Austin Gilbert (Producer) There were some wise souls who advised me that putting on a musical as a first-year teacher might be overly ambitious. It has certainly been an adventure with a steep learning curve, but these wonderful students make it all worthwhile! I couldn't be more proud of how hard everyone has worked to put this show together, and I'm grateful for all of the support I've received from my colleagues, my students, and their parents, all of whom have been helping me along the way. Little Women is a story about a loving family, but it's also about self-discovery, personal growth, understanding one another, and adapting to change. I can't help but observe that through this process, we have all lived and learned those lessons together. Thanks again to the whole WMHS for welcoming me so warmly this year. I look forward to all that we can create together in the future!
Amelia Camacho (Vocal Director) is delighted to be a part of the Production Team at Wilson Memorial High School for the first time! She has been teaching private voice lessons since 2001, and has served as the Director of Music at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church since 2006. In addition to teaching and directing, Amelia has over 20 years of experience performing in community and professional theaters, as well as choral groups, in the Charlottesville area. She was seen most recently in Elf at Four County Players in the role of Emily, and is the Vocal Director for their upcoming spring musical, Cinderella.
Other recent credits include The Merry Widow and The Sound of Music
(Charlottesville Opera, 2022), Beginning to See the Light (FCP, 2021), Avenue Q (FCP, 2018) and Bernstein’s Mass (UVA, 2018). Amelia relocated to Charlottesville in 1999 after receiving her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Music, Psychology, Architecture and Industrial Design) from Virginia Tech and M.A. in Pastoral Ministry (Liturgical Music) from Santa Clara University. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Music Teachers National Association, Virginia Music Teachers Association and Charlottesville Music Teachers Association and is a Certified Level III Instructor in Somatic Voicework(SM) - The LoVetri Method.
Special thanks to Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Tindall, Mr. Baraclough—I am grateful you all chose to take a chance on me--a new face to your musical’s team. An equally big thanks to this astonishingly talented cast and crew, and parent volunteers, for your hard work and welcoming me into your community. Last but not least, thank you, our amazing audience for being here and giving us an opportunity to share this heart-warming and classic story with you--enjoy the show!
Matt Baraclough (Orchestra Director) This is my 26th year with WMHS. I have performed on stage in Hello Dolly, Oklahoma, and Little Shop of Horrors before arriving at Wilson, and been involved with countless other musicals at Wilson with pit orchestra, sound, lights, and set construction. I have 2 children, both grown, a friendly dog and companion, Bentley, and an incredibly supportive wife! I'm always blown away by the talent and dedication of our students at Wilson and this year is no exception. I'm proud to be working alongside Mr. Gilbert in his first year. We're blessed to have him! Let's open the curtain and begin...and a one, and a two.....
