WHO WE ARE
Annika Patton (left) and Emily Laliotis (right), the creators of "Firsts"
Annika Patton (book, music & lyrics) is a high school sophomore at Canyon Crest Academy, and a student in CCA's Envision Theatre Conservatory. In addition to playing the piano for the last 12 years, Annika began experimenting with composing music after learning guitar at the age of 13. Annika and Emily met through "Eurydice," a production musically composed and directed by Emily, and where Annika performed in the ensemble cast. It was here that Annika discovered that there was a way to blend her passions for music and theatre. The two began working on an idea for a musical in the summer of 2013, which then evolved into a collaboration resulting in "Firsts!" She would like to thank the wonderful cast for committing to a project so dear to her heart, and to Emily for being a mentor and incredible writing partner. She would also like to thank her parents for being her supportive chauffeurs. :)
Emily Laliotis (music & lyrics) is finishing up her senior year of high school at Canyon Crest Academy. She started musical theater at a young age, and participated in the Envision Theater Conservatory during her sophomore year. Emily began songwriting at the beginning of high school, and attended the Interlochen Arts Camp's Singer-Songwriter program in the summer of 2012, where she realized that songwriting and performing was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. During her junior year, Emily was the composer, musical director, and sound designer of the play "Eurydice", where she met Annika, who was a freshman at the time. Blown away by Annika's many talents, as well as maturity and grace, Emily jumped at the opportunity to work on "Firsts" with her, and is so proud of the project. You can find her work on "Eurydice", along with many original compositions at the links below.