Stephen Brown (Playwright) is currently a fellow at The Juilliard School’s Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program. His play The Many Wondrous Realities of Jasmine Starr-Kidd won the Alliance/Kendeda Playwriting Competition Award and is currently under option to be adapted into a film. His play Everything Is Super Great was produced at 59E59 Theaters by New Light Theatre Project where it was a TimeOut NY Critic’s Pick. His other work has been developed and received readings by Primary Stages, MCC, Page 73, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Road Theatre, Barter Theatre, Theatre Lab, and the Aurora Theatre. He’s been a Finalist for the Play Penn Conference, Seven Devil's Playwrights Conference, the Blue Ink Award, the Neukom Prize, The Aurand Harris Award, and the Working Farm at SPACE on Ryder Farm. He was a member of Youngblood at EST, Page 73’s playwriting group I-73 and has had residencies with the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and SPACE on Ryder Farm. He’s currently developing a TV show based on his pilot Barbara. 

Tinashe Kajese-Bolden (Director) is the BOLD Associate Artistic Director at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. Tinashe is a Princess Grace Award 2019 Winner for Directing, and Map Fund Award recipient to develop her devised new work All Smiles centering the experience of children on the Autism Spectrum. Most recently, she was Co-Director with Susan V. Booth for Everybody. Tinashe held a salaried creative and Director’s Shadow position during the pre-production, pilot and 2nd episode development of the TV Series “Our Kind of People” (Fox Studios) under Lee Daniel’s production company and was Director Shadow on the season finale of “BMF.” Select directing productions include Toni Stone (co-production Milwaukee Repertory Theater and the Alliance Theatre), School Girls, Or the African Mean Girls Play (Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre), Ghost (Alliance Theatre), Native Gardens (Virginia Stage Company), Pipeline (Horizon Theater), Nick’s Flamingo Grill (World Premiere at the Alliance Theatre, Hertz Stage), Eclipsed (Synchronicity Theatre, Best Director Suzi Bass Award). As a director and actor, she has worked on and off Broadway, including The Imperial Theatre, Primary Stages, 59E59 Theatre, Classical Theatre of Harlem; and regionally at Yale Rep, Woolly Mammoth Theater Co, Cincinnati Playhouse, The Geva Theatre, CTG’s Kirk Douglas Theatre, among others, as well as recurring roles on TV/Film (Suicide Squad 2, Marvel’s “Hawkeye,” CW’s “Valor,” “Dynasty,” HBO’s “Henrietta Lacks,” Ava Duverney’s “Cherish the Day,” among others.) She proudly serves on the ARTS-ATL Artist Advisory Council. “My mission is the pursuit of what connects our different communities and how we create art that serves that.” 

Jeremy Aggers (Doug) is so happy to be returning to the Hertz Stage. Past Alliance credits include Edward Foote, Candide, Shakespeare in Love, Whipping Man, Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, The Wizard of Oz, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Small Mouth Sounds, Drive-In Christmas Carol, and, most recently, Darlin’ Cory. Other Atlanta credits include This Wonderful Life (Aurora Theatre), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Georgia Ensemble), and Singles in Agriculture (Aurora Theatre). He has released three albums of his music (that you can stream just about anywhere) and has narrated around 500 audiobooks under Jeremy Arthur and other pseudonyms. All his love to KJW and AEWA. This one is for Brandon. 

Brandon Burditt (Uncle Craig) [he/him] is blessed to be back in Atlanta creating at the Alliance Theatre. Burditt is a proud alum of Morehouse College (‘18). Past Alliance credits: Everybody (2022) and The New Black Fest’s Hands Up (2021). Additional credits: The Colored Museum (American Stage); Much Ado About Nothing, King Lear (Illinois Shakespeare Festival); A Midsummer's Night Dream, Cymbeline (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks); and Gem of the Ocean (Illinois Theatre) He received a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre from the University of Illinois. Proudly a Burditt. Proudly from the Pacific Northwest. Find him on Instagram: @brandonburditt   

