For information about our actor community, please email office@therobeytheatrecompany.org
JC Cadena
JC is a company member of The Robey Theatre Company . She has played roles from Shakespeare to Henrik Ibsen. She studied acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. She has graced the Robey stage during The Paul Robeson Theatre Festivals in 2014, 2017, 2019 , Ensemble Powerment Empowerment Congress held in 2017. She is part of The Robey Theatre Company’s Advanced Scene Workshop Alumni.
In 2016 She played Rosa , the lead character in Sabado Mornings, an original play by Los Angeles playwright George Corbin, the title is part of The Robey Theatre Company’s publishing arm.
Follow her on IG @jc.cadena3.
Julio Hanson
Julio Hanson is a Panamanian/African-American actor, singer, dancer, and writer from Inglewood, CA. Julio has appeared in film, television, and is proud to return as a member of The Robey Theatre Company. Julio has also toured with Toni Braxton and Keith Washington, and is the principal of Loyola Village Fine and Performing Arts Magnet.
Elizabeth June
Elizabeth June is a company member of The Robey Theatre Company. TV credits include Criminal Minds, Fresh Off the Boat, As the World Turns, and ABC's Black-ish, where she got to play her hero Harriet Tubman. Theatre credits include Balm in Gilead, The Colored Museum, Jesus Christ Superstar, August Wilson’s Seven Guitars, and Levy Lee Simon’s The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel. June is also a voice-over cast member of the audio drama BRONZEVILLE, produced by Laurence Fishburne and Larenz Tate. She has toured with gospel ensembles in Europe, Israel, and the Caribbean. She earned her MFA from the Actors Studio Drama School and holds an MFA in creative writing from Full Sail University. Elizabeth June hails from the Bronx and is a co-founder of SilverLox Films along with her husband Jason S. Williams. Their short films Jitters and Vicious Ann have been featured in film festivals across the country, including the Screen Actors Guild Short Film Showcase. June is also a certified yoga instructor, and she guides virtual yoga practice sessions on social media. @elizabethjuneny www.elizabethjune.com
Nick Few
Nic Few graduated from Brown University MFA in Acting/Directing/ Clark Atlanta University MA in Ed/Admin. Theater: Guthrie Theatre: A Midsummer Nights Dream “Oberon/Theseus” Odyssey Theatre: When Stars Align “Faris/Charlie/minister”, Confluence “Death” A Christmas Carol Ghost of Christmas Present, The Old Globe theatre: A Midsummer Nights Dream “Demetrius “The Merchant of Venice “Morroco” Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead “Horatio” Theatre@ Boston Court: The Dinosaur Within “Eli”, Los Angeles Shakespeare Center Theatre: Romeo and Juliette, “Romeo “(Mercutio04 Tybalt05) St. Louis Black Rep. Romeo and Juliet “Romeo,” Horizons Theatre Black Birds “Jack” NY Theatre Workshop Misanthrope, Push Push Theatre: Sex Acts “Via-Prada” ‘Eugene O’neil Center’ The Ballad of Emmit Till “Wheeler’, Actors Express: The America Play “Boothe”, Trinity Rep theatre: A Christmas Carol “Topper”, Cherry Orchard “Nicholi” “Chatuaqua Theatre: Measure for Measure “Angelo” Television Film Chicago Med, The Real Mvp, Tab Time, Open, GO ON, 90 Days “Taylor,” Major Crimes “Big Hazard, The Exes “Dusty”, The Mulaney Show “Jones” The Chadwick Journals “Donovan”, Purple Skinny Jeans “Bill”, 11th hour “Lawrence”, Balls to the Wall “Ice Man”, Blotter “Officer Jim Carter”, The Undying “Mark”.
Christina Childress
Christina Childress is an actress and writer living in LA and originally from Memphis, TN. She graduated from Trinity University where she received the prestigious Thurman Atkin’s Award for writing, directing and performing in Our Tears Still Flood the City: A New Orleans Revival. After college she moved to Austin, TX and continued to pursue her acting career in theater, film and television. There she worked on the local Texas treasure Friday Night Lights, The Good Guys and HBO’s The Leftovers. Having earned the experience of acting with such legends as Bradley Whitford and Amy Brenneman, she knew it was time to take the leap and move to LA to pursue her acting career full time. Since moving to LA in the fall of 2016 she’s worked on such hit series as Seal Team, Bosch, Vida and How to Get Away with Murder, where she had the honor of wrestling with her hero Viola Davis! She also starred in the short film Origin which had its premiere at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and was accepted into multiple film festivals including the American Black Film Festival. Most recently, Christina returned to her theater roots, having the great honor of being cast in the Robey Theatre’s virtual production Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Unity.
Now adding to her resume, the role of Assistant Stage Manager for A Heated Discussion and Man’s Favor Devil’s Plan, she is eternally grateful to Ben Guillory and The Robey Theatre Company for this amazing opportunity and her newfound theater family.
Lashada Jackson
LaShada Jackson is elated to be making her debut at The Robey Theater. A native of Fort Worth, TX, LaShada began her professional acting career performing live on stage at Jubilee Theatre. Before her move to Los Angeles, LaShada graced numerous stages across Dallas/ Fort Worth. She has performed in productions such as Carnival Legends revue on the Carnival Cruise ship line; To Kill a Mockingbird; and Having Our Say: The Delany Sister's First 100 Years. LaShada has appeared nationwide on your television screen in commercials such as Gotprint.com, JCPenney, and Dovato. She made her primetime television debut on ABCs Speechless. LaShada is also a conservatory graduate of The Second City Hollywood. Recently she appeared in the NAACP Image Award-nominated film, Della Mae. "I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to do what I love. I pray that He continues to strengthen the gifts He has instilled in me."
