Wizard of Oz Cast Bios
Rick Payne
Director/Choreographer/Costumer/Wig Master
Rick is the Artistic Director for the Paramount Arts Center. With his theatrical work ranging from Shakespeare to rock opera, Rick is the 2016 Southeastern Theatre Conference’s (SETC’s) award recipient of Outstanding Achievement in a Musical Performance, the five-time Paramount Joe Awards recipient of Outstanding Direction, the two-time Paramount Joe Awards recipient of Best Supporting Actor, the two-time Paramount Joe Awards recipient of Outstanding Costuming, the Paramount Joe Awards recipient of Outstanding Dance, a nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor by the International Music and Entertainment Association (IMEA), and received the 2021 Friend of Music Award from the Kentucky Music Educators Association. Rick has directed/co-directed, costumed, choreographed, and/or performed many shows. Some of his favorite roles include Hairspray (Seaweed), Footloose (Chuck Cranston), Legally Blonde (Sandeep Padamadan/Nikos Argitacos), Grease (Johnny Casino/Teen Angel), CATS (Old Deuteronomy), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oberon), Rent (Tom Collins), and The Full Monty (Horse). He was born in Ironton, OH, received his BA and BS from Ohio University, and his MA from the University of Dayton.
Sidney Wolfe
as Dorothy
Sidney is thrilled to be following the yellow brick road in this dream role! Favorite credits include Barb (Stranger Sings), Sally Bowles (Cabaret), Anastasia (Anastasia), Natalie Goodman (Next to Normal), Cain/Yonah (Children of Eden), and Sue Snell (Carrie). She sends endless thanks to her supportive friends and family, and a special thank-you to her grandmother, who lovingly made her dress for this production.
Tyler Kinser
as The Scarecrow & Hunk
A native of Belfry, KY, Tyler began performing at 17, traveling over an hour each day to rehearse. Now celebrating 9 years in theatre, notable roles include Rum Tum Tugger (CATS), Angel (RENT), and Lonny Barnett (Rock of Ages). He previously played the Scarecrow in HART’s Wizard of Oz: Young Performers Edition, where he met his now fiancé, Levi. Tyler is honored to share the stage with Levi and dedicates this performance to him.
Matt Hammond
as Tinman & Hickory
Matthew Hammond is the Director of Education and voice instructor at the Paramount Arts Center. Matthew received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Morehead State University, his Master’s degree from The University of Kentucky in Arts Administration, and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership. He also proudly serves as the Choir Director at the First United Methodist Church of Ashland.
Mr. Hammond has won several local theatre awards and served as the of President of Choirs for MSU. Directing, Acting, Music Directing in nearly 100 productions, Matthew’s life has been defined by the performing arts. Some of his favorite productions have included: Into the Woods(MD/Baker), Next to Normal (MD/Henry), Descendants (MD), Wizard of Oz (Director), The Magic Flute (Tamino), Legally Blonde (Emmett), Forever Plaid (Jinx), You’re a good man Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), and The Wedding Singer (Various Roles/MD). He is a two-time Grammy nominated music educator, and a member Kentucky Theatre Association executive board, serving as secretary of the organization. Additionally, Matthew has completed musical tours to Italy and Spain, winning two gold medals in the Musica Eterna Roma Competition in 2016. He is determined to create artistic opportunities for his home state of Kentucky, and those surrounding it. Most proudly, Matthew is the husband of Leslie Hammond and the owner of a German Shepherd named Riku.
Levi Kelley
as The Cowardly Lion
Levi is thrilled to return as the Lion, a role he previously played in 2016 and directed in 2021—where he met his fiancé, Tyler. This marks his fourth production of The Wizard of Oz. Paramount credits include Mark (RENT – 2024 Joe Award, Best Lead Actor), Bob Wallace (White Christmas), Edna Turnblad (Hairspray), Miss Trunchbull (Matilda), and Dustin (Stranger Sings). He is overjoyed to be back “over the rainbow” and sharing the stage with Tyler.
Toto Sanders
as Toto
This 8-year-old pup is making his pawsome stage debut! Born in May 2017, Toto loves the spotlight, belly rubs, and treats. He is lovingly guided by his mommy/handler, Shelby, and enjoys playtime with his furry sister Arya and his favorite human, Barrett. When not onstage, he naps happily at Over the Rainbow Pet Grooming.
