Jeremy Homesley is incredibly honored to serve as Artistic Director for the 72nd season of Horn in the West! After spending the 71st season leading the company as Dr. Geoffrey Stuart, he is excited to step into this new role as well. Most notably, Jeremy has spent eight seasons “down the mountain” with Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama in Kings Mountain, NC – having originated the role of Major Patrick Ferguson in the 2014 world premiere (then reprising the role in 2015, 2017, 2022 & 2023). He has also had the privilege to spend several seasons (2016, 2018 & 2019) as the Liberty Mountain patriarch, Silas Martin. A North Carolina native, Jeremy's regional credits include title roles in both Mark Twain's The Diaries of Adam and Eve and Robin Hood, as well as the Liberty Mountain Second Stage production of 1776 (Thomas Jefferson). He has also served as the Director for several projects through his company Project Local, an educational non-profit. Learn more at www.projectlocalinc.com.

Ashley DeMar is an actor, writer, recording artist, and arts educator, who is thrilled to serve as Assistant Artistic Director, Music Director, and in the role of Martha Stuart for the 72nd season of Horn in the West! Originally from New York, Ashley holds a BFA in Theater Performance from Niagara University. Performance credits include the 71st season of Horn in the West (Martha Stuart), four consecutive seasons with Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama (Priscilla Martin), three touring productions with Merry-Go-Round Youth Theatre, Mark Twain's The Diaries of Adam and Eve (Eve), Robin Hood (Maid Marian), Into the Woods (The Witch), 1776 (Martha Jefferson) and Twelfth Night (Viola). Ashley also serves as Assistant Artistic Director and Music Director for Liberty Mountain - The Revolutionary Drama. Additionally, she has worked as a teaching artist for over 10 years, and currently for Gaston County Schools as a K-5 Art Teacher. Here, together with her husband, she also helps to manage the family farm and serves as Director of Operations for the educational non-profit Project Local. Big love to her husband Jeremy, and their son Roan, for saying a full-bodied “yes” to this adventure. PS Listen to her debut Celtic music EP Going Home on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube!

Shiloh Loveless is a dynamic force in theatre, known for her versatility and passion. Since high school, Shiloh has captivated audiences both on and off stage. She began as an actor, playing roles like Little Red Riding Hood in "Into the Woods Junior" and Rapunzel in "Rapunzel Uncut," but soon discovered her true calling in production stage management.

Shiloh excels in stage management, costume design, and sound and light operation. Her notable credits include stage managing "The Twilight Zone," "Around the World in 80 Days," and "Working! A Musical." Returning for her second year at Horn, Shiloh's passion for theatre remains strong, evident in her backstage expertise and creative contributions.

Outside the theatre, Shiloh is active in her local community and works in the medical field. She also enjoys painting, drawing, and woodburning, bringing the same enthusiasm and dedication to her artistic projects as she does to her theatrical work.

Their third year with the company, Piper is thrilled to take on the role of Assistant Stage Manager. Previously a dancer and ensemble member, they are excited to bring their experience to this new position. Later this year, they will be performing for their third year at the Land of Oz and recently portrayed a Cowboy at Tweetsie Railroad. Piper would like to thank Archie, Ducky, and Andre for their support.

Brian embarked on his theatrical career at Horn in the West in 1984. Starting as an usher and stage extra during his high school years, he quickly rose to the roles of Master Carpenter and Pyrotechnician, spending three dedicated years with the production.

While pursuing his academic endeavors at Wake Forest University, Brian's passion for Horn in the West and Hickory Ridge Museum remained steadfast. During his time in Alaska, he nurtured his connection to these cherished places through visits back to Boone. Alongside his biology pursuits, Brian honed his skills in gunsmithing and machining at Montgomery Community College, fueling his fascination with 18th-century firearms.

Back in Boone, Brian returns to the embrace of Horn in the West and Hickory Ridge Museum. With his extensive experience and unwavering dedication, he brings an authentic touch to this beloved production.

