre-groups-for-kids-in-south-florida/ |title=Best Theatre Groups for Kids in South Florida |website=CBS Miami}}</ref>

== Productions ==
Showtime staged a children's and young performers' "Broadway season" every year from at least 2007–08 to 2019–20, with adult and teen productions alongside it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/past-youth-productions |title=Past Youth Productions |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929182533/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/past-youth-productions |archive-date=2017-09-29}}</ref> Each season ended with Showtime's own "Tony Awards" ceremony for its students.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK14JIC4lMM |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre 2014 2015 Season Tony Awards |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2017-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4_ljwrVyUk |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre 2015-2016 Season Tony Awards |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2017-07-19}}</ref>

=== Early years ===
Saturday matinées in 2007 included ''Alice in Wonderland – The Musical'' and ''You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown''. That year an adult cabaret series presented ''An Evening with Richard Rodgers'', ''Rock 'Em Broadway'' and ''Broadway Rhythm''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/showtime_productions.htm |title=Productions |website=Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209104419/http://showtimeboca.com:80/showtime_productions.htm |archive-date=2007-02-09}}</ref> Around 2014 the adult series included ''Nunsense'' and ''Les Misérables'', and the theatre hosted monthly shows by the improv troupe Sick Puppies Comedy. Other productions announced on Showtime's Facebook page include ''The Little Mermaid'' (2012, reopening after Hurricane Sandy), ''Legally Blonde'', ''Willy Wonka'', ''American Idiot'' and ''The Story of the Nutcracker'', which was performed at the Willow Theatre. There was also a cabaret series, ''The Golden Age of Broadway'', with wine and snacks.<ref name="fb" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/adultseries.htm |title=Adult Series |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321182940/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/adultseries.htm |archive-date=2014-03-21}}</ref>

=== 2016–2020 ===
The table below lists productions documented by videos on Showtime's YouTube channel. Dates are the production dates given in the video titles where available; otherwise they are approximate, based on when the video was posted.<ref name="ytchannel">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/@showtimeperformingartsthea3594/videos |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre – Videos |website=YouTube |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Date !! Production !! Notes
|-
| 2016 || ''Les Misérables'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuP4x7Rwos8 |title=Les Miserables - "Bring Him Home" 2016 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-08-06}}</ref>
|-
| 2016–17 season || ''The Addams Family''; ''A Charlie Brown Christmas''; ''The Lion King''; ''Mulan''; ''School of Rock''; ''Hercules'' || Previews posted July 2017<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4ERmvTMH_c |title=Showtime 2016-2017 Season |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2017-07-11}}</ref>
|-
| 2017–18 season || ''Aladdin Jr.''; ''Into the Woods''; ''Shrek the Musical''; ''School of Rock''; ''Les Misérables''; ''Hairspray''; ''Frozen'' || Performance videos posted June–August 2018<ref name="ytchannel" />
|-
| 2018 || ''Elf'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMG0OW1o5OM |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre - Elf 2018 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-09-13}}</ref>
|-
| February 2019 || ''Matilda the Musical'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtfMYCSn_dM |title=Matilda The Musical "Revolting Children" - February 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-18}}</ref>
|-
| March 2019 || ''Annie Warbucks'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkKhvaDOGdw |title=Annie Warbucks "Annie Ain't Just Annie Anymore" - March 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-11-07}}</ref>
|-
| March 30 – April 14, 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Teen and adult cast; directed by Emily Mittleman, musical direction by Rebeca Diaz<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VlysuPMsqM |title=Rent The Musical - April 2019 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref><ref name="rent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Thrives in First All Adult Cast |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-10-22}}</ref>
|-
| May 2019 || ''The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMpzLDGmxKw |title=The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - May 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref>
|-
| Summer 2019 || ''Grease'', ''Mamma Mia'' and Disney Karaoke camps || Summer camp productions<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL16W0jCDTw |title=GREASE Summer Camp 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-08-05}}</ref>
|-
| September 2019 || ''Billy Elliot the Musical'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6LUGEkAfFc |title=BILLY ELLIOT The Musical - September 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/miami/article/Showtime-Performing-Arts-Theatre-Presents-BILLY-ELLIOT-20190913 |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre Presents BILLY ELLIOT |website=BroadwayWorld |date=2019-09-13}}</ref>
|-
| November 2019 || ''Shrek the Musical Jr.'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caOps4l7OiQ |title=Shrek the Musical Jr. Trailer - November 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-11-02}}</ref>
|-
| December 7–22, 2019 || ''Heathers'' (high school edition) || Produced by Marilyn Perry, directed by Emily Freeman, musical direction by Rebeca Diaz, choreography by Nicole Perry, costumes by Stephanie LoVerde<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjQyye1MrnE |title=Heathers Trailer - High School Edition 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-11-27}}</ref><ref name="heathers" />
|-
| 2020 || ''Newsies'' || Trailer posted January 2020<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWMjyhkRqNQ |title="Newsies" the Musical Trailer |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-01-15}}</ref>
|-
| Spring 2020 || ''13'' || Teen production; postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic and never staged<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUMkhscJPe0 |title="13" the Musical TRAILER - Getting Ready |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-02-16}}</ref>
|-
| Spring 2020 || ''The Sound of Music'' || Postponed by the pandemic and never staged
|}

A local reviewer called the December 2019 ''Heathers'' a "must see", and said its final performance was so full that extra chairs had to be brought out.<ref name="heathers">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title="Heathers": Off-Broadway at Its Very Best in Downtown Boca |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-24}}</ref> [[Luanda de Hilster]] appeared in ''Rent'', ''Billy Elliot'', ''Heathers'' (as Heather McNamara) and ''Newsies''. She was cast as Patrice in the cancelled ''13'', and also trained and worked as a camp counsellor at the theatre.<ref name="heathers" /><ref name="luanda13" />

Showtime students also competed outside the theatre. In 2019 [[Sarah Lash]], one of the three Heathers, won the Future Stars competition singing "In My Dreams" from ''Anastasia''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_D58_uMuCM |title=Sarah Lash Wins in Future Stars 2019 with "In My Dreams" from Anastasia |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-06-05}}</ref>

== Recognition ==
Showtime listed the following awards on its website:<ref name="awards">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/awardsarticles.htm |title=Awards & Articles |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203172943/http://www.showtimeboca.com/awardsarticles.htm |archive-date=2017-02-03}}</ref><ref name="staff2017" />
* '''Kids Crown Award''' from ''South Florida Parenting'' (2015 and 2016) for best arts/academic program in Palm Beach County
* "Best of Boca" Readers' Choice awards from the ''Sun-Sentinel'' / Forum Publishing Group for #1 entertainment/activity for kids and #1 summer camp
* Featured in ''Boca'' magazine via the "Modern Boca Mom" column<ref name="fb" />
* Finalist for best theater group for kids in Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect "Parents Pick" awards

== People ==
* [[Marilyn Perry]]: founder, executive director and producer
* Rebeca Diaz: voice teacher and musical director
* Stephanie LoVerde: instructor and costume designer
* Emily Freeman (Mittleman): director
* Sara Perry Trabin: artistic director (2007)
* Sara Sack Gass
* Rome Saladino, performer
* [[Stephen Gregory]], performer
* Notable students include [[Luanda de Hilster]] and [[Sarah Lash]].

== Online presence ==
Showtime opened a Facebook page ("Showtime Performing Arts Theatre in Boca Raton") on January 25, 2010. It described the theatre as "Boca's Premier Performing Arts Theatre for Children" and had about 2,700 followers.<ref name="fb" /> Its YouTube channel, started on June 25, 2015, holds 55 videos of trailers, performances, showcases and season highlights, posted up to March 2020.<ref name="ytchannel" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxdDDE8QAsY |title=Welcome To Showtime |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2015-06-25}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/2017*/showtimeboca.com showtimeboca.com] (archived website, 2006–2023)
* [https://www.youtube.com/@showtimeperformingartsthea3594 Showtime Performing Arts Theatre] on YouTube: 55 trailers and performance videos (2015–2020)
* [https://www.facebook.com/ShowtimePerformingArts Showtime Performing Arts Theatre in Boca Raton] on Facebook
* [https://www.instagram.com/showtimeperformingarts/ @showtimeperformingarts] on Instagram
* [https://stageagent.com/theatre-companies/21891/showtime-performing-arts-theatre Showtime Performing Arts Theatre] on StageAgent

{{DEFAULTSORT:Showtime Performing Arts Theatre}}
[[Category:Theatres]]

Steven Taliaferro

2026-11-07T13:59:17Z

Ddehilster: New article (stub)

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T03:23:25Z

Ddehilster: Roles: Tony Elliot (Billy Elliot), Davey (Newsies)

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area. At four and five she studied voice with Alexa Gache at a music school in San Pedro, California, and gave her first two vocal performances there. From the age of five she also took tap, ballet and hip-hop lessons at Studio M in Long Beach. In her early elementary years at Birney Elementary School in Long Beach, she sang in the school's holiday shows. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida. There she attended Verde Elementary School and sang in its choir in fourth and fifth grade.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Birney Elementary School''', Long Beach, California (c. 2010–2014): sang in holiday shows
* '''Verde Elementary School''', Boca Raton, Florida (c. 2014–2016): school choir in fourth and fifth grade
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2016–2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023): vice president of musical theatre in her senior year (2022–23)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* Music school in San Pedro, California (c. 2009–2011): voice with Alexa Gache; first two vocal performances, at ages four and five
* Studio M, Long Beach, California (from age five): tap, ballet and hip-hop
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor; member of '''ShowStoppers''', Showtime's auditioned Broadway performance troupe
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's first musical role came in sixth grade, in Boca Raton Community Middle School's ''Seussical'' (April 2017), directed by Joshua Tay. Cast as understudy for the Sour Kangaroo, she took over the role when the lead had scheduling conflicts. Her booming voice drew wide attention. Principal Peter Slack, who attended, asked afterwards: "Who was that girl who played the Kangaroo?" The following Monday he called her over in the school cafeteria and took her around the school to introduce her to the vice principal and other staff. She later performed the role again for incoming fifth graders at the school's open house.<ref name="talent2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=25 |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=261 |title=Our Experience with Drama Club 2016-2017 – Amazing! |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Her other early roles in school and community musicals in Boca Raton included Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'' and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> She was a member of '''ShowStoppers''', Showtime's auditioned "triple threat" Broadway performance troupe for middle and high school students, alongside her friend [[Sarah Lash]].<ref name="ss">{{cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529043103/https://www.showtimeboca.com/ |title=ShowStoppers Broadway Troupe |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre (archived) |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> At Showtime she also played Tony Elliot, Billy's older brother, in ''Billy Elliot the Musical'' (September 2019)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6LUGEkAfFc |title=BILLY ELLIOT The Musical - September 2019 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref>, and Davey Jacobs in ''Newsies'' (early 2020).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWMjyhkRqNQ |title="Newsies" the Musical Trailer - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-01-15}}</ref> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she also worked backstage. As a freshman (2019–20) she was on the audio tech team for the school's production of the musical ''Chicago'', and as a sophomore she was assistant technical director for ''One Man, Two Guvnors''.<ref name="radium">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1273 |title=Luanda Lands a Lead Role in Play "Radium Girls" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2021-10-02}}</ref> On stage she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023), the year she served as the school's vice president of musical theatre. For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Billy Elliot the Musical'' || Tony Elliot || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''Newsies'' || Davey Jacobs || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2019–20 || ''Chicago'' || Audio tech team (sound) || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2020–21 || ''One Man, Two Guvnors'' || Assistant technical director || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Sarah Lash

2026-11-07T03:20:38Z

Ddehilster: ShowStoppers troupe member

{{Infobox artist
| name = Sarah Lash
| image = Sarah_Lash.jpg
| caption = Lash (photo: Slow Burn Theatre Company)
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer
| based_in = South Florida
| education = School in Deerfield Beach, Florida<br />Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />Coastal Carolina University
| degree = Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Musical Theatre, Coastal Carolina University (expected 2028)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]
| years_active = c. 2018–present
| notable_roles = Alyssa Greene (''The Prom'', Slow Burn Theatre Company, 2024)<br />Dolly Levi (''Hello, Dolly!'', 2023)<br />The Drowsy Chaperone (''The Drowsy Chaperone'', 2022)<br />Heather Chandler (''Heathers'', 2019)
| companies = Slow Burn Theatre Company
| awards = Future Stars, best vocalist (2019)<br />Dream Awards nominee (2023)
| website = [https://slowburntheatre.org/blog/cast-member/sarah-lash/ Slow Burn Theatre cast page]
}}
'''Sarah Lash''' is an American musical theatre actress and singer from South Florida. She trained and performed at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, where she played Heather Chandler in ''Heathers'' (2019). She went on to play Alyssa Greene in Slow Burn Theatre Company's production of ''The Prom'' at the Broward Center (2024).<ref name="heathers">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=376 |title="Heathers": Off-Broadway at Its Very Best in Downtown Boca |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-24}}</ref><ref name="ftos">{{cite web |url=https://www.floridatheateronstage.com/?p=36997 |title=Everyone, come to Slow Burn's The Prom |author=Oline H. Cogdill |website=Florida Theater On Stage |date=2024-03-27}}</ref>

== Education ==
* School in '''Deerfield Beach''', Florida
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (graduated 2023)
* '''Coastal Carolina University''', Conway, South Carolina: '''Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre''' (expected 2028)

=== Training ===
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: member of '''ShowStoppers''', Showtime's auditioned Broadway performance troupe
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton, under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: senior studio captain (2022)

Lash went to school in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and then to Boca Raton Community High School, where she graduated in 2023. Outside school she performed at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] and trained at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]. She is studying musical theatre at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina, in the class of 2028, working towards the university's audition-only B.F.A. in Musical Theatre.<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/sarahlashh/ |title=Sarah Lash (@sarahlashh) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.coastal.edu/theatre/programs/bfa-musicaltheatreconcentration/ |title=B.F.A. – Musical Theatre Concentration |website=Coastal Carolina University}}</ref>

