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December 9 - 18, 2022 , Allen Theatre

Karamu House's

Black Nativity

Written by Langston Hughes
Directed by Tony F. Sias

Run time: Approx. 105 min., including a 15 min. intermission

Karamu House, the centerpiece of Cleveland’s historic Fairfax neighborhood and the oldest Black theatre in the country, presents the soul-stirring, gospel celebration Black Nativity in the Allen Theatre. Black Nativity is the joyous retelling of the traditional New Testament account of the Nativity story, using gospel music, dramatic dance, and a biblical narrative. Written and conceived by legendary playwright, poet, and Karamu alum Langston Hughes, this soulful, heartwarming story is a Karamu House classic!

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Artists

Marta Brock

(Vocal Ensemble) is returning to the Karamu stage for the 2nd time as a part of Black Nativity. She’s also participated in a few other Karamu presentations. She brings many years of musical experience as a choir member and director. She’s starred in numerous church plays and skits and more(Vocal Ensemble) is returning to the Karamu stage for the 2nd time as a part of Black Nativity. She’s also participated in a few other Karamu presentations. She brings many years of musical experience as a choir member and director. She’s starred in numerous church plays and skits and a few productions in both junior high and high school. She was inducted into the Thespian Society in the late ‘80s. She is mother to three beautiful, talented children: JOSIAH 26, NOAH 20, and BETHANY 19. Her all-time favorite scripture remains to be Philippians 4:6-9.

A. Harris Brown

(Vocal Ensemble) a true mentor, artist, motivator, and friend that has many fond memories of performing at the historic and famed Karamu House. In addition, he has performed at other theaters in Greater Cleveland. He is a proud graduate of Bethune-Cookman University. Select credits include Aida, Neighbors, Dreamgirls, Sister more(Vocal Ensemble) a true mentor, artist, motivator, and friend that has many fond memories of performing at the historic and famed Karamu House. In addition, he has performed at other theaters in Greater Cleveland. He is a proud graduate of Bethune-Cookman University. Select credits include Aida, Neighbors, Dreamgirls, Sister Act, Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, The Wiz, Fame, Black Nativity, 12 Angry Men, Porgy& Bess, La Bohème, Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Ragtime, Six Degrees of Separation, Cut Flowers, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Leap of Faith, The Color Purple and various 48 Hour Film Festival Competitions. This theater lover is also on the Board of Directors for Convergence Continuum Theater. He is a seasoned educator for more than 25 years that is currently employed with Cleveland Metropolitan Schools and host of the virtual lifestyles talk show, “HBCU Alumni House Party Show!” Anthony shares his personal testimony through motivational speaking engagements that reflect on his journey through childhood, depression, guilt, divorce, family, fatherhood, weight loss, addiction, discovery and motivation. It's a roller coaster ride of emotions that ends in a place of #NoRegrets. To learn more, visit AHarrisBrown.com.

Darelle Hill

(Vocal Ensemble) burst onto the scene at Karamu at the beginning of 2019, making his debut as Silva Vicarro in Tennessee Williams’s 27 Wagons Full of Cotton.? Soon after that, he was cast as the leading role of the Egyptian Captain, Radames, in the hit musical Aida. He also more(Vocal Ensemble) burst onto the scene at Karamu at the beginning of 2019, making his debut as Silva Vicarro in Tennessee Williams’s 27 Wagons Full of Cotton.? Soon after that, he was cast as the leading role of the Egyptian Captain, Radames, in the hit musical Aida. He also spiced up the stage in his role as Ladonte, a.k.a. Tay Tay, in the romantic comedy Sassy Mamas right before the pandemic shut down the theatre along with the rest of the world.?Darelle?spent 2020 in the cast of Karamu's groundbreaking social justice series, Freedom After Juneteenth, which focused?on various topics like Racism, Family Trauma, Police Brutality, and Voting. ?This year will be his third time having the honor of joining the ensemble of the holiday favorite, Black Nativity, and he?is ecstatic to have the chance to perform in front of a live audience once again! Darelle?draws inspiration from his daughter, Zariya, who is also an active member of the Karamu family and is proudly involved in the Karamu Arts Education Program. You can follow?Darelle?on IG: @superstarrello