Alex W.S.T. Chumley
Alex W.S.T. Chumley is an artist from Inglewood, California. He began training in musical theatre at Amazing Grace Conservatory. It was there that his love and passion for the arts were cultivated. After his mother passed away from sarcoidosis a month before his high school graduation, Alex had to figure out the meaning of life without his leading supporter. Remembering the promise that he made his mom, Alex tried relentlessly to obtain a college degree in the arts. It took Alex a couple of years and a contract to the United States Army as a cannon crewmember to finally land at the New York Film Academy. At NYFA, Alex found a new love, the world of production. From appearing in musicals like The Lion King and West Side Story to plays like In the Blood and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Alex is excited and grateful to join the cast as Bob Marley and would like to thank Amazing Grace Conservatory, Always Working ENT, Trap Heals, CTM, and his incredible network of people that constantly push him to go higher. LET'S KEEP GETTING BETTER.
Tori-Ann Hampton
Tori-Ann Hampton is an award-winning Los Angeles-based actor, writer, and television producer. A graduate of Florida Southern College, the former elementary school teacher made her stage debut in 2009 in the faith-based play For Crying Out Loud at the prestigious James L. Knight Center in Miami, FL. Hampton would go on to star in a number of other productions at theaters throughout the region over the next four years.
In 2013 Hampton expanded her artistic repertoire, co-creating, writing, producing and starring in the sketch-comedy web series, Catching Up With Gigi, which was positively reviewed in The Miami Herald, The Miami Times and other notable publications.
Inspired by her series’ success, Hampton moved to Hollywood later that year to pursue her passion, performing in the world renowned production, The Vagina Monologues. As both an actor and producer, Hampton helped raise thousands of dollars for sex trafficked victims. Moving onto television, Tori-Ann has been featured on the popular comedy show “Laff Mob’s Laff Tracks” on TruTV, and has appeared on the television series “Burn Notice” on the USA Network. Recently shooting a national print campaign for a global corporation, Hampton is grateful to join the cast of “A Heated Discussion” with The Robey Theater Company.
Hampton is the student of acting coach Eric Morris of the Eric Morris System (Arnold Schwarzenegger, Johnny Depp, Rick Fox) and a recipient of The Upright Citizen’s Brigrade’s Training Center’s Diversity Scholarship. Also a career educator and entrepreneur, Hampton is the owner of a California-based trucking company.
Vanja Renee
Vanja Renee is an actress and headlining stand-up comedian from Washington DC. A 20-year veteran of the theatre stage, she is thrilled to be a part of her second production with The Robey Theatre Company. Vanja initially performed to critical acclaim in the sold-out run of The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel as Vera Cunningham. As a comedian, she performs all over the West Coast, recently appearing at the Hollywood Improv, the Laugh Factory, and Flappers Comedy Club.
PhiLip Bell
PhiLip Bell ( Richard Pryor) SAG/AFTRA is from Memphis, Tennessee, a graduate of TSU with a BS. Degree in theatre. PhiL used his senior project "Anything I Want," a one-person show, as a fundraiser to move to LA to pursue his dream! During the pandemic, PhiL recorded an ep, A Different PhiL, the acoustic set with his band PhiL n' Nem. It is now streaming on Spotify, iTunes & all music platforms! PhiL shot 44 episodes of his podcast, Kickin' it wit PhiL, that airs on YouTube, where he interviews people who inspire. He also launched PBT, PhilBelltime the Network. PhiL is currently shopping around two television serials, The Covid Murders and Class A Felony. He is now writing his 1st book; I Got A Lot to Smile About. PhiL has produced and performed in many local productions. His favorite was working with Barbara Morrison in Howlin' Blues & Dirty Dogs. In the Big Mama Story, he played R & B singer Johnny Ace. PhiL is very excited to work with The Robey Theatre Company and this talented cast. He would like to dedicate this performance to his parents, the late Reverend and Mrs. Ezekiel Bell, who taught him to walk! www.PhilBelltime.net
Ayonna Michele
Ayonna Michele is new to The Robey Theatre Company and forever grateful for the opportunity. Previously trained under Amazing Grace Conservatory, having had the pleasure of being cast in many plays with them, one being an original piece, "Hope in the Hood." Currently looking for representation. Instagram: @ayonnamichele
Charyse Monet
Charyse Monet was Born To A Very Large, Musically Talented Family From The South Side Of Chicago, A.K.A "Chi Town" BK.A The "Windy City!!" This Multi-Talented QUADRUPLE THREAT: Songwriter / Performer, Actor / Model & Soon To Be Author!! Emerged On The Scene As Hip-Hop / Rap Artist C-Sharp!! Who's Now Known To ALL As Actress Charyse Monet!! Charyse Gained Valuable Insight Not Only Of The Music Business But; The Entertainment Industry As A Whole That Most People Could Only Dream Of!! There Are No Limits.
Tiffany Coty
Tiffany Coty, hails from Chicago, Illinois, and is a graduate of The University of Michigan Ann Arbor. She is a member of The Screen Actors Guild, as well as The Robey Theatre Company since 2010. Tiffany's past Robey Productions include: Lena Horne in 'The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel' ( 2014), Lucinda Holmes in 'Birdland Blue' (2019), which she was nominated by Broadway World for 'Best Actress' in a play. She also performed in The Robey Theater Festivals of 2014, 2017 and 2019. Tiffany most recently starred on Television Networks CW's 'ALL AMERICAN,' and CBS's 'SEAL TEAM.'
Tiffany is thrilled to be back at her home, The Robey Theater Company, playing the part of Lorraine Hansberry in this production of, 'A Heated Discussion.'
Peter Kwong
Peter Kwong is a veteran of film, television, and the stage, best known for his roles as Rain in Big Trouble in Little China and as Tommy Tong in Eddie Murphy's Golden Child. Film credits include The Presidio, Angel Town, Never Too Young to Die, Gleaming the Cube, and Steel Justice. On television, you may have seen him in Lethal Weapon, Sullivan & Son, Malcolm & Eddie, Sisters, The Wayans Bros., Daddy Dearest, Renegade, Top Cops, Full House, and Doctor Doctor. On stage, Mr. Kwong portrayed the lead role as Dr. Haing S. Ngor in The Survivor: A Cambodian Odyssey by Jon Lipsky at the Actors Theatre of Louisville/Humana Festival.