In 2022 she was one of Taylor Made's senior studio captains, helping with the studio's day-to-day running, marketing and planning.<ref name="dot">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-wins-taylor-made-scholarship-named-head-studio-captain/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref>

== Career ==
=== Showtime Performing Arts Theatre ===
Lash was a regular performer at Showtime in downtown Boca Raton. While still in middle school she joined the teen and adult cast of ''Rent'' (March 30 – April 14, 2019). A reviewer wrote that her improvised solo in "Seasons of Love" "garnered applause each and every night where the audience interrupted the song in mid sing when Lash hit her high 'whistle note'".<ref name="rent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=340 |title=Luanda Thrives in First All Adult Cast |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JdW95XqiaE |title=Seasons of Love by the cast from Rent |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-06-05}}</ref> That year she won best vocalist at the Future Stars competition in Boca Raton, singing "In My Dreams" from ''Anastasia''.<ref name="rent" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_D58_uMuCM |title=Sarah Lash Wins in Future Stars 2019 with "In My Dreams" from Anastasia |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-06-05}}</ref>

She was a member of '''ShowStoppers''', Showtime's auditioned "triple threat" Broadway performance troupe for middle and high school students, along with [[Luanda de Hilster]].<ref name="ss">{{cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529043103/https://www.showtimeboca.com/ |title=ShowStoppers Broadway Troupe |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre (archived) |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref>

In May 2019 she appeared in Showtime's production of ''The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMpzLDGmxKw |title=The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - May 2019 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref>

In December 2019 she played the lead Heather, Heather Chandler, in Showtime's ''Heathers''. [[Luanda de Hilster]] played Heather McNamara and Carmela Nussbaum played Heather Duke. The reviewer wrote: "Lash's condescension is impeccable and her voice acting is spot on routinely going from quiet hate, to screaming out commands to the other Heathers."<ref name="heathers" />

=== Boca Raton High School ===
At Boca Raton Community High School, Lash played the title role in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022), opposite Eryk Dewire as Adolfo. A reviewer called her portrayal of "the drunken, frustrated Chaperone … a tour-de-force acting performance embellished with her angelic award-winning voice".<ref name="drowsy">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1525 |title=Back Home |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-04-17}}</ref> As a senior she played the lead, Dolly Levi, in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023), and was nominated for a 2023 Dream Award, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1920 |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref>

=== Slow Burn Theatre Company ===
In spring 2024 Lash played Alyssa Greene in Slow Burn Theatre Company's ''The Prom'', directed by Patrick Fitzwater, at the Amaturo Theater in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (March 23 – April 7). Regina Brown played Emma Nolan, Alyssa's girlfriend, and [[Shelley Keelor]] played Alyssa's mother, Mrs. Greene.<ref name="ftos" /><ref name="sft">{{cite web |url=https://southfloridatheater.com/2024/04/02/will-you-go-to-the-prom-with-me/ |title=Will You Go to 'The Prom' With Me? |author=Christopher McDaniel |website=South Florida Theater |date=2024-04-02}}</ref> ''Florida Theater On Stage'' called her "the lovely-voiced Sarah Lash", and wrote that she "shines in her angst-ridden song 'Alyssa Greene,' about the pressure her controlling mother puts on her".<ref name="ftos" /> Slow Burn lists her among its cast members.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://slowburntheatre.org/blog/cast-member/sarah-lash/ |title=Sarah Lash |website=Slow Burn Theatre Company}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Ensemble (soloist, "Seasons of Love") || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'' || Cast member || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather Chandler || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || The Drowsy Chaperone || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Dolly Levi || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2024 || ''The Prom'' || Alyssa Greene || Slow Burn Theatre Company, Broward Center
|}

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://slowburntheatre.org/blog/cast-member/sarah-lash/ Sarah Lash] at Slow Burn Theatre Company
* [https://www.instagram.com/sarahlashh/ @sarahlashh] on Instagram

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lash, Sarah}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T03:20:38Z

Ddehilster: ShowStoppers troupe member

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area. At four and five she studied voice with Alexa Gache at a music school in San Pedro, California, and gave her first two vocal performances there. From the age of five she also took tap, ballet and hip-hop lessons at Studio M in Long Beach. In her early elementary years at Birney Elementary School in Long Beach, she sang in the school's holiday shows. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida. There she attended Verde Elementary School and sang in its choir in fourth and fifth grade.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Birney Elementary School''', Long Beach, California (c. 2010–2014): sang in holiday shows
* '''Verde Elementary School''', Boca Raton, Florida (c. 2014–2016): school choir in fourth and fifth grade
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2016–2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023): vice president of musical theatre in her senior year (2022–23)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* Music school in San Pedro, California (c. 2009–2011): voice with Alexa Gache; first two vocal performances, at ages four and five
* Studio M, Long Beach, California (from age five): tap, ballet and hip-hop
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor; member of '''ShowStoppers''', Showtime's auditioned Broadway performance troupe
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's first musical role came in sixth grade, in Boca Raton Community Middle School's ''Seussical'' (April 2017), directed by Joshua Tay. Cast as understudy for the Sour Kangaroo, she took over the role when the lead had scheduling conflicts. Her booming voice drew wide attention. Principal Peter Slack, who attended, asked afterwards: "Who was that girl who played the Kangaroo?" The following Monday he called her over in the school cafeteria and took her around the school to introduce her to the vice principal and other staff. She later performed the role again for incoming fifth graders at the school's open house.<ref name="talent2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=25 |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=261 |title=Our Experience with Drama Club 2016-2017 – Amazing! |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Her other early roles in school and community musicals in Boca Raton included Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'' and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> She was a member of '''ShowStoppers''', Showtime's auditioned "triple threat" Broadway performance troupe for middle and high school students, alongside her friend [[Sarah Lash]].<ref name="ss">{{cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529043103/https://www.showtimeboca.com/ |title=ShowStoppers Broadway Troupe |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre (archived) |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> At Showtime she also appeared in ''Billy Elliot the Musical'' (September 2019)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6LUGEkAfFc |title=BILLY ELLIOT The Musical - September 2019 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref> and ''Newsies'' (early 2020).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWMjyhkRqNQ |title="Newsies" the Musical Trailer - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-01-15}}</ref> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she also worked backstage. As a freshman (2019–20) she was on the audio tech team for the school's production of the musical ''Chicago'', and as a sophomore she was assistant technical director for ''One Man, Two Guvnors''.<ref name="radium">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1273 |title=Luanda Lands a Lead Role in Play "Radium Girls" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2021-10-02}}</ref> On stage she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023), the year she served as the school's vice president of musical theatre. For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Billy Elliot the Musical'' || Cast member || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''Newsies'' || Cast member || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2019–20 || ''Chicago'' || Audio tech team (sound) || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2020–21 || ''One Man, Two Guvnors'' || Assistant technical director || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Showtime Performing Arts Theatre

2026-11-07T03:20:24Z

Ddehilster: Update Luanda's Showtime credits

{{Infobox venue
| name = Showtime Performing Arts Theatre
| image = Showtime_Performing_Arts_Theatre_logo.jpg
| caption = Showtime's marquee-style logo
| former_names = SHOWTIME Dance & Performing Arts Theatre
| venue_type = Youth and community musical theatre · Performing arts school
| address = 503 SE Mizner Blvd., Suite 73<br />Royal Palm Place
| location = Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
| opened = c. 2006 (website online by July 2006)
| closed = c. 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic)
| founder = [[Marilyn Perry]]
| director = [[Marilyn Perry]] (executive director and producer)
| capacity = 100–125 seats
| stages = One theatre; 3 dance studios; recording studio; 5 instructional studios in total
| art_forms = Musical theatre, dance, acting, voice, instrumental music
| programs = Children's Broadway season; adult and teen series; ShowStoppers Broadway troupe; Kidz on Stage; classes and private lessons; holiday and summer camps
| productions = ''Alice in Wonderland'' (2007)<br />''Les Misérables''<br />''Nunsense''<br />''Matilda'' (2019)<br />''Rent'' (2019)<br />''Billy Elliot'' (2019)<br />''Heathers'' (2019)<br />''Newsies'' (2020)
| website = [https://www.youtube.com/@showtimeperformingartsthea3594 YouTube] · [https://www.facebook.com/ShowtimePerformingArts Facebook]
| archived_website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20170203172943/http://www.showtimeboca.com/ showtimeboca.com] (Wayback Machine)
}}
'''Showtime Performing Arts Theatre''' (originally '''SHOWTIME Dance & Performing Arts Theatre''', often called '''Showtime Boca''') was a performing arts school and small musical theatre at Royal Palm Place in downtown Boca Raton, Florida. Its founder, [[Marilyn Perry]], ran it as executive director and producer. From the mid-2000s until the COVID-19 pandemic it staged seasons of children's, teen and adult musicals and taught dance, acting, voice and instrumental music to students from age three to adult.<ref name="about2014">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/aboutus.htm |title=About Us |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321182925/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/aboutus.htm |archive-date=2014-03-21}}</ref><ref name="staff2017">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/staff.htm |title=Staff |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203174716/http://www.showtimeboca.com/staff.htm |archive-date=2017-02-03}}</ref>

== History ==
The theatre's website was online by July 2006 under the name '''SHOWTIME Dance and Performing Arts Theatre'''. At that time it described a 3,400-square-foot facility at Suite 73, 503 SE Mizner Boulevard, in the Royal Palm Place shopping district.<ref name="home2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/ |title=Showtime Boca (home page) |website=Showtime Dance and Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721212343/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/ |archive-date=2006-07-21}}</ref><ref name="contact2007">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/showtime_contactus.htm |title=Contact Us |website=Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222090855/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/showtime_contactus.htm |archive-date=2007-02-22}}</ref> Its stated mission was "to provide a professional, yet fun and supportive atmosphere where students of all levels can succeed", teaching "not only 'how you do' but 'why you do'".<ref name="home2006" /> The facility had:<ref name="home2006" />
* three dance studios with sprung ("floating cushioned") floors
* a 24-track digital recording studio for voice and music classes
* a teaching and performance theatre with about 120 seats, stage lighting and a custom sound system

Later descriptions gave the size of the two-storey building's theatre as 100 seats (2010) and 125 seats (2014).<ref name="about2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/aboutus.html |title=About Showtime |website=Showtime Dance and Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423162609/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/aboutus.html |archive-date=2010-04-23}}</ref><ref name="about2014" /> In early 2007 Sara Perry Trabin was listed as artistic director, Sergio Crego as acting program director and Scott Sutter as music director.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/showtime_staff.htm |title=Staff |website=Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601175336/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/showtime_staff.htm |archive-date=2007-06-01}}</ref> By the mid-2010s the name had changed to '''Showtime Performing Arts Theatre'''.<ref name="staff2017" />

=== Closure ===
Showtime's 2019–2020 season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its Facebook page had scheduled ''The Sound of Music'' for Saturdays from March 28 to April 11, 2020, and the teen musical ''13'' for weekends from April 4 to 12. Neither production was staged.<ref name="fb">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/ShowtimePerformingArts |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre in Boca Raton |website=Facebook |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="luanda13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> A "Stranger Things" spring-break camp (March 23–27, 2020) and the end-of-year Showcase awards on May 31, 2020 were also on the calendar. Showtime's YouTube channel posted its last video, a second trailer for ''13'', on March 13, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

On the day of the cancelled showcase the theatre posted: "Today would have been the day… our 14th annual Red-Carpet event. Years of great memories but so sad to be missing our favorite families today." Later in 2020 it shared news of a COVID-19 outbreak at a Broward County summer camp, commenting: "Not the best of times to be putting our young ones and families at risk.<ref name="fb" />

Showtime never publicly announced a permanent closure. After 2020 its Facebook page posted only occasional memories: in 2021 a clip from ''Annie Warbucks'' singing "Changes… oh so relevant!", and in 2024 a video of ''Rent''.<ref name="fb" /> The home page of its website, still online in 2023, read: "Please stay tuned for updated performance dates."<ref name="home2023">{{cite web |url=https://www.showtimeboca.com/ |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre (home page) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529043103/https://www.showtimeboca.com/ |archive-date=2023-05-29}}</ref> Business directories now list the theatre as closed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://startpage.mapquest.com/us/florida/showtime-performing-arts-theatre-22291950 |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=MapQuest}}</ref>

[[File:Showtime_Performing_Arts_Theatre_main_theatre.jpg|thumb|right|Showtime's main theatre and stage at Royal Palm Place]]

== Programs ==
Showtime presented a season of children's musical theatre each year from September to May, together with programs for teenagers and adults. Its classes and programs included:<ref name="about2014" />
* '''Theatre''' (age 3 to adult): acting, improvisation, audition preparation, musical theatre, "Broadway Babies" and "Kidz on Stage"
* '''Dance''': ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, hip hop, ballroom and musical theatre jazz
* '''Music''': voice, piano, guitar and drums
* '''Private coaching''' for auditions to performing-arts magnet schools and college conservatory programs
* '''ShowStoppers''': an auditioned "triple threat" Broadway performance troupe with junior and senior divisions<ref name="home2023" />
* '''Youngest Performers / Kidz on Stage''': 12-week performance programs for small children, ending in a show. Titles included ''Moana'', ''Trolls'' and ''Mary Poppins''.<ref name="fb" />
* '''Camps''' during the winter, spring and summer school holidays, each built around a show, such as ''Cats'', ''Grease'', ''Mamma Mia'' and "Stranger Things"<ref name="fb" />
* '''Showcase''': an annual "Red-Carpet" awards event at the end of each season. The 2020 event would have been the 14th.<ref name="fb" />