Bonita Jenkins

Bonita Jenkins

(Vocal Ensemble) is a Cleveland native singer, who has been singing since the age of 4. She starred in her very first stage play in the 5th grade and it was there that she was smitten by the desire to perform on stage. While spending time in Chicago, Bonita more(Vocal Ensemble) is a Cleveland native singer, who has been singing since the age of 4. She starred in her very first stage play in the 5th grade and it was there that she was smitten by the desire to perform on stage. While spending time in Chicago, Bonita performed in several community productions and also traveled with Rev. Milton Brunson’s & the Thompson Community Choir performing at the Kennedy Center. Her love of theater has opened many opportunities to perform on stage. Recent performances include several years in Karamu House’s production of Black Nativity and Aida. At the Brecksville Community Theater Bonita was in Sister Act. She performed in Weathervane Playhouse’s Dreamgirls and Memphis. In September 2022 Bonita won the Best Featured Performer in a Musical for her performance as Soloist in The Color Purple at the 69th annual Chanticleer Awards. Bonita is excited and grateful for this journey.

Christina Johnson

Christina Johnson

(Vocal Ensemble) is a native Cleveland Singer, stylist, songwriter, visual artist and poet. Since her very first stage performance, as a child, in Geminia- a Space age Cinderella, the arts have become more than the performance but a catalyst for learning, peace, and balance. Christina has been a more(Vocal Ensemble) is a native Cleveland Singer, stylist, songwriter, visual artist and poet. Since her very first stage performance, as a child, in Geminia- a Space age Cinderella, the arts have become more than the performance but a catalyst for learning, peace, and balance. Christina has been a part of several script development groups locally. The love of the arts keeps her connected on stage, as well as working behind the scenes of productions. She recently performed in Karamu House’s social justice series “Juneteenth” and “Freedom After Juneteenth”, and many years of Black Nativity. Christina has also been seen in The Wiz (as Evillene), The Color Purple (as Sofia), Crowns, My Brother’s Keeper, Sister Act, And Her Hair Went With Her, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (as Ma Rainey) Stew, and Can I Touch It, to name a few.

Damon "Zero" Johnson

(Vocal Ensemble) is an actor, singer, dancer, and all-around entertainer. After graduating from the Cleveland School of the Arts, he studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy majoring in Musical Theatre and continues performing on various stages including Nighttown, Playhouse Square, Severance Hall, and Karamu House. He has more(Vocal Ensemble) is an actor, singer, dancer, and all-around entertainer. After graduating from the Cleveland School of the Arts, he studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy majoring in Musical Theatre and continues performing on various stages including Nighttown, Playhouse Square, Severance Hall, and Karamu House. He has performed in various shows such as Bring It On, 42nd Street, Urinetown, and Black Nativity. Zero persisted to work with music, continuing his passion by becoming a DJ, MC, and party motivator for music events hosted by Rock the House. To this day, he still follows the music wherever it takes him.

Taylor Jones

(Joseph) is a 30-year-old Cleveland Native. He started his training at the Cleveland School of the Arts and continued his training at The University Of The Arts. Taylor has worked with such artists as Dara J. Meredith, Christopher Huggins, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Wayne St. David, and Roni Koresh, to name more(Joseph) is a 30-year-old Cleveland Native. He started his training at the Cleveland School of the Arts and continued his training at The University Of The Arts. Taylor has worked with such artists as Dara J. Meredith, Christopher Huggins, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Wayne St. David, and Roni Koresh, to name a few. Most recently, Taylor was a member of Ronald K. Brown’s company Evidence, A Dance Company ('15-'16). Taylor has been a member of The Bad Boys of Ballet since 2016. Taylor is thankful for having a loving mother who pushes him forward, and he thanks God for giving him the ability to heal others with his gift.

Rashawn Kadeem

(Dancer) is a Cleveland Native who has been involved in the arts since the age of 10. Rashawn started off as a vocalist under the direction of Michael Williams at Carl and Louis Stokes Central Academy. This prepared him to make it into the Cleveland School of Arts as more(Dancer) is a Cleveland Native who has been involved in the arts since the age of 10. Rashawn started off as a vocalist under the direction of Michael Williams at Carl and Louis Stokes Central Academy. This prepared him to make it into the Cleveland School of Arts as a Vocal Major under the direction of Dr. William B. Woods. After years of singing classical, gospel, and spiritual music, Kadeem decided it was time to try something new, which is when he found his passion in dance. Rashawn has worked under the direction of Reggie Kelly, Michael Medcalf, Terence Greene, Diane Mackintyre, Talise Campbell, and Lula Washington,?to name a few. Rashawn has also accomplished many things such as choreographing God’s Trombones; RID-ALL, A Green Movement; and Great White Hope at Karamu House. He’s also worked as a character performer for University Studios Hollywood, Royal Caribbean Cruiseline, and graced your TV screens as a contestant on the MTV Show Snack Off, Season 1, Ep. 13.