Darrell Philip
Darrell Philip was born and raised in Texas. Stage credits include Cyrano in Cyrano de Bergerac, California Suite, Blithe Spirit, Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, Pity the Proud Ones, and Bronzeville. He has studied at the Actors Centre International in Los Angeles as well as The Groundlings. TV credits include Dead of Night, Unusual Suspects, Murder Book, and an AT&T commercial. Look for him in the forthcoming films The Algerian and Saint Mary’s Secret.
Phillip Sokoloff
Philip Sokoloff recently portrayed a prosecutor interrogating Danny Glover in Revolutionary Genocide. Philip appears in the film Gastropod, currently making the award circuit. Other recent film credits include The Bandit Hound and Hello Herman. He has appeared in over 70 plays on both coasts. Just before the pandemic, he had roles in Rod Serling's Tales from the Zone for Theatre 40, It's a Wonderful Life for Theatre West, and The Tempest for Dean Productions.
Stephanie Schultz
2019 - The Wrong Kind of People
Saadiqa K. Muhammad
Saadiqa K. Muhammad is an actress, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles, California. She got her first big break as the lead in the critically acclaimed film One Week. Saadiqa has been in several commercials, films, and plays, including Robey Theatre's No Place to Be Somebody. You can catch her on the Netflix series Teenage Bounty Hunters. She is currently adding director to her list as she begins production on her first short film, The Case of Ana V. Rin, which will be part of the Women of Color Filmmakers Film Festival 2021.
Damon Rutledge
2019 Birdland Blue by playwright Randy Ross
2019 The Wrong Kind of People by playwright George Corbin
Ken Ivy
2019 The Wrong Kind of People by playwright George Corbin - Theo
Terry “Tes” Scott Mitchell
Native of Washington, D.C., Terry Scott-Mitchell, professionally, Tes Azzon, is a thespian and accomplished dancer/singer. At family gatherings, she danced and entertained while her grandmother shouted: "I don't know where it's at, but it's all there!"Privileged to work with Ben Guillory, The Paul Robeson Theatre Company Theatre Festival, numerous stage, film and TV projects. The LA Times, Sentinel and GLADD gave critical acclaim for Tes’ performance in Steve Semien’s “Children of the Night”. Other projects include: “The Red Herring”, “B&B” and “Guys and Dolls.” TV Producer: “Terry Scott-Mitchell Show” and “Eclectic Moments.” Founder: Scott’s Marketing and PR mavin. B.A. graduate from the University of the District of Columbia and student of the Lee Strasberg Theatre/LA…Be Mindful.
Stephen Terry Howell
2019 - The Wrong Kind of People by playwright George Corbin
Cydney Wayne Davis
Cydney Wayne Davis is a professional singer, songwriter, actor, and playwright. She was a backup vocalist for MARVIN GAYE, RAY CHARLES, BARRY WHITE, STEVIE WONDER, and MARILYN McCOO & BILLY DAVIS JR. She has composed songs for films, DIANA ROSS, and the theme song for The Robey Theatre’s, The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel.
David Datz
David Datz’s Robey credits include Lessons Learned (Barton, Quenton) and By Favor of Providence (Cutty, Judge Kelly, Clemmon). Other credits include Hopping Down the Bunny Trail (Dan) and Timeshare (Ira), Eclectic Company Theatre; Later Life (Walt) and Boys in the Back Room (Nathanael West), The Moveable Theatre Company. Previous roles include Eccentricities of a Nightingale (Rev. Winemiller) and The House of Blue Leaves (Billy Einhorn).
Kimberly Bailey
Kimberly Bailey was born in Oakland, California, but spent her formative years in Tacoma, Washington, where her love of acting began. Kimberly has appeared in well over 35 plays, including Three On A Ring, Peaches, Applause (which she also Executive Produced), For The Love Of Freedom, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf, Agnes of Gods, and an all-female cast of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Kimberly is also an accomplished theater director. She has directed ten plays, including the NAACP Theatre Award-nominated play "Feelings" that she co-created, co-authored, and co-produced. Kimberly's film and television credits are: Muslimah's Guide to Marriage, Superstore, American Horror Story, Bella, and the Bulldogs, and Anger Has a Secret, Gilmore Girls, Different Strokes (MOW), General Hospital, Beverly Hills 90210, The Steve Harvey Show, Martin, Living Single, Quantum Leap and movie of the week for NBC entitled, She Stood Alone. Kimberly has also branched out her wings to the world of voiceovers. Her voice has appeared on over 600 films and television shows.
Jason Mimms
Jason Mimms - It is always a pleasure to work with The Robey Theatre Company and perform among the group of all its talented professionals. Staying busy, his most current work includes the role of Cam in Boy Bye, Robey Theatre Company's Knock Me A Kiss and The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel, with several commercials to mention, including Credit Karma. Love ‘em, like ‘em, or leave ‘em, Jason Mimms is an actor to watch!
Eddie Goines
Eddie Goines hails from Lakeland, Fl but began his journey as an actor in New York City. As a writer and actor he's determined to make an indelible mark.
2016 The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel by playwright Levy Lee
2019 Birdland Blue by playwright Randy Ross
Marcus Oliver
2019 Birdland Blue by Playwright Randy Ross - Miles Davis
2017 The Paul Robeson Theatre Festival
Jermaine Alexander
Jermaine Alexander is an Actor/Director/Producer. Jermaine has recently played Lyons Maxson at Long Beach Playhouse & Colonel Vershinin from Three Sisters at Lucky Theater.
2019 Birdland Blue by Playwright Randy Ross with The Robey Theatre Company
Toyin Moses
Toyin Moses, a San Francisco native, received her degree in theatre from Occidental College. LA theatre credits include The Robey Theatre Company’s productions of Knock Me a Kiss (NAACP Theatre Award, Lead Actress), The Reckoning (NAACP Theatre Award nomination, Lead Actress), A House With No Walls, and Playwrights’ Arena’s bonded (NAACP Theatre Award nomination, Supporting Actress). Recent TV credits include Ray Donovan (HBO), Law & Order True Crime (NBC), and I'm Sorry (TruTV). Toyin is excited to be a part of this festival, working alongside such great casts and crew.