CBS Miami included Showtime in a list of the best theatre groups for children in South Florida. It highlighted the acting and dance programs, music lessons, the "Musical Test Drive" (a one-on-one session trying up to four instruments), holiday musical theatre camps and birthday parties.<ref name="cbs">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/best-theatre-groups-for-kids-in-south-florida/ |title=Best Theatre Groups for Kids in South Florida |website=CBS Miami}}</ref>

== Productions ==
Showtime staged a children's and young performers' "Broadway season" every year from at least 2007–08 to 2019–20, with adult and teen productions alongside it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/past-youth-productions |title=Past Youth Productions |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929182533/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/past-youth-productions |archive-date=2017-09-29}}</ref> Each season ended with Showtime's own "Tony Awards" ceremony for its students.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK14JIC4lMM |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre 2014 2015 Season Tony Awards |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2017-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4_ljwrVyUk |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre 2015-2016 Season Tony Awards |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2017-07-19}}</ref>

=== Early years ===
Saturday matinées in 2007 included ''Alice in Wonderland – The Musical'' and ''You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown''. That year an adult cabaret series presented ''An Evening with Richard Rodgers'', ''Rock 'Em Broadway'' and ''Broadway Rhythm''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/showtime_productions.htm |title=Productions |website=Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209104419/http://showtimeboca.com:80/showtime_productions.htm |archive-date=2007-02-09}}</ref> Around 2014 the adult series included ''Nunsense'' and ''Les Misérables'', and the theatre hosted monthly shows by the improv troupe Sick Puppies Comedy. Other productions announced on Showtime's Facebook page include ''The Little Mermaid'' (2012, reopening after Hurricane Sandy), ''Legally Blonde'', ''Willy Wonka'', ''American Idiot'' and ''The Story of the Nutcracker'', which was performed at the Willow Theatre. There was also a cabaret series, ''The Golden Age of Broadway'', with wine and snacks.<ref name="fb" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/adultseries.htm |title=Adult Series |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321182940/http://www.showtimeboca.com:80/adultseries.htm |archive-date=2014-03-21}}</ref>

=== 2016–2020 ===
The table below lists productions documented by videos on Showtime's YouTube channel. Dates are the production dates given in the video titles where available; otherwise they are approximate, based on when the video was posted.<ref name="ytchannel">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/@showtimeperformingartsthea3594/videos |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre – Videos |website=YouTube |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Date !! Production !! Notes
|-
| 2016 || ''Les Misérables'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuP4x7Rwos8 |title=Les Miserables - "Bring Him Home" 2016 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-08-06}}</ref>
|-
| 2016–17 season || ''The Addams Family''; ''A Charlie Brown Christmas''; ''The Lion King''; ''Mulan''; ''School of Rock''; ''Hercules'' || Previews posted July 2017<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4ERmvTMH_c |title=Showtime 2016-2017 Season |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2017-07-11}}</ref>
|-
| 2017–18 season || ''Aladdin Jr.''; ''Into the Woods''; ''Shrek the Musical''; ''School of Rock''; ''Les Misérables''; ''Hairspray''; ''Frozen'' || Performance videos posted June–August 2018<ref name="ytchannel" />
|-
| 2018 || ''Elf'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMG0OW1o5OM |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre - Elf 2018 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-09-13}}</ref>
|-
| February 2019 || ''Matilda the Musical'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtfMYCSn_dM |title=Matilda The Musical "Revolting Children" - February 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-18}}</ref>
|-
| March 2019 || ''Annie Warbucks'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkKhvaDOGdw |title=Annie Warbucks "Annie Ain't Just Annie Anymore" - March 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-11-07}}</ref>
|-
| March 30 – April 14, 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Teen and adult cast; directed by Emily Mittleman, musical direction by Rebeca Diaz<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VlysuPMsqM |title=Rent The Musical - April 2019 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref><ref name="rent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Thrives in First All Adult Cast |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-10-22}}</ref>
|-
| May 2019 || ''The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMpzLDGmxKw |title=The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - May 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref>
|-
| Summer 2019 || ''Grease'', ''Mamma Mia'' and Disney Karaoke camps || Summer camp productions<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL16W0jCDTw |title=GREASE Summer Camp 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-08-05}}</ref>
|-
| September 2019 || ''Billy Elliot the Musical'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6LUGEkAfFc |title=BILLY ELLIOT The Musical - September 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/miami/article/Showtime-Performing-Arts-Theatre-Presents-BILLY-ELLIOT-20190913 |title=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre Presents BILLY ELLIOT |website=BroadwayWorld |date=2019-09-13}}</ref>
|-
| November 2019 || ''Shrek the Musical Jr.'' || <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caOps4l7OiQ |title=Shrek the Musical Jr. Trailer - November 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-11-02}}</ref>
|-
| December 7–22, 2019 || ''Heathers'' (high school edition) || Produced by Marilyn Perry, directed by Emily Freeman, musical direction by Rebeca Diaz, choreography by Nicole Perry, costumes by Stephanie LoVerde<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjQyye1MrnE |title=Heathers Trailer - High School Edition 2019 |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-11-27}}</ref><ref name="heathers" />
|-
| 2020 || ''Newsies'' || Trailer posted January 2020<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWMjyhkRqNQ |title="Newsies" the Musical Trailer |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-01-15}}</ref>
|-
| Spring 2020 || ''13'' || Teen production; postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic and never staged<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUMkhscJPe0 |title="13" the Musical TRAILER - Getting Ready |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-02-16}}</ref>
|-
| Spring 2020 || ''The Sound of Music'' || Postponed by the pandemic and never staged
|}

A local reviewer called the December 2019 ''Heathers'' a "must see", and said its final performance was so full that extra chairs had to be brought out.<ref name="heathers">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title="Heathers": Off-Broadway at Its Very Best in Downtown Boca |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-24}}</ref> [[Luanda de Hilster]] appeared in ''Rent'', ''Billy Elliot'', ''Heathers'' (as Heather McNamara) and ''Newsies''. She was cast as Patrice in the cancelled ''13'', and also trained and worked as a camp counsellor at the theatre.<ref name="heathers" /><ref name="luanda13" />

Showtime students also competed outside the theatre. In 2019 [[Sarah Lash]], one of the three Heathers, won the Future Stars competition singing "In My Dreams" from ''Anastasia''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_D58_uMuCM |title=Sarah Lash Wins in Future Stars 2019 with "In My Dreams" from Anastasia |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-06-05}}</ref>

== Recognition ==
Showtime listed the following awards on its website:<ref name="awards">{{cite web |url=http://www.showtimeboca.com/awardsarticles.htm |title=Awards & Articles |website=Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203172943/http://www.showtimeboca.com/awardsarticles.htm |archive-date=2017-02-03}}</ref><ref name="staff2017" />
* '''Kids Crown Award''' from ''South Florida Parenting'' (2015 and 2016) for best arts/academic program in Palm Beach County
* "Best of Boca" Readers' Choice awards from the ''Sun-Sentinel'' / Forum Publishing Group for #1 entertainment/activity for kids and #1 summer camp
* Featured in ''Boca'' magazine via the "Modern Boca Mom" column<ref name="fb" />
* Finalist for best theater group for kids in Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect "Parents Pick" awards

== People ==
* [[Marilyn Perry]]: founder, executive director and producer
* Rebeca Diaz: voice teacher and musical director
* Stephanie LoVerde: instructor and costume designer
* Emily Freeman (Mittleman): director
* Sara Perry Trabin: artistic director (2007)
* Sara Sack Gass
* Rome Saladino, performer
* Notable students include [[Luanda de Hilster]] and [[Sarah Lash]].

== Online presence ==
Showtime opened a Facebook page ("Showtime Performing Arts Theatre in Boca Raton") on January 25, 2010. It described the theatre as "Boca's Premier Performing Arts Theatre for Children" and had about 2,700 followers.<ref name="fb" /> Its YouTube channel, started on June 25, 2015, holds 55 videos of trailers, performances, showcases and season highlights, posted up to March 2020.<ref name="ytchannel" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxdDDE8QAsY |title=Welcome To Showtime |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2015-06-25}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/2017*/showtimeboca.com showtimeboca.com] (archived website, 2006–2023)
* [https://www.youtube.com/@showtimeperformingartsthea3594 Showtime Performing Arts Theatre] on YouTube: 55 trailers and performance videos (2015–2020)
* [https://www.facebook.com/ShowtimePerformingArts Showtime Performing Arts Theatre in Boca Raton] on Facebook
* [https://www.instagram.com/showtimeperformingarts/ @showtimeperformingarts] on Instagram
* [https://stageagent.com/theatre-companies/21891/showtime-performing-arts-theatre Showtime Performing Arts Theatre] on StageAgent

{{DEFAULTSORT:Showtime Performing Arts Theatre}}
[[Category:Theatres]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T03:20:15Z

Ddehilster: Add Billy Elliot (2019) and Newsies (2020) at Showtime

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area. At four and five she studied voice with Alexa Gache at a music school in San Pedro, California, and gave her first two vocal performances there. From the age of five she also took tap, ballet and hip-hop lessons at Studio M in Long Beach. In her early elementary years at Birney Elementary School in Long Beach, she sang in the school's holiday shows. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida. There she attended Verde Elementary School and sang in its choir in fourth and fifth grade.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Birney Elementary School''', Long Beach, California (c. 2010–2014): sang in holiday shows
* '''Verde Elementary School''', Boca Raton, Florida (c. 2014–2016): school choir in fourth and fifth grade
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2016–2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023): vice president of musical theatre in her senior year (2022–23)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* Music school in San Pedro, California (c. 2009–2011): voice with Alexa Gache; first two vocal performances, at ages four and five
* Studio M, Long Beach, California (from age five): tap, ballet and hip-hop
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's first musical role came in sixth grade, in Boca Raton Community Middle School's ''Seussical'' (April 2017), directed by Joshua Tay. Cast as understudy for the Sour Kangaroo, she took over the role when the lead had scheduling conflicts. Her booming voice drew wide attention. Principal Peter Slack, who attended, asked afterwards: "Who was that girl who played the Kangaroo?" The following Monday he called her over in the school cafeteria and took her around the school to introduce her to the vice principal and other staff. She later performed the role again for incoming fifth graders at the school's open house.<ref name="talent2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=25 |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=261 |title=Our Experience with Drama Club 2016-2017 – Amazing! |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Her other early roles in school and community musicals in Boca Raton included Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'' and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> At Showtime she also appeared in ''Billy Elliot the Musical'' (September 2019)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6LUGEkAfFc |title=BILLY ELLIOT The Musical - September 2019 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref> and ''Newsies'' (early 2020).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWMjyhkRqNQ |title="Newsies" the Musical Trailer - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-01-15}}</ref> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she also worked backstage. As a freshman (2019–20) she was on the audio tech team for the school's production of the musical ''Chicago'', and as a sophomore she was assistant technical director for ''One Man, Two Guvnors''.<ref name="radium">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1273 |title=Luanda Lands a Lead Role in Play "Radium Girls" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2021-10-02}}</ref> On stage she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023), the year she served as the school's vice president of musical theatre. For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Billy Elliot the Musical'' || Cast member || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''Newsies'' || Cast member || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2019–20 || ''Chicago'' || Audio tech team (sound) || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2020–21 || ''One Man, Two Guvnors'' || Assistant technical director || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Sarah Lash

2026-11-07T03:18:51Z

Ddehilster: Add Putnam County Spelling Bee (Showtime, 2019)

{{Infobox artist
| name = Sarah Lash
| image = Sarah_Lash.jpg
| caption = Lash (photo: Slow Burn Theatre Company)
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer
| based_in = South Florida
| education = School in Deerfield Beach, Florida<br />Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />Coastal Carolina University
| degree = Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Musical Theatre, Coastal Carolina University (expected 2028)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]
| years_active = c. 2018–present
| notable_roles = Alyssa Greene (''The Prom'', Slow Burn Theatre Company, 2024)<br />Dolly Levi (''Hello, Dolly!'', 2023)<br />The Drowsy Chaperone (''The Drowsy Chaperone'', 2022)<br />Heather Chandler (''Heathers'', 2019)
| companies = Slow Burn Theatre Company
| awards = Future Stars, best vocalist (2019)<br />Dream Awards nominee (2023)
| website = [https://slowburntheatre.org/blog/cast-member/sarah-lash/ Slow Burn Theatre cast page]
}}
'''Sarah Lash''' is an American musical theatre actress and singer from South Florida. She trained and performed at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, where she played Heather Chandler in ''Heathers'' (2019). She went on to play Alyssa Greene in Slow Burn Theatre Company's production of ''The Prom'' at the Broward Center (2024).<ref name="heathers">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=376 |title="Heathers": Off-Broadway at Its Very Best in Downtown Boca |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-24}}</ref><ref name="ftos">{{cite web |url=https://www.floridatheateronstage.com/?p=36997 |title=Everyone, come to Slow Burn's The Prom |author=Oline H. Cogdill |website=Florida Theater On Stage |date=2024-03-27}}</ref>

== Education ==
* School in '''Deerfield Beach''', Florida
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (graduated 2023)
* '''Coastal Carolina University''', Conway, South Carolina: '''Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre''' (expected 2028)

=== Training ===
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton, under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: senior studio captain (2022)

Lash went to school in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and then to Boca Raton Community High School, where she graduated in 2023. Outside school she performed at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] and trained at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]. She is studying musical theatre at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina, in the class of 2028, working towards the university's audition-only B.F.A. in Musical Theatre.<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/sarahlashh/ |title=Sarah Lash (@sarahlashh) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.coastal.edu/theatre/programs/bfa-musicaltheatreconcentration/ |title=B.F.A. – Musical Theatre Concentration |website=Coastal Carolina University}}</ref>

