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Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences. 

Meet The Staff

Brian Lynch (Director)

​Brian is thrilled for his fourth summer at Firebird Theatre! You may have seen him last summer at Finding Nemo Kids or Legally Blonde Jr, but this year’s all about Willy Wonka Jr. Brian is incredibly thankful for the chance to direct this show. Outside of Firebird, Brian teaches middle school music and orchestra and loves playing in pit orchestras. He’d like to thank his girlfriend, Jenna, and his cat, Slinky.

Olivia Withers (Assistant DIrector)

​Olivia Withers is a passionate and dedicated theatre artist who will be attending Westchester University following her recent graduation. She has spent the past several summers and winters working with Firebird Theatre, contributing to numerous productions including Finding Nemo Kids, James and the Giant Peach Jr., Twas the Week After Christmas, and The Aristocats Kids. Olivia has held a variety of key roles such as Stage Manager, Junior Intern, Music Director, and Hair & Makeup Designer, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the performing arts.

Logan Schlitt (Choreographer)

​Logan Schlitt is so excited to be back for her second summer working at Firebird Theatre. She is a rising junior at the University of Notre Dame studying Psychology & Theatre with a minor in Musical Theatre. She has choreographed and directed for local children’s theater companies for the past five summers. She is thrilled to be a part of the 101 Dalmatians, Willy Wonka, Mean Girls, and Moana production teams this season! Lastly, she wants to thank Firebird for supporting her since her first show in 2015. 

Cora Heiser (Music Director)

​Cora is excited to be returning to summer staff! She has previously worked on Seussical Kids (2022), Descendants Jr (2023), Finding Nemo Kids (2024), and James and the Giant Peach Jr (2024). Though she has only been working for the past few years, Cora has been performing with Firebird Theater since 2016. Some highlights over the years have been Aunty Em/Medusa in The Lightning Thief, Andrina in The Little Mermaid Jr and Coach Bolton in High School Music Jr. Currently, she is pursuing a BM in Music Education at West Chester University.

Paige Alaishuski (Stage Manager)

Paige Alaishuski is happy to be back for her fourth year on the Firebird summer staff! She just completed her first year towards a BFA in Musical Theatre at the CAP21 conservatory in NYC and is excited to share her newfound knowledge with students. Some of her favorite shows she’s worked on have been Finding Nemo: KIDS and James and the Giant Peach Jr. last year. She also enjoys being the one ON the stage, having played Roxie Hart in Chicago, Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby (her personal favorites). She can’t wait to get started this summer and is ready to have a blast!​

Forrest Riley (Assistant Music Director)

​Forrest Riley (he/they) is a rising sophomore Theatre and Biology double major at Dickinson College. Here and throughout his years at Spring-Ford High School, he has acted and student-directed in many school productions, and is now actively taking acting and directing courses and receiving a well-rounded education in theatre. Having been in Firebird camps and productions for over a decade, they are thrilled to be back and working as an intern! 

Caroline Fitzgerald (JR Intern)

​Caroline Fitzgerald is excited to be back for her second season with Firebird. Last summer she worked on Finding Nemo Kids and had an incredible experience. Outside of theater she both plays and coaches ice hockey. This summer she is working on both 101 Dalmatians Kids and Willy Wonka Kids. 

Corwen Kemp (Costumes)

​Corwen Kemp is a rising senior at Methacton High School, and is very excited to be working with Firebird Theatre for the second summer in a row!  They love art, and will be taking AP Art for the second time next year.  Corwen is planning on going to college for costume design, and is very grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the costuming process!  They would like to thank their Mom for all of her support in the past year.

Evie Sullivan (Costumes)