About Toombstone
“Walk with the spirit of boldness while maintaining humility in your greatness.”
– Nikki Toombs
About Toombstone
“Walk with the spirit of boldness while maintaining humility in your greatness.”
– Nikki Toombs
Mission Statement
Toombstone Productions is committed to restoring integrity and purpose through arts education, community engagement, and the live productions. We unite leading theatre educators and industry professionals to provide resources, foster community, and create meaningful opportunities for artists of all ages. Through our work, we use the power of the arts as a tool for advocacy, transformation, and inclusion.
Vision Statement
Toombstone Productions envisions a reimagined American theatre that truly reflects the diversity of our world and the richness of the people within it. As a creative hub, we strive to empower artists to lead with purpose, amplify underrepresented voices, and illuminate the path toward a more equitable and inspired future through the arts.
Executive Staff
Nikki Toombs
Nikki Toombs is a notable American playwright, director, actress, and producer who hails from the “Magic City” of Birmingham, Alabama.
Nikki Toombs
Nikki Toombs is a notable American playwright, director, actress, and producer who hails from the “Magic City” of Birmingham, Alabama. This commissioned playwright has authored ten+ plays, has directed over 40 productions, and is a nationally commissioned presenter and curriculum specialist. As a talented and passionate arts educator, performer, and enthusiast she has completely immersed herself in the world of the arts. Her innovative approach, artistic impact, and undeniable connection with youth in the arts have earned her national recognition in American Theatre Magazine for being one of the “Top 20 People to Watch” in the industry. Toombs’ creative talents are limitless as she continues to solidify her position on the list of luminaries who are transforming the world – both on and off the stage.
Larsen Kennedy
Larsen Kennedy is an arts educator, theatre administrator, and actress based in metro-Atlanta, Georgia.
Larsen Kennedy
Larsen Kennedy is an arts educator, theatre administrator, and actress based in metro-Atlanta, Georgia. An alumna of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and a graduate of the University of North Georgia, she was a member of the inaugural cohort of the Four Directions Apprentice Company (Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, 7 Stages Theatre, Out Front Theatre Company, Art Station) in 2019. She was employed for five years as Assistant Drama Instructor through the Cumming Recreation and Parks Department, teaching students aged five through fourteen. After previously serving as Leadership Assistant and National Coordinator of the 2021 August Wilson Monologue Competition at True Colors, she proudly served as the National Next Narrative Monologue Competition Coordinator in its first and second years. She currently serves as a teaching artist at the Center for Puppetry Arts, as well as for other organizations in the Atlanta area.
Nikki Toombs
Nikki Toombs is a notable American playwright, director, actress, and producer who hails from the “Magic City” of Birmingham, Alabama.
Nikki Toombs
Nikki Toombs is a notable American playwright, director, actress, and producer who hails from the “Magic City” of Birmingham, Alabama. This commissioned playwright has authored ten+ plays, has directed over 40 productions, and is a nationally commissioned presenter and curriculum specialist. As a talented and passionate arts educator, performer, and enthusiast she has completely immersed herself in the world of the arts. Her innovative approach, artistic impact, and undeniable connection with youth in the arts have earned her national recognition in American Theatre Magazine for being one of the “Top 20 People to Watch” in the industry. Toombs’ creative talents are limitless as she continues to solidify her position on the list of luminaries who are transforming the world – both on and off the stage.
Larsen Kennedy
Larsen Kennedy is an arts educator, theatre administrator, and actress based in metro-Atlanta, Georgia.
Larsen Kennedy
Larsen Kennedy is an arts educator, theatre administrator, and actress based in metro-Atlanta, Georgia. An alumna of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and a graduate of the University of North Georgia, she was a member of the inaugural cohort of the Four Directions Apprentice Company (Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, 7 Stages Theatre, Out Front Theatre Company, Art Station) in 2019. She was employed for five years as Assistant Drama Instructor through the Cumming Recreation and Parks Department, teaching students aged five through fourteen. After previously serving as Leadership Assistant and National Coordinator of the 2021 August Wilson Monologue Competition at True Colors, she proudly served as the National Next Narrative Monologue Competition Coordinator in its first and second years. She currently serves as a teaching artist at the Center for Puppetry Arts, as well as for other organizations in the Atlanta area.
Executive Staff
Advisory Board
Advisory Board
Lamman Rucker
Lamman Rucker is an actor, educator, activist and entrepreneur.
Lamman Rucker
Lamman Rucker is an actor, educator, activist and entrepreneur. Rucker currently plays Jacob Greenleaf in the OWN scripted television series Greenleaf and is known as the star of Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married film sequels and hit film/sitcom Meet the Browns.Rucker may also be recognized from recent films such as BET’s The Man in 3B and Black Coffee, UPtv’s Where is The Love or remembered on TV shows including Half and Half, WE tv’s South of Hell, As The World Turns and All My Children. A passionate activist, Rucker is a spokesperson for several charities and community action initiatives including American Heart Association, The Black AIDS Institute, The Magic Johnson Foundation, and his non-profit The Black Gents, an all-male ensemble of actors driven to resurrect the positive images of Black males through high-quality entertainment, youth empowerment initiatives, and community service.