Kailyn Mack

Kailyn Mack

(Mary) is a Cleveland native and alumni of Cleveland School of the Arts; where she studied as a dance major. Kailyn received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Wright State University. During college Kailyn trained with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC2). She has been featured in the more(Mary) is a Cleveland native and alumni of Cleveland School of the Arts; where she studied as a dance major. Kailyn received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Wright State University. During college Kailyn trained with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC2). She has been featured in the Plain Dealer and cleveland.com for her role as ‘Mary’ in Karamu’s Black Nativity. Some of her other performances include Aida (Karamu House), Dreamgirls, and Memphis (Weathervane Playhouse). Kailyn is the new dance instructor at Newton D. Baker School of the Arts and is in her fourth year as a teaching artist at Rainey Institute. She is excited for what the future holds as she continues to share her gift through performance, instruction, and choreography. “Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So, use your gift well.”1Peter4:10

Kevin “Oriyomi" Marr II

(Dancer) Since the 10th grade, Oriyomi has performed in city-wide plays, musicals, concerts, and performance arts venues, such as the CMSD All City Arts Program, Break City, Cleveland Public Theater STEP, The City of Cleveland Showagon, Foluke Cultural Arts Center, Rainey Institute, Errin Ministries, GreenWorks, The Ohio Theater Project, more(Dancer) Since the 10th grade, Oriyomi has performed in city-wide plays, musicals, concerts, and performance arts venues, such as the CMSD All City Arts Program, Break City, Cleveland Public Theater STEP, The City of Cleveland Showagon, Foluke Cultural Arts Center, Rainey Institute, Errin Ministries, GreenWorks, The Ohio Theater Project, and Black Poetic. His longest running show was Black Nativity, where he was able to perform in the show for over 10 years, 5 years choreographed, and 2 years performed as Joseph. Under many great directors, performers, and novelists, he has had the opportunity to develop works that has toured throughout the United States of America, impacting the voices of our nation. To acknowledge a few accomplishments, Oriyomi is a graduate of The Ohio Media School for Broadcasting and Web Design; he has choreographed for over 14 years, completing his final 25 credits at Cleveland State University with a concentration in Dance and Theater; danced with several performing arts companies (www.deucedancellc.wordpress.com) locally; guest-appeared for local news performance excerpts/tributes, city-wide gospel broadcastings; and a few national performances, such as the Canton Football Hall of Fame, Ted-Talk, American Disability Awareness conferences, and The National Stigma Conference for HIV Awareness. To learn more about the growth of Yomi’s career, visit his website for more information, and follow his media stream for more in-person broadcasting- @tumni216, YouTube-deucedancellc. Check out his new music https://youtu.be/BcRmFLjv5C0- YouTube Rapture Dream Featuring Sanu. What can you say about of this change in pace, is that the journey of an artist is ever-changing with guided stars, that are revealed in the context of the narratives of life. Sanu Oriyomi Ojotunmi Omo. Be on the lookout in the future journals, narratives, and performance works- expressing the impact of systematic structure and the outcomes of cultural communication barriers. “I speak for the voices within me, because they chose to rest in my ancestors.”

Jennae M. McCully

Jennae M. McCully

(Dancer) was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio. She began taking dance classes at Karamu House, while also dancing for both her church and high school. She went on to dance in various productions in the city like Cleveland Dance Project and How I Got more(Dancer) was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio. She began taking dance classes at Karamu House, while also dancing for both her church and high school. She went on to dance in various productions in the city like Cleveland Dance Project and How I Got Over (under Black Nativity Associate Director Errin Weaver). Also, Jennae danced for the Cleveland Monsters Hockey Team for two seasons. Currently, she works as the dance teacher at the newly opened Superior School for the Performing Arts in East Cleveland, along with teaching praise dance to youth at Antioch Baptist Church. When she isn't hitting the stage this holiday season, she is a member of Reflections Dance Theater and Mojuba! Dance Collective. This is Jennae’s second year being a part of Black Nativity, and she is excited to share her talents on stage with all the other wonderful artists once again!

