Ted Shine New Play Festival Cast

Tiana Shuntaé Alexander is a Dallas native. Graduate of Booker T Washington HSPVA and Alumna of Grambling State with a BA in Theatre. Known throughout the Dallas metroplex for being a teaching artist/performer. Her most recent work was with Dallas Children’s Theatre in their production of “ Last Stop on Market Street,” as understudy for Nana. She has also worked with Soul Rep Theatre company portraying the character Nkechi in the regional premier of “GOOD GRIEF,” their Black Men Illuminated play Festival and as Fiona in the regional premiere of “ Amazing Grace.” She has written many one woman shows including “ Pieces of Me” produced and directed by Tiana and “BlackGIRL” directed by Curtis King at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Tiana is a two time Irma P Hall awards winner for Best supporting actress in a musical for her performance in “ Gospel Hallelujah” at Jubilee Theatre and Best Actress in a play for Nkechi in GOOD GRIEF.She is also an Urban Arts Acting Company member and Soul Rep Company Member. She has been in numerous productions: Rocky Horror Show ( Usherette/Magenta), HELLO DOLLY (Dolly Gallagher Levi ), Prelude to a kiss ( Taylor), Twelfth Night ( Dame Toby Belch) Legally Blonde (former Laker Girl/Judge), Hair(Ronny), The Wiz ( Evilene), Medea(Medea), White Christmas (Martha) and many more. Tiana believes that with God all things are possible and hopes to be a positive light to whomever she encounters.

J.R. is excited about making his return to the Soul Rep Theatre Company Stage. He has been seen on several stages such as Theatre Three, Teatro Dallas, Pegasus Theatre, Echo Theatre, Jubilee Theatre, and was last seen in Urban Arts Center’s “StageBlack: A festival of new plays”. Look for Mr. Bradford this summer in Theatre Arlington’s production of “Superior Donuts”.

Kayla Gilchrist is a professional storyteller in front of and behind the lens. Graduating from the prestigious Prairie View A&M University with a BA in communications and a minor in theatre arts, she is positioned to connect on a deeper level emotionally and strategically with her stories. In recent years, Kayla has been consistently charting her course on the big screen by filming a project each year with Indifferent Enchantment in 2020, SNAP in 2021, Unfavorable Odds in 2022, and on deck for 2023 she will add one of the highly anticipated theatrical productions from the Ted Shine Festival, “Like A Kite” to her growing list of projects. Kayla has a knack for being able to fluidly move between her love of theatre and film. She utilizes her training, wit, and background to resonate with all audiences. When she's not acting or creating magic of her own through short films, you can find her reading by some large body of water, flipping through Netflix, eating delicious cuisine while hanging with friends, or petting your dog.

A 29-year-old child of God that grew up in the military, so my life is pretty nomadic. Professionally, I'm an entrepreneur, creative writer, and actress. I'm blessed to be a part of the writer's team at The Potter's House Dallas, where I wrote a play centering mental health for their showcase. I'm also blessed to work with various theaters around Dallas as an actress to fulfill my love of the craft. My other passions include diy crafts, teaching, singing, and dancing- I'm currently training in contemporary and hip-hop and plan to dance and sing professionally alongside acting. Dance is definitely my favorite art form but even above that, being a mommy to my four girls is the best!

Wes Frazier is an actor, voice actor, and model from Dallas, Tx. When not in front of the camera or in a recording booth, he likes to work behind the scenes as a director and producer. . After acting in his first stage play in 2008, he has appeared in several short films, webseries, commercials and voice animated characters. His credits include Minister Ora Fletcher in Soul Rep's Theater run of Travisville and has 2 films releasing this year.

Alexandria Lofton (Luna), is from Dallas, Texas. She Graduated from Booker T. Washington HSPVA 16’ and continued her studies at Dillard University class of 2021, with a bachelors in Arts and Sciences as a theater performance major. She has featured in productions such as “Black Nativity” as Mary and “Legally Blonde”. Theatre is her passion and never fails to test her mental and physical abilities. She is excited to be a part of the Soul Rep Theatre and to further her career in theater arts.

Curtisha is very excited to be a part of the Ted Shine New Play Festival at Soul Rep Theatre. It means the world to her to be doing what she truly loves to share with the world. She was previously seen in the Stage Black New Plays festival at Urban Arts Theatre Center. She studied Theatre performance at University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Curtisha would like to thank her family for continuing to be a village and support system for her as she continues to pursue her dreams. Thank you to the entire cast and production team for creating with her. Special shout out to CJ and Cam, mommy loves you dearly. As always, Curtisha would like to dedicate her performance to her angel, Dameon, you are forever in her heart.