Javon Johnson
Javon Johnson is the founding Artistic Director of Bear Fruit Conservatory and founding ensemble member of Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago.
Javon Johnson
A native of Anderson, S.C., Johnson is the founding Artistic Director of Bear Fruit Conservatory and founding ensemble member of Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago. He is also a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA, a MFA graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, BA recipient from S.C. State University and has served as NEA and TCG panelist.Film Productions: “Once in a Valentine” (executive producer/director/writer), “The Authority” (executive producer) “He Who Findeth: A Cinderella Christmas Tale” (executive producer/actor)., “The Final Say” BET Her (executive producer/actor), “A Christmas Gift” BET + (executive producer/actor), “A Christmas Wish” BET + (executive producer/actor), “A Kismet Christmas” (actor), “Heaven” (writer/actor) a short film nominated for the African Movie Academy Award, directed by Chadwick Boseman (star of “Black Panther”) featured in HollyShorts Film Festival, Pan African Film Festival, Cannes International Pan African Film Festival and Martha Vineyard’s African American Film Festival. Other short films include “The Leijend” (producer/director/writer), “Largo” (executive producer/writer/actor), “No Ordinary Love” (producer, director, writer, actor), “After the Rose” (executive producer/ director/writer/actor). Several independent feature films slated for production.
Television/Film (actor): Current Series Regular on Tyler Perry’s “The Oval”. Other projects include “NCIS”, “American Soul”, “Boo! A Medea Halloween”, Netflix’s “Mayor of Kingstown”, “My Valentine Wedding”, “Kismet Holiday”, “I Am Keyshia Cole” for BET, “Someday at Christmas” for TV One, “Poor Jane”, “The Watsons Go to Birmingham” for Hallmark Channel, FOX’s “Shots Fired”, “The Mob Doctor” and “Prison Break”, History Channel’s “Six”, BET’s “The Quad” and “Let the Church Say Amen”, MGM “Barbershop 2”, Tyler Perry’s “Daddy’s Little Girls”, NBC “The Temptations”, Askew Films “Dogma”, SC Educational Television “Porgy: A Gullah Version”, STARZ “Survivor’s Remorse”, CW’s “Containment”, TBS’ “House of Payne”, ABC’s “One Life to Live” and “Morning Due” film short CANNES Film Festival.
Audio: (writer): The Clinic – Audio Drama for Congo Square Theatre.
Broadway (actor): Dave Robinson (Lombardi) at Circle in the Square.
Regional Productions (writer): Musical adaptation of E. Lynn Harris’ “Invisible Life” with original music by Ashford and Simpson. The Lark Theater, Queens Theater in the Park and H.E.R.E Theater in New York, Grahamstown Festival in South Africa, Victory Gardens Theatre, Congo Square Theatre, ETA Theatre, WashingtonDC’s Studio Theatre, St. Louis Black Repertory, Horizon Theatre, Bi-Annual National Black Theatre Festival featuring Malcolm Jamal Warner, Stage 52 in Los Angeles, New Jersey Repertory Company, Yale University’s Heritage Theater, New Jersey’s Dunbar Repertory Theatre, Pittsburgh’s Kuntu Repertory Theatre, Jazz Actor’s Theatre, Columbia College, and Pittsburgh’s New Voices.
National Tours (co-writer): “Married but Single” starring LisaRaye; “Things that Lovers Do” featuring Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore, Clifton Powell, and Kim Whitley for BACI Entertainment. (co-writer): “3 Ways to Get a Husband” starring Leon, Billy Dee Williams, Lenny Williams, Shirley Murdock; “Cheaper to Keep Her” starring Vivica Fox, Brian McKnight; “Recipes for Love” starring Carl Payne, Paula Jai Parker; “Whatever She Wants” starring Vivica Fox, Boris Kodjoe, Richard Rountree; “Cheaters” starring Brian McKnight, James Avery, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Michael Jai White, Karen Malina White; “Men, Money & Gold Diggers” starring Carl Payne, Robin Givens, Miguel Nunez, and Terri Vaughn; “Confessions” starring the late Gerald Levert, Kelly Price, and Don DC Curry; and “Marriage Material” starring Tank, Allen Payne, Michael Colyar, T-Boz and Jill Marie Jones.