In 2022 she was one of Taylor Made's senior studio captains, helping with the studio's day-to-day running, marketing and planning.<ref name="dot">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-wins-taylor-made-scholarship-named-head-studio-captain/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref>

== Career ==
=== Showtime Performing Arts Theatre ===
Lash was a regular performer at Showtime in downtown Boca Raton. While still in middle school she joined the teen and adult cast of ''Rent'' (March 30 – April 14, 2019). A reviewer wrote that her improvised solo in "Seasons of Love" "garnered applause each and every night where the audience interrupted the song in mid sing when Lash hit her high 'whistle note'".<ref name="rent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=340 |title=Luanda Thrives in First All Adult Cast |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JdW95XqiaE |title=Seasons of Love by the cast from Rent |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-06-05}}</ref> That year she won best vocalist at the Future Stars competition in Boca Raton, singing "In My Dreams" from ''Anastasia''.<ref name="rent" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_D58_uMuCM |title=Sarah Lash Wins in Future Stars 2019 with "In My Dreams" from Anastasia |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-06-05}}</ref>

In May 2019 she appeared in Showtime's production of ''The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMpzLDGmxKw |title=The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - May 2019 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2019-10-13}}</ref>

In December 2019 she played the lead Heather, Heather Chandler, in Showtime's ''Heathers''. [[Luanda de Hilster]] played Heather McNamara and Carmela Nussbaum played Heather Duke. The reviewer wrote: "Lash's condescension is impeccable and her voice acting is spot on routinely going from quiet hate, to screaming out commands to the other Heathers."<ref name="heathers" />

=== Boca Raton High School ===
At Boca Raton Community High School, Lash played the title role in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022), opposite Eryk Dewire as Adolfo. A reviewer called her portrayal of "the drunken, frustrated Chaperone … a tour-de-force acting performance embellished with her angelic award-winning voice".<ref name="drowsy">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1525 |title=Back Home |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-04-17}}</ref> As a senior she played the lead, Dolly Levi, in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023), and was nominated for a 2023 Dream Award, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1920 |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref>

=== Slow Burn Theatre Company ===
In spring 2024 Lash played Alyssa Greene in Slow Burn Theatre Company's ''The Prom'', directed by Patrick Fitzwater, at the Amaturo Theater in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (March 23 – April 7). Regina Brown played Emma Nolan, Alyssa's girlfriend, and [[Shelley Keelor]] played Alyssa's mother, Mrs. Greene.<ref name="ftos" /><ref name="sft">{{cite web |url=https://southfloridatheater.com/2024/04/02/will-you-go-to-the-prom-with-me/ |title=Will You Go to 'The Prom' With Me? |author=Christopher McDaniel |website=South Florida Theater |date=2024-04-02}}</ref> ''Florida Theater On Stage'' called her "the lovely-voiced Sarah Lash", and wrote that she "shines in her angst-ridden song 'Alyssa Greene,' about the pressure her controlling mother puts on her".<ref name="ftos" /> Slow Burn lists her among its cast members.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://slowburntheatre.org/blog/cast-member/sarah-lash/ |title=Sarah Lash |website=Slow Burn Theatre Company}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Ensemble (soloist, "Seasons of Love") || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'' || Cast member || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather Chandler || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || The Drowsy Chaperone || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Dolly Levi || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2024 || ''The Prom'' || Alyssa Greene || Slow Burn Theatre Company, Broward Center
|}

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://slowburntheatre.org/blog/cast-member/sarah-lash/ Sarah Lash] at Slow Burn Theatre Company
* [https://www.instagram.com/sarahlashh/ @sarahlashh] on Instagram

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lash, Sarah}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Main Page

2026-11-07T03:11:08Z

Ddehilster: Remove Luandalia mention

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__
<div class="mp-intro">
'''Welcome to the Artists Wiki: the encyclopedia for artists who aren't on Wikipedia.'''

[[File:Artist_Wiki_emblem.png|right|170px|link=|alt=Artist Wiki emblem]]Most working artists never get a Wikipedia article. Wikipedia only covers people who have already received significant coverage in newspapers, books or major media. That leaves out the painter with a lifetime of exhibitions, the actor with dozens of stage roles, the singer, dancer, costume designer and filmmaker whose careers are real and documented but who haven't been written up by the press.

'''This wiki is for them.''' Every artist with a genuine body of work can have a factual, sourced biography here: visual artists, theatre artists, musicians, dancers, designers, filmmakers and writers. If an artist later gets a Wikipedia article, their page here stays as a fuller record of their work. [[Artists Wiki:About|Read more about the idea]]
</div>
<div class="mp-invite">
=== Artists and venues: get your page ===
Are you an artist or venue that isn't on Wikipedia? '''You are invited to add yourself.''' Actors, singers, musicians, dancers, painters, photographers, designers, filmmakers and writers are all welcome, and so are the theatres, galleries, studios, schools and companies where art is made, including ones that have closed.

[[Special:SuggestArtist|<span class="mp-suggest-btn">+ Add an artist</span>]] <span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:SuggestArtist|type=venue}} <span class="mp-suggest-btn mp-suggest-btn2">+ Add a venue</span>]</span>

Tell us about yourself or your venue, '''attach files''' (a résumé, biography, headshots, photos, programs, posters or press clippings) and '''include links''' to your website, social media, videos or archived pages. No account is needed. An editor reviews every submission and writes a factual, sourced article. Your email is never published. ([[Artists Wiki:Inclusion|Who can be included?]])
</div>

<div class="mp-grid">
<div class="mp-box">
== Featured artists ==
* [[Luanda de Hilster]] — musical theatre actress, singer and dancer
* [[David de Hilster]] — artist, writer and scientist
* [[Doris de Hilster]] — Brazilian clothing and carnival costume designer (Samba Collection)
</div>
<div class="mp-box">
== Featured venues ==
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]: Boca Raton musical theatre and performing arts school (c. 2006–2020), run by [[Marilyn Perry]]
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]: dance and theatre studio in Boca Raton and Warren, Pennsylvania, founded by [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]

== Browse by discipline ==
* [[:Category:Visual artists|Visual artists]]
* [[:Category:Theatre artists|Theatre artists]]
* [[:Category:Musicians and singers|Musicians and singers]]
* [[:Category:Dancers|Dancers]]
* [[:Category:Designers|Designers]]
* [[:Category:Film and video artists|Film and video artists]]
* [[:Category:Writers|Writers]]
* [[:Category:Artists|All artists]]
* [[:Category:Venues|Venues]]
</div>
<div class="mp-box">
== Contribute ==
* [[Special:SuggestArtist|Add an artist or venue]] (no account needed)
Editing is open to registered contributors. To request an account, contact the [[Artists Wiki:About|wiki administrators]].
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Editing How to edit]
* [[Artists Wiki:Inclusion|Who can be included]]
* [[Artists Wiki:Manual of Style|How articles are laid out]]
* [[Template:Infobox artist|Artist infobox]]
* [[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]]
</div>
</div>

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T03:11:07Z

Ddehilster: Remove section on the name Luandalia

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area. At four and five she studied voice with Alexa Gache at a music school in San Pedro, California, and gave her first two vocal performances there. From the age of five she also took tap, ballet and hip-hop lessons at Studio M in Long Beach. In her early elementary years at Birney Elementary School in Long Beach, she sang in the school's holiday shows. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida. There she attended Verde Elementary School and sang in its choir in fourth and fifth grade.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Birney Elementary School''', Long Beach, California (c. 2010–2014): sang in holiday shows
* '''Verde Elementary School''', Boca Raton, Florida (c. 2014–2016): school choir in fourth and fifth grade
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2016–2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023): vice president of musical theatre in her senior year (2022–23)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* Music school in San Pedro, California (c. 2009–2011): voice with Alexa Gache; first two vocal performances, at ages four and five
* Studio M, Long Beach, California (from age five): tap, ballet and hip-hop
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's first musical role came in sixth grade, in Boca Raton Community Middle School's ''Seussical'' (April 2017), directed by Joshua Tay. Cast as understudy for the Sour Kangaroo, she took over the role when the lead had scheduling conflicts. Her booming voice drew wide attention. Principal Peter Slack, who attended, asked afterwards: "Who was that girl who played the Kangaroo?" The following Monday he called her over in the school cafeteria and took her around the school to introduce her to the vice principal and other staff. She later performed the role again for incoming fifth graders at the school's open house.<ref name="talent2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=25 |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=261 |title=Our Experience with Drama Club 2016-2017 – Amazing! |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Her other early roles in school and community musicals in Boca Raton included Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'' and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she also worked backstage. As a freshman (2019–20) she was on the audio tech team for the school's production of the musical ''Chicago'', and as a sophomore she was assistant technical director for ''One Man, Two Guvnors''.<ref name="radium">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1273 |title=Luanda Lands a Lead Role in Play "Radium Girls" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2021-10-02}}</ref> On stage she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023), the year she served as the school's vice president of musical theatre. For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2019–20 || ''Chicago'' || Audio tech team (sound) || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2020–21 || ''One Man, Two Guvnors'' || Assistant technical director || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T03:07:30Z

Ddehilster: Audio tech team for Chicago (freshman); ATD One Man, Two Guvnors

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luandalia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Name ==
"Luandalia" is her first and middle names run together. Since 2025 she has used '''Luanda Lia''' as her professional name, and it is also the name of her website (luandalia.com) and social media accounts.<ref name="luandalia" />

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area. At four and five she studied voice with Alexa Gache at a music school in San Pedro, California, and gave her first two vocal performances there. From the age of five she also took tap, ballet and hip-hop lessons at Studio M in Long Beach. In her early elementary years at Birney Elementary School in Long Beach, she sang in the school's holiday shows. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida. There she attended Verde Elementary School and sang in its choir in fourth and fifth grade.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Birney Elementary School''', Long Beach, California (c. 2010–2014): sang in holiday shows
* '''Verde Elementary School''', Boca Raton, Florida (c. 2014–2016): school choir in fourth and fifth grade
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2016–2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023): vice president of musical theatre in her senior year (2022–23)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* Music school in San Pedro, California (c. 2009–2011): voice with Alexa Gache; first two vocal performances, at ages four and five
* Studio M, Long Beach, California (from age five): tap, ballet and hip-hop
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's first musical role came in sixth grade, in Boca Raton Community Middle School's ''Seussical'' (April 2017), directed by Joshua Tay. Cast as understudy for the Sour Kangaroo, she took over the role when the lead had scheduling conflicts. Her booming voice drew wide attention. Principal Peter Slack, who attended, asked afterwards: "Who was that girl who played the Kangaroo?" The following Monday he called her over in the school cafeteria and took her around the school to introduce her to the vice principal and other staff. She later performed the role again for incoming fifth graders at the school's open house.<ref name="talent2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=25 |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=261 |title=Our Experience with Drama Club 2016-2017 – Amazing! |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Her other early roles in school and community musicals in Boca Raton included Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'' and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she also worked backstage. As a freshman (2019–20) she was on the audio tech team for the school's production of the musical ''Chicago'', and as a sophomore she was assistant technical director for ''One Man, Two Guvnors''.<ref name="radium">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1273 |title=Luanda Lands a Lead Role in Play "Radium Girls" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2021-10-02}}</ref> On stage she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023), the year she served as the school's vice president of musical theatre. For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2019–20 || ''Chicago'' || Audio tech team (sound) || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2020–21 || ''One Man, Two Guvnors'' || Assistant technical director || Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T03:06:10Z

Ddehilster: Vice president of musical theatre, senior year at Boca High

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luandalia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Name ==
"Luandalia" is her first and middle names run together. Since 2025 she has used '''Luanda Lia''' as her professional name, and it is also the name of her website (luandalia.com) and social media accounts.<ref name="luandalia" />

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area. At four and five she studied voice with Alexa Gache at a music school in San Pedro, California, and gave her first two vocal performances there. From the age of five she also took tap, ballet and hip-hop lessons at Studio M in Long Beach. In her early elementary years at Birney Elementary School in Long Beach, she sang in the school's holiday shows. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida. There she attended Verde Elementary School and sang in its choir in fourth and fifth grade.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Birney Elementary School''', Long Beach, California (c. 2010–2014): sang in holiday shows
* '''Verde Elementary School''', Boca Raton, Florida (c. 2014–2016): school choir in fourth and fifth grade
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2016–2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023): vice president of musical theatre in her senior year (2022–23)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* Music school in San Pedro, California (c. 2009–2011): voice with Alexa Gache; first two vocal performances, at ages four and five
* Studio M, Long Beach, California (from age five): tap, ballet and hip-hop
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's first musical role came in sixth grade, in Boca Raton Community Middle School's ''Seussical'' (April 2017), directed by Joshua Tay. Cast as understudy for the Sour Kangaroo, she took over the role when the lead had scheduling conflicts. Her booming voice drew wide attention. Principal Peter Slack, who attended, asked afterwards: "Who was that girl who played the Kangaroo?" The following Monday he called her over in the school cafeteria and took her around the school to introduce her to the vice principal and other staff. She later performed the role again for incoming fifth graders at the school's open house.<ref name="talent2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=25 |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=261 |title=Our Experience with Drama Club 2016-2017 – Amazing! |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Her other early roles in school and community musicals in Boca Raton included Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'' and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023), the year she served as the school's vice president of musical theatre. For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T03:04:59Z

Ddehilster: Birney Elementary (Long Beach) holiday shows; Verde Elementary (Boca Raton) choir

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luandalia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Name ==
"Luandalia" is her first and middle names run together. Since 2025 she has used '''Luanda Lia''' as her professional name, and it is also the name of her website (luandalia.com) and social media accounts.<ref name="luandalia" />

