2000 - 1990 Theatrical Production History
1912 College Dramatic Club
Before there was a Department of Drama (1950) or a Department of Theatre Arts (after the name change in 1992), and before the Howard Players (1919) there was the Howard College Dramatic Club which started in 1909 when a group of students sought to formalize theatrical presentation on Howard's campus. To learn more about dramatic arts on Howard's campus prior to 1907 Click here to read my article "The Journey Begins."
In the 10 second video clip to the right, check out an original 1912 poster of the College Dramatic Club producing a play to benefit the Gymnasium. Wow!
1912 Howard University College Dramatic Club Poster, I.G. Bailey and Thurman family papers, Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University. https://archives.libraries.emory.edu/repositories/7/resources/2331 Accessed April 27, 2022
Scroll down to review the 2000 - 1990 repository of the Howard Players theatrical production
1999/2000 - Henriette Edmonds, Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Dean: Dr. James A. Donaldson, College of Arts & Sciences (Nov. 1, 1999)
Associate Dean: Dr. Tritobia Benjamin, Division of Fine Arts
Major: B.F.A. Theatre Arts
Areas of Concentration: Acting, Dance, Directing, Musical Theatre, Theatre Administration, Theatre Education, Theatre Technology
Minor Areas of Concentration: Dance, Playwriting, Theatre Arts, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Staff: Janet L. Johnson, Claudia Neal, Luqman Salim, T. W. Starnes, Michael Stepowany
Faculty:
Tenured: Kelsey Collie, Henriette Edmonds, George Epting, Al Freeman Jr, Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson, Mark Jolin, Vera J. Katz, Alvan D. "Mike" Malone, Joe W. Selmon, Dr. Carole W. Singleton
Non-Tenured: Sandra Fortune-Green, Timm Ray James, Kevin Jeff, Clinton Carbon, Susan Cohen, Pat Thomas, Charmaine Warren, William E. Jones, Walter Nicks, Harold Pierson, Reggie Ray, Sybil Roberts, Denise D. Saunders, Assane Konte
Howard Players President: Ashley C. Turner
Oral History Interview by Denise J. Hart with Kelsey E. Collie (July 15, 2018) former faculty member 1973-1995 & 1997-2000
What were the strengths of the department during the years you were there?
The quality of the productions on a whole. The faculty strove to do good theatre.
What were the weaknesses of the department during your years?
Leadership was a weakness. There were a lot of politics. Al Freeman refused to advertise the Children’s theatre area as a major. Lots of fighting with the Dean’s. Huge politics of being in the College. Veda (Butcher/Dean) was white gloves and old school. She didn’t want us doing anything that would make us look bad. She carried the respectability politics. She felt that she had a bit to say about what DOTA did. She hired Ted (Cooper) as a puppet. He was beholding to her and he did her bidding for a while but faculty members he hired didn’t want to go along with the program and it mixed things up.
Jeff Donaldson was into politics with Al Freeman. Al Freeman wanted it to be more of a focus on the black movement but in his own words. "Freeman was “the” professional and so he had all the answers."
For a while Carole (Singleton) got caught up in the respectability politics of Veda Butcher. Then when she realized that her faculty wasn’t with her she loosened up but that put her in conflict with Butcher and Donaldson who wanted certain kinds of plays produced.
Cooper for all intents and purposes was not the best person to be the Chair. He wasn’t seasoned enough. He didn’t know how to manage all the personalities and he liked to stir up things and when he and Joseph Walker got together. Joe could dominate Ted and tell him what to do. Joe tried to run the department from the shadows. However there were a lot of strong people and they wouldn’t allow that to happen. It was also that some of them were having affairs with the students. Joe had his own group and Ted had his group. Unprofessionalism of the faculty and it really made the rest of the faculty look bad. As a result the faculty were looked down upon. DOTA was seen as the lesser of the three departments in Fine Arts.
Another weakness was not developing black playwrights. Joe Walker dabbled at it but he wasn’t professorial. He didn’t work with the students in the way he should have in Academia. He left them to their own devices. He was interested in doing the productions. He wasn’t interested in the hard work of teaching and mentoring.
What about the Howard Players production, Saturday Night Live?
The show was tasteless and crude and the students had gone beyond the fringe by doing it. Talked about putting Vera Katz in the trunk of a car and having their way with her. It got to be ugly. They were on stage rubbing themselves. Ted Cooper closed the place down. It was one of the worst things that ever happened. It was chair serving as the Howard Players advisor. Ted Cooper was the chair. It was an embarrassment to Ted Cooper. The students got really upset. Kent Jackman and Melvin Andrews, Greg Poole and were involved and were angry with the faculty because the faculty said there would be no more shows like that and the faculty would have to approve anything the students wanted to put on.
Despite all of the problems that he may have had especially in the later years before he retired I think that for me that was probably one of the finest experiences I have ever had and I appreciate that I was able to develop the Children’s theatre that even now people are still talking about it. I also think of the fact that when they went out in the community and performed that they were doing a great service for the people. It really made a difference to the students because they discovered that theatre was not something that only happened on the stage.
Did the students give feedback on the season selections?
The season selection was opened up to the students. Faculty did not try to be any particular style or anything one thing. They did what they thought the students and community could handle.
Was the departmental traditional during the years you were on faculty?
Yes. But they broke down when they did the student play by Ajamu, The Brass Medallion in 1975/76. That was a prison play and the scene where men were naked taking a shower. There was a suggestion of sexual activity. Dean Veda Butcher was not happy about that but the faculty assured her that it would be tastefully done.
After The Brass Medallion was produced the plays became edgier.
Has respectability politics had any impact in the department over the years?
With children’s theatre they would do things that spoke to black people and who they really were and how they were. Part of the department wanted to cater to the European way of thinking and others who went towards the Black Arts Movement. Torn between where are we going. In some ways the department was schizoid. Much more emphasis was placed on quality performers.
Final Thoughts...
It was the NYU for blacks.
Fall Semester 1999 Season Theme: Living the Legacy
1. SHADOW BOX written by Michael Cristofer
Directed by Mark Jolin
Date: Sept. 29-30 Oct. 1-2, 6-9
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Dramaturgy: Lessons on Living: Dialogues on Death and Dying Conference sponsored by Department of Theatre Arts, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Howard University Hospital & the Department of Professional Development, Quality Management and Research
Cast: Lavon Bracy, Benjamin A. Dukes, Glenn Gordon, Camille Gurnell, Bakesta King, Nikkole Salter, Alphonso Taylor, Ashley C. Turner, Donna Jackson
Design/Creative Team: Michael Stepowany, Scenic Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting Designer. G.V. Love, Properties Designer. Reggie Ray, Costume Designer. Courtney Wood, Costume Shop Manager. Denise D. Saunders, Production Manager. Katina S. Cooper & Thakira Manley, Assistants to the Production Manager. Luqman Salim, Costume Shop Foreman. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician.
