Jonathan Allsop (Desmond in Concrete Jungle) is starting his second year as an MFA Acting candidate at Northern Illinois University. Jonathan received his BA in Music from the University of Pennsylvania before moving to Chicago. Some of his credits include: Leroy in A Bright New Boise (Northern Illinois University), Samuel in Pirates of Penzance (Savoyaires), Snipes in Tarzan (Nightblue Theater), Bus/Dryer (understudy) in Caroline or Change (Firebrand Theatre), Dylan in Human Resource(s) (Theatre Evolve), and Fabrique/Theo in Yippee Ki Yay: A Die Hard Musical Parody (Yippee Productions). Jonathan also performs music improv in Chicago with the groups Anarchy: An Improvised Rock Opera, and Bookends: An Improvised Musical Between the Pages. To learn more about Jonathan and his work visit Jonathanallsop.com
Katelyn E. Appiah-kubi (Faith in Signs of the Times), a native of Connecticut, feels blessed to be creative during this time, along with some very talented and amazing artists . She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Arts-Theatre Concentration from Coppin State University. She has been a part of numerous productions within the DMV and Tri-State area. She would love to thank her family, friends, and true supporters for their continuous support.
Gabrielle Barlatier (Jasmine in Red Marks) counts it an honor to play the role of Jasmine in "Red Marks," by Eureka Lewis, in this year's Zoom Fest. You may have seen her in recent performances in A Raisin in the Sun, Ragtime, Beauty and the Beast, and Why Women Cry to name a few. Gabrielle is a native of New Jersey but went to school in Florida where she attained her BA in Early Childhood Education and Business Administration at Florida International University. She is grateful to her fellow cast member Janine, the Goodly Frame Theatre, and writer/director Eureka Lewis for this opportunity to bring such a pivotal story to life. She expresses much love to all of her friends, family and loved ones for their encouragement and support during this process.
Aaron Bray (Richard in Tightrope) is a Los Angeles-based actor and musician who has been involved in theatre one way or another since the age of 8. He has appeared on This Is Us, Superstore, Shameless, and AJ & the Queen as well as the independent feature film Chinese Speaking Vampires. Aaron is also a member of the experimental City Garage Theatre in Santa Monica and works as a studio session drummer when he’s not acting. With exception of “Tightrope” his favorite Zoom theatre role to date has been Draco Malfoy in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."
Electra Artemis Carzis (Anna in Concrete Jungle) was born and raised in New York City where she started studying performing arts from a young age. Recently, she’s graduated Wellesley College, where she parlayed her interest in acting and character work into the study of literature. She also used her time in college to become a championship Latin Ballroom dancer, as well as a trusted and vivacious friend.
After a life-threatening hospitalization in July, 2011, from an unforeseen development of Juvenile (Type I) Diabetes, LaTisha DiVenuto (Amy in Submerged) decided that life was too short to not live for her true passions: The Arts and humanity. In 2017, she made her professional SAG/ AFTRA debut as a guest star on HBO's Girls as the fun-spirited aspiring actor, Athena Dante, in episode 607 - "The Bounce!" She also appeared on season 8 episode 7 of Blue Bloods - "Common Ground." This winter she voiced promos for Patchy's Beach Bash and Spongebob on Nickelodeon, and she appeared on an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show with Lisa Vanderpump. She is currently working on launching a podcast inspired by music and American culture called This is America Life and Times with her pal David Hopkins from Wake Forest University. She also recently hosted episode 12 of The Homemade Sketch Show. Latisha has had the opportunity to train at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Upright Citizens Brigade, and with Jeffrey Zeiner at The Jeffrey Zeiner Studio. Latisha writes original music, creates musical parodies, and performs in short films/sketches with friends. She thanks God, her family and friends, and her teachers for supporting her dream of becoming a full-time professional entertainer. She enjoys dancing like nobody is watching, singing like nobody is listening, and marathons - of TV shows! Follow her on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook to see what she's up to!
Vincent Drayton (Thomas in Who's Zoomin' Who?) is a native of Raleigh, NC. He has been acting since 2012, when he played the role of Sin in The Robe by Deloys Lee at New Providence Baptist Church. Vincent has been in various productions with MOJAA Performing Arts Company to include Can I Get A Witness, Escape to Freedom, as well as lending his voice to a permanent museum exhibit at Mordecai Historic Park. He has also been in productions with The Justice Theater Project to include Black Nativity, Ragtime, and other productions as well as productions with Tim Stevens and Angie Stahelli. Vincent also plays an active role with Pure Life Theater in Raleigh. Vincent has a true passion for acting and truly enjoys and loves performing.
