Anastasia Arnold is currently a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock. She has been playing the piano since the age of six and dancing since age three. She has also taken private voice lessons for four years. Her passion for musical theatre began in grade school. Her credits include Anastasia Arnold is currently a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock. She has been playing the piano since the age of six and dancing since age three. She has also taken private voice lessons for four years. Her passion for musical theatre began in grade school. Her credits include Beauty and the Beast, Crazy For You, Les Miserable, and Guys and Dolls. She also portrayed the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Anastasia has participated in the Cindy Bandle Young Critics Program through Goodman Theatre. This program gave her the opportunity to see an entire season of shows, write reviews, and be mentored by women journalists in Chicago. She is extremely involved in her school and hopes to attend a University in order to receive a BFA in musical theatre.

Chantel believes “no one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself!”  Working hard at what she loves best, she has taken part in various productions such as ‘Christmastide’ with Elgin Children’s Chorus,  'The King of Pride Rock' with Golden School of Dance and ‘Fall in Love’ at the Streamwood Summerfest.  Her biggest production recently, with The Red.i (Reach, Educate and Inspire)  production  called "Stand Up" dealt with contemporary issues ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to suicide and eating disorders. Participating with R.Ed.I. was an eye-opening, learning experience that touched on aspects she had either seen or experienced in her daily life as a teenager.  As a result, Chantel has organized a dance club at her school called "So Exclusive", which is designed to allow a creative outlet for teenagers to express themselves through dancing as well as provide a safe haven from judgment and criticism.  Chantel is a trained Coloratura Soprano and a student at the Larkin High School Grammy Award Winning Visual and Performing Arts Academy.  Chantel and takes her academics seriously and is an honor roll student who plans on attending college upon graduation.  Currently Chantel is actively involved with the non-profit organization K.K.O.S (Keeping the Kids of the Streets) and is looking forward to participating in many more events in the near future.

Cory Connor, a native of Waukegan, Illinois made his stage debut at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois as Gabriel in the musical Shenandoah.  For many years prior, Cory was involved in elementary and middle school plays as well as community theatre plays in Waukegan.  He appeared in the “Move Me” video with recording artist Justin Stein.  Cory’s voice can be heard in many children audio stories recorded with Brella Productions.  He was John in the short film “Hush” filmed by the Chicago Vocational Career Academy.  Cory is honored to say that he is in his third season with the R.Ed.I. Foundation.

Dakota Rhodes is a passionate artist.  Born and raised on Chicago's west side, art and music has always been his past-time.  A natural songwriter and emcee he continues to see great success on the Hip-Hop scene in the Midwest.  Taking advice from friends and family, he decided to add acting to his resume.  He came across the R.Ed.I. Foundation and intrigued by their mission to "make a difference".  An advocate of community service he felt this was the best of both worlds.  Dakota has fallen in love with acting and takes it as seriously as his music.  Dakota was inspired by the reactions to the work of the foundation and is proud to be a integral part of it.  He co-owns (Urban Vybrationz, Inc.) they help young artist in the city develop themselves.

Emily Delaney is a Senior at Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, Illinois. She recently played Frenchy in Wheaton North's production of Grease. Other credits include Beauty & The Beast, Once Upon A Mattress, and The Christmas Carol. Emily also sings in the Chamber Choir at Wheaton North and is captain of the show choir and speech team. In addition to theater, Emily is a four year varsity cross country runner and captain of the Girls Cross Country team. She has been involved with R.Ed.I. since July 2009. REdI has been such a great experience for her and she is very grateful to have been given the opportunity to perform with this stellar cast in as show that is important, powerful and helps teens.

Layla Simone, North Aurora, has always had a passion for the performing arts. She performed in her first musical at the age of twelve when she was cast as Lady Ivanna in The Emperors New Clothes. Some of her highlights include Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz (2003), Marian the Librarian in the Music Man(2004), Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof (2006), and Lilli Vanessi/Katherine in Kiss me, Kate(2008). Layla has also had ensemble roles in Guys and Dolls(2003), Once Upon A Mattress(2005), and Little Women(2007). She has also done backstage work on 42nd Street (2006) and Wonderful Town (2007). She has participated in several choral groups. When she heard about auditions for Stand Up! Change Teen Statistics, Layla immediately knew she wanted to be involved with the project. She has volunteered her time with other programs, such as Operation Snowball, that carry strong messages like the ones in Stand Up! to teens. Layla would like to thank the production team and cast of Stand Up! for all of their hard work on the project.  She would especially like to thank her family and friends for supporting her, because of them she is ready to Stand Up.