Joshua McElroy

Joshua McElroy

(Vocal Ensemble) is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art with a Bachelor’s in Video, and he is the CEO of AlyNova Productions. Joshua got started in theatre over a decade ago as the Director of the Shaker Heights Improv Team. He’s been a part of Case Western more(Vocal Ensemble) is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art with a Bachelor’s in Video, and he is the CEO of AlyNova Productions. Joshua got started in theatre over a decade ago as the Director of the Shaker Heights Improv Team. He’s been a part of Case Western Reserve University’s improvement and part of a comedy group at the Hilarities 4th Street Theater. Joshua’s been in plays at the Ensemble Theatre, Waterloo Arts Center, Cuyahoga Community College, convergence-continuum, French Creek Theatre, Great Lakes Theatre, Cleveland Public Theatre, Dobama Theatre and recently at Cain Park in RENT! Joshua began with musicals at Karamu House such as The Color Purple, The Wiz, Passing Strange, Aida and Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity. In the last decade there hasn’t been a season that Joshua hasn't been in a production at Karamu. He's excited to be in back in Black Nativity for a 4th time. IG: @kingmcelroy93

Mary-Francis R. Miller

(Vocal Ensemble) is an actor, vocalist, musician, and proud Cleveland native. Mary-Francis was a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and Chamber Chorus. Performance credits include the Karamu House production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, the Cleveland Public Theatre productions of Fire on the Water and Panther more(Vocal Ensemble) is an actor, vocalist, musician, and proud Cleveland native. Mary-Francis was a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and Chamber Chorus. Performance credits include the Karamu House production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, the Cleveland Public Theatre productions of Fire on the Water and Panther Women as actor and music director, the Ohio premiere of Sunset Baby at Dobama Theatre, the Karamu House productions of Passing Strange, Simply Simone and the American premiere of The Adventures of the Black Girl in Her Search for God. Mary-Francis also starred in an educational web series in collaboration with PNC and The Cleveland Orchestra entitled Music Explorers. Film credits include The Emancipation of Miss Millie, Black Hiding Place, and Figure It Out.

Noire

(Vocal Ensemble) a beautiful and talented Cleveland native, by way of Cincinnati Ohio, is no stranger to the stage! This singer, song writer and dancer, has played many roles over the course of over 20 years, including music videos, live band, and stage productions such as The Wiz, Once more(Vocal Ensemble) a beautiful and talented Cleveland native, by way of Cincinnati Ohio, is no stranger to the stage! This singer, song writer and dancer, has played many roles over the course of over 20 years, including music videos, live band, and stage productions such as The Wiz, Once on This Island directed by Tony Sias, and had her first leading role as “Cynthia” in the hit stage play Til Death Do Us Part (2016). Noire has been behind the scenes for many other productions and has always shined, no matter the task. After a one-year hiatus to start her baking and catering business, Noire decided it was time to get back to the stage! She is a mother of two beautiful and talented children and gives honor to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all he has placed in front of her as well as everything to come. So, here’s a bit of loving advice: “Strap ya boots up and get ready for a show!” Thanks and gratitude to Tony Sias (Director), Kathy Whitehead (my mother), Skylar and Lola (my two wonderful and intelligent children), friends and family (my support team), God (without you, there is no me).

Jameelah Rahman

Jameelah Rahman

(Dancer) is a talented dancer and choreographer originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She first began her dance, theatre, and capoeira journey at Rainey Institute. She is a graduate from Cleveland School of the Arts and was a participant in All-City dance ensemble in her youth. She has trained and performed more(Dancer) is a talented dancer and choreographer originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She first began her dance, theatre, and capoeira journey at Rainey Institute. She is a graduate from Cleveland School of the Arts and was a participant in All-City dance ensemble in her youth. She has trained and performed at several International Blacks in Dance conferences. She has been a part of several Karamu productions, Leap of Faith, Black Nativity, and Aida. She has also been a part of several productions with Mojuba Dance Collective, How I Got Over and more. She is currently a member of Blakk Jakk Dance Collective with aspirations to grow and mature as a creative being.