Paulo Goulart Filho (Doug in The Birds Are Feeding Me) is a Brazilian actor, director, and choreographer. His professional credits include film, television, and stage work. IMDb
David Furumoto (Thomas in Haiku) Professional Certificate from the Onoe School of Japanese Dance; Directed “Antigone Falun Gong”, Aurora Theatre Co., Berkeley, CA (2004); directed “The Mikado”, University Theatre, Madison, WI (2003); wrote “Obake: Japanese Ghosts,” commissioned by Honolulu Theatre for Youth (2003); “Wondrous Tales of Old Japan,” written and directed for Minneapolis Children’s Theatre (1999), Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles (2001), and the Honolulu Theatre for Youth (2002); directed Asian fusion production of “Trojan Women” for UW-Madison (2001); L.A. Ovation Award Nominee (1998); Backstage Garland Award (1998); also performed for the Alliance Theatre Co., the Huntington Theatre Co., the Seattle Children’s Theatre Co., the San Francisco Mime Troupe, the Center Theatre Group, East West Players, Theatre of Yugen and others; awards from the Crown Prince Akihhito Scholarship, the Earl Earnst Award for Excellence in Asian theatre, for choreography and acting, L.A. Ovation nominee for Choreography and Featured performance in a Musical.
Clarice Gerald-Hall (Dr. Monica Williams in Statue of Limitations) is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, where she resides with her husband and three children. She is a singer, musician, songwriter, and actress. Her accomplishments and credits include her lead role of Mary in the stage play From The Eyes of Mary to the Arms of God (2014) written and produces by William “TJ” Bridgers, her role of Lovey in the stage play Pooled (2018) written by Moses T. Alexander Greene and a feature in the musical stage play A Motown Christmas (2018) presented by Li V Mahob Productions. Other accomplishments include a Bachelor of Business Administration. Though Clarice enjoys spending time with her family and watching action movies, she admits that her new passion for theatre has given her life a greater purpose for which she is grateful.
Tatiana Graves-Kochuthara (Aaliyah in Signs of the Times) is a rising third-year BFA actor at Purchase College and is from Queens, New York. She performed in Uncle Vanya (Yelena/Sonya/Mrs.Voinitsky), The Laramie Project (Barbara Pitts/Catherine Connolly/Zubaida Ula), and the Winter 2020 Junior repertory show, Marisol (Voices/Homeless People). She was recently in the latest production at Goodly Frame, canceled/postponed (Imani). She sends love and light to her mom, grandparents and lovely, lovely friends for all of the love and support they give her.
Laquana Henny (Natasha in Who's Zoomin' Who? and Aaliyah in Signs of the Times) is an energetic stage & film actress hailing from Brooklyn, NY. Her stage work includes A Sketch of New York, Women's Theatre Festival, Open Doors Short Plays Festival & NRACT's adaptation of The Vagina Monologues. She's been featured in a few hit web series, TV shows, music videos & short films. She has written, created & starred in the mental health short film, "Decisions of Sorrow" & co-wrote the dating dramedy "Date Bait". In addition to acting, she hosts a talk show via Facebook live called Beyond the Surface where she interviews entertainers.
Celeste Hinnant (Ruth in Who's Zoomin' Who?) has performed with numerous local theatre companies: LiVMahob Productions (Pooled), Agape Theatre (The Amen Corner), MOJOAA Performing Arts (Escape to Freedom and Reclamation Series), Women's Theatre Festival (WTF's Little Women), NYI Productions (Men Always Leave), Justice Theatre Project (12 Angry Jurors, Black Nativity, Color Purple, Ragtime and Still Life), Show’N Tell Ministries (68 and Duty), DaVine Connections (Up From Slavery and Black 365) & Town of Holly Springs (Finding Patience). She directed Uncle Tom's Hangar for MOJOAA's 2018 Reclamation Series and Agathe for WTF in 2019 and is a proud recipient of the 2019 Cary Players’ Pietzsch Award for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role.