Melanie Cruz
Melanie Cruz is a SAG-AFTRA/Equity actor who has performed in over 40 plays, three features, as well as numerous television series, short films, commercials, and voice-overs. Melanie was honored to play Miss Ovington alongside Ben Guillory’s Dr. Du Bois in The Robey’s 2017 production of Dr. Du Bois and Miss Ovington. A dedicated theatre actor, Melanie starred in her first play, The Ice Wolf, at the Denver Civic Theatre when she was 14. Theatre credits include Allison Davis in Never Not Once at the Rubicon Theatre, Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire, Lily in The Skriker, Belarius in Cymbeline, and Sara in Lucky Me. Her television credits include American Horror Story, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Big Love, and Scandal.
Melanie is a self-described "American Mutt" who is of Scots-Irish, Spanish-Mexican, Czech, and German descent. Originally from Aurora, Colorado, Melanie attended Gateway High School and spent her junior year as a foreign exchange student in Dinan, France, where she became an avid Francophile and learned fluent French. Melanie went on to earn her BA in English and theatre from Barnard College - Columbia University and has trained in London with BADA, in improv with Darren Yalacki, in voice-over with Paul Pape, and in acting with Krater and BGB Studios.
Rogelio Douglas III
Rogelio Douglas III is an actor and spoken-word poet from Brooklyn, NY. He has a BA in theater from SUNY New Paltz, and an acting MFA from UCLA Theater, Film & Television — Class of 2020! The Black & Afro-Latino storyteller has been seen performing in many new works across LA theaters, but his favorites include him being either the romantic lead from around the way or the evil villain. RD3 can also be seen in numerous films, new-media works, and co-starring roles on NBC, CBS, and HBO. Forever grateful. Love, Light & Black Therapy.
@RogelioDouglas3
Mel Hampton
Mel believes that everyone deserves great quality entertainment and is committed to that end. His recent virtual theatre credits include playing Bernard S. Garret in the Biddy Mason Unsung Shero A Call for Boldness and as Jonas in Church Folks by JWHill Productions. His voice-over credits include the voice-over for the Inner City Cultural Center 2020 Memorial. He has numerous film and tv credits, but his love and passion are the theatre, and I quote, "Art in theatre may be the only tool we have to save mankind, and saving mankind and the art of Black Theatre at The Robey Theatre Company is one of the greatest performing joys of my life. Thank you, The Robey Theatre Company, for all that you do for us.” You can read his resume at Mel Hampton IMDb, or ActorsAccess/MelHampton/resume, on Facebook at Mel Hampton, and IG @melHampton the actor. God bless stay healthy and test Negative.
Melvin Ishmael Johnson
Melvin Ishmael Johnson, founder of Dramastage-Qumran Veterans Theater Workshop. Author of plays: Surviving the Nickel, Catch the Tiger, Number One Recruit, Nail Heads, The Loyalty Oath, The Emperor's Last Performance, and Revolutionary Genocide. Co-Author of: The 101 Club with Judith Bowman and If the SHU Fits: Voices from Solitary Confinement with Andy Griggs.
Melvin performed in The Robey Theater production of The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel (2015) and recently finished and performed in a play about his high school in Greenville, Mississippi, entitled Bright New Day and Voice from the Village, a playabout playwright Lynn Manning. Melvin is the host of the monthly podcast, The Qumran Report(qumranreport).
Matt Jennings
Matt Jennings is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach University with a BA in theatre arts. Stage credits include No Place to Be Somebody (The Robey Theatre), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (A Noise Within Theatre), and Port Chicago (Berkeley Black Repertory Theatre). Recent TV credits include All American (CW). Other credits include: 1701: A Blerd Story (short) and First Position (short). Both films were selected for the IFS/LA Film Festival (2021) and Outfest (2019). He performed his solo show The Universe of Matt Jennings in the New York International Fringe Festival (2015). It was categorized as "Top LGBT Picks." He was also a finalist in NBC's ABFF monologue competition (2017).
Ashlee Olivia Jones
Ashlee Olivia Jones is fresh off the close of her one-woman show, Ashlee Olivia Presents E.A.R.T.H.A., directed by Kellie Davis in the Hollywood Fringe Fest 2017. The show received the Producer's Award for outstanding production and played another 2 ENCORE performances after the close of the festival. Before that, she earned the opportunity to perform at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Fayetteville, NC, where she played Esther in Intimate Apparel. Ashlee is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University, receiving her BFA in acting and has appeared in several shows with Robey, namely Anna Lucasta, where she played Anna, Knock Me a Kiss as Lenora, and Gloria in The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel. Olivia received the Most Promising Actress Award by the Chicago Theatre Alliance, nominated for Best Lead Actress in a play for Anna Lucasta, and winner of Best Supporting Actress for her role in Knock Me a Kiss. Ashlee thanks The Robey for being a consistent and loving place to be creative and her family who support her every move!
@ashleeoliviajo twitter
@olivia_bad IG
ashleeoliviajo@gmail.com
Quonta Beasley
Quonta Beasley is proud to be working with The Robey Theatre Company. She has performed in numerous productions in New York and California, including productions with the prestigious Joseph Papp Public Theatre, Brooklyn Academy of Music, La Jolla Playhouse, and numerous performances with the Classical Theatre of Harlem, where she was nominated for an AUDELCO.
Scott St. Patrick
Scott St. Patrick is an American writer and actor from Westchester, NY.
Scott has appeared in a variety of commercials, independent films, and theatre productions. However, his staples have been the production of his spellbinding one-man play Act God and his socially conscious play Minority Report. Last year, Minority Report was picked up as a part of diversity initiatives at UCLA and USC. It continues its expansion of social justice today.
Leon Banks
Leon Banks, from Houston, TX, has been living in LA for 6 years and has been acting for 10. He got his start doing musicals in college and moved to Los Angeles once he graduated. Recently he has done short films and productions across town.
Layla Silver
Layla Silver was born and educated in Los Angeles, California. She received her BA in psychology and has extensively followed and studied jazz since falling in love with the music form after graduating college.