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area. At four and five she studied voice with Alexa Gache at a music school in San Pedro, California, and gave her first two vocal performances there. From the age of five she also took tap, ballet and hip-hop lessons at Studio M in Long Beach. In her early elementary years at Birney Elementary School in Long Beach, she sang in the school's holiday shows. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida. There she attended Verde Elementary School and sang in its choir in fourth and fifth grade.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Birney Elementary School''', Long Beach, California (c. 2010–2014): sang in holiday shows
* '''Verde Elementary School''', Boca Raton, Florida (c. 2014–2016): school choir in fourth and fifth grade
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2016–2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* Music school in San Pedro, California (c. 2009–2011): voice with Alexa Gache; first two vocal performances, at ages four and five
* Studio M, Long Beach, California (from age five): tap, ballet and hip-hop
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's first musical role came in sixth grade, in Boca Raton Community Middle School's ''Seussical'' (April 2017), directed by Joshua Tay. Cast as understudy for the Sour Kangaroo, she took over the role when the lead had scheduling conflicts. Her booming voice drew wide attention. Principal Peter Slack, who attended, asked afterwards: "Who was that girl who played the Kangaroo?" The following Monday he called her over in the school cafeteria and took her around the school to introduce her to the vice principal and other staff. She later performed the role again for incoming fifth graders at the school's open house.<ref name="talent2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=25 |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=261 |title=Our Experience with Drama Club 2016-2017 – Amazing! |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Her other early roles in school and community musicals in Boca Raton included Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'' and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023). For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T03:01:35Z

Ddehilster: Early dance training at Studio M, Long Beach

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luandalia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Name ==
"Luandalia" is her first and middle names run together. Since 2025 she has used '''Luanda Lia''' as her professional name, and it is also the name of her website (luandalia.com) and social media accounts.<ref name="luandalia" />

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area. At four and five she studied voice with Alexa Gache at a music school in San Pedro, California, and gave her first two vocal performances there. From the age of five she also took tap, ballet and hip-hop lessons at Studio M in Long Beach. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (to 2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* Music school in San Pedro, California (c. 2009–2011): voice with Alexa Gache; first two vocal performances, at ages four and five
* Studio M, Long Beach, California (from age five): tap, ballet and hip-hop
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's first musical role came in sixth grade, in Boca Raton Community Middle School's ''Seussical'' (April 2017), directed by Joshua Tay. Cast as understudy for the Sour Kangaroo, she took over the role when the lead had scheduling conflicts. Her booming voice drew wide attention. Principal Peter Slack, who attended, asked afterwards: "Who was that girl who played the Kangaroo?" The following Monday he called her over in the school cafeteria and took her around the school to introduce her to the vice principal and other staff. She later performed the role again for incoming fifth graders at the school's open house.<ref name="talent2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=25 |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=261 |title=Our Experience with Drama Club 2016-2017 – Amazing! |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Her other early roles in school and community musicals in Boca Raton included Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'' and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023). For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T03:00:19Z

Ddehilster: Early voice study with Alexa Gache in San Pedro, CA

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luandalia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Name ==
"Luandalia" is her first and middle names run together. Since 2025 she has used '''Luanda Lia''' as her professional name, and it is also the name of her website (luandalia.com) and social media accounts.<ref name="luandalia" />

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area. At four and five she studied voice with Alexa Gache at a music school in San Pedro, California, and gave her first two vocal performances there. From the age of five she also studied ballet and tap in Long Beach. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (to 2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* Music school in San Pedro, California (c. 2009–2011): voice with Alexa Gache; first two vocal performances, at ages four and five
* Ballet and tap, Long Beach, California (from age five)
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's first musical role came in sixth grade, in Boca Raton Community Middle School's ''Seussical'' (April 2017), directed by Joshua Tay. Cast as understudy for the Sour Kangaroo, she took over the role when the lead had scheduling conflicts. Her booming voice drew wide attention. Principal Peter Slack, who attended, asked afterwards: "Who was that girl who played the Kangaroo?" The following Monday he called her over in the school cafeteria and took her around the school to introduce her to the vice principal and other staff. She later performed the role again for incoming fifth graders at the school's open house.<ref name="talent2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=25 |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=261 |title=Our Experience with Drama Club 2016-2017 – Amazing! |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Her other early roles in school and community musicals in Boca Raton included Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'' and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023). For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T02:58:10Z

Ddehilster: Sour Kangaroo in Seussical: booming voice, principal's attention

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luandalia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Name ==
"Luandalia" is her first and middle names run together. Since 2025 she has used '''Luanda Lia''' as her professional name, and it is also the name of her website (luandalia.com) and social media accounts.<ref name="luandalia" />

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area and studied ballet and tap in Long Beach from the age of five. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (to 2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's first musical role came in sixth grade, in Boca Raton Community Middle School's ''Seussical'' (April 2017), directed by Joshua Tay. Cast as understudy for the Sour Kangaroo, she took over the role when the lead had scheduling conflicts. Her booming voice drew wide attention. Principal Peter Slack, who attended, asked afterwards: "Who was that girl who played the Kangaroo?" The following Monday he called her over in the school cafeteria and took her around the school to introduce her to the vice principal and other staff. She later performed the role again for incoming fifth graders at the school's open house.<ref name="talent2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=25 |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=261 |title=Our Experience with Drama Club 2016-2017 – Amazing! |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Her other early roles in school and community musicals in Boca Raton included Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'' and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023). For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T02:55:34Z

Ddehilster:

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luandalia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Name ==
"Luandalia" is her first and middle names run together. Since 2025 she has used '''Luanda Lia''' as her professional name, and it is also the name of her website (luandalia.com) and social media accounts.<ref name="luandalia" />

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area and studied ballet and tap in Long Beach from the age of five. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2017–2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's early roles were in school and community musicals in Boca Raton. They included the Sour Kangaroo in ''Seussical'', Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'', and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023). For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Elliana Herr

2026-11-07T02:20:28Z

Ddehilster: Year-by-year West Boca High productions; 2022 Cappies award

{{Infobox artist
| name = Elliana Herr
| image = Elliana_Herr.jpg
| caption = Herr in 2022 (photo: University of Central Oklahoma)
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| education = West Boca Raton Community High School (2022)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2022–2026)
| degree = Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (2026)
| training = [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (College Audition Project), Boca Raton
| notable_roles = Roxie Hart (''Chicago'', University of Central Oklahoma, 2026)
| productions = ''Hairspray'' (2019), ''Sister Act'' (2020), ''Urinetown'' (2021), ''Grease'' (2022) at West Boca Raton Community High School<br />''She Loves Me'' (UCO, 2023)
| awards = Cappies Award, Dancer in a Female Role (2022, ''Grease'')
| website = [https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ @elliana_herr] on Instagram
}}
'''Elliana Herr''' is an American musical theatre performer from Boca Raton, Florida. She trained at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] and graduated in musical theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in 2026. In her senior year she played Roxie Hart in UCO's 2026 production of ''Chicago''.<ref name="uco">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda To Study Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-25}}</ref>

== Education ==
* '''West Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (graduated 2022): Theatre Arts Academy, Thespian Troupe 6760
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2022–2026): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (2026)<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ |title=Elliana Herr (@elliana_herr) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref>

=== Training ===
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton, under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Audition Project (CAP) program (2021–22)

Herr grew up in Boca Raton and trained at Taylor Made Dance & Theatre, where she took part in the studio's College Audition Project program. She entered UCO's musical theatre program in fall 2022, and her first UCO performance was the New Broncho Showcase for the incoming musical theatre class that September.<ref name="uco" /><ref name="ig" /> Fellow Taylor Made student [[Luanda de Hilster]] joined her in the program the following year.<ref name="uco" />

== Career ==
=== West Boca Raton Community High School ===
Herr was in the theatre program (Thespian Troupe 6760) at West Boca Raton Community High School, directed by Lance Blank. She was dance captain or a member of the ensemble in the school's spring musicals:
* '''''Hairspray''''' (spring 2019). The school newspaper called it "the most sold-out show that our school has ever produced". It won Outstanding Musical at the 2019 Kravis Center Dream Awards.<ref name="hs19">{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/miami/article/Kravis-Center-Hosts-2019-Dream-Awards-For-High-School-Musical-Theater-20190529 |title=Kravis Center Hosts 2019 Dream Awards For High School Musical Theater |website=BroadwayWorld |date=2019-05-29}}</ref><ref name="sa">{{cite web |url=https://wbhsbullseye.com/1397/entertainment/west-boca-welcomes-a-new-set-of-sisters/ |title=West Boca Welcomes… A New Set of Sisters |website=The West Boca Bullseye |date=2020-01-29}}</ref>
* '''''Sister Act''''' (spring 2020). It completed its run, but a planned revival weekend was cancelled when COVID-19 closed the school.<ref name="pause">{{cite web |url=https://wbhsbullseye.com/1558/entertainment/the-show-must-be-put-on-pause/ |title=The Show Must Be Put on Pause |website=The West Boca Bullseye |date=2020-04-16}}</ref>
* '''''Urinetown''''' (2021). Auditions were held in spring 2021, after a year of mostly virtual theatre.<ref name="uri">{{cite web |url=https://wbhsbullseye.com/2299/features/whats-new-in-the-performing-arts-academy/ |title=What's New in the Performing Arts Academy? |website=The West Boca Bullseye |date=2021-04-07}}</ref>
* '''''Grease''''' (March 2022). More than 500 people attended opening night and over a thousand more that weekend.<ref name="grease">{{cite web |url=https://wbhsbullseye.com/3329/showcase/grease-is-the-word/ |title=Grease is the Word! |website=The West Boca Bullseye |date=2022-03-10}}</ref>

For ''Grease'', Herr won the 2022 South Florida '''Cappies Award for Dancer in a Female Role''', one of six Cappies the school won that year at the Broward Center. The Cappies are often called the "Tony Awards of high school theater".<ref name="cappies">{{cite web |url=https://wbhsbullseye.com/3545/entertainment/west-boca-drama-cleans-up-at-the-cappies/ |title=West Boca Drama Cleans Up at the Cappies |website=The West Boca Bullseye |date=2022-05-24}}</ref>

=== University of Central Oklahoma ===
In November 2023, as a sophomore, Herr appeared in UCO's production of ''She Loves Me''. Her cast biography for that show listed her West Boca credits as dance captain and ensemble member.<ref name="slm">{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/11/07/she-loves-me/ |title=She Loves Me |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-11-07}}</ref>

In February 2026, in her senior year, Herr played Roxie Hart in UCO's production of ''Chicago'' at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond (February 12–15), directed and choreographed by Nathan Peck. Every reserved performance sold out.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ucentralmedia.com/uco-musical-theater-department-to-put-on-chicago-this-weekend/ |title=UCO Musical Theater Department to Put on "Chicago" This Weekend |website=UCentral Media (University of Central Oklahoma) |date=2026-02-11}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2019 || ''Hairspray'' || Dance captain / ensemble || West Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2020 || ''Sister Act'' || Dance captain / ensemble || West Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2021 || ''Urinetown'' || Dance captain / ensemble || West Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2022 || ''Grease'' || Dance captain / ensemble; Cappies Award, Dancer in a Female Role || West Boca Raton Community High School
|-
| 2022 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Performer (incoming class) || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2023 || ''She Loves Me'' || Cast member || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Roxie Hart || University of Central Oklahoma, UCO Jazz Lab
|}

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Herr, Elliana}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ @elliana_herr] on Instagram

[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Elliana Herr

2026-11-07T02:18:09Z

Ddehilster: Earlier credits at West Boca Raton Community High School

Elliana Herr

2026-11-07T02:14:04Z

Ddehilster: Add She Loves Me (UCO, 2023) and earlier credits

{{Infobox artist
| name = Elliana Herr
| image = Elliana_Herr.jpg
| caption = Herr in 2022 (photo: University of Central Oklahoma)
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| education = University of Central Oklahoma (2022–2026)
| degree = Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (2026)
| training = [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (College Audition Project), Boca Raton
| notable_roles = Roxie Hart (''Chicago'', University of Central Oklahoma, 2026)
| productions = ''She Loves Me'' (UCO, 2023); earlier ''Hairspray'', ''Sister Act'', ''Urinetown'', ''Grease'' (dance captain / ensemble)
| website = [https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ @elliana_herr] on Instagram
}}
'''Elliana Herr''' is an American musical theatre performer from Boca Raton, Florida. She trained at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] and graduated in musical theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in 2026. In her senior year she played Roxie Hart in UCO's 2026 production of ''Chicago''.<ref name="uco">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda To Study Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-25}}</ref>

== Education ==
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2022–2026): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (2026)<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ |title=Elliana Herr (@elliana_herr) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref>

=== Training ===
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton, under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Audition Project (CAP) program (2021–22)

Herr grew up in Boca Raton and trained at Taylor Made Dance & Theatre, where she took part in the studio's College Audition Project program. She entered UCO's musical theatre program in fall 2022, and her first UCO performance was the New Broncho Showcase for the incoming musical theatre class that September.<ref name="uco" /><ref name="ig" /> Fellow Taylor Made student [[Luanda de Hilster]] joined her in the program the following year.<ref name="uco" />

== Career ==
In November 2023, as a sophomore, Herr appeared in UCO's production of ''She Loves Me''. Her cast biography for that show listed earlier credits as dance captain and ensemble member in ''Hairspray'', ''Sister Act'', ''Urinetown'' and ''Grease''.<ref name="slm">{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/11/07/she-loves-me/ |title=She Loves Me |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-11-07}}</ref>

In February 2026, in her senior year, Herr played Roxie Hart in UCO's production of ''Chicago'' at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond (February 12–15), directed and choreographed by Nathan Peck. Every reserved performance sold out.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ucentralmedia.com/uco-musical-theater-department-to-put-on-chicago-this-weekend/ |title=UCO Musical Theater Department to Put on "Chicago" This Weekend |website=UCentral Media (University of Central Oklahoma) |date=2026-02-11}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2022 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Performer (incoming class) || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2023 || ''She Loves Me'' || Cast member || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Roxie Hart || University of Central Oklahoma, UCO Jazz Lab
|}