Sarah Jeanne (Kim in The Birds Are Feeding Me), born in Tongyeong, South Korea, is a Korean adoptee who grew up in Rochester, New York. She now resides in Tonawanda, New York. She is delighted to be performing in her second Zoom production. Gracing the independent film scene since late 2017, Sarah has been involved in over 50 film and television productions, working both as an actor and behind the scenes. Recent film and television acting credits include: Captain Isotope and the Enemy of Space, Nuclear Key Codes, Not Another Monster Movie, and Til’ Death Do We Rot. In addition to acting, Sarah also enjoys writing for film productions. When not involved in film productions, Sarah enjoys spending time with her dog, video gaming, and travel. Instagram: @sarahjeanneoxo www.facebook.com/SarahJeanneActor
Janine Lancaster (Ivy in Red Marks) is a native of Hampton, Virginia. She discovered her love for acting at age 6 in her first performance on stage as Little Bo-Peep in the first grade. She moved to California to pursue her inherent passion for acting. She has worked as a full-time actress in her home State of Virginia as an 18th Century Historic Interpreter; portraying enslaved and free women. Janine also has many years of working as a fashion and print model as well as a freelance television News Reporter.
Pepper Liddell (Marion in The Birds Are Feeding Me) began her acting career in her sixth decade of life, taking acting classes on Oahu, Hawaii, where she resided. After several years, she relocated to Atlanta to take advantage of the vibrant film industry there. She has appeared in several commercials, promotional and lifestyle shots for various industries, independent films, and online plays (including Shakespeare), along with several SCAD student films (her favorite was "Veterans Affairs" where she played a wife/angel).
Featured in the Raleigh News and Observer as one of the “Portraits of the Triangle’s Creative Class,” Tina Morris-Anderson (Patricia in Who's Zoomin' Who?) has performed in many Triangle theatre productions, including Bourbon at the Border (May), Bright Star (Alice), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Nell), Ghost: The Musical (Oda Mae), Hairspray (Motormouth Maybelle), Caroline Or Change (Moon), Once on This Island (Asaka) and A Motown Christmas. She directed NRACT’s production of By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. A longtime favorite of Triangle audiences, Tina has performed as a guest soloist with the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra and the Durham Symphony Orchestra. Tina lives in Raleigh with her husband Paul; they have two musical sons, Paul II and Noah.
Franky Pace Nuño (College Student 1 in Haiku) is a multiracial, neurodiverse artist from Sleepy Hollow, NY. His previous credits include Marisol (Purchase College, 2020) and The Laramie Project (an online zoom production through Purchase College). He has collaborated on performative art work at NYU and is looking forward to being part of the Purchase College Digital Fall Play Festival this upcoming semester. He wishes his friends and family so much love and hopes that everyone is maintaining well during this difficult time.
Kyoko Okazai (Mizuki in Haiku) was born and raised in Okayama, Japan, and is a member of the theater group, Burai Productions and Theatre 40. She decided to make acting her career at the age of 5, after appearing in "Peach Taro" as a devil in her kindergarten performance. Her love for theater has been seen in theatrical plays such as "Burai" by Naoki Fujiyama, "Moral Imperative" by Howard Storm, "Page Cage" by Jeff Murray, "Pizza Man" by Nicolette Chaffey and more. Her voice over credits include skits for Conan (TBS) & Jimmy Kimmel (ABC), video game "WWZ" as Kimiko and a large list of American movies for Japanese voice over such as Whiplash, Allegiant, How To Be Single, Lion, A Wrinkle in Time, Sing Street, and A Dog's Purpose. She is grateful to be part of this beautiful project, "Haiku" and sending love to those who have suffered and those who are still suffering because of wars, wishing for world peace.
Andy Ralston-Asumendi (DJ in Haiku) Andy is a founding member of the Greensboro Playwrights Forum. He has been involved in many local theater productions both as a writer, director, actor, and producer, with Greensboro Drama Center’s Evening of Short Plays and two projects shows, plus 1776 at Studio 1. He has also done the local tour through City Arts, Livestock Players, CTG, Crosslove Theater, Gallery Players, High Point Community Theater, and Barn Dinner Theater and directed three plays for the inaugural Zoom Fest 2020 series.
Jeremis Rodriguez (Alex in Tightrope) is delighted to be performing in his Good Frame Theatre debut (Tighrope). He is a graduate of the Maggie Flanigan Studio (New York,NY). His credits include “BLANKS” (written by Gethsemane Herron) and several readings such as Othello (written by Benn Schulberg); Balances (written by Janice Lagata). Jeremis would like to dedicate his work to the Maggie Flanigan Studio.
“The highest human act is to inspire.” -Ermias "Nipsey Hussle" Asghedom
“The highest human act is to inspire.” -Ermias "Nipsey Hussle" Asghedom
Gerald Rubin (Rufus in Who's Zoomin' Who?) has a 6-year background in improv, last preforming with a house team at the PIT in Chapel Hill. He has done various readings in the triangle area. He has preformed in 5 playslams in Cary and in Carborro. He is a regular performer at the No Shame Show at the Carborro Arts Center. He has done a play with the Goodly Frame Theatre. He also is a fledgling stand up comic. He has also worked with various productions around the Durham area backstage.