Corlesia Smith

Corlesia Smith

(Vocal Ensemble) was born in Mississippi, has lived all around the country, but calls Cleveland home. You may have recently seen her as Camae in Karamu House’s production of The Mountaintop and Greenwood: An American Dream Destroyed as Della. Notable credits include Amina (Alternate) in Dance Nation at Dobama more(Vocal Ensemble) was born in Mississippi, has lived all around the country, but calls Cleveland home. You may have recently seen her as Camae in Karamu House’s production of The Mountaintop and Greenwood: An American Dream Destroyed as Della. Notable credits include Amina (Alternate) in Dance Nation at Dobama Theatre, Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel with Mercury Theatre Company, Elizabeth in In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play) at Case Western University, Cammae in The Mountaintop at Karamu House, Nina 2 in Simply Simone and Sherry/Renata/Desi in Passing Strange at Karamu House.

Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith

(Vocal Ensemble) realized his passion for music while singing in the church choir of his father’s church. He later joined the John F. Kennedy high school choir which won numerous competitions under the direction of Patricia Connors. His first singing debut on stage was singing “Be A Lion” from more(Vocal Ensemble) realized his passion for music while singing in the church choir of his father’s church. He later joined the John F. Kennedy high school choir which won numerous competitions under the direction of Patricia Connors. His first singing debut on stage was singing “Be A Lion” from the Wizard of Oz. Kevin has sung in various choirs and groups. He continues singing as background and lead vocalist in many groups under the direction of Dr. David Thomas. Kevin is also acquainted with the recording studio. He has spent many hours recording with various groups and songs he has written. Kevin is honored to share his talent in Black Nativity.

Langston Hughes

(Playwright) Famed poet and playwright, Langston Hughes was commissioned in 1961 to create a gospel drama to be staged that Christmas. In November of that year, Langston began a gospel play based on the theme of the Nativity. One idea above all guided him; he would attempt to make more(Playwright) Famed poet and playwright, Langston Hughes was commissioned in 1961 to create a gospel drama to be staged that Christmas. In November of that year, Langston began a gospel play based on the theme of the Nativity. One idea above all guided him; he would attempt to make black gospel music the heart and soul of the drama, and not merely its adornment. Langston went directly to major sources of gospel music in Harlem in search of inspiration for lyrics and music. Haunting the store-front churches and temples, he slipped in among the faithful while the services were in full swing and the melodic and religious fervor rose to its zenith. Then he hurried back to his desk to revise and revamp his text. His hard work brought results. On December 6, he sent his drama agent the script of “Wasn’t That A Mighty Day!”, later called “Black Nativity.” Black Nativity marked a major breakthrough in the gospel music form. As with his evolving mastery of the blues in the 1920s, Hughes now deliberately allowed black music and religion to overwhelm the traditional play form. The musical opened December 11, 1961, on Broadway. The response was extraordinary. The audience could hardly be restrained nor could the performers. Unanimously the critics hailed Black Nativity as a major entertainment. To the Mirror, the show offered “an exciting blend of text, dance, spirituals and hymns,” and the Post marveled at its “spirit, zest and uninhabited joy.” -Arnold Rampersad excerpt from The Life of Langston Hughes, Volume II: 1941-1967 I Dream A World.

Tony F. Sias

Tony F. Sias

(Director) is the President + CEO of Karamu House, Inc., America’s oldest Black producing theatre. Under Sias, Karamu stabilized finances, raised over $10 million for restoration, and increased attendance. Prior to Karamu, Sias served in roles for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District including Director of Arts Education and Artistic more(Director) is the President + CEO of Karamu House, Inc., America’s oldest Black producing theatre. Under Sias, Karamu stabilized finances, raised over $10 million for restoration, and increased attendance. Prior to Karamu, Sias served in roles for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District including Director of Arts Education and Artistic Director of Cleveland School of the Arts. He received critical acclaim for directing Karamu’s production of Freedom on Juneteenth, and in October 2021 Sias performed narration with The Cleveland Orchestra in Sinfonia No. 5 “Visions” by George Walker. His work has been highlighted in The New York Times, American Theatre Magazine, on NBC’s Today Show with Al Roker. Sias served as a delegate from the U.S. Department of State in Istanbul, Turkey, representing the Council of International Programs in the Youth Arts for Peace Project. In 2018, he was inducted into The HistoryMakers, the largest African American oral history archive collection in the U.S. In 2019, Sias was named the Cleveland Arts Prize, Barbara S. Robinson award winner. In 2021, Sias received the Community Leader Award from Cleveland Magazine. He is a Fellow of the National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program through Harvard Business School. Sias serves as a National Board Member for the League of Historic American Theatres. He is a Boards Member of Cleveland School of the Arts and the Assembly for the Arts. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in dramatic art from Jackson State University and a Master of Fine Arts in acting from The Ohio University.

