Tellin' Tales Creative
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Director
Sharalyn Garrard Sharalyn, Artistic Director, is a native of Richmond, VA. She received her B.A. in Speech and Drama from Hampton (Institute) University. She began her career as a Stage Manager at CAT Theatre. After one season at CAT, Sharalyn moved to Los Angeles and continued to Stage Manage. Upon her return to Richmond, Sharalyn took a theatrical break until 1998 when she was cast in Inherit The Wind at Barksdale Theatre. There she came under the tutelage of Ernie McClintock as a member of his Jazz Actors Theatre. She appeared in El Hajj Malik, Do Lord, Remember Me, Fires In The Mirror, and Steal Away while with Jazz Actors. Sharalyn studied acting with Mr. McClintock until his death in 2003. Sharalyn has been seen on several Richmond stages. Some of her favorite roles have been Lena Younger in A Raisin in the Sun with New Castle Productions, The Narrator in Sweet Chocolate and the Seven Christians, and she reprised her role as Sudy in Steal Away, both productions of Heritage Ensemble Theatre. Other favorite roles include, Odessa in The Amen Corner with New Castle Productions, Woman One in From The Mississippi Delta, Clairee in Steel Magnolias“, Madame” in Charcoal Street with the African American Repertory Theatre of VA and Viney in The Miracle Worker at Swift Creek Mill. She was also seen as Aunt Missy in Purlie, Delia in Blues for an Alabama Sky and Miss Maddie in The Will at Dogwood Dell, Wit at TheatreVirginia. Sharalyn was last seen as Big Mama in The Heritage Ensemble Theatre’s production of Livin’ Fat. She has directed God’s Trombones with the Ebenezer Baptist Church Drama Ministry, 2 staged readings, Tellin’ Tales and Look What We Did With Love, with Heritage Ensemble Theatre, and TheBlackList: Lorraine Hansberry with TheatreLab
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Stage Manager
Ameesha Smith Ameesha is a 2016 graduate from Virginia Union University with a Bachelors in Fine Arts, acting emphasis. She has been acting since 2006, earning her first role as Grace in Amazing Grace with the Hurrah Players. Under the direction of Margarette Joyner, Ameesha has explored many parts of theatre and has shown growth over the years. Ameesha loves to act and can’t see herself not acting. Being apart of The Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company, continues to fuel her fire and push her to do more.
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Production Manager
Shalandis Wheeler-SmittthShalandis is a native of Petersburg, VA and currently resides in Richmond, VA. She received her BA in Theatre from Norfolk State University. Shalandis has been with The Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company since it was founded. She loves theatre and has enjoyed being part of this growing company. Her joy for acting has led to her to being cast in local commercials, films and various theatre's around Richmond. Shalandis loves spending time with her family and friends as well as supporting the arts.
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Costume/Prop Design
Margarette Joyner Margarette has been blessed with talents that include: Director, Singer, Playwright, Costume Designer, Set Designer, Collage Artist and Jewelry maker. She has directed such plays as Ceremonies in Dark Old Man, Steal Away, For Black Boys… just to name a few. As a vocalist she’s sung at art gallery openings, fire station dedications as well as the Miami Arena before 14,000 patrons. As a Playwright she has written such plays as Message From a Slave and Sweet Chocolate and the Seven Christians. She is well known for her designs as they are often referred to as “looking like custom clothing” as opposed to costumes. She has loaned her talents to many of the local theatre companies as well the ‘M’ Ensemble Theatre Company in Miami, Florida who gave her the first design job. She is not only a set designer but will not hesitate to jump in build a set which is exactly what she did for Free Man of Color which left patrons amazed at her skill. For two years, Margarette was also the face of Glory Foods and still has a cooking show on the Glory Foods website. She has worked on and off stages across the country for more than three decades and can be seen on numerous television commercials. She graduated from VCU with a Master’s Degree in Theatre and for six years was the only full time Instructor of theatre at Virginia Union University. For two summers, Ms. Joyner was hired by the City of Richmond as a Facilitator of Poetry and Theatre with the Mayor’s Youth Academy. Currently, she is a full time Certified Actor Interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg and is thrilled to call herself a full time, working actor. When asked about her many talents Joyner responded, “I am humbled by the fact that God has chosen me to represent His work.”
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Set Design
Dorothy Dee D, MillerDorothy Dee D. Miller is usually on stage sharing her talents but in her off time she dabbles in set design. Inspired by this whimsical piece she has created an equal wonderland on canvas.
Original Creative Team
Executive Director Margarette Joyner
Artistic Director Sharalyn Garrard
Production Manager Shalandis Wheeler-Smith
Administrative Assistant Ameesha Smith
House Manager Carolyn Moseley
Marketing Earlie Joyner
Marketing E. Claudette Freeman