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Herr, Elliana}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ @elliana_herr] on Instagram

[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Elliana Herr

2026-11-07T02:13:14Z

Ddehilster: New photo (UCO, 2022)

{{Infobox artist
| name = Elliana Herr
| image = Elliana_Herr.jpg
| caption = Herr in 2022 (photo: University of Central Oklahoma)
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| education = University of Central Oklahoma (2022–2026)
| degree = Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (2026)
| training = [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (College Audition Project), Boca Raton
| notable_roles = Roxie Hart (''Chicago'', University of Central Oklahoma, 2026)
| website = [https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ @elliana_herr] on Instagram
}}
'''Elliana Herr''' is an American musical theatre performer from Boca Raton, Florida. She trained at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] and graduated in musical theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in 2026. In her senior year she played Roxie Hart in UCO's 2026 production of ''Chicago''.<ref name="uco">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda To Study Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-25}}</ref>

== Education ==
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2022–2026): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (2026)<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ |title=Elliana Herr (@elliana_herr) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref>

=== Training ===
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton, under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Audition Project (CAP) program (2021–22)

Herr grew up in Boca Raton and trained at Taylor Made Dance & Theatre, where she took part in the studio's College Audition Project program. She entered UCO's musical theatre program in fall 2022, and her first UCO performance was the New Broncho Showcase for the incoming musical theatre class that September.<ref name="uco" /><ref name="ig" /> Fellow Taylor Made student [[Luanda de Hilster]] joined her in the program the following year.<ref name="uco" />

== Career ==
In February 2026, in her senior year, Herr played Roxie Hart in UCO's production of ''Chicago'' at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond (February 12–15), directed and choreographed by Nathan Peck. Every reserved performance sold out.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ucentralmedia.com/uco-musical-theater-department-to-put-on-chicago-this-weekend/ |title=UCO Musical Theater Department to Put on "Chicago" This Weekend |website=UCentral Media (University of Central Oklahoma) |date=2026-02-11}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2022 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Performer (incoming class) || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Roxie Hart || University of Central Oklahoma, UCO Jazz Lab
|}

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Herr, Elliana}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ @elliana_herr] on Instagram

[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

File:Elliana Herr.jpg

2026-11-07T02:13:14Z

Ddehilster: Ddehilster uploaded a new version of File:Elliana Herr.jpg

== Summary ==
Elliana Herr at the University of Central Oklahoma, February 2023 (cropped from a photo with Luanda de Hilster). Source: https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/

Angela Morando-Taylor

2026-11-07T02:11:25Z

Ddehilster: Founding year 2019

{{Infobox artist
| name = Angela Morando-Taylor
| image = Angela_Morando-Taylor.jpg
| caption = Morando-Taylor in 2025 (photo: ''Times Observer'')
| disciplines = Choreographer · Dancer · Dance and theatre educator
| birth_name = Angela Morando
| also_known_as = Angela Taylor
| born = Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania (raised)
| nationality = American
| based_in = Warren, Pennsylvania
| spouse = [[Michael Taylor (educator)|Michael Taylor]]
| relatives = Marilynn Wick (aunt), owner of The Wick Theatre
| education = Coker College (now Coker University), Hartsville, South Carolina, on a dance scholarship
| training = Linda Dies Dance Unlimited, Warren, Pennsylvania
| years_active = c. 1990s–present
| known_for = Founding [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]; college-prep training for musical theatre students
| occupation = Choreographer, studio owner, high school dance director
| companies = [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]
| productions = Boca Raton Community High School musicals, including ''Chicago'' and ''Jekyll & Hyde'' (2021); ''A Taylor Made Christmas Spectacular'' (2020)
| website = [https://taylormadedanceandtheatre.com taylormadedanceandtheatre.com]
}}
'''Angela Morando-Taylor''' is an American choreographer, former professional dancer and performing arts educator. She founded and directs '''[[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]''', a dance and theatre studio that was based in Boca Raton, Florida, until 2023 and is now in Warren, Pennsylvania. During about twenty years in South Florida she helped build three award-winning performing arts programs in public high schools, and she runs a college-preparation program for musical theatre students.<ref name="to">{{cite web |url=https://www.timesobserver.com/news/local-news/2024/07/professional-performance-educator-brings-connections-and-expertise-home |title=Professional performance educator brings connections and expertise home |website=Times Observer (Warren, Pennsylvania) |date=2024-07}}</ref><ref name="about">{{cite web |url=https://taylormadedanceandtheatre.com/about-us |title=About Us |website=Taylor Made Dance and Theatre |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Morando-Taylor grew up in Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania. She began dancing as a child at Linda Dies Dance Unlimited in Warren, because she "wanted to be like my older cousin".<ref name="about" /><ref name="to" /> At sixteen she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and "had to learn to dance with a lot of pain, fatigue and frustration".

== Education ==
* '''Linda Dies Dance Unlimited''', Warren, Pennsylvania: dance training from childhood
* '''Coker College''' (now Coker University), Hartsville, South Carolina: attended on a dance scholarship

She went on to Coker College in South Carolina on a dance scholarship. There she broke both feet and suffered collapsed arches, and was told she would never dance again. She later blamed poor flooring and a weakened body.<ref name="about" />

== Career ==
After months of physical therapy, Morando-Taylor performed in professional musical and regional theatre around the country for eleven years. Knowing her feet could not stand up to a concert dancer's career, she turned to professional theatre, and so trained in both dance and theatre. After injuries ended her performing career she moved into professional choreography.<ref name="about" /><ref name="to" /> "I worked with some fantastic people in the industry and on award-winning shows, but I realized the value of arts education," she said. "I wanted to narrow the gap between well-funded private performing arts schools and public high schools."<ref name="to" />

For about twenty years she was dance director and performance coordinator for several South Florida high schools. She also choreographed professional theatre.<ref name="about" /> At Boca Raton Community High School she choreographed the musicals, including ''Chicago'', and the 2021 ''Jekyll & Hyde'', which was performed and streamed live from BrandStar television studios during the COVID-19 pandemic. A reviewer praised its "scene with umbrellas, … ballroom dancing, [and] a big cabaret style dance number at the Red Rat".<ref name="jekyll">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=957 |title=Tenacity, Talent, & Teamwork Turn Covid Lemons into Jekyll Lemonade |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2021-03-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=1525 |title=Back Home |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-04-17}}</ref>

=== Taylor Made Dance & Theatre ===
Morando-Taylor founded Taylor Made Dance & Theatre in Boca Raton in 2019.<ref name="llc">{{cite web |url=https://bisprofiles.com/fl/taylor-made-dance-and-theatre-l19000294318 |title=Taylor Made Dance and Theatre, LLC (L19000294318) |website=Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (via BisProfiles) |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> She runs it with her husband, Michael Taylor, a secondary school and college teacher.<ref name="to" /> Its College Prep Conservatory, linked with Dave Clemmons's College Audition Project, prepared students to audition for dozens of university musical theatre programs. She reports a 100% college placement rate, and says her alumni have worked on Broadway, on national tours and cruise ships, at Disney, and in film and television.<ref name="to" /><ref name="about" /> In December 2020 she produced ''A Taylor Made Christmas Spectacular'' as a live television broadcast.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/miami/article/Taylor-Made-Dance-Theatre-presents-A-TAYLOR-MADE-CHRISTMAS-SPECTACULAR-20201208 |title=Taylor Made Dance Theatre presents A TAYLOR MADE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR |website=BroadwayWorld |date=2020-12-08}}</ref><ref name="jekyll" />

In 2023 the family moved back to Warren County and reopened the studio in Warren. There she formed the Dance Alliance Company competition team, coached vocal students at The Music Conservatory (two of whom took first and second place in "Warren's Got Talent"), and taught acting, auditioning and Broadway styles at the Warren County Summer Music School.<ref name="to" /> A local parent and music educator called her "a breath of fresh air… Angela is a coach and an artist."<ref name="to" /> In September 2025 she moved the studio to a new downtown space above Allegheny Antiques at 314 Second Avenue. It has two studios, one fitted with a custom professional dance floor. The move let the studio add more classes, among them The Actor's Studio, a musical theatre program for middle and high school students. "Now that we have this (new) space we can do whatever we want!" she said.<ref name="to25">{{cite web |url=https://www.timesobserver.com/news/local-news/2025/09/city-dance-theatre-studio-moves-downtown/ |title=City dance, theatre studio moves downtown |website=Times Observer (Warren, Pennsylvania) |date=2025-09}}</ref> She is also a photographer, and has taken headshots for her students.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=713 |title=Headshots |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-10-14}}</ref>

== Teaching philosophy ==
Her own injuries made Morando-Taylor "an advocate for proper flooring, self care and true teaching, not demonstrating". She writes: "I do not believe in back rows or a center spot on stage. I believe in my students, all my students… As educators, it is our job to help them realize that talent, give them the discipline to succeed, and encourage the spirit to love what they do."<ref name="about" />

== Students ==
Her students have included [[Summer Severin]], dance captain of the ''Water for Elephants'' North American tour, [[Sarah Lash]] and [[Elliana Herr]]. Another was [[Luanda de Hilster]], who trained with her from 2020 to 2023. De Hilster became the studio's Head Studio Captain and a Dot Taylor Scholar, and credited Morando-Taylor's program with her admission to the University of Central Oklahoma.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-wins-taylor-made-scholarship-named-head-studio-captain/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda To Study Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-25}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Morando-Taylor is married to Michael Taylor. Her aunt, Marilynn Wick, who also comes from Warren County, owns The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum in Boca Raton.<ref name="to" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://taylormadedanceandtheatre.com/about-us About Angela Morando-Taylor] on the Taylor Made Dance and Theatre website

{{DEFAULTSORT:Morando-Taylor, Angela}}
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Taylor Made Dance & Theatre

2026-11-07T02:11:24Z

Ddehilster: Founded 2019 per Florida registration; Facebook link

{{Infobox venue
| name = Taylor Made Dance & Theatre
| image = Taylor_Made_Dance_and_Theatre_logo.jpg
| caption = The studio's logo
| former_names = also "Taylor Made Studios", "TMDT"
| venue_type = Dance and theatre training studio · College-prep conservatory
| address = 2910 N. Federal Highway, Suite B, Boca Raton (Florida studio)<br />314 2nd Ave., 2nd floor, Warren (Pennsylvania studio)
| location = Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023)<br />Warren, Pennsylvania (2023–present)
| opened = 2019 (Boca Raton; company registered December 2, 2019)<br />2023 (Warren; downtown studio September 2025)
| founder = [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]
| owner = [[Angela Morando-Taylor]] and [[Michael Taylor (educator)|Michael Taylor]]
| artistic_director = [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]
| art_forms = Dance, musical theatre, acting, film, voice, piano
| programs = Dance (ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, partnering, salsa); acting and film; voice and piano; College Prep Conservatory; College Audition Project (CAP) satellite; June Intensives; Dance Alliance Company; adult classes
| website = [https://taylormadedanceandtheatre.com taylormadedanceandtheatre.com]
}}
'''Taylor Made Dance & Theatre''' ('''TMDT''', also called '''Taylor Made Studios''') is a dance and theatre training studio founded by the choreographer and educator [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. It was based in Boca Raton, Florida, until 2023, when Morando-Taylor and her husband, Michael Taylor, moved it to Warren, Pennsylvania. The studio trains young performers in dance, acting, voice and film. Its best-known program prepared high school students for college musical theatre auditions.<ref name="about">{{cite web |url=https://taylormadedanceandtheatre.com/about-us |title=About Us |website=Taylor Made Dance and Theatre |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref><ref name="to">{{cite web |url=https://www.timesobserver.com/news/local-news/2024/07/professional-performance-educator-brings-connections-and-expertise-home |title=Professional performance educator brings connections and expertise home |website=Times Observer (Warren, Pennsylvania) |date=2024-07}}</ref>

== Philosophy ==
The studio's name is a play on its approach: training "tailored" to each student, summed up in its slogan, "Are you Taylor Made?" Its stated belief is that "the most important ingredients in shaping a young performer are training, guidance and support."<ref name="about" /> Morando-Taylor describes her mission this way: "I do not believe in back rows or a center spot on stage. I believe in my students, all my students, each one of them has a talent that is uniquely theirs."<ref name="about" /> The studio now describes itself as more than a school: "We're not simply offering classes — we're building a theatre company."<ref name="home">{{cite web |url=https://taylormadedanceandtheatre.com/ |title=Taylor Made Dance and Theatre |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref>

== Boca Raton (2019–2023) ==
Morando-Taylor and her husband registered the studio's company, Taylor Made Dance and Theatre, LLC, in Florida on December 2, 2019, with the two of them as its managers. The Florida company was voluntarily dissolved in July 2024, after the studio moved to Pennsylvania.<ref name="llc">{{cite web |url=https://bisprofiles.com/fl/taylor-made-dance-and-theatre-l19000294318 |title=Taylor Made Dance and Theatre, LLC (L19000294318) |website=Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (via BisProfiles) |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> In Boca Raton the studio occupied Suite B at 2910 N. Federal Highway.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://startpage.mapquest.com/us/florida/taylor-made-dance-theatre-521161090 |title=Taylor Made Dance & Theatre |website=MapQuest}}</ref> It offered dance, acting and voice classes for children and adults, and many of its students also performed in Boca Raton Community High School's musicals, which Morando-Taylor choreographed.<ref name="jekyll">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=957 |title=Tenacity, Talent, & Teamwork Turn Covid Lemons into Jekyll Lemonade |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2021-03-27}}</ref> In December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the studio staged ''A Taylor Made Christmas Spectacular'' as a live broadcast from BrandStar television studios in Pompano Beach.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/miami/article/Taylor-Made-Dance-Theatre-presents-A-TAYLOR-MADE-CHRISTMAS-SPECTACULAR-20201208 |title=Taylor Made Dance Theatre presents A TAYLOR MADE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR |website=BroadwayWorld |date=2020-12-08}}</ref><ref name="jekyll" />