Stage Management: Tamara D. Henson, Stage Manager. Ayanna Mackins & Eboni Clark, Assistant Stage Manager
2. RHYME DEFERRED written by Kamilah Forbes
Directed by Kamilah Forbes
Date: October 13-16, 19-23, 1999
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
This piece was first produced at Howard University April 23, 1998
From the program: Rhyme Deferred was born out of a collaboration of artists. Each member of the crew is highly adept in his/her artistic medium, making this a true and complete cipher of the four elements of the culture
Cast: Chad Boseman, W. Ellington Felton, Oberon K. A. Adjepong, LaQuis, Psalmayene 24, Jabari Exum, Meredith Accoo, Ghost, Noob Saibot, Eskimo, RBI, Priest Da Nomad, Camille Gurnell, Kamilah Forbes
Design/Creative Team: Theryn Knight, Lighting Designer/Technical Director. Nyakya T. Brown, Production Manager. Psalmayene 24, Hip Hop Theatre Movement Consultant
Stage Management: Weusi Baraka, Stage Manager
From program: "Living the Legacy: 50 Years of Theatrical Arts at Howard University" Nov. 15-19, 1999
In fall, 1949, the Howard Players toured in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Germany with The Wild duck by Henrik Ibsen and Mamba's Daughters by Dubose and Dorothy Heyward. These performances received excellent reviews. This historic tour was the catalyst that propelled the Board of Trustees to approve the establishment of the Department of ''Drama on April 25, 1950.
Since this suspicious beginning, the Department has maintained the legacy of excellence created by our founders, Anne Cooke-Reid, Owen Dodson and James W. butcher the department has continued to maintain this legacy. We currently enjoy an excellent reputation nationally and internationally., having performed in such venues as Switzerland, Ireland, France and Hong Kong.
Some of the finest performers in theatre, television and film are products of the training received at Howard. We proudly name Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Joseph A. Walker, Richard Wesley, the late Roxie Roker, Wendy Robinson, Harriet D. Foy, Roz Coleman and a host of other talents among our graduates.
We are equally proud of the future artists whose performance you will see today. We celebrate joyfully and proudly as we recount our distinguished history. The faculty, staff and students continue to honor our legacy of fifty (50) years and pledge to continue to reach new heights of creativity.
LIVING THE LEGACY: 50 YEARS OF THEATRICAL ARTS AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Produced by the Department of Theatre Arts
Date: Nov. 15-19, 1999
Produced in Armour J. Blackburn Center
Design/Creative Team: Reggie Ray, Costume Designer. Luqman Salim, Costume Shop Foreman
Stage Management: Tamara D. Henson, Production Coordinator. Ayanna Mackins, Stage Manager
Scenes/Directors/Cast:
Play: The Wild Duck by Henrick Ibsen.
Director: Timmy Ray James.
Cast: Bakesta King, Kitracy Hill, LaReina Roberts
Play: Hamlet by William Shakespeare.
Director: Chadwick Boseman.
Cast: Chadwick Boseman/Hamlet
Play: The Amen Corner.
Director: Henriette Edmonds.
Cast: Nikkole Salter, Onira Satterwhite
Play: Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.
Director: Vera J. Katz.
Cast: Julia Mitchell, Will Pailen, Brandon White
Play: Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry.
Director: Henriette Edmonds.
Cast: Tia N'Deye Jennings/Lena Younger
Musical: The Wiz by William Brown & Charlie Smalls.
Director: Mike Malone.
Cast: Alexis Rodgers/Dorothy
Play: The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe.
Director: Henriette Edmonds.
Cast: Clawanna Etherly, Kamil Hazel
Musical: Dream Girls by Tom Eyen & Henry Kriegers.
Director: Mike Malone.
Cast: Frenchie Davis, Folami Ankoanda-Thompson, Nia Simmons, McKenzie Frye
Play: A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare.
Director: Timmy Ray James.
Cast: Bakesta King, Kitracy Hill, LaReina Roberts
Dance: Testify.
Choreographer: Sherrill Berryman-Johnson.
Cast: Stephanie Demby-Afum, Nikkia Neal
Play: Before it Hits Home by Cheryl West.
Director: Mark Jolin.
Cast: Earnestine Boles, Will Lowe
Play: Wearing the Mask by Henriette Edmonds.
Director: Clinton Carbon.
Cast: Roxie Trapp-Dukes, Wilma Horton, Julia Mitchell, Shannon Thompson, Stacy Williams
Musical: Tambourines to Glory by Langston Hughes.
Director: Mike Malone.
Cast: Karen Wiesner, Steven A. Claiborne, McKenzie Frye, Zyneisha Greene, Kalilah O'Gwin, Tia N'Deye Jennings, Will Pailen, LaReina Roberts, Nia Simmons, Folami Ankoanda-Thompson, Ashley C. Turner, Senneca White
2. FLYIN’ WEST written by Pearl Cleage
Directed by Kenneth Daugherty
Date: Nov. 10-13, 17-20, 1999.
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theater
Cast: Nyakya T. Brown, Benjamin Ahmal Dukes, Silinea Hilliard, Richard D. Jones II, LaReina Roberts, Danielle Kamilah Thomas
Design/Creative Team: Michael Stepowany, Scenic Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting Designer. Kenneth Daugherty, Sound Designer. Reggie Ray, Costume Designer. Denise D. Saunders, Production Manager. Luqman Salim, Costume Shop Foreman. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician
Stage Management: Katina S. Cooper, Stage Manager. Brandon Raymond Young & Sheri "Snoopy" Young, Assistant Stage Manager
3. HIEROGLYPHIC GRAFFITI written by Chad Boseman (Student production)
Directed by Chad Boseman/Aharon Sun of the Griots. Camille Gurnell, Assistant Director
Date: Dec, 1-3, 1999.
