Under the Sea and Over the Moon: Banks County High School Theater Presents The Little Mermaid

The production transformed the stage into a vibrant underwater kingdom and featured 73 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, marking a record level of student participation.

Theater teacher and director Gracie Tipton stated that the production fulfilled a long-standing goal for the drama program by creating opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds.

“Our stage and audience really looked like a melting pot of people this weekend,” Tipton said. “That’s what art is about—bringing people together. We had cast members from all different groups on campus, all showing kindness and working hard.”

A highlight of the production was the “Jr. Fish Ensemble,” a group of elementary-aged performers who quickly became audience favorites. High school students mentored younger cast members, helping them feel confident and included on stage.

“It was tear-jerking to watch high school students dance with kindergarteners on stage,” Tipton shared. “The high school cast was completely selfless. They created an experience the young kids will never forget.”

The show also demonstrated the growing strength of the theater program at the middle school level, with several middle school students earning roles and recognition for their performances alongside high school students.

Community support for the musical was outstanding. Friday night’s performance drew approximately 400 audience members, and many families returned for additional showings. Young fans enhanced the experience by dressing as the character Ariel.

The Little Mermaid production highlighted the collective achievement of Banks County Schools. Students, staff, volunteers, and families collaborated to create an unforgettable experience, making it a standout event for the community.

Cast and Crew Highlights

Lead Cast

Ariel: Alana Wilkins
Prince Eric: Creasy Gonzales
King Triton: Rhett Lee
Sebastian: Cindy Flores Prado
Ursula: Harper Steele
Flotsam and Jetsam: Eden Bless and Finn Powell
Flounder: Lucy Potts
Scuttle: Brynn Aikens
Grimsby: Paxton Crocker
Chef Louis: Raylon Mathis
Mersisters: Ansley Moore, Peyton Bright, Layla Yager Hughes, Dorothy Ann Bussenlehner, Lena Parker, and Maggie Braswell

Supporting Roles and Specialty Ensembles

Supporting Players: Zoey Lynn, Carlotta; Elijah Thomason, Pilot; Kimber Cummings, Seahorse Announcer; and Ina Kate Elrod, Baby Crab
Scuttle’s Gulls: Scarlett Sparks, Mallory Hunter, and Brooksy Crocker
Princesses: Jackie McCain, Maggie Braswell, and Dorothy Ann Bussenlehner
Dance Corp: Ansley Moore, Lena Parker, Peyton Bright, Maggie Braswell, Layla Yager Hughes, Mallory Hunter, Charleigh Reece, and Scarlett Sparks
High School and Middle School Ensemble: Bella Elrod, Abby Sanders, Maya Fisher, Peyton McPherson, Katie Wofford, Annabelle Humphries, Addy-Kate Williams, Brooksy Crocker, Bianca Stiles-Whitener, Kimber Cummings, Jackie McCain, and Elijah Thomason
Water Ensemble: Ariel Stanley, Sarai Olivares, Skyler Linn, and Isabelle White

Junior Fish Ensemble

Annie Clay Marchbanks, LeElle Haynes, Lindie Mae Jackson, Ivy Sloan, Brooke Brown, Tatum Bolton, Lena Wood, Amelia Wright, Taylor Garner, Haylee Turpin, Kiyah Pirkle, Ina Kate Elrod, Story Payne, Quin Foster, Brayden Crocker, Madison Mayfield, Marlowe McCuen, Aurora Bless, Kyleigh Shockley, and Waylon Martin

Technical and Production Crew

Stage Manager: Destiny Hollie
Assistant Stage Managers: Olivia Maxwell and Bethany Shockley
Lights: Hunter Hook
Sound: Madison Farmer
Cue Lab: Jaelynn Millwood
Special Effects: Olivia Maxwell
Makeup Designer: Kristy Owensby
Dance Captain: Lena Parker
Backstage Crew: Sarai Olivares, Ariel Stanley, Bailee Powell, Penny Lane Whitehurst, Heidi Ryan, Skylar Linn, and Isabelle White
Jr. Fish Leaders: Emma Sisum, Monserrat Zapien Sanchez, Taylor Rose, Julia Minish, and Kadence Palmer