2017 The Paul Robeson Theatre Festival
Lauren Ervin
Lauren Ervin has been studying theatre, film, & television for nearly a decade. This is her second production with The Robey Theatre Company. She is extremely grateful for this opportunity and excited to see where God will lead her next. Lauren would like to send a special thank you to her family, friends, and coaches for their love and support.
Juan Pacheco
Juan Pacheco, BFA/AEA/SAG/AFTRA/AFRO-PHILLY-RICAN
Juan is honored to be making his Robey Theatre Company debut and to be collaborating with such a wonderfully talented group of artists. Stage credits include Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (InterAct-PHI), Shakespeare Lab Participant (Public Theatre-NYC). TV credits include Scandal (ABC), and Rosewood (Fox).
Joshua R Lamont
Joshua R Lamont is an actor, director, and writer. A transplant from the Washington. D.C. metropolitan area, he has worked and collaborated with such artists as Michael John Garcés, Tim Robbins, Walter Dallas, Oliver Mayer, Scot Reese, Leigh Smiley, Gina Belafonte, and Blair Thomas. He has performed in 3 countries, including The Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy. This is his 2nd project with Robey Theatre (The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel), and he is grateful to be back! Love to SC & Ro!
Jess Weaver
Jess Weaver is thankful for another opportunity to work with Robey Theatre Company. He is a recent graduate of AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts. You may have seen him in the critically acclaimed production of Hit the Wall at the Hollywood LGBT Center or as Dave in Fullscreen's half-hour comedy Magic Funhouse. He is also a proud unicyclist.
Garret Davis
Garret Davis has worked with noted film directors Robert Zemeckis and Andy Tennant and continues to work in the industry. He lives by the quote his mother taught him at an early age, "No matter what you do, don't ever give up." www.actorgarretdavis.com
Charlotte Evelyn Williams
Charlotte Evelyn Williams is a 2014 California State University Fullerton alum. She has been acting since she was seven years old and has performed in many playhouses in Los Angeles. She has co-starred with actors such as David Alan Grier, and this fall, she has a web series coming out called, Wicked Enigma.
Ali Ahmad
Ali Ahmad's previous work includes George Murchison in the Long Beach Playhouse’s production of A Raisin in The Sun, The Hollywood Fringe Festival in Phillip Hayes Dean's Thunder in the Index, The Kennedy Center Theatre Festival as well as the Odyssey Theatre in a production of Stephen Adley Guirgis’s Our Lady of 121st St.
Sammie Wayne IV
Sammie Wayne IV is an actor, director, lighting designer, and stage manager. He has received several NAACP Theatre awards for Best Supporting Actor (2010: One Woman, Two Lives and 2013: Ana Lucasta) and Best Lighting Design (2011: Pieces of Me, 2012: Hattie: Is That You, and 2013: Camp Logan). His most recent stage performance was as Nate in Ed Simpson’s Periphery at The Hudson Theater in LA. On television and film, Sammie’s credits range from a Hot Air Balloon Pilot to an Asst State’s Attorney. Sammie has a BS in computer science from DePaul University, where he became a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Prior to a career in entertainment, Sammie was a programmer analyst for General Motors and a software engineer for Northrop-Grumman.
Shaw Jones
Shaw Jones, has leading roles in Proximity and Blue which he has been honored with Best Actor Award. Television work includes NCIS, Criminal Minds, Grace and Frankie, The Affair, 911, The Cool Kinds, Fresh Off The Boat & For All Mankind. Shaw finished a production of No Place to Be Somebody at the WACO Theatre and also starred as Lee Harvey Oswald in Stphen Sondheim’s Assassins. A Memphis boy Shaw’s passions are running, music and swimming in a backyard blowup pool with his wife and two young sons.
Walter Cox
* 2019 The Paul Robeson Theatre Festival
David Ty Reza
David Ty Reza an award winning American actor.... known for his work in the award winning Indy feature El Camino directed by Sean Daniel Bauer. David is currently participating in the 10 minute Play Festival at The Frida Kahlo Theatre.
Marva Smith
Marva Smith is a powerhouse vocalist with experience in musical theatre actress, having appeared in more than twenty local stage plays. She has appeared in several independent produced films. Discovered by playwright while sitting in a restaurant in 2010, she has worked professionally for a decade. Her debut EP entitled “Cabaret” is slated to be released in early 2021 across all digital platforms.
www.allthingsmarva.com
Kem Sanders
Kem Sanders is a graduate of Kent State University with a Master of Education. Kem completed the prestigious program at The British American Drama Academy at Oxford University. His Los Angeles Theatre: “Butterflies of Uganda”/Greenway Court Theatre, “For the Love Freedom Trilogy/Robey Theatre, and Mine Eyes Have Seen/Theatre Banshee. Television appearances: Love Bites (NBC), The Shield (FX), Everybody Hates Chris (The CW), and Chocolate News (Comedy Central). Dedicated to my wife Alvina, and children Kem & Kemani.
Dwain A. Perry
Dwain A. Perry - Most recently seen in 2019-The Paul Robeson Theatre Festival, The Magnificent Dunbar Hotel by Levy Lee Simon at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem. Other Robey credits include, The Last Season, Bronzeville, The Emperor’s Last Performance, and Anna Lucasta. Directing credits include, Permanent Collection, The River Niger, Transitions, and Knock Me a Kiss.
Allison Blaize
Allison Blaize is a New Orleans native based out of LA and the southeast. She has a BA in Theatre from the University of New Orleans and attended conservatory at AMDA. She was recently in Skylight Theatre's West Adams (LA Times CC). Other credits include: Spanish Prayer Book (Road); Cardboard Piano (ICT); Splintered Soul (ICT); Stupid Kid (Road); ESR (24th St); The Play About the Baby (Road-LA Times CC); No Place to be Somebody (Robey). Films: Elephants (Amazon Prime) and Sometimes Our Friends Come Over (VimeoOnDemand).