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
Note from the Director - The play is a work in progress
Cast: W. Ellington Felton, Glenn Gordon, Shawna Rodgers, Ashley Turner, Michael Willis, Brandon White
Design/Creative Team: Theryn Knight, Set Designer/Technical Director. T. W. Starnes, Lighting Designer. G.V. Love, Properties Designer. Reggie Ray, Costume Designer. Denise D. Saunders, Production Manager. Katina S. Cooper & Thakira Manley, Assistants to the Production Manager
Stage Management: Nyakya T. Brown, Stage Manager
4. WORDS BEATS MOVEMENTS HIP HOP FESTIVAL (Dance Area)
Date: September 22, 1999
Produced in conjunction with Washington Performing Arts Society & Smithsonian Institution
Symposium Artists: Toni Blackman, Steve Coleman, Kamilah Forbes, Jonzi-D, Preach, Black Indian, Craig Harris, Sub-Z, Psalmayene, PeeWee Dance
Moderators: Sybil Roberts, Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Johnson
Spring Semester 2000 Season Theme: Living the Legacy
1st annual memorial production BEVERLY GAIL BARNES KELCH April 22, 1937 - December 13, 1997 (Black Broadway)
BLACK BROADWAY (Musical) written, directed and choreographed by Mike Malone with additional material by Sybil J. Roberts
Date: March 1-4, 8-11, 10-18, 2000. Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Osita E. Anigbo, Folami Ankoanda-Thompson, Brandi Austin, Koshka Raenelle Blagburn, Steven A. Claiborne, Keittra L. Colombel, Frenchie Davis, Tena DuBerry, McKenzie Frye, Zyneisha Green, L,.C. Harden, Tia N'Deye Jennings, Will Pailen, Alexis Jania Rogers, Darius Smith, Danielle K. Thomas, Roxi Trapp-Dukes, Ashley C. Turner, Rachel Webb, Karen L. Wiesner
Design/Creative Team: Anthony Booker, Musical Director. Michael C. Stepowany, Set Design/Technical Director. George H. Epting, Lighting Design. Byron Hurst, Sound Design. Reggie Ray, Costume Design. T.W. Starnes House Electrician. Dwayne Murray, Assistant Choreographer. Courtney Baker-Oliver, Assistant to the Director
Stage Management: Denise D. Saunders, Production Manager. Rongald Lee Newman, Stage Manager. Dana Adams, Assistant Stage Manager
2. HEROES & SHEROES (Play Reading series)
Date: Feb. 5, 11,-12, 2000.
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
Play: I, Marcus Garvey written by Edgar White. Director: Sybil J. Roberts. Cast: Glenn Gordon, Marva Gibbs, Julia Mitchell, Will Lowe, Bakesta King, Kalynn Jenkins, Cheryl D. Hescott, Richard D. Jones III, N. LaQuis Harkins, Jason Edwards, KirTracy Hill, Clawanna Etherly, Mulvenia J. Hemmings, Kalilah J. O'Gwin
Play: Ira Aldridge written by William Hairston. Director: Vera J. Katz. Cast: Gregory Cavanaugh, Keith Donaldson, Marva Gibbs, Bakesta King, Rob Mollohan, Monica Palko, Ashley C. Turner, Brandon Young, Eboni Clark, Mwalimu Ra-Om
3. WEARING THE MASK written by Henriette Edmonds
Roxie Roker Touring Company
Directed by Clinton L. Carbon
Date: March 28, 30. April 6, 13, 2001
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Company: Oberon K. A. Adjepong, Osita E. Anigbo, Roxi Trapp-Dukes, LC Harden Jr, Stephen B. Harris, Wilma Lynn Horton, LaTrice J. Martin, Julia Mitchell,Shannon N. Thompson, Dennis L. A. White, Stacy Williams
Design/Creative Team: Michael Terry, Music Director. Henri Edmonds, Producer. Denise D. Saunders, Company Manager. Julia Mitchell, Choreographer
Stage Management: Donna Jackson, Stage Manager. Mya Perkins, Assistant Stage Managers
4. CELEBRATING THE EVOLUTION OF DANCE: A Language of Cultural Dialogue (Dance concert)
Date: April 14, 14, 2000.
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Choreographers: Charles Augins, Sherrill Berryman-Johnson, Ronald K. Brown, Assane Konte, Peter Alexander Romero, Katherine J. Smith, Duke Ellington Performing Arts High School, Sandra Fortune Green, DC Show Biz, Joyce D. Mosso, Smooth & EZ,
Production/Design Team: T. W. Starnes, Lighting Designer. Richard D. Jones, Sound Engineer. Michael Stepowany, Technical Director. Sybil Roberts, Dramaturg
Stage/Production Management: Denise Saunders, Production Coordinator. April Carter, Stage Manager
1998/1999 - Henriette Edmonds, Interim Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Dean: Dr. Clarence Lee Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Associate Dean: Dr. Tritobia Benjamin, Division of Fine Arts
Major: B.F.A. Theatre Arts
Areas of Concentration: Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Minor Areas of Concentration: Dance, Playwriting, Theatre Arts, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Faculty:
Tenured: Kelsey Collie, Al freeman Jr, George Epting, Vera J. Katz, Mike Malone, Joe Selmon, Dr. Carole Singleton, Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Miller
Non-Tenured: Susan Cohen, Tim James, William Jones,Sybil Roberts, Denise Saunders
Staff: Janet L. Johnson, Claudia Neal, Michael Stepowany
Howard Players President: ?
Fall Semester 1998 (no season theme)
IMPASSIONED EMBRACES written by John Pielmeier
Directed by Mark Jolin
Date: Oct. 21 – 30, 1998
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
Cast: Benjamin Dukes, Kamil Johari Kale Na Kale Hazel, Richard D. Jones II, Khary A. Matthews, Julia Mitchell, Karen Lynn Wiesner
Design/Creative Team: Joe W. Selmon, Scenic Designer. Joe Selmon, Lighting. Reggie Ray, Costume Design. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Tani Sylvester, Assistant to the Director
Stage/Production Management: Denise D. Saunders, Production Coordinator. Brandi Harris Stage Manager. Tamara Deniece Henson, Assistant Stage Manager
PURLIE VICTORIOUS written by Ossie Davis
Directed by Kelsey E. Collie
Dates: Oct. 10-17. 1998
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Greg Alvarez Reid (Cast incomplete. Searching for program)
THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA written by Federico Garcia Lorca
Directed by Dr. Carole W. Singleton
Date: Nov. 11-14, 18-21, 1998
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Earnestine Boles, Maya-Camille Broussard, Marva J. Gibbs, Camille D. Gurnell, Sarah Hambrick, Loren Lillian Hankin, Silinea Hilliard, Tia N'Deye Jennings, Bakesta King, Latrice Janine Martin, Regan Metoyer, Jammie Patton, Shawna Elise Rodgers, Maieka C. Saint-Albin, Nikki St. John, Shannon N. Thompson, Susan A. Watson, Erika Desylvia Wickham, Renee Lavinia Woods
Design/Creative Team: Michael C. Stepowany, Scenic Designer. George Epting, Lighting. Reggie Ray, Costume Design. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Anthony Amiri Edwards, Assistant Director. Tim James, Stage Combat.