Regional Theatre (actor): Blue (Paradise Blue) True Colors Theatre, (Cryin’ Shame) Chapman Culture Center, (Is God Is) Barebones Productions, Jackie Robinson (Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting) Lookingglass Theatre, Othello (Othello) Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre, Sterling (Two Trains Running) Geva Theatre, Mickey (Memoirs of a Junkie) Stage52, Los Angeles, Chad Diety (The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Diety) Barebones Productions, (The Stuttering Preacher) at The Complex in Hollywood, Flip (Stick Fly) for The McCarter & True Colors, Herald Loomis (Joe Turner’s Come and Gone) for Baltimore Centerstage & The Goodman/Congo Square, Red Carter (Seven Guitars), Young Ali (Ali) and Wendell Bailey (Before it Hits Home) Congo Square, Sherman (Cryin’ Shame) St. Louis Black Repertory & Kuntu Repertory, Tone (Deep Azure) Apollo Theatre for the NY Hip Hop Theatre Festival, the Provost (Measure for Measure) Pittsburgh Public, Asagai (A Raisin in the Sun) City Theatre, Guy (Blues for an Alabama Sky) for Kuntu Repertory, Cory (Fences) Hilton Head Playhouse, Pericles (Pericles) & Macbeth (Macbeth) University of Pittsburgh, and Joe (Pill Hill). S.C. State University.
Awards/Honors: Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Audelco Special Achievement Award, Black Theater Alliance Award for Best Play (Musical or Revue), Black Theater Alliance August Wilson Award for Best Writing of a play, Black Theatre Alliance Lorraine Hansberry Award for Best New Play, New Professional Theatre Playwriting Award, New York City, NY, Jefferson Award Nomination for Best New Play, National Project Award sponsored by Pierians, Inc. Pittsburgh Chapter, Chicago’s African-American Alliance Award for Best Lead Actor in a Play, Chicago’s Black Theatre Alliance’s Paul Robeson Award for Best Lead Actor in Play, participant at the Sundance Theatre Laboratory, finalist for the Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship at Arena Stage of Washington, D.C., Theodore Ward Playwright Award, Pittsburgh Playwright Award, Finalist for the National Play Award, second place recipient of the Lorraine Hansberry Award, Lorraine Hansberry Award, Yukon/Pacific New Play Award, Kennedy Center Fellowship to attend the Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, Best One-Act Play for the American College Theatre Festival Region II Competition.
Publications: Dramatic Publishing Company, Smith and Krauss of New York, and 2004 Publication “Seven Black Plays” Northwestern University Press.
Tracey N. Bonner
Tracey N. Bonner is a proud member of the Screen Actor’s Guild & Actor’s Equity Association.
Tracey N. Bonner
Victor Jackson
Victor Jackson is the visionary founder of Glam Rock Soul Entertainment Group.
Victor Jackson
Victor Jackson is the visionary founder of Glam Rock Soul Entertainment Group. Using his unique brand of faith, fire, and flair, Victor has guided countless creatives on their journey from idea to innovation. As a choreographer and creative director, Victor has worked with Kandi Burruss, Jennifer Hudson, Lil’ Wayne, Hairbrella, and BRAVO. He has inspired students in Auckland, Berlin, Moscow and across the US as a phenomenal teaching artist. He is also an award-winning music artist and his 2020 EP, “Man. Muse. Magic.”, earned him the NBAF Horizon Award in Music and a spot on the MusicForward & CITI LGBT Emerging Artist list. Victor is a member of GLAAD’s 2024 EMEI cohort and his latest single, “Amusement”, is now available on all streaming platforms. Follow Victor on all social media platforms at @mrglamrocksoul.
J. Christopher
J. Christopher, an African-American artist, draws from his lived experiences to craft narratives that resonate deeply with humanity.
J. Christopher
Embodying this profound mantra, J. Christopher, an African-American artist, draws from his lived experiences to craft narratives that resonate deeply with humanity. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, nurtured in Atlanta, Georgia, and now rooted in Long Beach, California, Christopher’s artistic journey evolved from his formative years to his studies at Howard University. His creative palette spans across diverse mediums, from the richness of oil paints to the boundless possibilities of digital art. Yet, his art is not just about aesthetics, but also a means of advocacy and education. With a fervent dedication to articulating the confluence of human experiences, Christopher’s work revolves around the ethos of “Beauty Amongst the Thorns.”
Ruben Studdard
Ruben Studdard is an American singer, actor, American Idol winner, and Grammy Award nominee.
Ruben Studdard
Born in Germany, Christopher Ruben Studdard would later grow up in his beloved Birmingham, Alabama and begin an amazing journey. The journey would lead him from a young boy who expressed his love for music through singing at Rising Sun Baptist Church to later having to choose between his love for music and his love for football. His love for music would eventually prevail and would lead him to what was perhaps his hardest challenge, which was convincing his mother that he should forego his music major at Alabama A&M to pursue his dream of singing. They reached a compromise; if he did not make strides in music within five years, he would go back to college.
On his quest for success and inspired by his idol, Fred Hammond, Ruben sang with local gospel groups and later ventured into the R&B/Jazz arenas and became the lead singer for local Birmingham R&B/Jazz group, Just A Few Cats. The story has been told that he walked up to them and said that he wanted to sing with them. As the saying goes, the rest is history. From that point until today, they are still making beautiful music and they are one of the highlights of Birmingham with their annual reunion.