J. Alden Smith (Walter in Statue of Limitations) is a writer, poet, and performing artist. Being involved in the arts for over 30 years, he imparts life experiences into each of his roles. He currently hails from Winston Salem, NC. John has been featured in numerous theatrical productions over the last few years and truly loves being on the stage. It is believed that talent is nothing without hard work, and the combination of the two is a match made in heaven.
Sierra Nicole Smith (as Breanne in Submerged) is a Raleigh based actor recently seen in productions around the area such as: Inherit the Wind with Justice Theater, The Wolves with Sonorous Road Theater, Much Ado at Burning Coal with Women's Theater Festival. She is a graduate from Greensboro College and is a part of JTA Agency. Along with acting, she is producing a podcast centered around media and black culture. On her spare time, Sierra creates music and covers, cooks, models, hosts a show/movie review podcast, and enjoys voice acting. You can keep up with her by following her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!
Polly Ku’ulei Sommerfeld (Susie in Haiku) was a company member with Honolulu Theatre for Youth for 13 seasons. While in Hawai’i, favorite roles included Jocasta from Oedipus Rex (HTY) Mary Shelley from Bloody Poetry (SatCo) and Ka’iulani from Ka’iulani (Kumu Kahua). After relocating to the mainland, she performed with 7 Stages Theatre, Arena Stage, NY Theatre Institute and the Fulton Opera House. Polly currently teaches at Washington College in MD. She is a member of AEA and SAG.
Lisa Tiger (as Sarah in Tightrope) studied acting in college at Brandeis University. She pursued a career in physical therapy after college and currently works at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. She continued her acting studies at Atlantic Acting School and HB Studios and began working with Black Box Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ where she appeared in How to Transcend a Happy Marriage (Jane), Buried Child (Hallie). Blood Brothers (Mrs. Lyons), Next to Normal (Diana), Into the Woods (Baker's Wife), Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett) and Blood Wedding (Mother).
Bonnie Webster (College Student 2 in Haiku) is an actor and acting coach who has performed locally with Theatre Raleigh, Forest Moon Theatre, and North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre. She is also known for her film work on Patriot Games (1992), Homicide: Life on the Street (1993) and Charming the Hearts of Men (2020).
India Williams (Andrea in Statue of Limitations), a native of Raleigh, is honored to be a part of this talented cast! India has been featured on many stages across the Triangle. A few of her favorite roles include Mama Cedella in Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds (Raleigh Little Theatre), Sista Carry in Pooled: A Gospel Musical Drama (National Black Theatre Festival 2019), Mabel in Crowns (RLT) and The Church Lady in Black Nativity (The Justice Theatre Project). Other recent productions include A Motown Christmas (Li V Mahob), The Amen Corner (Agape Theatre Project), Porgy and Bess and Ragtime (JTP). Offstage, India enjoys traveling and making memories with her three children. She is most grateful to the wonderful community of art supporters in the Triangle area and all over the world.
Stanley A. Williams, III (Chad in Who's Zoomin' Who?) is beyond humbled for the opportunity to be a part of this production! This Fayetteville, NC, native dedicates this performance to everyone that has struggled with their sense of self, belonging, or discovering a place that they can call home. Other credits include Tosca & Carmen with the NC Opera, Andre in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (NRACT), The Waiter in First Date (NRACT), The Sergeant in Dogfight (NRACT) and Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls (Cary Players). Thanks to God, Josh (write, sir!), Natasha, this amazing cast & crew, Goodly Frame, family, friends, ZT, and YOU. Thank you for loving and believing in me, TW.
Hiroko Yonekura (Chiyoko in Haiku) is from Fukuoka, Japan. She started dancing at the age of 3. After graduating from the musical theater program at Butaigeijyutsu Gakuin, she joined one of Japan’s most prestigious theatrical companies, the Shiki Theatrical Company. After moving to New York, Hiroko studied acting at Black Nexxus (Susan Batson Studio) with Roberta Wallach, and at HB studio. Her theatrical credits include: Seeing You (Grace swing, High Line Building), Avenue Q (Christmas Eve, Park Playhouse, Albany, NY), The King & I, Monty Python’s Spamalot (Lyceum Theatre, MO), and The Lion King (in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, Japan).