Stage/Production Management: Denise D. Saunders, Production Coordinator. E. Paul Hood, Stage Manager. Erica S. Cooke & Sheri Snoopy Young, Assistant Stage Managers
Spring semester 1999 (no season theme)
IOLA’S LETTER written by Michon Boston (A dramatic Reading)
Directed by Vera Katz
Date: Feb. 11-13, 16-20, 1999
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Ronald Hysten, Jarvis George, Sean McLeod, John Filice, Bakesta King, Chadwick Boseman, Will Lowe, Onira Satterwhite, Glenn Gordon, Gregory P. Cavanaugh, Jason Edwards, J. Arthur E. Brooks, Joe Selmon, Traci L. Watkins, Jasmine L. Wigfall, Oberon K. A. Adjepong, Eureka Frazier, Tani Sylvester
Design/Creative Team: Michael C. Stepowany, Scenic Designer. George Epting, Lighting. Reggie Ray, Costume Design. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Chadwick Boseman, Assistant Director. Camille Gurnell, Assistant to the Director. Tiffany Scott, Choreographer. Sybil Roberts, Dramaturg
Stage/Production Management: Michelle Brown, Stage Manager. Natalie L. Johnson, Assistant Stage Manager
TAMBOURINE'S TO GLORY written by Langston Hughes (Musical)
Directed by Mike Malone
Date: March 1999
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
PAYING HOMAGE TO... OUR AMERICAN TRADITION IN DANCE (Dance Concert)
Date: April 1999.
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Guest Choreographers: Ronald K. Brown, Kevin Jeff, Assane Konte, Sharon Manseur, Walter Nicks, David Rousseve
4. PLAYWRIGHT'S LAB founded by Sybil Roberts (Student Play readings)
Date: Spring 1999
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
The Playwright's Lab was founded to give aspiring young playwrights a safe, and nurturing environment to develop their artistic voice while honing their skills as writer. The Playwright's Lab recognizes that while "craft" of constructing plays, organizing action in a manner that is both exciting and meaningful, is of the utmost importance; it is only a part of the playwright's task as artist. First and foremost the playwright must HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY!!! In essence, thought should precede and dictate form. Thus, the Playwright's Lab serves as a "testing ground" for experimental and avant-garde plays, and performance works. finally, the Playwright's Lab exists to serve the works. finally, the Playwright's Lab exists to serve the "process " of writing; and does not have as its goal the production of plays,. It is not a producing organization... it is indeed a Lab. ~ Prof. Sybil J. Roberts
Play Readings:
Convictions by Zeal Harris
Hurricane Jonah by J. Kale Manzay
A Work in Progress by Chadwick Boseman
THE BOOTLEG BLUES by J. Kyle Manzay (Student production)
Directed by J. Kyle Manzay
April 13 - 16, 1999. Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
Department of Theatre Arts in conjunction with J. Kyle Korner Productions
1997/1998 - Al Freeman, Jr., Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
By vote of the Howard University Board of Trustees, starting July 1, 1997, the College of Fine Arts will cease to exist and now be known as a Division of Fine Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences
Dean: Dr. Clarence Lee Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Associate Dean: Dr. Tritobia Benjamin, Division of Fine Arts
Major: B.F.A. Theatre Arts
Areas of Concentration: Acting, Children's Theatre, Directing, Musical Theatre, Theatre Arts Administration, Theatre Education
Minor Areas of Concentration: Dance, Playwriting, Theatre Arts, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Faculty:
Tenured: Kelsey Collie, Ted G. Cooper, Henriette Edmonds, George Epting, Al Freeman, Jr, Martin Jolin, Vera J. Katz, Mike Malone, Joe Selmon, Carole Singleton, Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Miller
Non-Tenured: Sybil Roberts
Staff: Paul Falcon, Janet L. Johnson, Claudia Fuller, Reggie Ray
Howard Players President: Chadwick Boseman
Fall Semester 1997 (no season theme)
BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY written by Pearl Cleage
Directed by Al Freeman Jr.
Date: Fall 1997
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Jammie Patton, Hasani Issa, Ky-Moni Abraham, Sarah Hambrick, Gregory A. Reid
Design/Creative Team: Joe W. Selmon, Scenic Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting/Sound Supervisor. Reggie Ray, Costume Design & Set decoration. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Yildiz Yilmaz, Assistant Director
Stage/Production Management: Denise D. Saunders, Production Coordinator. Tanika Fails, Stage Manager. Nyakya Brown, Assistant Stage Manager
LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILLL written by Laine Robertson
Directed by Mike Malone
In search of program
Spring Semester 1998 (no season theme)
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ Book by Murray Horowitz and Richard Maltby Jr. Music by Fats Waller. (Musical)
Directed and choreographed by Mike Malone
Date: March 17-21, 1998
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Oberon K. A. Adjeong, Earnestine L. Boles, Franchell Frenchie Davis, J. Anthony Hill, William Pailen, Alexis J. Rogers, Danielle K. Thomas, Folami Ankaoanda-Thomspon
Design/Creative Team: David Alan Bunn, Musical Director. Joe Selmon, Scenic Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting Design. Reggie Ray, Costume Design. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Luther Henderson, Orchestrations & Arrangements. Jeffrey Gutcheon, Vocal & Musical Concepts. Wiliam Elliot & Jeffrey Gutcheon, Vocal Arrangements
Stage Management: Denise D. Saunders, Production Coordinator. Kai Green, Stage Manager. Wesley Forte & Tia N'Deye Jennings, Assistant Stage Managers
1996/1997 - Al Freeman, Jr, Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Dean: Dr. Jeff Donaldson, College of Fine Arts
Major: B.F.A. Theatre Arts
Areas of Concentration: Acting, Children's Theatre, Directing, Musical Theatre, Theatre Arts Administration, Theatre Education
Minor Areas of Concentration: Dance, Playwriting, Theatre Arts, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Staff: Paul Falcon, Janet L. Johnson, Claudia Neal, Reggie Ray
Faculty:
Tenured: Kelsey Collie, Ted G. Cooper, Henriette Edmonds, George Epting, Al Freeman, Jr, Martin Jolin, Vera J. Katz, Mike Malone, Joe Selmon, Carole Singleton, Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Miller
Non-Tenured: Sybil Roberts
Howard Players President: Neil Lewis
Fall Semester 1996 (no season theme)
AS YOU LIKE IT written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Mark Jolin
Date: Oct. 9-12 & 15-19th 1996
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Oberon Adjepong, Stephanie J. Boggs, Chadwick Boseman, Ginger Tamara Curry, Napiera D. Groves, Suzette Gunn, Mary E. Hill, Edwin Paul Hood, Joy Hooper, Amin Joseph, Neil Lewis II, Mark Liddell, Janis D. McDavid, Jeremy kyle Manzay, Jerome N, Morgan, James Newsom, Jason Raines, Gregory Reid, Jr, Eric Roberson, David St. Louis, Traci Thoms, Brandon White, Sean Wingate, Monte J. Wolfe, Vonet Woods
Design/Creative Team: Paul Falcon, Scenic Designer/Technical Director. George H. Epting, Lighting/Sound Supervisor. Reggie Ray, Make-Up/Costume. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Lenora Pace, Assistant Director
Stage Management: Micki Smith, Stage Manager. Sarah Young & Shawna Elise Rodgers, Assistant Stage Managers
Costumes – Reggie Ray. Lighting – George Epting. Scenic Design Paul Falcon. Assistant Director student Lenora Pace.