Jacob, a North Carolina native, has traversed the varied landscapes of the state, ultimately finding his home near Boone. Embarking on his third season with Hickory Ridge Museum and Horn in the West, Jacob's passion lies in metalworking and the pursuit of his education in this craft. Alongside his theatrical endeavors, he diligently nurtures his shop and studio, honing his skills and creating remarkable works of art.

With an MFA from Baylor University and an MA from Louisiana Tech University, David's academic background reflects his dedication to the art of theater. Currently serving as the Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Arkansas, he imparts his knowledge and passion to aspiring artists. As our fight director, David ensures that every action-packed scene comes to life with precision and authenticity.

Doug comes to SAHA and Horn in the West after retiring to the High Country from a 50-year career as a broadcast system engineer. Doug has worked for public broadcasting services GE, Americon, and Prime Star Partners. Doug also does sound and other tech with Blue Ridge Community Theater. Doug is excited to be working with SAHA and Horn in the West.

Mia is a rising Senior studying Musical Theatre at the University of West Florida. Originally, from Jacksonville, FL, she grew up dancing from age 2 and performing locally around Jacksonville her whole life. Her recent credits at UWF include: The Drowsy Chaperone (Trix/Dance Captain), Rocky Horror Picture Show (Columbia) and Nine (Mama Maddelena). Other credits include: A Chorus Line at Dr. Phillips Center (Diana U/S), Cabaret off Broadway at Pensacola Little Theatre (Eliza Hamilton) and Kinky Boots at Players by the Sea (Nicola). Mia is so excited to be making her HITW and Choreography debut for a full length production!

Roberta Greene had the theatre bug planted at a young age by her brother who inspired her to obtain her degree in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Lighting Design and Production Management. She received this from Radford University, studying under Carl Lefko, Monica Weinzapfel, Chuck Hayes, and David Wheeler. Her college bestie Aaron, for whom without their love, training, encouragement, life lessons, and support through college, made continuing theatre after college possible.

Most recently, Roberta relocated from the Raleigh area where she worked at Stageworks Lighting. She has worked for the City of Raleigh as a Theatre Technician for the last fifteen years in various venues and various backstage roles.

With great enthusiasm, this is Breanne’s fourth season with Horn in the West and first year as Head Costumer. She primarily works at Hickory Ridge History Museum. She encourages anyone curious about the history of this area to come visit our cabins and walk through over 100 years of High Country history!

Holly Peele is from Manteo, North Carolina. She is a recent graduate from Appalachian State University, with a degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising. Art has always been her passion from a young age, including dance, which she started at the age of 3. Her family has always supported Holly and fostered her creativity in all aspects of life. They are her biggest motivation, along with her 18 year old cat named Clarabelle.

Maya Vazquez is a rising sophomore pursuing her BFA in Theater Design and Production at Coastal Carolina University. Maya has worked in various aspects of Technical Theatre for the past 6 years. Her most recent credits include Wardrobe Head for Three Sisters, Props Coordinator for Cabaret, and Assistant Stage Manager for Saturday Night Sunday Morning. She is very excited for this opportunity to work with Horn in the West!

Scott M. Loveless, from Rocky Mount, NC, is in his seventh season with Horn in the West, notably portraying Daniel Boone for five years. Scott's versatile acting includes roles in A Christmas Carol, Around the World in 80 Days, and Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest.

Scott's theatre journey is enriched by a decade of military service, including a tour in Iraq. He won Best Actor in a Drama from the German Community Theater Association and reached the international finals of Military Idol, a competition with American Idol.

Outside the theatre, Scott enjoys guiding horseback trail rides at Dutch Creek Trails near Boone. His story reflects the transformative power of theatre and a spirit of adventure both on and off the stage.

John Galas (Reverand Sims) - John is thrilled to be joining his first production at Horn in the West!