Jerome St. Jerome
Jerome St. Jerome, recent co-stars for Feigco's East of La Brea (Sameer Garzi) and Xonger's Car Lot pilot written and directed by Mark Brown (Barbershop). With countless credits in Film and Theatre, Jerome's Booming Basso and dedicated characterizations have solidified his reputation in Los Angeles. He is continually called back by the same Casting Directors, Directors, Producers and Filmmakers and Writers for Film roles, Plays and hundreds of table reads for many writers groups. He operates a pro audio VO studio in E. Hollywood and continues to train and study on-camera and in class. He sings, (for no apparent reason) and plays Harmonica of all styles. He is in constant support of, and advises actors of all ages at many levels.
Crystal Nix
Crystal Nix is a native of Los Angeles, CA. As an entertainer, Ms. Nix has an extensive 25 year background in theatre and on film. She has worked with many of the who's who in the entertainment industry and along with her fellow actors was nominated for an NAACP theatre award for the hit stage play, "When The Past Comes Back". She is an all-around entertainer with producing, writing, directing and choreography credits. Some of her theatrical credits include "Bobby Lee Blood'', "Grieving Widows Auxiliary (Part 1 And 2)", "Power Of My Will", "Fat Girls", “Daddy’s Dyin, Whose Got The Will", Queens Of The Nile, Now" and “Red, Hot, and Cole”, a tribute to the music of Cole Porter to name a few. She continually gives back to the community by teaching drama and dance disciplines in the community and local churches.
Dana Lee
Dana Lee is a veteran actor of stage, motion pictures, and television for almost 50 years. You may remember him as D. K. (Ken Jeong’s character’s dad) on the t. v. series Dr. Ken. In theatre, he has performed on such prestigious venues as The Public Theatre, The Joyce, Singapore Repertory, The National Theatre of Korea, The Mark Taper Forum, The Doolittle and San Diego Rep in plays by Shakespeare to Albee and notable Asian-American playwrights as Frank Chin, Wakako Yamauchi, Julia Cho and Phillip Gotanda. Dana was also a major force in the development of East-West Players, the nation’s premiere Asian-American theatre group. Dana’s movie credits include , Birds of Prey, Rambo: First Blood Part II, Lethal Weapon 4, Pineapple Express and The Honeymooners. Dana also has over 50 TV credits, going all the way back to Kung Fu. Other notable credits include recurring roles on Hawaii Five-0 (both versions), Curb Your Enthusiasm, Dynasty, Dana last worked at the Robey was in the much acclaimed Bronzeville.
Amara Phelps
Amara Phelps is delighted to be a part of her first The Robey Theatre Company production, and grateful for the opportunity to take on such a significant Shakespearean heroine. Amara lives in Long Beach and studied theatre at LBCC and CSULB. She has been part of many shows at the Long Beach Playhouse. Some of her favorite roles include: Brooke in Noises Off, Roderigo in Othello, Ferdina in The Tempest, Voice in The Hatmaker’s Wife, Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Chicklet in Psycho Beach Party. Amara would like to thank her family and friends for their ever-present love and support.
Millena Gay
Millena Gay is an Actress, Host, currently she moderates the Robey’s first online “An Evening Conversation” events.
Dmetrius Conley-Williams
Dmetrius Conley-Williams is a graduate from Harvard University Institute of Theater. He received his MFA from Moscow Art Theatre ln Moscow, Russia. He played Don Juan at the Moscow Art Theatre and worked several years as a company member at the American Repertory Theatre. He has performed Off-Broadway at the Classical Stage Company in NYC, The Actor Shakespeare Project and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company in Boston. At The Barbican in London he performed in Carlo Gozzi's , The King Stag directed by Andrei Serban and costumed by Julie Taymor. Othello is Dmetrius debut with The Robey Theatre Company.
Spencer Rowe
Spencer Rowe is originally from Union N.J. Spencer started his acting career performing in the high school plays and local community theatres. He then moved on to study theatre in New York City at such schools as the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Michael Howard Studios and The Barrow Group. Since then Spencer has performed in several regional productions as well as National and European tours of West Side Story, A Chorus Line and Saturday Night Fever. Some of his favorite regional credits include To Kill A Mocking Bird at the Paper Mill Playhouse starring George Grizzard, Camila at The Walnut Street Theatre and Lost In Yonkers at both The Old Globe and The Arizona Theatre Company starring two time Tony award winner Judy Kaye. Film and television credits include Secure starring Issa Rae, Honey Boy starring Shia La Beouf, After School Special starring Sarah Paulson and Wes Bentley, The Devil’s Advocate starring Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves, Two Hundred Thousand Dirty starring rap/pop artist Coolio. Commericals include Copper Fit Socks and Piedmont Federal Saving Bank (Nova Scotia) commercial. Spencer is a proud member of the Antaeus Classical Theatre Company in Glendale.
Monica Parks
Monica Parks is happy to be working with The Robey Theatre Company. Favorite classical roles, regional theatre: Calphurnia; Titania/Hermione; Emilia; Lady Montague; Ruby in King Hedley; Molly in Joe Turner; Aunt Esther US in Gem of the Ocean. TV/Film roles include: Grey’s Anatomy; Scandal; Corporate; You’re the Worst; Light Girls. MFA, Academy for Classical Acting, Shakespeare Theatre Company & GWU. AEA; SAG-AFTRA.
Tanya Lane
Tanya Lane (SAG/AFTRA) has been a professional actor for over 20 years working with MPAACT and Congo Square Theatre in Chicago, IL and Robey Theatre Company in Los Angeles, CA. She is writing and workshopping her one woman show about finding joy and herself in the darkness of truth, premiering in Chicago in 2022. She currently resides in Denver, CO where she is a Satya Yoga Co-op Member/Owner, Healing Warrior and Makers of Things. @warrior.moon.rising
Nick Gillie
Nick Gillie is co-founder of Black-University (www.Black-University.com) a non-profit production company with a new mythology of the words Black and Darkness. Recently Nick was staff writer on Season 3 of American Gods (STARZ). He also wrote and performed a solo show Goddess Black produced by Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Dwain Perry. For producing and directing over 2 dozen public service announcements raising awareness about Drug Courts the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) presented Nick with their 2014 National Media Award.