Spring Semester 1997 (no season theme)
2. JELLY'S LAST JAM (Musical) book by George C. Wolfe. Music by Jelly Roll Morton. Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead
Directed and choreographed by Mike Malone. Musical Director David Alan Bunn
Date: March 4-8, 11-15, 18-22nd 1997
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Erin D. Barnett, Earnestine L. Boles, Monique Caldwell, April E. Carter, Kehembe Eichelberger, napiera Groves, Stacey J, Hannah, Mary E. Hill, Whitney V. Hunter, Danielle Hyles, Aneka Hylton, Wendell Jordan, Rabiyah A. Kincey, Sherard Lasster, Neil Lewis II, Elisha Teapot McKinnery, Jeremy Kyle Manzay, Karima A. Miller, Delphia Dee Parker, Raquis D. Petree, Kimberly Roane, Eric Roberson, Alexis Rogers, Loren Samuel, David St. Louis, Bethany Peanut Strong, Traci Thoms, Rubye Tyree, todd N. Triplett, Conisha Wade, Karen L. Wiesner, Tamara N. Wiley, Eugene Young
Design/Creative Team: Paul Falcon, Scenic Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting. Billy Mack Johnson, Sound Supervisor. Reggie Ray, Costume Design. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Anthony Amiri Edwards, Assistant Director. Katherine J. Smith, Assistant to the Choreographer. Sybil Roberts, Dramaturg
Stage Management: Amber Stuart, Stage Manager. Stephanie Mayfield, Charles A. Coward & Azure Thompson, Assistant Stage Managers
1995/1996 - Al Freeman, Jr., Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Dean: Dr. Jeff Donaldson, College of Fine Arts
Major: B.F.A. Theatre Arts
Areas of Concentration: Acting, Children's Theatre, Directing, Musical Theatre, Theatre Arts Administration, Theatre Education
Minor Areas of Concentration: Dance, Playwriting, Theatre Arts, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Staff: Paul Falcon, Janet L. Johnson, Claudia Neal, Reggie Ray
Faculty:
Tenured: Kelsey Collie, Ted G. Cooper, Henriette Edmonds, George Epting, Al Freeman, Jr, Martin Jolin, Vera J. Katz, Mike Malone, Joe Selmon, Carole Singleton, Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Miller
Non-Tenured: Sybil Roberts
Howard Players President: Denise J. Hart. (Sybil Roberst, faculty advisor)
Fall Semester 1995 (no season theme mentioned)
BEFORE IT HITS HOME written by Cheryl West
Directed by Mark Jolin
Date: Sept. 28-30 Oct. 3-7th 1995
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
Cast: Ky-Moni Abraham, Cheickh Aidara, Stephanie J. Boggs, nu Fresh, Napiera D. Groves, Denise Hart-Kennedy, Hasani Issa, Eric Roberson, Dexter K. Tennie, Vonet Woods
Design/Creative Team: Paul Falcon, Scenic Designer/Technical Director. George H. Epting, Lighting/Sound Supervisor. Reggie Ray, Make-Up/Costume Shop Supervisor. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Lenora Pace, Assistant Director. Sybil Roberts, Dramaturg
Stage Management: Tinika Fails, Stage Manager. Krishna Smith, Assistant Stage Manager
PANAMA LIMITED BLUES book and lyrics by Robert LaPierre. (Musical)
Directed and choreographed by Mike Malone. Original music by William Hubbard, Raymond Reeder, Chris Royal
Date: Oct. 24,25,26,27,28, 31 Nov. 1,2,3,4th 1995
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Monique Caldwell, April E. Carter, Reginald O. C. Hannah, J. Anthony Hill, Mary E. Hill, Wendell Jordan, Sherard Jelani, Kyra Little, Elisha Teapot McKiney, Karima Miller, Raquis Da'Juan Petree, Eric roberson, Loren Samuels, David St. Louis, Eddie Stockton, Tracie /thoms, Kumina walker, Naima Imani Welcher, Pamela R. Williams
Design/Creative Team: Raymond Reeder, Musical Director. Chris Royal, Musical Score. William Hubbard, Conductor. Paul Falcon, Scenic Designer/Technical Director. George H. Epting, Lighting/Sound Supervisor. Reggie Ray, Make-Up/Costume Design. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Jeffery Louis Young & Anthony Amiri Edwards, Assistant Director. Katherine J. Smith, Assistant to the Choreographer. Sybil Roberts, Dramaturg
Stage Management: Ebony Afrique Vines, Stage Manager. Micki Nicole Smith & Amber Stuart, Assistant Stage Manager
PEACE DECLARED written by Denise Hart-Kennedy (Howard Players staged play reading)
Directed by Lenora Pace
Date: November 1995
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
Cast: Stephanie J. Boggs, Nyamka Kenya, Greg Reid Jr, Naima Imani Welcher
Stage Management: Candace Jackson Stage Manager
Spring Semester 1996 Season Theme: Continuing the Legacy
The Howard Players produced the spring 1996 portion of the department season. Theme: Continuing the Legacy
Howard Players President 1995/1996 - Denise J. Hart
MY SOUL IS A WITNESS written by student Denise J. Hart (Howard Players student production)
Directed by student Jackie Carter
Date: Feb. 20-23, 1996
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Yetunde Adigun, Mika Hoyle, Janis McDavid, Dexter K. Tennie
Design/Creative Team: Derrick Sanders, Lighting. Rabiyah Asha Kincey, Sound Designer. Taneka L. Riley, Sound Engineer. Zeal, Costume Designer. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Ambo Tazanu, Make-Up Designer. Greg Reid, Properties Master. Sybil Roberts, Dramaturg
Stage/Production Management: Krishna Smith, Stage Manager. Nicole Wilkerson, Production Manager, Monte J. Wolfe, Production Manager Assistant
ALASKA written by student Marcus McQuirter (Howard Players student production)
Directed by student Lenora Pace
Date: February 29 - March 2, 1996
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Ginger (Tamara Curry), Hasani Issa, Neil Lewis, Walter Lindsay, James Newsome, Charyl Pitts, Derrick L. Sanders, Sean Akil Wingate, Vonet Woods, Kemba Wright