Dr. David M. Thomas

Dr. David M. Thomas

(Music Director/Conductor) was born in Youngstown and relocated to Cleveland after touring with Dizzy Gillespie, Albert Ayler, Jean Carne, Major Harris formerly of The Delfonics, and Rose Royce. David was listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in American Education and received two Jazz Legend awards. David more(Music Director/Conductor) was born in Youngstown and relocated to Cleveland after touring with Dizzy Gillespie, Albert Ayler, Jean Carne, Major Harris formerly of The Delfonics, and Rose Royce. David was listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in American Education and received two Jazz Legend awards. David studied at The Dana School of Music at Youngstown State and The Cleveland Institute of Music. He received a bachelor’s and master’s in music education from Case Western Reserve, as well as a Master of Music Composition from Cleveland State. David did post-graduate work at Royal Holloway College (U.K.), Camden University (London), and doctoral of music education at Kent State. His compositions include music for choir and orchestra, entitled “The Creation Sermon”, “Songs of a Journey to Freedom”, for the Cleveland Chamber Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Municipal All-City Chorus combined with local church choirs. He has composed for the jazz group “Pieces of a Dream,” and The Silver Burdett Educational Music Series. He has music published by GIA Publications, Inc and co-authored the book “A Child’s First Book of Spirituals”, which received the Coretta Scott King Award. He has music directed Dreamgirls, Rent, Bubbling Brown Sugar, The Wiz, Aida, Blues in the Night, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Memphis, and more.

Errin Weaver

Errin Weaver

(Associate Director/Choreographer) is a choreographer, community activator, and the Executive Artistic Director of Mojuba! Dance Collective (@mojubadance), an African contemporary dance company based in Cleveland, Ohio. Errin attended Tennessee State University on a performing arts scholarship. While living in Chicago, she performed with the renowned Muntu Dance Theatre, under more(Associate Director/Choreographer) is a choreographer, community activator, and the Executive Artistic Director of Mojuba! Dance Collective (@mojubadance), an African contemporary dance company based in Cleveland, Ohio. Errin attended Tennessee State University on a performing arts scholarship. While living in Chicago, she performed with the renowned Muntu Dance Theatre, under the direction of Amaniyea Payne. She holds a Masters in Public Service from DePaul University and an MFA in Choreography and Interdisciplinary Studies from Wilson College. With over twenty years in the field, Errin has taught, been in residency, and sat on panels regarding sacred dance rooted in the Gospel tradition and Africanist dance forms extensively. Through her work, she has created the Black Choreographers Incubator, hosted and taught at conferences, and become a published author. She has been featured on WEWS and Spectrum News regarding her work using movement to address trauma and promote healing, and selected as a fellow for 21st Century Dance Practices with The National Center of Choreography. Her work in dance and community continues to be highlighted through the opening of the Mojuba! Center of Dance and Culture, which offers classes in cultural dance forms and wellness for both youth and adults (www.mojubadance.com).

T. Paul Lowry

(Projection Designer) is a Cleveland-based projection, scenic and lighting designer. Recent designs include Egress at Cleveland Play House; Sherlock Holmes: The Baker Street Irregulars, Ella Enchanted, The Nether, Airness, and Kill Move Paradise at Dobama Theatre; Black Nativity, Greenwood, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Karamu House; The 39 more(Projection Designer) is a Cleveland-based projection, scenic and lighting designer. Recent designs include Egress at Cleveland Play House; Sherlock Holmes: The Baker Street Irregulars, Ella Enchanted, The Nether, Airness, and Kill Move Paradise at Dobama Theatre; Black Nativity, Greenwood, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Karamu House; The 39 Steps, Via Brooklyn, and Jane Eyre for Cleveland Musical Theatre. Recent music and dance design include projects with International Festival of Arts & Ideas, ChamberFest Cleveland and GroundWorks Dance Theater.

