Official Oz Characters

Anita Burkhead (The Wicked Witch) is a receptionist from Kokomo, Indiana. She is also a life-long Oz fan. When asked about playing the Witch, she said, "I love playing WWW. It gives me a chance to hide behind some makeup and get out of my own life for a while.“ Peter Weldy (Tin Man) is a music education major at Butler University and a performer. He added the following: "I am thrilled to be a part of the Oz Festival for the fourth consecutive time. To think that I can make a child smile makes being the Tin Man all worth it." Zachary Allen (Scarecrow) is a life-long Oz fan/collector and performer. He is excited to return for his 6th year as the Scarecrow! He is the costumed character director and is a theatre/English education double major at Ball State. "I love the fest because it celebrates a classic that so many adore. It is a place where families can come and have a magical time." Kristen Tepe (Dorothy Gale) is happy to be returning to the role she first played at the Chesterton Oz Festival five years ago. She feels honored to have the opportunity to play such an iconic character each year. She loves seeing the faces of the children light up when the "real" Dorothy and her friends. Like Dorothy, she feels as if she is going on an adventure with her best friends each year when she steps into the Ruby Slippers and gingham jumper. Taylor Seidell (Nikko, the Flying Monkey) has been attending the Oz Festival since she was very young. She is very excited to see it return to Chesterton, especially since she will be returning to her role as Nikko, the Wicked Witch's winged henchman. Jonathan Newlon (Cowardly Lion): When Jon is not in Oz, he can be found studying psychology or performing at Indiana University (Kokomo). You might also find him at Cracker Barrel where he is a waiter. He is also a musician and street magician. Jon's favorite part of the festival is working with the kids. Haley Dillon (Glinda the Good Witch), a twenty-year-old art education student at Ball State University, is excited to be making her OZ Festival debut. Growing up, she always viewed MGM's The Wizard of Oz as an art piece combined with the good old fairytale. Of playing Glinda she says, "The little girl in me always coveted that dress. I remember, putting it on for the first time, that l could hear her again, squealing with joy." Haley has been working with the other Oz characters behind the scenes and is overjoyed to get the chance to play Glinda and join in the fun.

Presented by: DUNELAND BUSINESS INITIATIVE GROUP 211 Broadway - Chesterton, IN 46304 Questions? Call 219-926-6283 or Email us at ozcrazy@nwird.com