Design/Creative Team: George H. Epting, Lighting/Sound Supervisor. Zeal, Costume Designer. Vincent Siders, Sound Designer. Taneka L. Riley, Sound Engineer. April E. Carter, Property Mistress. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Kameshia Monique Duncan, Assistant Director. Sybil Roberts, Dramaturg
Stage/Production Management: Candace Jackson, Stage Manager. Kai Green, Assistant Stage Manager. Stephanie Mayfield, Production Manager. Kamilah Forbes, Assistant Production Manager
WINE IN THE WILDERNESS written by Alice Childress (Freshman class student production)
Directed by Chadwick Boseman
Date: April 18-20th 1996
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
Cast: Kimberly Roane, Jeremy Manzay, Dameon Patton, James Newsom, Susan Watson
Design/Creative Team: James Newson, Scenery & Props Designer. Jeremy Manzay, Lighting/Sound Designer. Alexis Rogers, Costume/Make-up Designer. Gregory Reid, Master Electrician. Jammie D. Patton, Assistant Director
Stage Management: Mitchell Evans Jr, Production Stage Manager. Katina Cooper, Stage Manager. Maria Monteiro, Assistant Stage Managers
1994/1995 - Al Freeman, Jr., Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Dean: Dr. Jeff Donaldson, College of Fine Arts
Major: B.F.A. Theatre Arts
Areas of Concentration: Acting, Children's Theatre, Directing, Musical Theatre, Theatre Arts Administration, Theatre Education
Minor Areas of Concentration: Dance, Playwriting, Theatre Arts, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Staff: Paul Falcon, Janet L. Johnson, Claudia Neal, Reggie Ray
Faculty:
Tenured: Kelsey Collie, Ted Cooper, Henriette Edmonds, George Epting, Al Freeman, Jr, Vera J. Katz, Joe Selmon, Carole Singleton, Martin Jolin, Mike Malone, Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Miller
Non-Tenured: Sybil Roberts
Howard Players President: Carmen J. Neely
Fall Semester 1994 (no season theme)
THE TALENTED TENTH written by Richard Wesley
Directed by Al Freeman Jr
Date: Oct. 5-8 & 12-15, 1994
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Damani Singleton, Stephanie Mello, Michele Mordicai
2. LEGACY OF A PEOPLE (Howard University Dance Ensemble)
Artistic Director Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Miller
Date: Nov. 18-19, 1994
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Guest Choreographers: Assane Knote, Lee "ACA" Thompson
3. SISTAH GIRL written by Denise Hart-Kennedy (Howard Players student Play Reading)
Directed by Jackie Carter. Kameshia Duncan, Assistant Director
Date: Fall 1994
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
4. RHINOCEROS written by Eugene Ionesco
Directed by Vera Katz
Date: Fall 1994
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Vonet Woods, Chante Y. stepney, Denise Hart-Kennedy, Anthony Bryan, Derrick L. Sanders, Ky-Moni Abraham, e'Marcus Harper, Amie M. Morehead, David A. St. Louis, Michel, J. Estime, Aimee Brynt, Brad Pennington, Yetunde Adigun, Bernard Martinez, Tiffany Scott
Design/Creative Team: Paul Falcon, Scenic Designer/Technical Director. George H. Epting, Lighting/Sound Designer. Reggie Ray, Costume Designer. Thomas A. Korth, Composer. Sherrill Berryman-Miller, Choreographer. T.W. Starnes Master Electrician. Jackie Carter, Krishna Y. Smith & Robert Stamps, Assistant Directors. Candace Jackson, Student Dramaturg.
Stage Management: Michelle D. Taylor, Stage Manager. Anthony Edwards & Charyl Pitts, Assistant Stage Managers
Spring semester 1995 (no season theme)
SISTAH GIRL written by student Denise J. Hart-Kennedy (Howard Players production)
Directed by student Jackie Carter
Date: March 19-20, 1995
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Mark Jolin
Dates: Feb. 14-25, 1995
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
Design/Creative Team: Paul Falcon, Scenic Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting Designer. Judy Dearing, Costume Designer. Sherill Berryman-Miller, Choreographer
DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE conceived by Vinette Carroll, Music & lyrics by Micki Grant. (Musical)
Directed and choreographed by Mike Malone. Musical Director Raymond Reeder.
Date: March 10-11, 14-18, 20-25, 1995
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Anthony Bryan, Aimee Bryant, Monique Caldwell, April Carter, Darnese Yvette Daniells, Deborah Fewell, Marvin Ford, Napiera Danielle Groves, Taraji Henson, Wendell Jordan, Kyra Little, Karima Aisha Miller, Carlyncia Peck, Damani Singleton, David St. Louis, Wil Walker Jr.
Design/Creative Team: Paul Falcon, Technical Director/Scenic Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting Designer. Judy Dearing, Costume Designer. Katherine J. Smith, Assistant to the Choreographer. Anthony Amiri Ewards, Assistant Director. e'Marcus Harper Jr, Assistant Musical Director. Reggie Ray, Make-up Designer/Costume Shop Supervisor. T.W. Starnes, Master Electrician. Daryl Hunt, Assistant Musical Director. Sybil Roberts, Dramaturg
Stage Management: Ebony Afrique Vines, Stage Manager. Aneka Hylton & Micki Nicole Smith, Assistant Stage Managers
1993/1994 - Al Freeman, Jr., chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Dean: Dr. Jeff Donaldson, College of Fine Arts
Major: B.F.A. Theatre Arts
Areas of Concentration: Acting, Children's Theatre, Directing, Musical Theatre, Theatre Arts Administration, Theatre Education
Minor Areas of Concentration: Dance, Playwriting, Theatre Arts, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Staff: Paul Falcon, Janet L. Johnson, Claudia Neal, Reggie Ray
Faculty:
Tenured: Kelsey Collie, Ted G. Cooper, Henriette Edmonds, George Epting, Al Freeman Jr, Mark Jolin, Vera J. Katz, Joe Selmon, Carole Singleton, Martin Jolin, Mike Malone, Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Miller, Peter Zakutansky
Non-Tenured: Adrian Vincent James
Howard Players President: ?