Previous Credits include: Circumference of a Squirrel (Chester), Igor (Young Frankenstein), Franz Liebkind (The Producers), Guys and Dolls (Big Jule), Equus (Dr. Dysart), Peter and the Starcatcher (Smee) and Fiddler on the Roof (Avram). He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University and his MFA in Acting from the University of Georgia. Currently, John is a Professor of Theatre at High Point University. All the love to his friends, family, and especially his Gingeraffe!

Jenny is a native of Watauga County and is returning for her 42nd season with her Horn family. She joined the staff selling programs at the age of 14 but was destined to be on the stage. First as a villager, then as a dancer, chorus member, and 7 years as choral director.

Jenny's dedication to Horn in the West extends beyond her role as a performer. She is joined on stage by her son, Dave, and her granddaughter, Bethany, creating a multi-generational connection and enriching the production with their collective talent and family bond.

Chris Morrow, a versatile talent originally hailing from Angier NC, is returning for his sixth season at Horn in the West to once again portray the imposing and morally dubious Captain Mackenzie.

After he earned his BA in Vocal Performance & Theatre from Campbell University, Chris ventured west and began working and living in the High Country region for nearly a decade. An SAFD Certified Actor/Combatant and also a Brown Belt in Sil-Lum Kung Fu, Chris is committed to physicality and discipline and is well-versed in both stage combat as well as actual self-defense. Chris's artistic contributions also extend to the world of film, having served as the Stunt Coordinator, Actor, and Key Grip for the local short film, Blood Is My Fate. Additionally, he brings a wealth of experience from his time as a cowboy at Tweetsie Railroad.

Pryor is very excited to return to the mountain for his second year as Jack Stuart and to see some familiar and unfamiliar faces this summer.

He is a Junior at Appalachian State University studying biology and hopes to pursue a career in zoology working with animals. Pryor would like to thank his directors and fellow actors for giving him a summer to remember. He would also like to thank his family for constantly supporting him and hopes his little sister and mother will forgive him for reprising this role.

James is super excited to return to the Horn for the 2nd consecutive year and his 8th overall. He is proud to portray Chief Attakullakullah and be part of the ensemble as well as be Rev. Sims understudy. He has also appeared in the outdoor drama From This Day Forward in Valdese NC for 18 years.

He is celebrating 40 years on stage this year and sincerely hopes you enjoy tonight's show!!!

Olivia Stegall is a Boone local currently attending East Carolina University where she will graduate in the fall with a BFA in acting. Olivia has spent seven years performing as Dorothy at Land of Oz N.C., and two seasons entertaining guests at Tweetsie Railroad. She most recently portrayed Eve in Project Local’s production of Mark Twain’s The Diaries of Adam and Eve. Other credits include Eurydice, The Play That Goes Wrong, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She is excited to return for her second season as Mary Greene! A fun fact about Olivia is that she juggles clubs!

Taylor Osborne is from State Road, NC but moved to Boone in 2018 to attend Appalachian State University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in 2019 and a master’s degree in 2021 in Public History. Taylor is also an Adjunct Instructor of First Year Seminar at Appalachian State.

This is his third year in Horn in the West. He has worked for Hickory Ridge History Museum since September of 2018 where he is the Senior Historical Interpreter and Museum Event Coordinator. In his spare time, he has been a reenactor since 2016 with the 6th North Carolina Regiment of the Continental Line, he is also on the Board of Directors for North Carolina Historical Reenactment Society and The Overmountain Victory Trail Association. Taylor also enjoys doing first person portrayals of Revolutionary War figures like Nathanael Greene, William Tryon, and Lord Cornwallis.

Mia is a rising Senior studying Musical Theatre at the University of West Florida. Originally, from Jacksonville, FL, she grew up dancing from age 2 and performing locally around Jacksonville her whole life. Her recent credits at UWF include: The Drowsy Chaperone (Trix/Dance Captain), Rocky Horror Picture Show (Columbia) and Nine (Mama Maddelena). Other credits include: A Chorus Line at Dr. Phillips Center (Diana U/S), Cabaret off Broadway at Pensacola Little Theatre (Eliza Hamilton) and Kinky Boots at Players by the Sea (Nicola). Mia is so excited to be making her HITW and Choreography debut for a full length production!