A hard working student, actor, writer, dancer, fashion designer, and a current student at Fenger High School born and raised on the south side of Chicago. Leo has had the wonderful opportunity of working with The Journeymen Theatre Company partnered with the After School Matters Program at Gallery 37, he is also an alumni of the General Theatre Studies Program at The Goodman Theatre under the direction of Ms. Willa Taylor. Previous film credits include: “What About the Children” by Cortez Mack produced by JKBU Productions. Previous theatre/tour credits include: the world premiere of “First Words” by Aaron Carter and directed by Chuck Smith (MPAACT Theatre Company), “Choices” (Regal Theatre), “Rent: School Edition”, “High School for Dummies” and “The Wiz” (Storefront Theatre), “Oklahoma”, “This Joint is Jumpin’”, “Oliver” (Rising Stars Theatre Company), “Beauty and the Beast”, “Annie”, “Eyes Haven't Seen” (Reign Down Productions), “Grease”, “Decisions: The Turning Point” and "Where Do the Children Play" (JKBU Productions), “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “Mame”, “High School Musical”, “The Crucible”, “Makin' It”, “Why Does Darkness Seems so Light”, and “A Christmas Carol”. Leo will be assistant director of his own written independent film with JKBU Productions entitled “Still I Stand” which will be in the workings in 2010. Leo is honored and excited to be working with this crazy talented family of Stand Up! Leo would like to thank ALL of his family and friends for their support especially his mommy Michelle. Always remember: "A LOT OF HARD WORK TAKES YOU A LONG WAY".

Taylor Myers grew up in the sunny suburbia of Wheaton, Illinois. Born in 1992, he is now a senior at Wheaton North High School and hopes to follow his dream of acting through college and eventually as a profession. He enjoys kayaking, good companionship, lacrosse, and of course, being on stage.

While working with R.Ed.I, Taylor has had great experiences helping others and growing as a person. While making lifelong friends with everyone involved, he plans on touring with R.Ed.I. and staying as a part of the group for as long as possible.

Tyler has resided in the St. Charles area for the last 9 years. Tyler discovered his passion for acting and vocal performance while attending Haines Middle School. He was cast in numerous plays and musical productions within his school district and in community theatre. Tyler has flourished under the direction of esteemed director’s Dale Morgan, Ryan Colton, Brian Wis, and Mike Molloy at St. Charles North H.S. He also studies with renowned voice coach Dori Collins. His most memorable stage performances include Will Parker in Oklahoma and Duke/Dr. Carrasco/Knight of the Mirrors in Man of La Mancha. Tyler’s vocal performance has allowed him to be a part of some very special choirs and jazz vocal groups. Tyler has been honored to travel with these talented groups to perform in Paris, Vienna and Budapest. Tyler’s other successes include IMEA District Performances, Diet Mountain Dew student-directed Comedic Improv and he won Student Actor of the Year in 2006. Tyler is privileged to be a part of the R.Ed.I Foundation’s Stand Up! Change Teen Statistics. He believes the vision of Executive Director Kimberly Farah is sending a powerful, impactful message to teens, parents and educators and is a positive vehicle that gives teens the courage to seek help and the inspiration to believe in themselves. Tyler credits the enormously talented cast for bringing the reality of this message to life.

Yamil Rodriguez an aspiring performer from Miami, Fl. Originally an actor in Miami Beach Sr. High School he chose to study music education in Miami Dade College. After a few attempts and grueling tours with indie-pop bands in south Florida he decided to drop everything and move to Chicago. Soon after moving to the city he became involved with a youth art initiative Yollocalli Arts Reach a branch from the National Museum of Mexican Art. After voluntarily teaching a performance and production class he now teaches regularly through an After School Matters program. Still involved in an eclectic mix of musical groups he is back on the stage with the R.Ed.I. Arts and Education Foundation and the show STAND UP! Change Teen Statistics.