=== College preparation ===
Taylor Made's '''College Prep Conservatory''' (CPC) trained serious students in set programs of dance, voice and acting, and helped them through college musical theatre auditions.<ref name="to" /> Entry was by audition. The studio hosted a satellite of the '''College Audition Project''' (CAP), the national program founded by Broadway performer Dave Clemmons. Through it, seniors could audition for as many as 60 to 70 universities "all under one roof". According to the family of one student, Taylor Made was the only studio in Florida linked with CAP.<ref name="uco">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda To Study Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-25}}</ref><ref name="to" /> Students also took a '''June Intensive''' each summer, and the studio handled headshots and video audition screenings.<ref name="uco" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

Morando-Taylor reports a 100% college placement rate for her students. Alumni have gone on to Point Park University, Elon University and the Berklee College of Music, and to work on Broadway, national tours, cruise ships, at Disney and in film and television.<ref name="to" /><ref name="about" />

=== Dot Taylor Scholarship ===
Each year the studio awarded the '''Dot Taylor Scholarship''', named after Michael Taylor's mother. It recognised both talent and "kindness" to others. The studio also named a "Head Studio Captain", its highest title for a high school student. In 2022 both honours went to [[Luanda de Hilster]].<ref name="dot">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-wins-taylor-made-scholarship-named-head-studio-captain/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref>

== Warren, Pennsylvania (2023–present) ==
In 2023 the Taylors moved back to Warren County, Pennsylvania, where Morando-Taylor grew up. "We felt it was time to leave and bring our talents where they were more needed," she said. TMDT reopened in Warren that year, at first holding classes at the local YMCA.<ref name="to" /> In September 2025 the studio moved to its own space in downtown Warren, on the second floor of a historic building above Allegheny Antiques at 314 Second Avenue. The space has high ceilings and tall windows, and two studios: a main studio with a custom professional dance floor, a wall of mirrors and barres, and a smaller studio for small classes and workshops. The 2025–26 season opened with a free open house, and added new instructors and classes. These included The Actor's Studio, a musical theatre program for middle and high school students, and tap, hip hop and classical ballet at all levels.<ref name="to25">{{cite web |url=https://www.timesobserver.com/news/local-news/2025/09/city-dance-theatre-studio-moves-downtown/ |title=City dance, theatre studio moves downtown |website=Times Observer (Warren, Pennsylvania) |date=2025-09}}</ref><ref name="home" />

In its first Warren season the studio formed the '''Dance Alliance Company''', a four-dancer competition team. The team performed as "dancing ice sculptures" in a live window display at the Sugar Grove Christmas Walk, and all of its numbers placed in the top ten at competitions in Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio. The studio also ran a partnering class in classic dance styles for adult couples.<ref name="to" /> Morando-Taylor's long-term plan is a permanent home with a black box theatre for student performances and community events such as open mic nights.<ref name="to" />

== Staff ==
* [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: owner, creator and artistic director
* [[Michael Taylor (educator)|Michael Taylor]]: film, Shakespeare, creative writing, acting and academic advising
* Michelle Petrucci (Boca Raton)
* [[Shelley Keelor]]: vocal coach (Boca Raton)
* [[Summer Severin]]: dance (later dance captain of the ''Water for Elephants'' national tour)
* Crystal Russell: instructor (Warren, from 2025)<ref name="to25" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://taylormadedanceandtheatre.com/the-who%E2%80%99s-who%26staff-bios |title=The Who's Who & Staff Bios |website=Taylor Made Dance and Theatre |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref><ref name="bio2">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref>

== Notable students ==
* [[Luanda de Hilster]] trained at the studio from 2020 to 2023. She became Head Studio Captain and a Dot Taylor Scholar, and went on to the University of Central Oklahoma.<ref name="dot" /><ref name="uco" />
* [[Summer Severin]]: Elon University graduate (2025), swing and dance captain of the ''Water for Elephants'' North American tour.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.playhousesquare.org/assets/doc/WFE_Cast_Bios-8691c39173.pdf |title=Water for Elephants – Cast Bios |website=Playhouse Square}}</ref>
* [[Elliana Herr]]: College Audition Project student; went on to the University of Central Oklahoma, where she played Roxie Hart in ''Chicago'' (2026).<ref name="uco" />
* [[Sarah Lash]]: senior studio captain (2022), later Alyssa Greene in Slow Burn Theatre's ''The Prom''.<ref name="dot" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://taylormadedanceandtheatre.com Taylor Made Dance and Theatre]: official website
* [https://www.instagram.com/taylormadedanceandtheatre/ @taylormadedanceandtheatre] on Instagram
* [https://www.facebook.com/p/Taylor-Made-Dance-and-Theatre-100057435879895/ Taylor Made Dance and Theatre] on Facebook

{{DEFAULTSORT:Taylor Made Dance and Theatre}}
[[Category:Dance studios]]

Michael Taylor (educator)

2026-11-07T02:11:24Z

Ddehilster: From Liverpool, England; co-manager of the studio LLC

{{Infobox artist
| name = Michael Taylor
| image = Michael_Taylor_(educator).jpg
| caption = Taylor (photo: Taylor Made Dance & Theatre)
| disciplines = Educator · Film and Shakespeare teacher
| born = Liverpool, England
| based_in = Warren, Pennsylvania
| spouse = [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]
| occupation = Secondary and college teacher; co-owner of [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]
| companies = [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]
| known_for = Co-founding [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]; the Dot Taylor Scholarship
}}
'''Michael Taylor''' is an English-born educator who co-owns '''[[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]''' with his wife, the choreographer [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. At the studio he teaches film, Shakespeare, creative writing and acting, and serves as academic advisor to students preparing for college.<ref name="staff">{{cite web |url=https://taylormadedanceandtheatre.com/the-who%E2%80%99s-who%26staff-bios |title=The Who's Who & Staff Bios |website=Taylor Made Dance and Theatre |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Taylor is originally from Liverpool, England.

== Career ==
Taylor is an experienced teacher in both secondary and college classrooms.<ref name="to">{{cite web |url=https://www.timesobserver.com/news/local-news/2024/07/professional-performance-educator-brings-connections-and-expertise-home |title=Professional performance educator brings connections and expertise home |website=Times Observer (Warren, Pennsylvania) |date=2024-07}}</ref> He and Morando-Taylor ran Taylor Made Dance & Theatre in Boca Raton, Florida, until 2023. The two were the managers of the studio's company, Taylor Made Dance and Theatre, LLC, which they registered in Florida on December 2, 2019, and dissolved in July 2024 after the move north.<ref name="llc">{{cite web |url=https://bisprofiles.com/fl/taylor-made-dance-and-theatre-l19000294318 |title=Taylor Made Dance and Theatre, LLC (L19000294318) |website=Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (via BisProfiles) |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref> That year the family moved to Warren County, Pennsylvania, where he teaches at Eisenhower, and the studio reopened in Warren.<ref name="to" />

The studio's annual '''Dot Taylor Scholarship''', named after Taylor's mother, honours a student for talent and for "kindness" to others. According to a student's family, the award was "very near and dear to the hearts of the Taylor Made Studio's owners, Angela and Michael Taylor".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-wins-taylor-made-scholarship-named-head-studio-captain/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Taylor, Michael}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Film and video artists]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Elliana Herr

2026-11-07T02:10:20Z

Ddehilster: Add photo; trim mentions of Luanda

{{Infobox artist
| name = Elliana Herr
| image = Elliana_Herr.jpg
| caption = Herr at the University of Central Oklahoma, 2023
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| education = University of Central Oklahoma (2022–2026)
| degree = Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (2026)
| training = [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (College Audition Project), Boca Raton
| notable_roles = Roxie Hart (''Chicago'', University of Central Oklahoma, 2026)
| website = [https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ @elliana_herr] on Instagram
}}
'''Elliana Herr''' is an American musical theatre performer from Boca Raton, Florida. She trained at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] and graduated in musical theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in 2026. In her senior year she played Roxie Hart in UCO's 2026 production of ''Chicago''.<ref name="uco">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda To Study Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-25}}</ref>

== Education ==
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2022–2026): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (2026)<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ |title=Elliana Herr (@elliana_herr) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref>

=== Training ===
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton, under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Audition Project (CAP) program (2021–22)

Herr grew up in Boca Raton and trained at Taylor Made Dance & Theatre, where she took part in the studio's College Audition Project program. She entered UCO's musical theatre program in fall 2022, and her first UCO performance was the New Broncho Showcase for the incoming musical theatre class that September.<ref name="uco" /><ref name="ig" /> Fellow Taylor Made student [[Luanda de Hilster]] joined her in the program the following year.<ref name="uco" />

== Career ==
In February 2026, in her senior year, Herr played Roxie Hart in UCO's production of ''Chicago'' at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond (February 12–15), directed and choreographed by Nathan Peck. Every reserved performance sold out.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ucentralmedia.com/uco-musical-theater-department-to-put-on-chicago-this-weekend/ |title=UCO Musical Theater Department to Put on "Chicago" This Weekend |website=UCentral Media (University of Central Oklahoma) |date=2026-02-11}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2022 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Performer (incoming class) || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Roxie Hart || University of Central Oklahoma, UCO Jazz Lab
|}

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Herr, Elliana}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ @elliana_herr] on Instagram

[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

File:Elliana Herr.jpg

2026-11-07T02:10:19Z

Ddehilster: == Summary == Elliana Herr at the University of Central Oklahoma, February 2023 (cropped from a photo with Luanda de Hilster). Source: https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/

File:Artist Wiki emblem.png

2026-11-07T02:06:38Z

Ddehilster: Ddehilster uploaded a new version of File:Artist Wiki emblem.png

== Summary ==
Artist Wiki emblem (site logo).

MediaWiki:Common.css

2026-11-07T02:01:54Z

Ddehilster: Clear float above invite box

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Main Page

2026-11-07T02:01:47Z

Ddehilster: Add emblem beside intro paragraph

__NOTOC__ __NOEDITSECTION__
<div class="mp-intro">
'''Welcome to the Artists Wiki: the encyclopedia for artists who aren't on Wikipedia.'''

[[File:Artist_Wiki_emblem.png|right|170px|link=|alt=Artist Wiki emblem]]Most working artists never get a Wikipedia article. Wikipedia only covers people who have already received significant coverage in newspapers, books or major media. That leaves out the painter with a lifetime of exhibitions, the actor with dozens of stage roles, the singer, dancer, costume designer and filmmaker whose careers are real and documented but who haven't been written up by the press.

'''This wiki is for them.''' Every artist with a genuine body of work can have a factual, sourced biography here: visual artists, theatre artists, musicians, dancers, designers, filmmakers and writers. If an artist later gets a Wikipedia article, their page here stays as a fuller record of their work. [[Artists Wiki:About|Read more about the idea]]
</div>
<div class="mp-invite">
=== Artists and venues: get your page ===
Are you an artist or venue that isn't on Wikipedia? '''You are invited to add yourself.''' Actors, singers, musicians, dancers, painters, photographers, designers, filmmakers and writers are all welcome, and so are the theatres, galleries, studios, schools and companies where art is made, including ones that have closed.

[[Special:SuggestArtist|<span class="mp-suggest-btn">+ Add an artist</span>]] <span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:SuggestArtist|type=venue}} <span class="mp-suggest-btn mp-suggest-btn2">+ Add a venue</span>]</span>

Tell us about yourself or your venue, '''attach files''' (a résumé, biography, headshots, photos, programs, posters or press clippings) and '''include links''' to your website, social media, videos or archived pages. No account is needed. An editor reviews every submission and writes a factual, sourced article. Your email is never published. ([[Artists Wiki:Inclusion|Who can be included?]])
</div>

<div class="mp-grid">
<div class="mp-box">
== Featured artists ==
* [[Luanda de Hilster]] — singer, actress and performer (''Luandalia'')
* [[David de Hilster]] — artist, writer and scientist
* [[Doris de Hilster]] — Brazilian clothing and carnival costume designer (Samba Collection)
</div>
<div class="mp-box">
== Featured venues ==
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]: Boca Raton musical theatre and performing arts school (c. 2006–2020), run by [[Marilyn Perry]]
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]]: dance and theatre studio in Boca Raton and Warren, Pennsylvania, founded by [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]

== Browse by discipline ==
* [[:Category:Visual artists|Visual artists]]
* [[:Category:Theatre artists|Theatre artists]]
* [[:Category:Musicians and singers|Musicians and singers]]
* [[:Category:Dancers|Dancers]]
* [[:Category:Designers|Designers]]
* [[:Category:Film and video artists|Film and video artists]]
* [[:Category:Writers|Writers]]
* [[:Category:Artists|All artists]]
* [[:Category:Venues|Venues]]
</div>
<div class="mp-box">
== Contribute ==
* [[Special:SuggestArtist|Add an artist or venue]] (no account needed)
Editing is open to registered contributors. To request an account, contact the [[Artists Wiki:About|wiki administrators]].
* [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Editing How to edit]
* [[Artists Wiki:Inclusion|Who can be included]]
* [[Artists Wiki:Manual of Style|How articles are laid out]]
* [[Template:Infobox artist|Artist infobox]]
* [[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]]
</div>
</div>

File:Artist Wiki emblem.png

2026-11-07T02:01:47Z

Ddehilster: == Summary == Artist Wiki emblem (site logo).

== Summary ==
Artist Wiki emblem (site logo).