Annie has been performing for over 10 years and has enjoyed every minute of it. She is a published author and playwright. Originally from Mississippi creating characters from her childhood. When she isn’t performing she spends time with her husband Euless and dog Xena.

Octavia Y. Thomas (Understudy - Alice) - is delighted to join Soul Rep once more in this funny, heartfelt production. Last seen in Soul Rep's Travisville, If Pretty Hurts at Jubilee Theatre, and as Goneril in Auriga Production's King Lear, she has performed throughout DFW – including Echo Theatre, Circle Theatre, Dallas Children’s Theater, Lyric Stage, Pegasus Theatre, Stage West, and Theatre Arlington. Favorite productions include Obama-ology, Men on Boats, Let It Be Me, Company, Batboy, Women Playing Hamlet, Showboat, Once on This Island, Little Shop of Horrors, Junie B. Jones, and A Midnight Cry. Many thanks to Soul Rep for providing such a wonderful opportunity and to her family and friends for their continued support. Miss Thomas received her BA from the University of Texas at Dallas.

A native of Dallas, Gabriel is a Dallas-based performer who has worked in theater and film in the area. Gabriel has worked with Dallas Drama Company, Dallas Theater Center, Undermain Theater, Irving Arts Center, Mesquite Art Center, GRIOT, Jubilee Theater, DIVA Production, Soul Rep Theater and other local theater houses. He has been seen in film and local commercial work. America’s Dream, FILA Corporation, America’s Most Wanted, TRANE air systems, Local industrials, Mavericks, Web series Te$timoney. Love what I do and I do what I love… namaste

Shaundra Norwood is excited to blessed with the grand opportunity to work with this group of talented, fun, and awesome humans! This is Shaundra’s first show with SoulRep, hopefully not the last! Her experience is extensive but that does not diminish her humility and gratitude. She thanks her husband, Calvin for encouraging her, and her family and friends for their support. “Without God I am nothing!” - Thank you

Aundré Dawson-Darbonne is a Theatre Educator with DISD in his 5th year of service. He’s grateful for the opportunity to work with Soul Rep on this project and looking forward to the upcoming Shine Play Festival. He would like to thank his Husband, August, for his continued love and support!

Bill Hass - A writer, actor, director, currently living in Ft Worth, this is Bill's first time working with Soul Rep Theatre. He has been working in the DFW theater/film community for over 30 years. Previous credits include "Gem of the Ocean", "The Bluest Eye", and "Dance on Widow's Row" at Jubliee Theatre; "Sam Shade", and "The Ties That Bind" with DVA Productions; as well as two feature and multiple short films that he wrote, directed, and acted in. He also serves as the Festival/Programming Director for the Fort Worth Indie Film Showcase, an annual celebration of independent film, currently preparing for their eighth season in July 2023. I am thankful to have this opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew. I pray that this glimpse into the world of these people helps to make us all better souls.

“T” Lang is an African-American actor, musician, and playwright based in Dallas, Texas. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to Texas at the age of 13. He attended Collin College and is transferring to the University of Oklahoma in this fall. T has been involved with various theater companies such as Cara Mia Theatre Co., Junior Players, Shakespeare Dallas, Collin Theatre Center, Echo Theatre and Soul Rep Theatre Company. He was a playwright finalist in PUP Fest 2021 with his play “CHANGES''. His most recent roles have been in “I and You” as Anthony, “Travisville '' as Zeke Phillips. “Lost Girl” as Peter Pan, and “Luchadora!” as Leopold, T also has a new song out on Spotify and Apple Music called “Good Girl” by T The Phenomenal. If you liked what you saw from him today, go check it out! "The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose."- Chadwick A. Boseman

A Kansas City, Missouri native with a lifelong passion for the arts discovered the best way to further both my passion and my pursuit was to attend the illustrious Prairie View AM. A graduate of their prominent arts program, I took a small hiatus from the stage to establish my work career, not allowing the light to dim, I still take advantage of any opportunity to showcase my ability as a performer.

I discovered my passion for the arts long before I knew what they were, as a kid I'd always jump at the chance to perform even if I was a little struck with stage fright from time to time. After graduating from Duncanville High School, I had a short stint blessed to spend time under the learning tree of some amazing professors at Prairie View A&M. Although my journey came to a much more abrupt end, my pursuit never wavered. With a tenacious approach towards filmmaking, my passion evolved further passed being just a performer and I began writing, both film and books, editing, and most importantly surrounding myself with beautifully likeminded individuals, and afforded opportunities, l'd only hoped for.