Dana Deveaux (Kendra) [she/her] is delighted to join the cast of The Many Wondrous Realities of Jasmine Starr-Kidd at the Alliance Theatre! Classically trained, Dana has played roles from Shakespeare to Noël Coward on beloved repertory theater stages in New York (Off-Broadway), Europe, East Asia, and The Bahamas, as well as indie films and television. A proud alum of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, you can spot her in the recent campaign for Home Depot or your in-flight entertainment for Delta Airways. When not acting, she quietly dons her producer hat for award-winning shorts like Tell Me, Passage, and Doesn’t Fall Far with Oscar nominee Eric Roberts. Stories that spark the capacity for change by shining a spotlight on everyday heroes are what get Dana out of bed every day. She is endlessly grateful to her family and friends for their unwavering support. Find her on social media at @danadeveaux242 

Joe Knezevich (Corporal Delmar/Todd) is so happy to be back at the Alliance with this amazing creative team. Originally from Miami, Florida, Joe Knezevich earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from Florida State University and studied in London with members of the world-renowned Complicite. Joe was an associate artist at Georgia Shakespeare for sixteen seasons, where he appeared in over forty plays. He is also a frequent guest on the Alliance Stage (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, August: Osage County, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and Glengarry Glen Ross) and has appeared in regional theater all over the country. In addition to his work on the stage, Joe has appeared in dozens of film and TV projects, but his most important roles continue to be husband and father. Hiking, running, pool days, cooking, and cards. 

Penny Schick (Jasmine) [she/her] is excited to make her Alliance debut! Some of her favorite roles include Oliver u/s in Oliver! (Atlanta Lyric Theater), Teen Fiona in Shrek the Musical (Firefly Theatrical), Rachel in The Song of the Winter (J.B. Playwrights Theater, New York), Ti Moune in Once on this Island Jr. (YAP), and Lilith in The Big One-Oh! Jr. (iTheatrics Workshop, New York). She is a homeschooled freshman in high school. Penny would like to thank Meredith and Alex for supporting her in her growth as an artist. She would also like to thank her siblings, Ben and Julia, for all of their love and support. The biggest thank you goes to her dad Greg who, through this whole process, has left the biggest impact by teaching her and guiding her development as an artist while also being a shoulder for her to lean on when she needs it. See what else she is up to on her Instagram: @pennyjane630 

Sydney Terry (Grace) is thrilled and honored to be making her Alliance Theatre debut and in a production in which she finds such true connection! She is a native of Saginaw, MI and currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree at Spelman College — double majoring in Theatre Performance and Documentary Filmmaking. Favorite credits include Sage in Restoration, Monterrey (Rattlestick Theatre), Beth in The Kidney Play (Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute), Champagna in Champagna (Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute), Isabella in Measure for Measure (Alliance College Night), and AC in Festival X (Spelman College). After attending the NTI TheatreMaker summer intensive, she was invited to become a Miranda Family Fellow—where she has furthered her collegiate education in all things artistic values, musical theatre, and peer collaboration. She is sending warm hugs to her Alliance family for their support, and the biggest of thank yous to her mother, her forever fan, for not just giving her life but also consistent reminders of who and who’s she is. To stay connected: @sydneyterr  

Marissa Bondurant (u/s Jasmine) [she/her] is delighted to be making her Alliance Theatre debut in this exciting new production! Marissa’s love of performing started when she first took the stage as Chip in a summer camp production of Beauty and the Beast at the age of 6. Since that time, Marissa has appeared in productions of Frozen Jr., Lion King, Annie Jr., Alice In Wonderland, and Seussical. Some of her favorite credits include Matilda the Musical (Atlanta Lyric Theatre) and Best of Broadway (Atlanta Lyric Theatre). When she’s not on stage, Marissa enjoys reading, writing, singing and spending time with friends. Marissa would like to thank her family, Kara Noel Music Studio, and CYT Atlanta for always supporting her in pursuing her acting dreams. A special thanks to the Alliance Theatre team for making this exciting opportunity possible. Find her on Instagram: @marissavbondurant 