Nick wrote and acted in “Never Get Outta The Boat” (NGOTB) a film which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and released by Columbia Pictures. NGOTB won Awards for Best Narrative Feature at several film festivals including the Hollywood Black Film Festival. As an actor, Nick has done TV and other film and appeared on stage at Steppenwolf, The Actor’s Gang, The Odyssey and Jomandi Theater in Atlanta.
Nick is a supporter and collaborator with two gang intervention groups in Los Angeles: The Southern California Cease Fire Committee, originally founded by 14 Crip sets, now a multi-layered community organization; and 2nd Call, first founded by 2 Rolling 20’s Bloods but now servicing over 100 different neighborhoods.
Eden Nanaiah Brown
Eden Nanaiah Brown is a young budding actress. She has studied at the Playground Acting Conservatory. She was the understudy for young Ana in Frozen The Musical for Ramona Middle School. In addition to acting, Eden is a competitive hip hop dancer and enjoys competing with her team. Eden has been singing since the age of 8 years old.
Denise Yohen
Denise Yolèn Writer, Filmmaker, and Actress, was born in Queens New York, and raised in South Florida. Her love for theater led her to the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University where she also honed in on her writing skills. She is the writer and co-star of her first feature film entitled Sundays in July directed by Joseph Austin II. Sundays in July follows the course of a relationship of two lovers in three acts. Sundays in July has screened at Milwaukee Film Festival, Noir Film Festival, Toronto Black Film festival, Halifax Black Film Festival, Seattle Black Film Festival, Harlem International Film Festival, Calgary Black Film Festival, and Capital City Black Film Festival in which Sundays won the award for Best Feature. Sundays also won the award for Outstanding Panavision Feature and Denise won the award for Outstanding Actress in a Feature at the Micheaux Film Festival. Denise was seen in LA Times Critics Choice Scraps at The Matrix Theater portraying “Aisha”, a role she received an Ovation award nomination for. She was also seen in Jean Claude van Itallie’s The Serpent at The Odyssey Theater.
Casseen Williams
Casseen Williams was born in New York and raised in Florida. During his first year in Los Angeles, Casseen found an opportunity to participate in the Hollywood Fringe by performing in 'The Invincible Summer'. Loving stage performing, Casseen soon after began the advanced scene study class at The Robey Theatre Company. Casseen most recently played Larry Wilson in the play 'A Family Home Going', available on YouTube.
Raquel Rosser
Raquel Rosser Bit by the proverbial acting bug at the ripe age of 14, Raquel has always had a clear sense of what she loves to do since that age. Her very first professional production of The Wiz laid the groundwork for a love affair that would progress into an array of roles in theatre, film, tv, voiceover and commercials over the years. Some notable theatre roles include So Goes A Nation dealing with the Aids epidemic that had plagued the African American community, she toured the U.S. as part of the original cast of Don. B. Welch’s The Bachelorette Party, performed in the first all black cast of the normally white cast play Sister Cities with the Towne Street Theatre company written by Colette Freemen. The play was later adapted into a film. She also performed as an understudy in the role of Beneatha alongside Starletta Dupois in a Raisin in the Sun at the Ruskin Theatre. She found a home performing in various productions with Melvin Johnson’s Nesona Play Reading series and more. Currently Raquel can be seen in the Lifetime TV movie Obsessed with the Babysitter as Detective Munro and the film With and Without Youon Amazon Prime. She is excited to perform with the Robey Theatre company in the production of Providence Part 1.
Zarah J.T. Williams
Lead role of Anna - Unfrozen Christmas. One time performance at neighborhood church
P E R S O N A L P R O F I L E
I'm an aspiring makeup artist, hairstylist and budding fashionista. My eye for color has moved off my drawing tablet into clothing. I truly enjoy being creative.
H O B B I E S
Crocheting, Baking, Drawing, Singing
Lorinda Hawkins Smith
Lorinda Hawkins Smith is an actor/ musician/ comedian/ author/ filmmaker whose television credits include: Living Single, The Wayans Bros, and Strong Medicine. Theatre is her first love and she combines social justice with art. She has worked with Cornerstone Theatre Co., Watts Village Theatre Co., San Diego Rep, REDCAT and Deaf West.
She has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Hawthorne for her comedy for their 2021 Hawthorne Business Expo.
Her short film, The Virus, won the award for Best Horror Comedy MicroFilm at the Oregon Scream Week Horror Film Festival Summer 2021.
Her one woman show Justice? Or...Just Me? The Bite is the recipient of the 2021 Hollywood Fringe Festival Diversity scholarship awarded to productions with community impact. Her book by the same title is now available on Amazon. Lorinda is honored to be a commissioned playwright for The Robey Theatre Company.
Rosie Lee Hooks
Rosie Lee Hooks who has been acting for more than 40 years began her theatre career at the D.C. Black Repertory Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. where she was a founding member, resident actor and training coordinator for five years.
She is a former member of “Sweet Honey In The Rock” and founding member of TBET (The Black Ensemble Theatre) at LATC (Los Angeles Theatre Center). Hooks created the roles of Mrs. Harmon and Mrs. Sasaki in the American premiere of “One Thousand Cranes” at the Mark Taper Forum.
She received rave reviews in “A Change is Gonna Come”, “Checkmates”, and the “Poetry Cabaret” at Les Deux Café. She is a three time nominee and is the recipient of two prestigious “N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards” for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the original stage production of “227” and Best Ensemble for “Transitions”, and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for her performance in Moliere’s ‘The Misanthrope’. Her recent role as Nina Du Bois in “Knock Me A Kiss” received rave reviews.
Schantelle Cason
Schantelle Cason is a Pegasus from Booker T. Washington School for the Performing & Visual Arts -Dallas, has an MFA from Rutgers-Mason Gross School of the Arts & BFA from Howard University Theatre Arts Department.