Inda Blatch-Geib

(Costume Designer) Commercial design for Krylon, Bryant & Stratton, Footlocker, The West Virginia Lottery’s national campaigns, Ohio Lottery, Microsoft, Under Armor, McDonalds, TroyBuilt, Meijer, and The Original Mattress Factory, Cleveland Cavaliers’ 1970-80’s themed videos, and national spots. Concert and festival design include Machine Gun Kelly’s US/European Tours, ESTFEST and more(Costume Designer) Commercial design for Krylon, Bryant & Stratton, Footlocker, The West Virginia Lottery’s national campaigns, Ohio Lottery, Microsoft, Under Armor, McDonalds, TroyBuilt, Meijer, and The Original Mattress Factory, Cleveland Cavaliers’ 1970-80’s themed videos, and national spots. Concert and festival design include Machine Gun Kelly’s US/European Tours, ESTFEST and Wolstein Arena productions. Set styling for Harper’s Bazaar UK Scarlett Johansson cover and spread, catalogue set styling for Foundations and Kilgore Trout. Her designs have been showcased in exhibits at The Smithsonian, with film projects including Ohio Art Direction of The Signal and The Con. Theatrical Design includes the special off- Broadway Production of Kris Kringle: The Musical, Cleveland Play House’s production of Native Gardens, and multiple productions for the Colombian National Opera. Music Video Design for MGK’s Alpha Omega and Let You Go releases. Inda has been the Resident Designer for Karamu, Cleveland Public Theatre, Magical Theatre, and Cleveland Institute of Music.

Colleen Albrecht

(Lighting Designer) is a lighting designer and photographer living in Northeast Ohio. She designed for convergence-continuum, Cleveland Opera, Playhouse Square, Great Lakes Theater in collaboration with Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland Institute of Music, Beck Center, The Fine Arts Association, Heights Youth Theatre, True North Cultural more(Lighting Designer) is a lighting designer and photographer living in Northeast Ohio. She designed for convergence-continuum, Cleveland Opera, Playhouse Square, Great Lakes Theater in collaboration with Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland Institute of Music, Beck Center, The Fine Arts Association, Heights Youth Theatre, True North Cultural Arts, Magnificat, Baldwin Wallace University, Cleveland State University, Cain Park, and Karamu House. At Karamu House, in addition to Black Nativity, she designed Sassy Mamas, Simply Simone, Fences, A Day of Absence, Two by Tennessee, The Velocity of Autumn, Aida, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Mountaintop, and Clyde’s. She designed the All-City Musical productions with Cleveland Metropolitan School District All-City Arts at the Ohio Theatre since 2008. She obtained her BFA in production design and technology from Ohio University and her MFA in lighting design from the University of California, Irvine. Love to Will, Tom, Abbey, Leo, and little Danny. Welcome back, everyone!

Richard Ingraham

(Sound Designer) Richard is a freelance sound designer, educator and audiovisual systems consultant having worked at numerous theatres, schools and attractions in the Cleveland area and throughout the US including: Ashland University, Beck Center for the Arts, Baldwin–Wallace University, Cain Park, Carnegie-Mellon University, Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Academy, The more(Sound Designer) Richard is a freelance sound designer, educator and audiovisual systems consultant having worked at numerous theatres, schools and attractions in the Cleveland area and throughout the US including: Ashland University, Beck Center for the Arts, Baldwin–Wallace University, Cain Park, Carnegie-Mellon University, Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Academy, The Cleveland Play House, The Cleveland Public Theatre, Cleveland State University, Dobama Theatre, The University of Evansville, Great Lakes Theater, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, The Jewish Community Center of Cleveland, Oberlin College, Playhouse Square Center, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. He has also worked as a consultant to award winning software companies that create products for live event production including Stage Research and Richmond Sound Design.

Dred Geib

(Props Manager) is a production designer for IBG Designs and specializes in properties, costumes, and sets. He lives and Works in the Northeast Ohio area and focuses mainly on theater, film and art installation." more(Props Manager) is a production designer for IBG Designs and specializes in properties, costumes, and sets. He lives and Works in the Northeast Ohio area and focuses mainly on theater, film and art installation."