Kenedi Deal (u/s Grace) is very excited to join the cast of The Many Wondrous Realities of Jasmine Starr-Kidd at the Alliance Theatre. This is Kenedi’s first production with the Alliance and she is so grateful for the opportunity. Her most recent role was Maureen in Rent (Pinch N’ Ouch Theatre). Kenedi holds a BA in Acting/Directing from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support. Find her on social media: @kenedideal 

Brian Joseph (u/s Uncle Craig) A theatre graduate from Georgia Southern University, Brian has appeared in various film and theatre productions including NBC’s The Blacklist, The Wizard of Oz, and August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. Training under several New York acting companies such as The Producers Club, Actors Connection, and The Barrow Group, Brian is excited to be able to further develop his craft at the Alliance. 

Chris Mayers (u/s Corporal Delmar/Todd/Doug) [he/him] is excited to be working for the first time at the Alliance Theatre! He lived in 23 different addresses growing up (thanks, The Military™) but is glad to call Atlanta home, except when he accidentally wears jeans during the summer. Training: SCAD, The Atlantic Acting School, The Robert Mello Studio, Second City. Favorite Theater: Benedick in Much Ado (Shakespeare on Draught), Applegate in Damn Yankees (Theatre Buford), Jesus in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Favorite Film/TV: Ozark, Atlanta, The Resident, Woke. Thanks to his friends, family, and agents at AMT for their incredible support! Social media: @minimayers 

Alia Shakira (U/S Kendra) is elated to be a part of her first Alliance Theatre production! She is a proud graduate of Howard University's School of Fine Arts (BFA), the British American Drama Academy's Midsummer in Oxford Conservatory, and Full Sail University (MS). Most recently, Alia has served as Associate Producer and Coordinator on several reality shows filmed in Atlanta. As she returns to her first love, the stage, she is also the inaugural winner of Atlanta's 2021 Monologue Madness Competition. Credits include New Federal Theatre, Metropolitan Playhouse, TheatreWorks, and The National Black Theatre Festival. TV/Film Credits include The First Lady, The Color Purple, The Come Up, Woke, and Atlanta. Currently, Alia enjoys writing and looks forward to pre-production on her first original web series, Another Day. Giving all thanks to God, Alia also wishes much love to her family and friends for their continued support. "Though she be but little, she is fierce!" Social media @skinnyblackgirlproductions 

Shilla Benning (Costume Designer) Regional Theatre: Working, Shakespeare’s R&J (Alliance Theatre); Pipeline (Cleveland Playhouse); Mudrow (People’s Light Theatre); Pipeline, Skeleton Crew (Actors Theatre of Louisville). Film: Fantasy Football, Do Revenge, Dear Evan Hansen, Like A Boss, What Men Want, SuperFly, Night School, Almost Christmas, Ride Along,  Kevin Heart: Laugh At My Pain, Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam, Reluctant Fundamentalist, S One Missed Call, Madea Goes To Jail,  Zombieland, Footloose. Television: “Bigger,” “Survivors Remorse,” “Being Mary Jane,” “Media,” “The House of Payne,” “The Originals,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Drop Dead Diva,” “Dancing With The Stars.” Recording Artist: Eryka Badu, Ciara, Lil Bow Wow, Andre 3000. Bronze Lens Film Festival Women’s Superstar Award Recipient. 

Christopher Darbassie (Sound Design) is an interdisciplinary artist. (Select Sound Credits): A Bright New Boise (Signature Theater), Camp Siegfried (2nd Stage), Patience (2nd Stage), A Case for the Existence of God (Signature Theater), This Beautiful Future (Cherry Lane Theater, TheaterLab), PS (Ars Nova), Fly Away (Petzel Gallery), Preparedness, Black Exhibition (The Bushwick Starr). Chris has designed for installations, devised works and theatrical productions in collaboration with The Movement Theater Company, The Public, New York Theater Workshop, Playwrights Horizons, The TEAM, Theater for a New Audience, The Atlantic, and The Shed. Wingspace 2019-2020 Sound Design Fellow. www.darbassiedesign.com 