Recent credits: Bronzeville S2(Apple), Archer (FX), Rashomon, voiceover work for HULU, NBC, ABC & several national commercials. Some theatre credits: The Bluest Eye, Homeward LA, Virginia Stage Company, Crossroads Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Capitol Repertory Theatre, & the Off-Broadway production of The Exonerated. IG@schantellecason or www.schantellecason.com
Kaci Hamilton
Kaci Hamilton is a Jamaican actor and writer, and a graduate of the William Esper Studio in New York. She made her stage debut as Tituba in The Crucible with Perseverance Theater in Juneau, Alaska, and as Katherine/Boy with Fairbanks Shakespeare Theater’s production of Henry V, which traveled to the 12th Annual Shakespeare Congress in Brisbane, Australia. Favourite credits include commercials for the new Lexus NX and Smirnoff Zero Infusions, the western short Dying Cowboy, and the Internet project The Life and Death Of…, directed by June Carryl. More at kacihamilton.com.
Nia McClinton
Nia McClinton - Actor, Producer, Poet, and Podcaster born and raised in LA. Nia would describe herself as a laughing artist who searches for joy and meaning in everything she does! At her core, she believes in storytelling and truth-telling as healing and she strives to bring this forth in her work. Nia previously trained at the Yale Summer Conservatory for Actors in 2019. Afterwards, she graduated from UCLA in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies and Theater minor. Nia has appeared in many UCLA student and departmental productions, including her lead role in “Function.” A short film that she co-wrote, produced, and starred in and received a CMF Best Actress Award in 2020. She is excited to join the Robey family as Oyá in A Heated Discussion!
More about Nia and her work can be found on her website: niamcclinton.carrd.co/ Instagram: @skin.likegold
David Bollar
David Bollar is a graduate from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. and had been in previous productions such as A Raisin in the Sun, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, The Master and the Margarita and Statements by Athol Fugard to name a few. New to the west coast he would like to thank Ben Guillory for this opportunity to connect with the theater world on the West Coast.
Rebecca Wackler
Rebecca Wackler is a playwright, actress and stage director. As an actress, Ms. Wackler has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Philadelphia Drama Guild, the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, The Dublin, Ireland Theatre Festival, The Spoleto Festival, Off-Broadway at the Astor Place Theatre in New York, Theatre Banshee in Los Angeles, Southern Theater Conspiracy and the Alliance Theater in Atlanta and many more. She has also appeared in many television and film productions, such as Grace & Frankie, Shameless and most recently an indie film, The Mistress.
Playwright Wackler co-authored Tent Meeting (published by Dramatists Play Service. She also co-authored Nicholas DeBeaubien’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Gatherer, for PBS, Isle of Dogs, published by Samuel French, Inc., Saving Grace, and The Gospel of Mary, with Ron Short of Roadside Theatre in Whitesburg, Kentucky.
Directing credits include Tent Meeting at Theatre Banshee in Los Angeles. In Chicago Some Things You Need to Know Before the World Ends (A Final Evening with the Illuminate). In Hiawasee, Georgia, The Reach of Song, Anniston, Alabama Steel Magnolias and El Grande Coca Cola. In Atlanta, The Incarceration of Annie, Spare Ribs, Hamlet the Musical, Phantom of the Opry, and We Won’t Pay, We Won’t Pay and for the Roadside Theatre, Whitesburg, Kentucky, Apples in the Fall.
Rebecca is also a certified personal trainer. Her company Wackler Workout provides personal training for seniors over eighty. She founded Wackler Wellness, a non-profit corporation which provides free exercise to low-income seniors.
DeBorah Sharpe-Taylor
DeBorah is active in all genres of performance as an Actor and Vocalist. She has toured with HARRY BELAFONTE, THE SUPREMES BARRY WHITE and SOUL II SOUL, appeared in National TV commercials for T-Mobile, Rite Aid, McDonalds, and Schlitz Malt Liquor [ with the late Teddy Pendergrass] as well as numerous Voice Over campaigns. TV appearances include, PROVEN INNOCENT (FOX), THE NEIGHBORS (NBC), THIS IS US (NBC), and she is featured in the recently released film MUSIC starring KATE HUDSON, LESLIE ODOM JR. which was written & directed by SIA.
Theatrically, DeBorah has performed onstage in numerous Broadway shows, including THE WIZ, IT AIN’T NOTHIN BUT THE BLUES, VIOLET, JELLY’S LAST JAM, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and others. She was Chair of the Credentials Committee for ACTOR EQUITY'S 2021 Convention and is a National Principal Councilor representing the Western Region of ACTORS EQUITY ASSOCIATION. But when she Is not performing, in meetings or teaching voice and piano privately DeBorah is on staff as a Vocal Instructor at THE MUSICIAN’S INSTITUTE of HOLLYWOOD.
DeBorah is also the founding director of her own 501c3 UNITED VOICES OF PEACE encouraging Unity in the Community through song.
Kyle Sparks
Kyle J Sparks is a theatrically-trained actor, comedian, and a singer/songwriter. He has appeared in national commercials for Jimmy John’s, Crown Royal and was featured in a sketch on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He is very excited to be working with The Robey Theater Company as a long-term collaborator. http://www.kylejsparks.com
Mona Mohamed
Mona Mohamed is the eldest of 5 sibling's, 1st generation Egyptian/Arab American actress born in Torrance,Ca. raised in Simi Valley, Ca. Her father was a mechanical engineer at Kemet Engineering in Cairo ,Egypt where he is from and her mother a traditional housewife from Port Said,Egypt. Mona continues to study theatre at Pierce College, Houde School of Acting , LimeLight Acting Studio and has had 4 years of training in Krav Maga Recent Credits include "I'am Gitmo'' cast as a CIA Interrogator & a mother in "Running in the Desert". Inspired by her recent trip to Egypt is writing her first children's book.Mona Mohamed is the eldest of 5 sibling's, 1st generation Egyptian/Arab American actress born in Torrance,Ca., raised in Simi Valley, Ca. Her father was a mechanical engineer at Kemet Engineering in Cairo ,Egypt where he is from and her mother a traditional housewife from Port Said, Egypt. Mona continues to study theatre at Pierce College, Houde School of Acting, LimeLight Acting Studio and has had 4 years of training in Krav Maga Recent Credits include," I'am Gitmo'' cast as a CIA Interrogator & a mother in '' Running in the Desert". Inspired by her recent trip to Egypt is writing her first children's book.
Chauntice Green
2019 The Wrong Kind of People by playwright George Corbin - Mex