Shannon McManus

(Production/Stage Manager) is thrilled to be returning to Playhouse Square with Karamu House again! She spent two years in the Berkshires working for Capital Repertory, Shakespeare & Company and WAM Theatre. She has been working professionally in Cleveland for four years with other wonderful companies including Cleveland Playhouse, Oberlin-Wellington more(Production/Stage Manager) is thrilled to be returning to Playhouse Square with Karamu House again! She spent two years in the Berkshires working for Capital Repertory, Shakespeare & Company and WAM Theatre. She has been working professionally in Cleveland for four years with other wonderful companies including Cleveland Playhouse, Oberlin-Wellington Project, Cleveland Public Theatre and Cain Park. Her credits include Black Nativity ’21- ‘23, Jacked!, Loush Sisters ’19, Getting Near to Baby, The Magic Negro, Twelfth Night, The Last Wife, Emperor of the Moon, Emilie Defends Her Life Tonight, The Mountaintop, the Legends of Broadway/Broadway Live! Tour, and The Rescue of John Price. She would like to thank her family and friends all over the country for their collaboration and support.

Tyree J. Franklin

(Assistant Stage Manager) is a Cleveland based stage manager and Artist with his BFA in Stage Management from Wright State University. His recent stage management credits include: Everybody (CWRU/CPH), Passage (CWRU/CPH), Irma Bombeck (CPH), The Tempest (CWRU/CPH), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Karamu House), Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Here Chameleon more(Assistant Stage Manager) is a Cleveland based stage manager and Artist with his BFA in Stage Management from Wright State University. His recent stage management credits include: Everybody (CWRU/CPH), Passage (CWRU/CPH), Irma Bombeck (CPH), The Tempest (CWRU/CPH), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Karamu House), Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Here Chameleon Skin (Karamu House) and this will be his fifth season working on Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity (Karamu House). He is also a new playwright with his show Tales of a Fat Man, which was featured at CPT’s Pandemonium ’23. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued love and support!

Brielle McGrew

(Wardrobe Coordinator/Wig Master) is a Cleveland Native who has worked in wardrobe since 2012. She is a proud alumnus of the CMSD All City Art’s program and is now Wardrobe Supervisor for the program. Brielle is the resident Costume Shop Manager/ Wig Artisan for Karamu. She is also the more(Wardrobe Coordinator/Wig Master) is a Cleveland Native who has worked in wardrobe since 2012. She is a proud alumnus of the CMSD All City Art’s program and is now Wardrobe Supervisor for the program. Brielle is the resident Costume Shop Manager/ Wig Artisan for Karamu. She is also the wardrobe assistant for Cleveland Public Theater. Brielle has worked entertainment costuming at Walt Disney World as the costumer for the Star Wars franchise. She has also done wardrobe for the Cleveland Institute of Opera, Dobama Theatre, Apollo’s Fire, Cleveland Play House, Playhouse Square and many more. She has wig designed for Karamu House’s Greenwood: An American Dream Destroyed, Clyde’s and The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin. She was the wig tech for Cleveland Play House’s American Mariachi. In addition, Brielle has costume designed for the short film Ancestors, Cleveland Public Theatre’s premiere of Can I Touch It & Karamu’s arts education programs.

Prophet D. Seay

(Technical Director) is a native of Cleveland. He attended The Cleveland School of the Arts, where he studied acting, and continued his training in Karamu House’s Performing Arts Center, where he was a member of T.O.P.S. Prophet served as scenic designer for Two By Tennessee, Day of Absence; and more(Technical Director) is a native of Cleveland. He attended The Cleveland School of the Arts, where he studied acting, and continued his training in Karamu House’s Performing Arts Center, where he was a member of T.O.P.S. Prophet served as scenic designer for Two By Tennessee, Day of Absence; and as lighting designer for the 2017 production of Simply Simone, as well as the world premiere production of Believe In Cleveland. He has also served as Karamu’s master carpenter for many, many years. Prophet has performed in numerous productions at Karamu, including: Day of Absence, August Wilson’s Fences, the American premiere of The Adventures of the Black Girl in Her Search for God, You Can’t Take it With You, the world premiere of The Mighty Scarabs, Julius Caesar Set in Africa, Ceremonies of Dark Old Men, Cut Flowers, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, Black Nativity, Romeo & Juliet, and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. He thanks his family, friends, and all those who support him along his theatrical journey.

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