Ian has been part of Horn in the West since 2019 (except 2023) and has represented Tsiyu Gansini/Dragging-Canoe from the get-go, starting off as Understudy. He has spent the last three years with JurassicQuest as a travelling paleontologist and educator under the moniker "Ranger Lee". His favorite dinosaur is the Ceratosaurus, a mid-sized Jurassic carnivore.

Carsten is a full time Aviation Student at Liberty University Online while working full time in the town of Boone. He has a passion for performance and most recently was Bigfoot at Tweetsie Ghost Train! Hobbies include Singing, Running, and Bike Racing. He is looking forward to his 1st season with Horn In The West.

Davis Bare grew up in Pensacola, Florida, and theatre has always been a big part of his life. He is currently pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at the University of West Florida. This is his Horn in the West debut, and he's glad to be spending his summer in North Carolina doing what he loves. Some of his favorite past roles include Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone, Squidward in The SpongeBob Musical, and Moonface Martin in Anything Goes. He'd like to thank Mom, Dad, Conner, Jackson, Beatrice, and his past and present educators for their continued support.

Brandon Pendley is a Georgia based actor whose previous credits include productions with Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama, The Lost Colony and The Murder Mystery Company.

He would like to thank Artistic Director Jeremy Homesley for reaching out for this opportunity to perform for the final weeks of the 2024 season.

Nick Trusty is thrilled to be working with SAHA for the first time for Horn in the West. An actor trained at James Madison University, acting credits include Leonce in Leonce und Lena at JMU, Svec in Once at JMU, various characters in The Laramie Project at Little Theatre of Alexandria, and many more. Additionally, Nick has musical experience, having played drums and guitar for Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812 at Eastern Mennonite University, guitar/mandolin/ukelele/drums as an actor/musician in Once at JMU, and guitar for Love’s Labor’s Lost at St. Mark’s Players. Nick has also had two ten-minute plays staged at James Madison University at the festival D-Fest in 2022. He would like to thank his parents for their unwavering support and his partner Katie for her faith and endless love.

Dr. Don Presnell is a Senior Lecturer in First Year Seminar at Appalachian State University. He has written two books (so far): A Critical History of Television's The Twilight Zone and Wandering the Wild Wild West: A Critical Analysis of the CBS Television Series. Don is a Watauga County native and was born just up the road in the former Watauga County Hospital (now Watson-Brumit Hall at App State).

Corrie is studying theatre at North Greenville University. Her recent roles include Ma Kirby in The Happy Journey to Trenton and Camden and Mrs. Soames in Our Town. After graduation, she plans to pursue a MFA in acting or directing. She hopes to one day teach theatre at the college level. This summer she is creating a solo show and working on a first draft of a historical novel set during the Civil War. She loves to tell stories from history and is thrilled to be part of this season of HITW. She would like to thank her family and professors for their shared knowledge, love and support.

Emma is thrilled to be making her debut with Horn in the West this summer. She is a native of North Carolina and divides her time between the mountains and the coast. With a passion for acting ignited at a young age, Emma has always been drawn to performing. In college and beyond Emma dove into the world of theatre with local productions of Not Now, Darling, You Can’t Take It With You, The Good Doctor, The Foreigner, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She has performed regularly at a murder mystery dinner theater and as a background actor for films. In addition to her work on stage, she relishes doing stand-up comedy and improv. Emma brings confidence, poise, and a wealth of life experiences to the stage. She is a proud veteran of the Army as an Air Traffic Controller and in recent years became a world traveler, having visited parts of Asia, Europe, and South America. It is this zest for adventure that keeps Emma energized, youthful, and ready for her next experience with the extraordinary cast and crew of Horn in the West!