Caite Hevner (Scenic and Projection Designer) Previously at Alliance: Start Down. Broadway: In Transit; Derren Brown: SECRET; Harry Connick Jr., A Celebration of Cole Porter. Select New York: Sweatshop Overlord. NYTW; Between the Lines, Tony Kiser Theatre; Twenty Sided Tavern, DR2; Bella Bella, MTC; Collective Rage, MCC; Ugly Lies the Bone, Roundabout Underground; Fidelio, Heartbeat Opera; Parade and The Scarlet Pimpernel, Manhattan Concert Productions/Lincoln Center. Select Regional: Alley, Arena, Baltimore Center Stage, Dallas Theater Center, Guthrie, Kennedy Center’s Broadway Center Stage, Long Wharf, McCarter, MUNY, Pasadena Playhouse, Seattle 5th Avenue, TUTS, Woolly Mammoth. Video Coordinator for BC/EFA’s Broadway Bares since 2018. Co-Chair of USA829’s Respectful Workplace Committee. www.caitedesign.com Instagram: @caitehevner 

Ben Rawson (Lighting Design) is an Atlanta-based Lighting Designer for Theatre, Opera, and Dance, member USA 829. Theatrical/Opera design work can be seen at The Alliance Theatre (GA), Detroit Opera (MI), Florida Studio Theatre (FL), Glimmerglass Opera (NY), Utah Opera (UT), Atlanta Opera (GA), Theatrical Outfit (GA), Aurora Theatre (GA), Actors Express (GA), and others. Dance design work includes choreographers Ana Maria Lucaciu, Troy Schumacher, Danielle Agami, and Claudia Schreier as well as with Atlanta Ballet (GA), BalletCollective (NY), Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre (GA), Fly On A Wall (GA), and others. Ben has also worked across the country as an Associate & Assistant Lighting Designer for San Diego Opera (CA), The Alliance Theatre (GA), Berkshire Theatre Festival (MA), Atlanta Opera (GA), Utah Opera (UT), Glimmerglass Festival (NY), Playmakers Repertory Company (NC), and Atlanta Ballet (GA). benrawsondesign.com 

Liz Campbell (Stage Manager) [she/her] Local credits include: A Christmas Carol, The Incredible Book Eating Boy, Bina’s Six Apples, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, Max Makes a Million, The Wizard of Oz, Paige in Full, Winnie the Pooh, The Jungle Book, The Dancing Granny, Cinderella and Fella, Ugly Lies the Bone, Pancakes, Pancakes!, Tiger Style!, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical, James and the Giant Peach, Shrek, and Charlotte’s Web (Alliance Theatre); The Drowsy Chaperone, Camelot, The World Goes ‘Round, Million Dollar Quartet, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and Ragtime (Atlanta Lyric Theatre); Book of Will and It’s A Wonderful Life (Theatrical Outfit). She has been the Stage Manager for the GHSMTA (Shuler Awards) since 2015. She holds a BFA in Theatre from Niagara University. Member of Actors’ Equity Association. Co-founder of Atlanta Theatre Artists for Justice. Love to Ali and Maggie. 

Amanda Perez (Stage Management Production Assistant) [she/her] Alliance Theatre credits include: A Christmas Carol ‘22, The Incredible Book Eating Boy, Bina’s Six Apples, Dream Hou$e, A Christmas Carol ‘21, Beautiful Blackbird Live!, A Christmas Carol ‘19. Other Atlanta credits include: Assassins, Next to Normal, Chess, Nine (Jennie T. Anderson Theatre); Matilda, Drowsy Chaperone, The Best of Broadway, Luminous, Oliver (Atlanta Lyric Theatre);  Leading Ladies, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Driving Miss Daisy, Bullets Over Broadway (Georgia Ensemble Theatre). Regional credits include: Dream Hou$e (Baltimore Center Stage & Long Wharf Theatre). She’d like to thank her husband and daughter for all their love and support.