Stage Director Nic Anderson has considered theatre to be a second home for him his whole life, where he has participated in community, school, and competitive performances. His skill set was developed through training at the Grand Rapids Civic Theater, the fifth-largest community theatre in the United States. While there, he performed in both School of Rock and Newsies, the latter of which was received with a sold-out 22-show run. Additionally, he studied under renowned acting and improv instructors.

Relocating to Utah as a junior in High School, Nic had the opportunity to perform in more shows with North Summit High School. He currently attends Brigham Young University and was recently married to the most beautiful girl in the world. Nic is grateful for the opportunity to help bring community theatre to Coalville and thanks you for supporting the actors!

Heather Staley is the Costume and Set Director. With a passion for theatre, acting, art, gardening, and music, she brings a wealth of knowledge in the performing and cultural arts. Two of her daughters are cast members in Cinderella, showcasing that her love for theatre has been instilled in her entire family, including her husband and four children. She has dedicated countless hours to the success of the upcoming production, including hands-on design with costumes and sets. 

Heather Staley has been a community resident for over 25 years. Originally from Florida, she settled in Hoytsville in 2000. Her love for theatre began as a child watching Broadway plays and evolved into a family interest as she and her husband cultivated a passion for theatre and dance with their children.

Music Director, Candice Olsen, grew up in Henefer and attended North Summit, where she excelled both academically and artistically. Throughout high school, she was active in sports, orchestra, and choir. A highlight of her senior year was taking the lead role in Oklahoma, a testament to her passion for theatre.

A lover of music and performance, Candice now shares her talents by teaching singing lessons and helping others find their voice. In addition to teaching, she enjoys life with her wonderful husband and their five children, all of whom share her love of singing and theatre.

Come to Us with an Idea and Let's Make it Happen

NS Unite Board President Anita Lewis has always said, "Come to us with an idea, and let's make it happen!" One such individual, Heather Staley, did precisely that when she approached the board of directors about community theatre. Now she is the Treasurer and a Board Member of North Summit Unite. An NS Unite online survey also revealed that residents strongly support youth theatre and local community events. Now everyone's hard work is paying off with the upcoming Cinderella production, scheduled for September 20, 22, and 23.

Mikayla Richins Shines as Cinderella in Upcoming Performance

Mikayla Richins is ecstatic to be joining NS Unite in their production of Cinderella and to be returning to the North Summit stage. Her past roles include Kelsey in High School Musical and the Baker's Wife in Into the Woods at North Summit High School. She recently graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor's degree in business, where she was a member of the Utah Valley Institute Singers. Some of her recent performances include serving as a Nauvoo Performing Missionary and participating in Savior of the World on Temple Square. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing floral design, spending time with her family, stargazing, and exploring the great outdoors—preferably while riding a horse.

While preparing for her role as Cinderella, Mikayla has learned that this show teaches us all the power and importance of kindness and working toward our dreams. Like Cinderella, we all face hardships and villains who cause us to question our worth and the reality of our dreams. However, as we continue to work hard, while having the courage to be kind and staying true to who we are and what we know, we will find that not only can our dreams come true, but they may be even grander than we ever thought possible.

Mikayla would like to thank the entire cast, crew, and directing team for all their hard work and dedication in making this production the best it can be, and for all the good times shared along the way. She would also like to thank her friends and family for their love and support, as well as her vocal coach, Kim Hess, all of whom are the reason she’s here today. Mikayla is excited for the public to experience the joy of this show and have a magical evening.

Local Dentist and Wife Lead Efforts to Renew Coalville's Main Street

Hometown dentist Leo Christensen and his wife, Elizabeth, are working to revitalize historic Main Street, marking the first anniversary of their dental practice purchase in Coalville. They have transformed a vacant building into Rust & Stone Market, previously the site of All West Communications. 

By Shaun Powis, North Summit News Editor

It has been a year since Dr. Christensen and his wife, Elizabeth, relocated from Mesa, Arizona, to acquire Dr. Vernon's dental practice in Coalville, Utah. Together, they envision fostering positive change in the community along historic Main Street.

Elizabeth, who grew up in Farmington, Utah, has always enjoyed shopping on her hometown's charming main street. She felt in her heart that she and Leo could create a welcoming space for shoppers in Coalville, contributing to the community alongside other local businesses. 

Image source: farmingtonutah.gov

Helping to Fill the Void for Shoppers

Elizabeth's store offers a diverse range of products, including gifts, antiques, clothing, stickers, pins, t-shirts, and Rockwell hand-scooped ice cream from Provo. A unique feature that truly sets the store apart is the unique book room. The couple's focus on the youth in Coalville and the surrounding areas is a testament to this, as evidenced by the store being filled with eager North Summit High School students waiting in line for ice cream.

Elizabeth and Leo believe in the quote from Howard Thurman, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

Support Community Theatre

Cinderella, a kind young woman forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother and stepsister, captures the prince's heart, and ultimately finds her happily ever after. This version emphasized themes of hope, kindness, and believing in the impossible.

Learn More About NS Unite: Click the Video Below.