Fall Semester 1993 (no season theme)
DEATH AND THE KING’S HORSEMAN written by Wole Soyinka
Guest Director Clinton Turner Davis
Date: Oct. 13-30, 1993
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Yetunde A. Adigun, Tamela Marie Aldridge David Love Calloway, Michea Carter, Schantelle D. Cason, Antonio Charity, John Elko, Bill Grimmette, Reginald O. C. Hanna, Helen Hedman, Herman Kemper, Brian Marable, Bernard Martinez, Michele Mari Mordica, Kerlyn Paul, Dormetria Robinson, Damani Singleton, Parrish Smith, Floyd Sullivan, Gary Vincent, Nichole R. Thompson
Design/Creative Team: David Glenn, Set Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting/Sound Designer. Judy Dearing, Costume Designer. Sherrill Berryman-Miller, Choreography. Paul Falcon, Technical Director. Courtney Sherman, Assistant Director. Guinea L. Bennett, Assistant to the Director. T.W. Starnes, Master Electrician
Stage Management: Nicole Leonard, Stage Manager. Tamara Brooks & Kay Pri Marcus, Assistant Stage Managers
2. OAK AND IVY written by Kathleen McGhee Anderson
Directed by Al Freeman Jr.
Date: Fall 1993
Cast: Damani Singleton, Stephanie Mello, Antonio Charity, Alicia Pryor, Elauna Griffin, Paris Davis, Kyle Leland Rivers, Traci Thoms, Donerick Rainey, Reggie Nelson, Derrick Sanders, Mary Hill, Alexaendria Boone
Design/Creative Team: (incomplete) George H. Epting, Lighting Design, Paul Falcon, Set Design, Reginald Ray, Costume Design
3. AGAMEMNON directed by Mark Jolin. Dates: (searching for program)
4. AFRICA RHYTHM AND MOTION: A Celebration of Tradition and Roots (Howard University Dance Ensemble)
Artistic Director Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Miller
Date: Nov. 19, 20, 1993
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Guest Choreographer/Costume & Set Designer: Assane Kounte, KanKouran West African Dance Company
5. DANCE SHOWCASE: New Beginnings III
Choreographed by Adrian Vincent James
Date: Dec. 6, 1993
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Student Choreographers: Keenah S. Reid, Jeffery Young, Yolanda Snell, Toby Smith
Student Performers: Jeffery Young, Taraji Henson, Kennah S. Reid, K. Leland Rivers, Angela Hill, Dennis Carew, Charles Edward, Reginald Hannah
Design: Tanya Garnett, Lighting Technician
Spring Semester 1994 (no season theme)
E-MAN (Musical) book by Michael Dagley. Music and lyrics composed by Lenga Tooks
Directed and choreographed by Mike Malone. Musical Direction Raymond Reeder
Date: March 11-26, 1994
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Yetunde Adigun, Yusuf Battle, Angel Berverena, Terry Brookhart, Anthony Bryan, Aimee Bryant, April Carter, Gary E. Vincent, C. Ross Edwards, Damani Singleton, Rosalind White, David St. Louis, Michel Estime, Deborah Fewell, Marvin Ford, Kirsten Hall, Taraji Henson, Silinea Hilliard, Naima Imani, Wyomme Johnson, Kyra Little, Laura Lockhart, Bernard Martine, Reginald Nelson, Carlyncia Peck, Keetra Selmon, Jannine Shaw, Sarla Shird, Marlaina Sims, Niambi Sims, Steve Small,
Design/Creative Team: David Glenn, Scenic Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting Designer. Gary Drew, Sound Designer. Judy Dearing, Costume Designer. Paul Falcon, Technical Director. T.W. Starnes, Master Electrician. Chris Royal, Conductor. Tammy Hurt Odom, Assistant Choreographer. Jeffery L. Young, Assistant Director. e'Marcus Harper Jr, Assistant Musical Director. Reggie Ray, Costume Shop Supervisor
Stage Management: Tanya D. Garnett, Stage Manager. Kameshia Duncan , Tinika Fails & Jeannine Robinson, Assistant Stage Managers
2. COMING OF AGE (Howard University Dance Ensemble)
Artistic Director Dr. Sherrill Berryman Miller
Date: April 22-23, 1994
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Guest Choreographers: Talley Beatty, Kevin Jeff, Sam LeSane, Steve Rooks, Sherrill Berryman-Miller
3. DANCE SHOWCASE: New Beginnings VIII - The Final Chapter
Choreographed by Adrian Vincent James
Date: April 28, 1994
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Student Choreographers: Tanya Garnett, Mikail Nacash, Angel Berverena, Denise A. Davenport, Taraji P. Henson, Anthony Bryan
Student Performers: Nefetari Hall, Mikail Nacash, Anthony Bryan, Rosalind White, Daryl Spies, Terry Bookhart, Silinea Hilliard, Auriel Myles,Angel Berverena, C. Ross Edwards, Ashanti Roberts, Ebony Vines, Gary E. Vincent, Niambi Sims, Norkor Omabue
1992/1993 - Al Freeman, Jr, Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Dean: Dr. Jeff Donaldson, College of Fine Arts
Major: B.F.A. Theatre Arts
Areas of Concentration: Acting, Children's Theatre, Directing, Musical Theatre, Theatre Arts Administration, Theatre Education
Minor Areas of Concentration: Dance, Playwriting, Theatre Arts, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Faculty:
Tenured: Kelsey Collie, Ted Cooper, Henriette Edmonds, George Epting, Al Freeman, Mark Jolin, Vera J. Katz, Joe Selmon, Carole Singleton, Peter Zakutansky, Martin Jolin, Mike Malone, Dr. Sherrill Berryman, Johnson
Non-Tenured: E. Dawn Samuel, Adrian James
Staff: Janet L. Johnson, Claudia Neal, Reggie Ray
Howard Players President: Kyle Leland Rivers
Fall 1992, the department undergoes a name change from Department of Drama to Department of Theatre Arts
Fall Semester 1992 (no season theme)
SIRENS written by Richard Wesley
Directed by Al Freeman Jr. Conceived by Carole W. Singleton
Date: Oct. 8,9,10,15,16,17, 1992
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Michele Mari Mordica, Rosalind White, e'Marcus Harper Jr, Nichole R. Thompson, Eric Roberson, Antonio Charity, Juan Carlos Davis
Design/Creative Team: Joe Selmon, Set Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting/Sound Designer. Judy Dearing, Costume Designer. Reggie Ray, Wig Stylist. David Glenn, Make-Up. Chris Royal, Music Director. Guinea L. Bennett, Assistant Director. Eric Duane Ingram, Assistant to the Director.