Sarah Brehm
as Mayor of Munchkinland/Crow/Tree/Poppy/Ozian/Jitterbug
A Paramount Players regular since 2011, Sarah’s favorite credits include Tracy Turnblad (Hairspray – 2025 Best Actress), Paulette (Legally Blonde), Jan (Grease), and Sally Brown (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown). She thanks her coworkers, mom, and sister for their love and support. She hopes you find your place over the rainbow!
Harper Caudill
as Barrister & Flying Monkey
Harper is excited for another performance with the Paramount Players! She first performed with the company at age 8 and has also appeared with the First Stage Theatre Company in Huntington, WV. Having been in 22 shows, this marks her second time performing in The Wizard of Oz. A seventh-grade student, Harper stays busy with music and vocal lessons and performs keyboard and vocals with the Let Them Rock Street Team student band.
Vivanie Juliet Evans
as Braggart & Flying Monkey
Addison is an 18 year old senior at Boyd County High School. She has been a Paramount Player for over 5 years. Outside of theatre, Addison is an avid musician. She participates in her school’s band and choir. After graduation she plans to attend Morehead State University and major in Commercial Music. Hairspray is an absolute dream show for Addison and she is so excited to do this as her senior show. She has absolutely loved this experience and working with so many amazing people. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Addison Bauder
as Ozian/Jitterbug/Poppy
Addison is a first-year student at BCHS and will soon turn fifteen. She has performed in 16 Paramount shows over the past 4 years. She loves spending time with her Paramount family and continues to grow as a performer with each production. Her dream is to one day land that lead role!1
Taylor Patten
as Ozian/Jitterbug/Poppy
Taylor is a senior at Green High School and thrilled to make her stage debut in The Wizard of Oz. She dedicates this performance to her best friend, Ryleigh Davis, for being her biggest supporter. Taylor looks forward to many more shows to come!
Kaitlyn Wood
as Ozian/Jitterbug/Poppy
Heather has been with the Paramount Players since 2022 and joined the Touring Cast in 2023 for The Rocky Horror Show. This will be her 6th time appearing on the Paramount Art Center stage and first time performing in Hairspray. She may be playing the snobbish villain, Velma Von Tussle, but in real life she’s an advocate for acceptance, body positivity, and kindness. Teaching the importance of diversity to her students, as the school counselor, at Ponderosa Elementary. This show means a lot to her because the message presented is still something we need to incorporate into our daily lives. Heather wants to dedicate this show to her dynamic dude duo, Greg and Peyton, who constantly supports her in everything she does.
Kevin Johnson
as The Guard/Crow 3/Tree 3/Winkie/Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion Understudy
Kevin is thrilled to return to Paramount Players after a 7-year hiatus! A recent graduate of Transylvania University, past roles include Joseph Cardin (The Children’s Hour), Louis Ironson (Angels in America), and Kyle Carter (Exit, Pursued by a Bear). He is grateful to be back onstage with such a talented cast. There truly is no place like home!
Lake Voiers
as Ozian
Lake is delighted to join The Wizard of Oz. Previous roles include Starkey in Peter Pan Jr. and Professor McG in Matilda Jr., as well as the pre-show for SIX the Musical. She thanks her parents, Amanda, and Blaine Voiers, for always encouraging her to pursue her passion.
Savannah Campbell
as Ozian
Savannah is excited to be part of The Wizard of Oz. Offstage, she works as a dental hygienist and enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, and their three cats and dog. She thanks you for coming and hopes you enjoy the show!
Scotlyn Brehm
as Munchkin
Scotlyn is a fifth grader at Portsmouth West Elementary and proud to share the stage with her Aunt Sissy (Sarah, Mayor of Munchkinland). The Wizard of Oz marks her ninth show; favorite past role: Little Anastasia in Anastasia. She thanks her mom and grandma for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!
Daisy Lima
as Munchkin
Daisy is excited to make her Paramount Players debut in The Wizard of Oz. She thanks Matt and the PAC team for the opportunity and her family and friends for their love and support. Enjoy the show!
Aubrey Neal
as Munchkin
Aubrey is excited to appear in The Wizard of Oz! This is her first production with the Paramount Players, and she has had so much fun being part of the cast. She would like to thank her mom, dad, siblings, and family for all their love and support. Enjoy the show!