Ruben’s involvement with Just A Few Cats would become a significant factor in his life. It was a background singer for the group that urged him to escort her to what he considered a cheesy talent show. While there, he also auditioned and he was the one who ended up in front of the judges. This was the beginning of a phenomenal phase of his life. The year was 2002 and the show was American Idol.
From the beginning of his stint on American Idol, Ruben made his presence known. The cuddly guy with a winning smile, that even came equipped with dimples, stole the hearts of many. His humble spirit and a voice so smooth that R&B legend Gladys Knight dubbed him “The Velvet Teddy Bear,” won the hearts of many. Each week Ruben was a star that shone brightly. His infectious personality and soulful voice led him to become the winner by over 100,000 votes. His debut single, “Flying Without Wings/Superstar,” quickly achieved gold status. He earned a 2003 Grammy nomination for “Best R&B Male Vocal Performance for “Superstar.” He also received a Billboard Award, BET Image Award, Teen Choice Award and nominations for numerous other music awards.
His first full CD, “Soulful” was released December 2003 and still holds the record as the highest debut of any American Idol Winner with over 400,000 copies sold during its first week. “Soulful” would go on to sell approximately 1.8 million copies. The single “Sorry 2004” from this album reached #9 in the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart.
In November of 2004, Ruben reached back to his gospel roots and recorded a gospel CD, “I Need An Angel.” The album sold over 96,000 copies in its first week. It also entered the Gospel charts at #1, opened at #20 on the Billboard 200 chart, and has since sold over 500,000 copies. It was #1 on the 2005 Billboard Year-End Gospel Albums Chart. Billboard listed the album at #11 on it’s “End of Decade’ Gospel Albums Chart (12/31/09).
In October of 2006, Ruben released “The Return” which debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 Chart and #2 on the R&B charts. The album sold over 300,000 copies and produced the hits “Change Me” and “Make Ya Feel Beautiful” which ended 2007 as the #8 and #11 songs respectively on Urban A/C. “Change Me” also made Billboard’s ‘End of Decade’ Song Chart (12/31/09) at #31.
In addition to his full albums, Ruben has had continuous success with other musical ventures. In 2007 he had the pleasure of recording a hit gospel song with gospel greats Deitrick Haddon and Mary Mary with the high-charting and gospel awards nominated “Love Him Like I Do.” He also was the first artist to have a recording specifically used as the farewell song for American Idol. His remake of Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home” which was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis was used during the 7th season of American Idol. In keeping with his love for music and his passion to help young people, he also founded The Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts in an effort to give back to the community while focusing on the need for music education in the school.
Perhaps the greatest leap for Ruben outside his R&B/Gospel ventures was his starring role in the 30th Anniversary Tour of Broadway’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ from December 2008 through May 2009. In addition to Ruben, the show starred two other American Idol alums Frenchie Davis and Trenyce. They, along with other stars of the show, David Jennings and Patrice Covington, were featured on a Cast Recording of the show that received a 2009 Grammy nomination for “Best Musical Show Album.”
Ruben’s current album, “Love IS” was released in May 2009. His current single “Don’t Make Em Like U No More” reached #32 on Billboard’s Hip-Hop R&B chart and along with the first single, “Together,” was a top 20 hit on the Urban A/C charts. “Together” was also listed at #37 on Billboard’s ‘End of Decade’ Hot Adult R&B Songs Chart (12/31/09).
Through hard work and an unshakable faith, Ruben fulfilled his promise to his mother and continues to express his growth as a musician and as an individual. For this, she is no doubt proud.
Eric Ayala
Eric Ayala is an award winning writer, director, author, actor, singer, and producer.
Eric Ayala
Eric Ayala is an award winning writer, director, author, actor, singer, and producer. He’s been published in 3 genres – all 3 pseudonyms he uses are variations of his full name. To date he has amassed an impressive 32 Independent Film Awards from various festivals; including 26 awards won for the 2015 screenplay, …if i should die before i wake. The screenplay adapted from the book Darkness in the Mirror advanced to the quarter semi-finals of the 2020 Script Lab competition ranking in the top 1000 of 13,000 entries.
Since 2016 Ayala has served as a regional judge for the August Wilson Monologue Competition; sponsored by Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre – Atlanta, GA.
The competition was the subject of the Netflix 2020 documentary Giving Voice (Executive producers; Viola Davis, John Legend, Constanza Romero, and Nicholas Caprio)
Ayala’s first book Restoration, an inspirational fiction, was published in 1997. Then in 1998 he wrote, directed and produced the stage play Will You Be Made Whole which debuted on stage at the 14th Street Playhouse. The play was followed later that year with what was to become the first in the wholeness series. The book Will You Be Made Whole was followed by the success of the sequel Alabaster Box…Two Women One Struggle, and then …if i should die before i wake. Will You Be Made Whole [the play] continued to perform well over the next 3 years.
Toombstone Productions Educators
Passionate about the arts
Madia Cooper-Ashirifi
Madia Cooper-Ashirifi is a Liberian dance educator, West African, modern, and Social Dance Performing artist, choreographer, and scholar.
