Experience the story of Russian America in Sitka
Cast & Crew
Elizabeth Schafer
Aitana Gluth
Aitana was born and raised in Alaska and she has lived in Sitka since 2012. She has been dancing since 2011 and has a background in classical ballet and musical theater. Aitana is currently attending Southeastern University to study vocal performance and family ministry. The time away from Alaska has made her love home all the more. She loves any kind of art, the ocean, and performing, all of which were fundamental parts of growing up in Sitka.
Marin Marseglia
Hailing from Japan, Marin has a lifelong passion for the performing arts.The picturesque beauty is what drew her to Sitka and community involvement is what keeps her here. Marin enjoys camping, fishing, yoga and playing piano when she is not on stage. Marin’s pride and joy is her family and she is loved and supported by her husband and two children.
Jonte’ Louis
Originally from Atlanta, Jonte’ has been dancing with various groups since 2007. She moved to Alaska in 2019. When she is not on stage, Jonte’ is a zookeeper who also enjoys rollerskating and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Jonte’ Loves being in Sitka because of the gorgeous scenery and the sense of community.
Jude Reis
Sabrina Buhler
Sabrina grew up in Hooper, Utah on a small hobby farm where she developed a deep love for animals of all shapes and sizes. With her background, it’s no wonder that she is currently working on her Bachelors degree in Zoology and plans to become an aquarist. When she is not dancing on stage, you can find her volunteering at the Sitka Sound Science Center, snorkeling in the ocean, watching a good old-fashion movie, reading, swimming, or playing piano. While in Sitka, she has grown to treasure the memories made with her coworkers, the community, and with nature. She has a caring family that is always there for her, no matter where she goes, and she is excited to share Sitka with them when they visit this summer.
Nancy Neel
Nancy grew up in Long Beach, Ca. and first moved to Sitka in 2013. Dancing and performing has been a big part of her life since high school, but she still finds time to enjoy nature and be with her friends and family.
She loves living in Sitka because she loves her community and enjoys being outdoors!
Life is best lived with her 2 boys!
When not on stage, you can find Nancy hiking, swimming in the ocean, kayaking, fishing or snorkeling!
Cynthia Gibson
Cyndy moved to Alaska in 1993 and fell in love with the rain, people, wildlife and scenery. In 1996, she met and married her husband Keith who you can find helping out with the tech during the shows. She currently works as a financial advisor and has worked with Kris to form the Alaska Storytellers. Both retired from a local volunteer Russian Folk dance group and their passion for dance and storytelling was a great fit for their new venture. Lately she has taken to cold dips in the ocean waters around Sitka and snorkeling with the abundant fish and kelp.
Auriella Hughes
Kris Wilcox
When Alaska called, Kris answered. 20+ years after driving off the ferry and onto the 14-mile road system, she’s still seeking adventures in the mountains and waters surrounding Sitka, and revels in sharing them with her family and friends. While she loves performing and directing the Alaska Storytellers, she also finds joy in gardening, hiking, snorkeling (yes, in Sitka), and being with her family and friends.
Jazel Welkener
Jazel, born and raised in the tropical islands of the Philippines, moved from the desert sands of Dubai to the freezing cold of Alaska in 2020. She's a wife, a full-time mom, and an avid traveler who has visited 16 countries. In her spare time, she enjoys playing musical instruments, singing, and capturing nature through photography.