Callie is an enthusiastic seventh-grader at Eucalyptus Middle School who loves musical theater but lacks singing ability. Instead of performing, she pours her energy into set design for the school's stage crew, dreaming up ambitious props like a working pyrotechnic cannon. She is highly focused on her friendships and her crushes, often struggling to balance her theatrical ambitions with her romantic feelings for older boys.

Jesse is a quiet, modest eighth-grader who prefers studying and reading over drawing attention to himself. Unlike his highly outgoing twin brother, he actively avoids the spotlight and insists he belongs on the stage crew rather than the stage. Despite his reluctance to audition, he possesses a beautiful singing voice and an encyclopedic knowledge of classic Broadway musicals.

Bonnie is a popular, pretty, and highly talented eighth-grade student who commands attention at Eucalyptus Middle School. She acts with a sense of entitlement and frequently speaks down to those she considers beneath her, including the stage crew. She easily lands the female lead in the school play, *Moon Over Mississippi*, but shows little interest in her academic responsibilities.

Justin is an eighth-grader with a larger-than-life personality and a deep passion for musical theater. He is outgoing, affectionate, and completely unashamed of his desire to be in the spotlight. He openly embraces his identity and quickly establishes a trusting friendship with Callie, sharing his crushes and theatrical dreams with her.

Greg is an older, baseball-playing middle schooler who frequently sends mixed messages. He seeks out Callie's advice and attention in private, especially when dealing with relationship troubles, but ignores her when others are around. His self-centered approach to romance causes friction between his younger brother and Callie.

Matt is a dedicated member of the Eucalyptus Middle School stage crew, specializing in lighting design. He wears glasses and takes his technical responsibilities seriously. He harbors a secret crush on his friend Callie and reacts with passive-aggressive jealousy whenever she devotes her attention to his older brother.

Liz is Callie's highly practical and supportive best friend. She serves as the costume designer for the school play, working with hand-me-down sewing machines and vintage vault scraps to create the wardrobe. She offers Callie a level-headed perspective on boys and middle school social dynamics, serving as a loyal sounding board.

West is a tall, blonde-haired eighth-grader who successfully secures the leading role of Bailey Johnston in *Moon Over Mississippi*. He is generally polite and professional, showing more maturity than some of his peers when dealing with backstage disagreements and production challenges.

Loren is an eighth-grader tasked with keeping the school production running smoothly. As the stage manager, he coordinates the various technical departments and tries to keep the easily distracted crew focused on the upcoming deadlines.

Mr. Madera is the theater director at Eucalyptus Middle School. He oversees the production of *Moon Over Mississippi* and acts as a practical check on the students' wilder ideas, reminding them of budget constraints and safety rules.

Richard is Callie's younger brother. He frequently pesters her and her friends when they are trying to work on theater designs at home, serving as a mild household nuisance.

Mr. Mendocino is Jesse and Justin's father. He maintains high academic expectations for his children, strictly requiring good grades, but supports their extracurricular interests by driving them and their friends to bookstore outings.