Phoebe Atkins is a theatre performance student at Appalachian State University with hopes to establish work as a professional actor. Her most recent roles include Miss Gardner in App State’s Carrie: The Musical and Janet Weiss in Alpha Psi Omega’s (a collegiate theatre honors fraternity) Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadowcast. This is her first time performing with Horn in the West, and she is beyond excited to have fun in the world of outdoor theatre!

In her work, Phoebe strives to diversify her experiences as a storyteller, amplifying the voices of the multitudes of people that theatrical art aims to represent. When she’s not performing, she loves to spend time exploring the outdoors or reading books alongside her cat, Ginger.

Phillip Dyke is a proud husband, father, and new grandfather, making his Horn in the West debut. He has a long and varied career in both educational and regional theatre as a director, actor, designer, teacher, carpenter, and artist. Phillip lives in northern California between the Pacific and the redwoods. He is currently a bespoke cabinetry and furniture designer.

Tina Nakata is a university student studying BFA Musical Theatre at Nazareth University. She is a proud Asian young artist born in Tokyo, Japan, speaks two languages fluently, and is beyond excited to join her first professional production with Horn in the West!

Her previous theatre credits include Everybody (Somebody), Hit the Wall (Peg/Madeline Swing), and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Puck). Her upcoming show is Nazareth University's main stage production of Cabaret as Fritzie in November 2024.

She is thankful for Jeremy for this amazing opportunity, and her parents, Graham, and her friends for their endless support.

Hailing from Banner Elk, NC, Andrea Lang brings a worldly perspective to her role at Horn in the West. Having lived in France, the Philippine Islands, Japan, and Spain, Andrea's diverse experiences have shaped her understanding of different cultures and enriched her storytelling abilities. With a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of the South (Sewanee) and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida, she enjoyed a successful career as a lawyer in Florida for four decades. Now, a certified mediator specializing in family law cases, Andrea continues to foster harmony and resolution. This marks Andrea's third season with Horn in the West, where her passion for theater and her multifaceted background converge, promising an unforgettable performance.

Hollyann Gardner is thrilled to be part of the Horn in the West company for the first time! This past spring, she graduated from Anderson University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, along with a minor in psychology. Hollyann's favorite past roles include Frenchy in Grease, Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka, and Mrs. Mayor in Seussical. This fall, she will begin studying for a Master's degree in counseling to become a licensed therapist, while pursuing theatrical opportunities whenever possible! She would like to give a huge thank you to her family, friends, and teachers for their support. All glory to God! 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Dulce is a passionate person who loves to learn and enjoys a challenge. She is currently pursuing her chemistry degree with a minor in studio art from Appalachian State University. In her free time she enjoys reading fantasy books, hiking, and making art. She believes that a fulfilling life is one with shared experiences and she is ready for the adventures with Horn in The West!

Tahlia Clark is an actor from Chattanooga Tennessee who recently graduated with her AFA in Theatre Performance. Some of her past roles include Cecily Cardew in The Importance of Being Earnest, The Queen of the Fairies in Iolanthe, and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Apart from performing, Tahlia enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and traveling.

Fun fact: she started growing out her hair as a kid so that she could be a mermaid. She’s still waiting….

Evan Lacy, a proud native of Boone, is excitedly gearing up for his second season in Horn In The West. In addition to acting, Evan is a talented writer, filmmaker, and musician. His debut novel, "First Date," is now available on Amazon under his name. His fourth film, "We Can Work It Out" (2024), is currently in production.

Teaming up with his friend Max Midgett, Evan forms one half of Sandshone, a local alternative rock duo with a truly unique sound. Their two albums, available now on Spotify and Apple Music, offer a mesmerizing fusion of songs from genres such as rock, folk, reggae, doo-wop, and electronica. This distinctive mix not only showcases their versatility but also promises to pique the interest of any music lover.

This is Avery’s third season with Horn in the West. He is super excited to be back up on stage with rest of the amazing cast and crew.

Avery is enjoying what Jeremy is bringing to the table this season!