Madia Cooper-Ashirifi
Madia Cooper-Ashirifi is a Liberian dance educator, West African, modern, and Social Dance Performing artist, choreographer, and scholar. She received an Ed.D from Vanderbilt University, a M.F.A. of dance performance and choreography from The College at Brockport and a B.F.A. Dance Education degree from Brenau University. She is Chair and Associate Professor of Dance at Brenau. As a Liberian-American, Madia shares her culture and knowledge of West African and social dances with all ages. She is a performer of the Ghanaian dance company Mawre Dance and Drum, which travels throughout the Southeast performing at major venues and conducting residencies.
Miguel Corado
Miguel Alejandro Corado is an actor, writer and director born in Atlanta, Georgia.
Miguel Corado
Miguel Alejandro Corado is an actor, writer and director born in Atlanta, Georgia. Corado seeks to facilitate and construct artistic spaces and conversations through numerous forms of media in Theatre, Film, Song and Script. He began his artistic endeavors with an award for 3rd Place in the Regional August Wilson Monologue Competition, produced by True Colors Theatre Company. He has since appeared in numerous productions such as A Raisin in the Sun (Urban Theatrical Players), The 48 Hour Atlanta Theatre Spree (Rolecall Theater), and his first film role as “Marauder” in Jungle Cruise (Walt Disney Pictures). In more recent years, he served as a main cast member in the short film Sweet Conversation (Jamila Gray, Our Sweet Convo) and has dipped into areas behind the camera with his first directorial credit on the Pilot episode of Sister 4 Sale (Marlena Robinson and Cassandra Buchanan). He has also directed the Dance film E is for Existential Dread (Egypt Noboa).
Christopher Hampton
Christopher Hampton is an Atlanta based, actor educator, arts administrator, and director.
Christopher Hampton
Christopher is an Atlanta based, actor educator, arts administrator, and director. He has collaborated with many theatre organizations across the country including, The Alliance Theatre, The Mixed Blood theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, and The Center for New Performance at RedCat. Christopher holds a BFA from the California Institute of the Arts, and is dedicated to using his work in the theatre as a tool for societal change. Christopher is a board member of Working Title Playwrights, and the Co owner of The Point of Health Wellness Center (www.healthatthepoint.com).
Alden Kennedy
Alden Kennedy’s work is informed by the intersection of social consciousness and celebration.
Alden Kennedy
Originally from Georgia and now based in New York, Alden found her passion for stage management in high school and is continually inspired by family, friends, and collaborators. When not working, they can be found spending time with their cats, Gibby and Tiny Tim, or drinking iced coffee (even if it’s not seasonally appropriate). Fueled by a passion for collaboration, Alden’s work is informed by the intersection of social consciousness and celebration. Their priority is to foster joy while also making a safe space for all expanses of expression. She feels best about her work when all involved feel fulfilled and supported. Rather than centralizing the creation of art for art’s sake, they centralize the holistic well-being of the artist themselves.
Dr. Brandon McCrae
Dr. Brandon Isaac McCrae is hailed as one of today’s most prolific young ministry and musical forces.
Dr. Brandon McCrae
Unleashed upon the world on March 18, 1986, Dr. Brandon Isaac McCrae is hailed as one of today’s most prolific young ministry and musical forces. Coming of age in rural southern Georgia, music became his outlet and passion. During Sunday morning services at the Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. McCrae gained his bearings behind an old Ludwig Vistalite kit. Gleaning an excellent knowledge of improvisation, format, and overall musicianship, he would later be elected to attend Georgia’s Governors Honors program. His life would be indelibly altered here by meeting Professor Leon Anderson.
Dr. McCrae would go on to receive a full scholarship and graduate from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies and Commercial Music. Shortly after graduation, he returned to Valdosta to diversify his educational portfolio with a teaching assistantship and Master of Music Performance degree in classical percussion from Valdosta State University. Music has afforded Dr. McCrae the opportunity to share the stage with an array of artists from jazz icons the likes of Marcus Roberts, soul music superstar, and 13- time Grammy nominee Musiq Soulchild, to Gospel Music revolutionary 3-time Grammy award and 10-time Stellar award-winning Pastor Donnie McClurkin. Most recently, Dr. McCrae has traveled the length and breadth of this country and abroad as the “talented timekeeper’ for the 2-time Grammy, 2-time Oscar-winning timeless balladeer, Mr. Peabo Bryson.
On the sacred educational front, Dr. McCrae has garnered his Master of Arts in Expository Preaching with an emphasis on Apologetics and Christian Philosophy at Trinity Theological Seminary (Newburgh, IN). Dr. McCrae completed his doctoral work in February 2020, earning a Doctor of Ministry degree from South University’s College of Theology (Savannah, GA). His dissertation was entitled “Through a Tinted Lens: A Series of Seminars Addressing the Influence of Africa on Church History.” In the true vein of achievement, Dr. McCrae was afforded the great privilege of pledging Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated (Valdosta Alumni Chapter) in March 2010.
