Lynsey Bartilson

Lynsey Bartilson was born in Edina, Minnesota, on July 1, 1983, and moved to Los Angeles with her family at the age of four. A dancer since childhood, she won her first talent competition at age seven in solo dance. She discovered her passion for comedy during a summer drama class, where she was cast as the Wicked Witch in *The Wizard of Oz*, despite being the smallest child in the class. Demonstrating a natural sense of comedic timing, she had her fellow cast member "Dorothy" visibly shaken and the audience in stitches. Lynsey began acting professionally at age nine, appearing as a guest on television and in video projects. At the same time, she performed in professional musical theater productions throughout Los Angeles. She played the role of Annie in three different productions, starred as Ramona Quimby, and received critical praise for her portrayal of Effie Lou in the world premiere of *Amelia Bedelia*. She won a Dramalogue Award for her performance as Young Maxine in *Situation Tragedy*. Lynsey also continued dancing professionally, appearing twice in the Joffrey Ballet's annual *Nutcracker*. Her extensive musical theater background proved valuable when CBS sought a young triple threat to star alongside Angela Lansbury in the Hallmark Christmas musical special *Mrs. Santa Claus*. Lynsey was selected from over 500 girls who auditioned for the role. Lynsey enjoys helping others achieve their goals. As the director and choreographer for Celebrity Centre's *Kids on Stage for a Better World*, she works with 40 to 50 children to produce benefit concerts with positive messages for the disadvantaged. Under her leadership, the group received the Young Artists Awards Michael J. Landon Community Service Award. Additionally, Lynsey is currently the International Spokesperson for Youth for Human Rights. The organization's mission is: "To teach youth around the globe about human rights, thus helping them to become valuable advocates for the promotion of tolerance and peace."