Lucy Weaver is a native of Hickory, NC, and a 2020 graduate of UNC Asheville, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Classical Vocal Performance. Her most recent credits include GODSPELL (Turn Back O Man) at Foothill's Performing Arts, ANASTASIA (Marfa/Ensemble), and the debut musical ZAZZIE SING'S (Rex the Rat) at Hickory Community Theater. Lucy also won Hickory Community Theater's Kay Award for Best Lead Actress for her portrayal of Grace O'Malley in THE PIRATE QUEEN. She is excited to be joining the cast of Horn in the West this summer and would like to thank the cast and crew for this wonderful opportunity.

This is Abbi Freeman's second season in Horn in the West since last year when fellow cast members and friends David and Luanne got her involved. Though she is newer to acting via Horn in the West, she has had years of musical experience in Appalachian State's Treble Choir and App Chorale, as well as local choral groups back in her hometown of Mount Airy. When she isn't singing in the ensemble for Horn, she is visiting with her family from Perkinsville Church, writing, singing to herself in the kitchen, working in flowers at Bouquet Florist, or, most likely of all, teaching 5th grade English and American history at Grace Academy here in Boone. Thank you for coming to enjoy and support the show!

Luanne Williams, a proud Boone resident, is back for another season of Horn in the West. Luanne brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, having graduated from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the Campbell University School of Pharmacy. After a successful career as a pharmacist at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, Maggie now embraces her passion for the performing arts. Her dedication to music extends beyond her involvement in adult choirs, as she has also spent a decade teaching children’s choir. This marks Luanne’s fourth season with the Horn in the West, and her presence continues to enrich the production. We are thrilled to have Maggie as part of our talented ensemble, sharing her love for music and her community with each performance.

David resides in Boone but is originally from Advance, NC He is a North Carolina State University graduate. This is David's fourth season with the Horn, but he has been part of choirs and choral groups for more than 30 years. He is the Director of the Division of Soil & Water Conservation for the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He also toured for a year with the North Carolina Baptist Singers.

Elliana Seyller is delighted to return to the stage with Horn in the West! Hailing from the picturesque town of Blowing Rock, she is a Junior at Mountain View Christian Academy. When she's not performing, Elliana loves to express her creativity through music, singing with the youth worship band at her church, and through baking, whipping up a storm in the kitchen with her latest culinary creations.

Elliana is looking forward to sharing her passion for performance with the audience and being a part of this summer's exciting production!

Josiah Seyller is thrilled to join the cast of Horn in the West this summer! A resident of beautiful Blowing Rock, he is an 8th grader at Mountain View Christian Academy. In his free time, Josiah enjoys coding and outdoor sports, always looking for new challenges. He's excited to bring his energy and enthusiasm to the stage and be part of this unique production!

Haley Greene, an exceptional rising sixth grader, is back on the stage at Horn in the West for her second year. Haley brings with her a wealth of experience in acting and singing, which she has pursued since the tender age of three. Haley’s journey in the performing arts has taken her through various notable productions, including roles such as a pirate in Peter Pan Jr., Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh Jr., and Mrs. Woodworm in Matilda Jr. She enjoys singing, dancing, cheerleading, and gymnastics in her free time. She considers it an incredible honor to collaborate with the talented cast and crew of Horn in the West.

Roan Michael DeMar Homesley is excited to return for his second year at Horn in the West! He has spent the last four years as a member of the ensemble in Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama in Kings Mountain, North Carolina (plus one season in utero!) Roan is a rising first grader who loves math, music class and lunch. He is thrilled to be spending the summer under the stars with the best of friends!

Bethany, a vibrant and talented young lady, is thrilled to return to Horn in the West for her fourth season. Sharing the stage with her Gran, Jenny Cole, who portrays Widow Howard, Bethany is part of a remarkable three-generation ensemble, creating unforgettable moments of family connection. Bethany’s enthusiasm and passion for performing shine through in every scene. She brings an infectious energy to the stage, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent and love for the craft. Off stage, Bethany’s favorite color is pink, reflecting her vibrant and joyful personality. She also finds inspiration in the music of Taylor Swift.