On October 8, 2017, Dr. McCrae was ordained as an Elder and Priest in the Lord’s Church at the hands of his Father, Bishop Wade Starling McCrae, his spiritual father, Bishop Brian Keith Hodges, and a host of visiting prelates, priests, and parishioners. After his prelatial appointment in January of 2018, on October 28, 2018, assisted by his father, Bishop Todd M. Hall installed Dr. McCrae to the lower house of the prelature. As a skilled student of protocol, polity, and an up incoming churchman, Dr. McCrae diligently serves on the executive councils of the Rhema Word Covenant Fellowship of Pastors, headed by his father, Bishop Wade S. McCrae, and Christ International Fellowship, led by Bishop David M. Maldonado.
While musically talented, Dr. McCrae is also gifted in education and administration. He currently serves as the Overseer of Music and Fine Arts for the Christ International Fellowship, Worship Pastor for the Gathering of Champions International Cathedral and Musical Director for several other entities, locally and nationally. Within academia, Dr. McCrae serves as the Vice-President and Academic Dean for Christ Institute of Theology (CIT) in Orlando, Florida. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the religious studies department of Beulah Heights University. Leading with passion and prowess, his goal is to shape the mind of every student through a Christocentric lens. Dr. McCrae is the son of Elder Diann V. Riley (Pastor Troy), Bishop Wade S. McCrae (Dr. LaConya), Eldest brother of Brittany Nicole (Tessler), Tyler James, and Immanuel Jamal. Brandon is VERY happily married to the beautiful and brilliant Dr. Erica Breann (Dr. E.) and the proud father of Benjamin Isaac, Ethan Blake, and Timothy Braxton Wade. They are his life’s joy! Brandon’s life is a testament to his motto, “Your Potential is simply your untapped Reality!”
Maiesha McQueen
Maiesha McQueen is a multi-faceted performer and creative, as well as a proud Atlanta native.
Maiesha McQueen
Maiesha McQueen is a multi-faceted performer and creative, as well as a proud Atlanta native. She recently played Celie in The Color Purple and completed a highly successful run of Ain’t Misbehavin at Barrington Stage. Before that, she starred on Broadway alongside Sara Bareilles in the hit musical, Waitress. Maiesha previously traveled the globe as co-founder and musical composer of the touring company Progress Theatre, whose work has been presented at such spaces as The Public Theater, The Kennedy Center, The Apollo Theater, and the World Music Festival in Amsterdam. As a former certified teacher, Maiesha continues to offer workshops and professional development for working actors and arts educators across the country. She is a proud graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education and serves as Creative Director of the arts education program, A Bite Out of Broadway. Maiesha is also the executive director of The Lucy Project, a production company that seeks to create opportunities for Black women to develop new works. @maieshamcqueen
Cedric Pendleton
An actor, producer, and creative executive, Cedric Pendleton is in the prime of his career.
Cedric Pendleton
An actor, producer, and creative executive, Cedric Pendleton is in the prime of his career. Armed with unbridled talent and captivating charisma, his 35 years in entertainment have taken him from behind the lens to in front of the camera with live events, the stage, television, and film. His on-screen appearances in box-office successes include the thriller Runaway Jury, based on the best-selling novel by John Grisham, the romantic comedy Summer Catch and several ground-breaking films of Tyler Perry such as Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Madea’s Family Reunion. He is credited for his supporting and recurring roles in hit television shows such as FX’s The Shield, CBS’s The Guardian, The CW’s One Tree Hill, The WB’s Dawson’s Creek, Lifetime’s Strong Medicine, HBO’s True Blood, CBS’s CSI: NY, TBS’s Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots, and the award-winning Lifetime film, The Fantasia Barrino Story, based on the life of the American Idol winner.
As a highly sought-after Executive Producer, Cedric is a visionary and has successfully brought noteworthy events and stories to life. Including a national tour of, High School Battle of the Bands, averaging 60,000 patrons per show. Producing for Tyler Perry’s breakout tour, I Know I’ve Been Changed, and serving as EP for Juanita Bynum’s, Weapons of Power Conferences, televised to 3.1 million households. He has recently Executive Produced the film For the Love of Money and Co-Executive Produced an Emmy-nominated series for PBS entitled The Cool and The Strong.
He holds a BS Degree in Computer Science and continues to expand the boundaries of his artistry in various capacities while also nurturing his love for the arts as an active practitioner of Capoeira Angola and African dance.
Brad Raymond
Brad is so excited to be returning to teaching after serving several years as both an adjudicator and Teaching Artist.