Elliana Herr

2026-11-07T01:53:09Z

Ddehilster: Graduated UCO 2026; New Broncho Showcase 2022; Instagram

{{Infobox artist
| name = Elliana Herr
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| education = University of Central Oklahoma (2022–2026)
| degree = Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (2026)
| training = [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (College Audition Project), Boca Raton
| notable_roles = Roxie Hart (''Chicago'', University of Central Oklahoma, 2026)
| website = [https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ @elliana_herr] on Instagram
}}
'''Elliana Herr''' is an American musical theatre performer from Boca Raton, Florida. She trained at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] and graduated in musical theatre from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in 2026. In her senior year she played Roxie Hart in UCO's 2026 production of ''Chicago''.<ref name="uco">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda To Study Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-25}}</ref>

== Education ==
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2022–2026): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (2026)<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ |title=Elliana Herr (@elliana_herr) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref>

=== Training ===
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton, under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Audition Project (CAP) program (2021–22)

Herr grew up in Boca Raton and trained at Taylor Made Dance & Theatre. She took part in the studio's College Audition Project program, which prepares seniors for university musical theatre auditions, the year before her friend and fellow student [[Luanda de Hilster]].<ref name="uco" /> She entered UCO's musical theatre program in fall 2022, and her first UCO performance was the New Broncho Showcase for the incoming musical theatre class that September.<ref name="ig">{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ |title=Elliana Herr (@elliana_herr) |website=Instagram |access-date=2026-11-07}}</ref>

When de Hilster auditioned at UCO in early 2023, Herr, then a freshman, showed her around campus and the "Quad" dorms where many musical theatre students live. According to de Hilster's family, she had been "talking Luanda up to others before she arrived", and told de Hilster's father: "Luanda belongs on that stage with those insanely talented people."<ref name="uco" /> De Hilster joined the program that fall.

== Career ==
In February 2026, in her senior year, Herr played Roxie Hart in UCO's production of ''Chicago'' at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond (February 12–15), directed and choreographed by Nathan Peck. Every reserved performance sold out. De Hilster was a Merry Murderess and one of the show's dance captains.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ucentralmedia.com/uco-musical-theater-department-to-put-on-chicago-this-weekend/ |title=UCO Musical Theater Department to Put on "Chicago" This Weekend |website=UCentral Media (University of Central Oklahoma) |date=2026-02-11}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2022 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Performer (incoming class) || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Roxie Hart || University of Central Oklahoma, UCO Jazz Lab
|}

== References ==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Herr, Elliana}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.instagram.com/elliana_herr/ @elliana_herr] on Instagram

[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T01:50:17Z

Ddehilster: Polar Express: 2024–2025 seasons

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luandalia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Name ==
"Luandalia" is her first and middle names run together. Since 2025 she has used '''Luanda Lia''' as her professional name, and it is also the name of her website (luandalia.com) and social media accounts.<ref name="luandalia" />

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area and studied ballet and tap in Long Beach from the age of five. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (to 2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's early roles were in school and community musicals in Boca Raton. They included the Sour Kangaroo in ''Seussical'', Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'', and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023). For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'', produced by Rail Events Productions at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, over two holiday seasons (2024 and 2025). It was her first commercial show in Oklahoma.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Lead in First Commercial Show in Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024–2025 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Rail Events Productions, Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Luanda de Hilster

2026-11-07T01:47:42Z

Ddehilster: Add New Broncho Showcase (2023, Boathouse District)

{{Infobox artist
| name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| image = Luanda_Lia_headshot_2025.png
| caption = Luanda Lia in 2025
| disciplines = Musical theatre actress · Singer · Dancer · Choreographer
| birth_name = Luanda Lia de Hilster
| also_known_as = Luanda Lia; Luandalia; Luanda de Hilster
| born = {{birth date and age|2005|9|29}}<br />Torrance, California, U.S.
| nationality = American and Brazilian
| based_in = Edmond, Oklahoma
| relatives = [[David de Hilster]] (father)<br />[[Doris de Hilster]] (mother)
| education = Boca Raton Community High School (2023)<br />University of Central Oklahoma (2023–)
| degree = Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Musical Theatre, University of Central Oklahoma (expected May 2027)
| training = [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] (2020–2023); Broadway Artist Intensive
| years_active = 2017–present
| notable_roles = Miss Adelaide (''Guys and Dolls'')<br />Reno Sweeney (''Anything Goes'')<br />Minnie Fay (''Hello, Dolly!'')<br />Heather McNamara (''Heathers'')
| dance_styles = Ballet, tap, jazz, modern, samba
| voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
| instruments = Ukulele
| awards = Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress (2022, 2023)
| website = [https://luandalia.com luandalia.com]<br />[https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com]
}}
'''Luanda Lia de Hilster''' (born September 29, 2005), known professionally as '''Luanda Lia''', is a Brazilian-American musical theatre actress, singer and dancer. She is studying for a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma, where her roles have included Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' and Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes''.<ref name="luandalia">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/ |title=Luanda Lia |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref><ref name="bio">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/bio/ |title=Bio |website=luanda.dehilster.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

== Name ==
"Luandalia" is her first and middle names run together. Since 2025 she has used '''Luanda Lia''' as her professional name, and it is also the name of her website (luandalia.com) and social media accounts.<ref name="luandalia" />

== Early life ==
Luanda was born in Torrance, California, to [[David de Hilster]] and his Brazilian wife, [[Doris de Hilster|Doris]]. Her birth is documented in her father's feature documentary ''Einstein Wrong – The Miracle Year''.<ref name="bio" /> She grew up in the Los Angeles area and studied ballet and tap in Long Beach from the age of five. Her parents led a Brazilian samba school in California, so she grew up around samba music and dance.<ref name="bio" /><ref name="talent">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Nurturing a Natural Talent |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2018-09-11}}</ref> She holds dual U.S. and Brazilian citizenship and speaks and sings in Portuguese.<ref name="bio" />

In 2014 the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida.<ref name="bio" />

== Education ==
* '''Boca Raton Community Middle School''', Boca Raton, Florida (to 2019): co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe
* '''Boca Raton Community High School''', Boca Raton, Florida (2019–2023)
* '''University of Central Oklahoma''', Edmond, Oklahoma (2023–): '''Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre''' (expected May 2027)

=== Training ===
* [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]], Boca Raton: classes, teen and adult productions, camp counsellor
* [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]], Boca Raton (2020–2023), under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]: College Prep Conservatory and College Audition Project
* Broadway Artist Intensive (2022, 2023)

At Boca Raton Community Middle School she was co-president of the Junior Thespian troupe. She attended Boca Raton Community High School from 2019 to 2023.<ref name="bio" /> Outside school she trained at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]] in Boca Raton, run by [[Marilyn Perry]], and from 2020 to 2023 studied at [[Taylor Made Dance & Theatre]] under [[Angela Morando-Taylor]]. There she took part in its college-preparation conservatory and the College Audition Project, and in 2022 she received the studio's Dot Taylor Scholarship and was named Head Studio Captain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Wins Taylor Made Scholarship & Named Head Studio Captain |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-30}}</ref> She also attended the Broadway Artist Intensive in 2022 and 2023.<ref name="resume">{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/resume-2/ |title=Resume |website=luandalia.com |access-date=2026-11-06}}</ref>

In fall 2023 she entered the musical theatre program at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre, expected in 2027.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-to-study-musical-theater-at-the-university-of-central-oklahoma/ |title=Luanda to Study Musical Theater at the University of Central Oklahoma |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref><ref name="resume" />

== Career ==
=== Florida (2017–2023) ===
Luanda's early roles were in school and community musicals in Boca Raton. They included the Sour Kangaroo in ''Seussical'', Sebastian in ''The Little Mermaid'', and Alexi Darling in ''Rent'' with an adult cast at [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]].<ref name="bio" /> In December 2019 she played Heather McNamara in ''Heathers'' at Showtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Lands Supporting Role in Heathers |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Straight after ''Heathers'' she was cast as Patrice, the female lead, in Showtime's spring 2020 production of Jason Robert Brown's ''13'', a musical that had helped launch the career of another Boca Raton teenager, Ariana Grande.<ref name="lu13">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/?p=455 |title=Luanda Lands Female Lead in the Musical "13" |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2019-12-30}}</ref> Rehearsals were under way, and Showtime released trailers in February and March 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut the theatre before the April opening and the production was never staged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHCGpLFVhc |title="13" The Musical Trailer 2 - Showtime Performing Arts Theatre |website=YouTube (Showtime Performing Arts Theatre) |date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

At Boca Raton High School she played Kathryn Schaub in ''Radium Girls'' (2021), Mrs. Tottendale in ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (2022) and Minnie Fay in ''Hello, Dolly!'' (2023). For the last two roles she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Dream Awards, the Palm Beach County high school musical theatre awards held at the Kravis Center.<ref name="dream22">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Nominated for Best Supporting Actress |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2022-05-16}}</ref><ref name="dream23">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/ |title=Luanda Earns Dream Awards Nomination for a Second Year |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2023-05-10}}</ref> She also won Superior ratings and perfect scores at Florida District and State Thespian competitions.<ref name="bio" />

=== Oklahoma (2023–present) ===
Her first UCO performance was the '''New Broncho Showcase''' in September 2023, a showcase for the incoming musical theatre class held at the Boathouse District in Oklahoma City. Faculty choreographer Michael Lomeka chose her as one of its two dance captains, and she performed his original choreography in the number "Adolpho".<ref name="fresh">{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-lands-first-musical-theater-roles-at-uco-as-a-freshman/ |title=Luanda Lands First Musical Theater Roles at UCO as a Freshman |author=David de Hilster |website=luanda.dehilster.com |date=2024-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.uco.edu/cfadevents/2023/09/21/new-broncho-showcase/ |title=New Broncho Showcase |website=University of Central Oklahoma – College of Fine Arts and Design events |date=2023-09-21}}</ref> At UCO she has appeared in ''Legally Blonde'' (2024) and as a Merry Murderess and dance captain in ''Chicago'' (2026), directed by Nathan Peck.<ref name="resume" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-named-dance-captain-in-chicago-production-by-director-nathan-peck/ |title=Luanda Lia Named Dance Captain in Chicago Production by Director Nathan Peck |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> She was assistant director of ''City of Angels'' (2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-named-assistant-director-for-city-of-angels-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Named Assistant Director for City of Angels at UCO |website=luandalia.com}}</ref> Her first lead role at UCO was Miss Adelaide in ''Guys and Dolls'' at Mitchell Hall in September 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luanda.dehilster.com/luanda-gets-first-lead-at-uco/ |title=Luanda Gets First Lead at UCO |website=luanda.dehilster.com}}</ref> In fall 2026 she was double-cast as Reno Sweeney in ''Anything Goes'', part of Mitchell Hall's centennial season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-cast-as-reno-sweeney-in-anything-goes/ |title=Luanda Lia Cast as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

Her professional work in Oklahoma includes:
* Bailey in ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' at the Oklahoma Railway Museum (2024)<ref name="resume" />
* Directing and choreographing a Christmas production for Hobby Lobby's creative division (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-lia-tapped-to-direct-and-choreograph-hobby-lobby-christmas-number/ |title=Luanda Lia Tapped to Direct and Choreograph Hobby Lobby Christmas Number |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>
* Her debut with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, as a swing in ''Annie'' at the Civic Center Music Hall (June 2026)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://luandalia.com/luanda-joins-the-cast-of-annie-at-the-okc-civic-center/ |title=Luanda Joins the Cast of Annie at the OKC Civic Center |website=luandalia.com}}</ref>

== Selected credits ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Production !! Role !! Venue / company
|-
| 2017 || ''Seussical'' || Sour Kangaroo || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2018 || ''Bye Bye Birdie'' || Mrs. McAfee || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''The Little Mermaid'' || Sebastian || Boca Raton Community Middle School
|-
| 2019 || ''Rent'' (school edition) || Alexi Darling / ensemble || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2019 || ''Heathers'' || Heather McNamara || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]
|-
| 2020 || ''13'' || Patrice (female lead) || [[Showtime Performing Arts Theatre]]; cancelled before opening due to COVID-19
|-
| 2021 || ''Jekyll & Hyde'' || Red Rat Dancer || Boca Raton High School (streamed)
|-
| 2021 || ''Radium Girls'' || Kathryn Schaub || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2022 || ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' || Mrs. Tottendale || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''Hello, Dolly!'' || Minnie Fay || Boca Raton High School
|-
| 2023 || ''New Broncho Showcase'' || Dance captain; featured dancer ("Adolpho") || University of Central Oklahoma, Boathouse District, Oklahoma City
|-
| 2024 || ''Legally Blonde'' || Kate / Kiki / Judge || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2024 || ''The Polar Express Train Ride'' || Bailey || Oklahoma Railway Museum
|-
| 2025 || ''City of Angels'' || Assistant director || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2025 || ''Guys and Dolls'' || Miss Adelaide || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Chicago'' || Merry Murderess; dance captain || University of Central Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Annie'' || Swing || Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
|-
| 2026 || ''Anything Goes'' || Reno Sweeney || University of Central Oklahoma
|}

== Honors ==
* Dream Awards nominee, Best Supporting Actress: 2022 (''The Drowsy Chaperone'') and 2023 (''Hello, Dolly!'')<ref name="dream22" /><ref name="dream23" />
* Dot Taylor Scholarship, Taylor Made Dance & Theatre (2022)
* Superior ratings at Florida District and State Thespian festivals (2019–2022)<ref name="bio" />

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://luandalia.com Luanda Lia] – official website
* [https://luanda.dehilster.com luanda.dehilster.com] – earlier website and news archive (2017–2025)
* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVKEEJqCdyV-wZCKUj7LHm9C2U0IMyJIY ''Guys and Dolls'' (UCO, 2025)]: performance playlist on YouTube, as Miss Adelaide
* [https://youtu.be/mI1kUnRGg5s Reel – Fall 2025] on YouTube

{{DEFAULTSORT:De Hilster, Luanda}}
[[Category:Theatre artists]]
[[Category:Musicians and singers]]
[[Category:Dancers]]
[[Category:Living people]]