Brad Raymond
Brad is so excited to be returning to teaching after serving several years as both an adjudicator and Teaching Artist. Prior to becoming a full time artist; Brad was a full-time educator, serving as lead teacher of the Lindblom College Preparatory High School Music Department, Principal Conductor of the All-city High School Chorus of Chicago and Artistic Director of the Choir Academy Of Chicago School. Brad has performed as an actor, singer or conductor at some of the art world’s most esteemed institutions including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Light Opera Works of Chicago, the Ravinia Festival, Arena Stage, The Broad Stage, The Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Opera, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, Theater Emory, Horizon Theatre and Spivey Hall. Some of Brad’s favorite roles include: Homer in Lilies of the Field, Fetch in Fetch, Clay Make Man, Ronald in Born For This, Stew in Passing Strange and the Suzi Bass Award winning performance as Blue in Chasin Dem Blues. You can see Brad this summer in Millions at the Alliance Theatre.
Dr. Emorja Roberson
Emorja Roberson is the Assistant Professor of Music and African American Studies at Oxford College of Emory University.
Dr. Emorja Roberson
Emorja Roberson is the Assistant Professor of Music and African American Studies at Oxford College of Emory University. He recently performed as the baritone soloist for Brahms’ Requiem at with the Notre Dame Children’s Choir where he also debuted his commissioned piece, “Joy, it’s on the Way,” under the direction of Mark Doerries. He has three published works, “Lord, I Am Grateful” with MorningStar Music Publishers, and two with GIA Music, “He’ll be With You” and “Seek Ye First,” which has been performed by the University of Arkansas Inspirational Chorale, Notre Dame Folk Choir, and South Bend Community Singers. He was selected as a 2023 Arts & Social Justice Fellow. This partnership between Emory Arts and the Ethics and the Arts program at Emory University of Ethics afforded the opportunity for Roberson to work with ASJ Fellow, Adán Bean, Spoken Word Poet, in the course, Black Church, Black Music at Oxford College. He recently served as the music director for the play, Let Us March On…, by Nikki Toombs, in partnership with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Roberson is a 2022 recipient of the Future of Music Faculty Fellowship with Cleveland Institute of Music which is a development initiative for Black and Latinx music professionals within academia.
As a student of Mark Doerries and Stephen Lancaster, Roberson became the first African American to receive a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting (‘22) and a Master of Sacred Music in Vocal Performance (‘17) from the Sacred Music Department at the University of Notre Dame. His oratorio, BE-SPOKEN, highlights the experiences of the Black experience through jazz, hip-hop, and gospel. The 2022 debut cast consisted of Anthony Walker, King Chav, and Grammy-Award winner, Ledisi. He was awarded the 2021 Academic Freedom Award from the Department of Africana Studies and the 2022 Sr. Jean Lenz Award for his leadership that promotes a more diverse, inclusive campus community for all students. Roberson is also the founder of the talk show, Black@ND and the past director for the Voices of Faith Gospel Choir.
In 2019, he made his national debut on Season 9 of BET’s Sunday Best competition as a top 20 contestant and served as the choir director for Kathleen Battle’s The Underground Railroad: A Spiritual Journey tour with the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center at the University of Notre Dame. As a doctoral student, Roberson hosted the University of Notre Dame’s first Black History Month concert, UNSUNG, which featured artists in jazz, classical, and gospel, which included Callie Day, Isaac Cates, J.J. Wright, and Aalex Mansour. In March 2020, “Seek Ye First” from The Evening Musicale (2019), was featured on Sirius XM 64 (Kirk Franklin’s Praise).
In 2016, he debuted his piece, “Let’s Just Praise the Lord,” with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and was a featured soloist on Robert Kry’s, Paradiso: Transformation and Transfiguration and Mass for the Oppressed by Emerson Eads. He has premiered Evelyn Simpson Curenton’s “Sweet Lil Jesus” and was featured as the soloist for J.J. Wright’s O Emmanuel with the Notre Dame Children’s Choir. Under the direction of John Apeitos, Roberson was Duke Frederick in Roger Steptoe’s world-premiere opera of the Shakespeare play, As You Like It. As a master’s student in the Sacred Music Department at the University of Notre Dame, Roberson was a student of Dr. Stephen Lancaster and worked with world-renowned soprano, Deborah Voight, Carla Rae Cook, and J.J. Penna. Roberson recorded with Grammy Award Winner, Arturo Sandoval, for the Notre Dame Children’s Choir CD, Christmas at Notre Dame, as a soloist on “Frosty, the Snowman” with Matthew Kelly.
Roberson graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance, where he studied with Krzysztof Biernacki. He has held lead roles in Die Zauberflöte, The Consul, The Mikado and La Bohème with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and performed as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah.
He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and a charter member of Psi Beta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity.
Derrick Robertson
Derrick Robertson Jr. is a dynamic performer and educator, seamlessly weaving his talents in acting, spoken word, and teaching with unwavering dedication.
Derrick Robertson
Derrick Robertson Jr. is a dynamic performer and educator, seamlessly weaving his talents in acting, spoken word, and teaching with unwavering dedication. Graduating with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Clark Atlanta University, Derrick has made a significant impact on Georgia’s regional theater scene, gracing stages at prestigious venues including The Alliance Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, True Colors Theatre, and Horizon Theatre Company. Notable credits include “Holler if Ya Hear Me,” “Woke,” and “Chicken & Biscuits.” While also making his mark on screen with appearances in “High Expectations” on Amazon and “Tales S2” on BET. Derrick’s commitment to education shines through as he teaches at Wesley International Academy Charter School and serves as a teaching artist at the Alliance Theatre Drama camp, drawing inspiration from his own educators. He encourages aspiring artists to pursue their true passions and embrace authentic expression as the gateway to both personal fulfillment and artistic freedom.
Cameron Southerland
Cameron Southerland is an “All-Around” artist and believes he is called to serve as a bridge to a multiplicity artistic spaces.
Cameron Southerland
Cameron Southerland hails from the great city of Atlanta, GA! He is an “All-Around” artist and believes he is called to serve as a bridge to a multiplicity artistic spaces. He is the founder of Witty Inventions Productions LLC, focusing on keeping ART at the center of it all! He previously served as the assistant director of drama at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. High School. His creative direction just recently led this amazing group of young artists to first place in the regional One-Act Competition with their production of August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars”! In lieu of being bitten by the “theatre” bug, Southerland serves as a minister of the gospel, worship leader, and advocate for performing arts education! His goal is to “tell stories that bring change” and with the help of the Holy Spirit, the masses will be blessed!
Galen Williams
Galen J. Williams is an Atlanta native, multi-hyphenate artist as an actor, writer, singer, dancer and acting coach.
Galen Williams
Galen J. Williams is an Atlanta native, multi-hyphenate artist as an actor, writer, singer, dancer and acting coach. As a graduate of Tri-Cities High School VPA Magnet Program, Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Musical Theatre program, and University of Southern California’s MFA Acting program, he made his Broadway debut in the ensemble of “Motown the Musical”, and his Principal Broadway debut in Jeremy O. Harris’ riveting production of “Slave Play” in the role of Gary. He also played the role in the West Coast Premiere of “Slave Play” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, CA. Other credits include Season 1 of POSE on FX and the Daytime Emmy-Nominated and Webby Award winning Digital Series “The Gaze” starring in the lead role of Jerome Price, playing opposite of the Emmy-Nominated Sharon Lawrence, TC Carson, and an all-star cast. He is currently a Teaching Artist-In-Residence for Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta preparing students for the Next Narrative Monologue Competition. He has taught Acting and Speech at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and has choreographed productions for El Camino College and New Manchester High School. With a combined following of over 70K across social media platforms, he has generated over 10M views and 2M likes for his Maya Angelou impersonations and accent mastery.
Markell Williams
Markell Williams is an award-winning actor, writer and teaching artist based in Atlanta.
Markell Williams
Markell Williams is an award-winning actor, writer and teaching artist based in Atlanta. He helms from the state of SC where he earned a BS in Chemistry with strooong encouragement from his parents. After 10 plus years of working in Quality Control and R&D he allowed his heart to direct him to his original passion for performance art. He has performed for the Alliance Theater, 7 stages, Horizon Theatre, True Colors, Out Of Hand, Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Found Stages, Weird Sisters, NC Black Repertory Co.,The Object Group, Center for Puppetry Arts, Impulse Rep, and Theatre in the Square. Most notable TV/Film credits include a guest star role on ABC’s hit series Will Trent as well as the Disney Plus series She-Hulk and a guest star role on the FX TV series Atlanta. Follow him on Instagram @Markell.Williams to see what he’s up to next.
Agency | Houghton Talent | Atlanta, GA
Apprentices
D’Zyre Jones
D'Zyre Jones
D’Zyre is a Syracuse, NY native and proud graduate of Howard University, where she earned her degree in Computer Information Systems and Cyber Security. Her recent credits include Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and Mary Pierre in The Laughing Stock. She is also an alumna of the British American Drama Academy (BADA), where she had the opportunity to further refine her craft among a global community of artists. D’Zyre believes that theatre is the heartbeat of storytelling and is passionate about work that uplifts, challenges, and heals. She is excited to continue growing as an artist and grateful for every opportunity to bring meaningful stories to the stage.
Sienna Nason
Sienna Nason
Sienna is a senior at Young Harris College pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. She is the current Vice President of the National Theatre Honor Society Chapter at Young Harris, as well as being involved in several other honor societies. When not on stage, she enjoys playing the piano and spending time with her cats.
“When All The Saints Are Gathered…”
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When All The Saints Are Gathered...| Toombstone Productions
“18 Steps”
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18 Steps | Toombstone Productions
“The Next King”
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The Next King| Toombstone Productions
“Courageous Steps”
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Courageous Steps | Toombstone Productions
“Let Us March On…”
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Let Us March On... | Toombstone Productions
“All the Natalie Portmans”
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All the Natalie Portmans| Toombstone Productions
“The Neighbors”
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The Neighbors| Toombstone Productions
“Shout, Sing Out!”
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Shout, Sing Out!| Toombstone Productions