Stage Management: Jeannine Robinson, Production Manager. Tanya Garnett, Stage Manager. Michea Carter & Christopher Dacosta, Assistant Stage Managers. Guillermo Alleyne & Michael J. Estime, Production Assistants.
ANTIGONE written by Sophocles
Directed by Vera J. Katz
Date: Nov. 12-14 & 17-21. 1992
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Victoria L. Mangram, Sharolyn Anissa Clark, Tanya Starling, Juan Carlos Davis, Valerie Alleyne, Lamide Davis, Mary Hill, Stephanie Mello, T. Niet Wigginton, Reginald Hanna, Andre Stone, Ricardo Solomon, Cristopher Dinwiddie, Kyle Leland rivers, Jeffery Louis Young, Tony Martin, e'Marcus Harper, Danielle Ferguson, Gary Vincent, Eric Roberson
Design/Creative Team: David Glenn, Set Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting/Sound Designer. Judy Dearing, Costume Designer. Reggie Ray, Costumer. Judy Dearing & Reggie Ray, Make-Up/Masks Design. Thomas Korth, Composer. Adrian Vincent James, Choreographer. Nicholas House, Assistant Director. Thembi A. Wesley, Assistant to the Director.
Stage Management: Yolanda D. Warren, Production Stage Manager. Desiree Woodard, Assistant Stage Managers. Sarah Nur, Assistant to the Stage Managers. Tara Robinson, Research Assistant
WITHOUT CONSENT (Play Reading)
Spring Semester 1993 (no season them)
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND written by Lynn Ahrens. Music by Stephen Flaherty. (Musical)
Directed and choreographed by Mike Malone. Raymond Reeder, Musical Director
Date: March 11-13 & 16 – 20, 1993
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Bernie Alston, Terrence Lee Jones, Monique Caldwell, Eric Roberson, Gary E. Vincent, Nicole Sutherland, Stephanie Mello, Damani Singleton, Rosalind White, Eugen Young, Yolonda Tamu, Lezlee Bathea, Carol Bristol, Amanda Farnum, Deborah Fewell, Tanya Garnett, Kyra Little, April E. Carter, C. Ross Edwards II, Reginald Hanna, Taraji Henson, Niambi Sims
Design/Creative Team: David Glenn, Set Designer. George H. Epting, Lighting Designer. Gary Drew, Sound Designer. Judy Dearing, Costume Designer. Reggie Ray, Assistant to the Costume Designer. Tammy Hurt Odom, Assistant Choreographer. Guinea L. Bennett, Assistant Director. Eric Duane Ingram, Assistant to the Director.
Stage Management: Yolanda D. Warren, Production Stage Manager. Charles Coward & Malika Map, Assistant Stage Managers
2. CRACKIN' UP written by Guinea Bennett. (Howard Players student production
Directed by Guinea Bennett
Date: Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 1993
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Carla J. Hargrove, Taraji Henson, Damani Singleton, Toby Smith, Erinn White, Chad Taylor, Reginald Hanna, Teri Bradford, Desiree Dubose, Schantelle Cason, Nicole Wilkerson, Eric Roberson, Sheldon Wright
Design/Creative Team: Kris Johnson, Set Designer. Eric McMillan, Lighting Designer. Tanya Starling, Sound Designer. Toby Smith, Costume/Make-Up Designer. Jeffrey Young, Assistant Director
Stage Management: Courtney Sherman, Stage Manager. Sean Squire, Assistant Stage Manger. Tanya D. Garnett, Production Manager
3. DANCE SHOWCASE – EXPRESSIONS I
4. DANCE SHOWCASE – EXPRESSIONS II
1991/1992 - Dr. Carole W. Singleton, Chair, Department of Drama
Dean: Dr. Jeff Donaldson (Acting Dean), College of Fine Arts
Major: B.F.A. Drama
Areas of Concentration & Coordinators:Acting (Henriette G. Edmonds), Directing (Kelsey Collie), Musical Theatre (Mike Malone), Theatre Administration (Theodore G. Cooper), Children’s Theatre (Kelsey Collie), Theatre Education (Dr. Carole W. Singleton)
Minor Areas of Concentration: Dance, Playwriting, Theatre Arts, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Faculty
Professor – Kelsey Collie, Theodore Cooper, Henriette Edmonds, Dr. Carole Singleton, Vera J. Katz
Associate Professor - Joe Selmon, George Epting, Al Freeman, Jr,
Assistant Professor – Alvan Mike Malone, Peter Zakutansky
Instructor – Adrian V. James, E. Dawn Samuel
Lecturer - Martin Jolin
Staff: Janet L. Johnson, Claudia F. Neal
Howard Players President: ?
Fall Semester 1991 (no season theme)
TELL PHARAOH written by Lofton Mitchell
Directed by Ted G. Cooper. Valerie W. Mills, Musical Director
Date: Nov. 19,20,21,22,23, 1991 & Jan. 22,23,24,25,30,31 Feb. 1, 1992
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Desiree Dubose, Mark A. Hall, Denise J. Hart, Zaneta Wynn Polard, Brian Thorne
Design/Creative Team: George Epting, Lighting/Sound Designer. Peter Zakutansky, Costume/Make-Up Designer. Courtney Sherman, Assistant Director. Adrian Vincent James, Choreographer. E. Dawn Samuel, Production Manager. Vincent F. Simms, Assistant Musical Director
Stage Management: Michea Carter, Stage Manager. Nicholas House, Assistant Stage Manger. Malaak D. Compton & Denise D. Saunders, Production Manager
THE COLORED MUSEUM written by George C. Wolfe
MY LORD DIE IN SIN (Reading)
To right: Dreamgirls cast and production team in Hong Kong 1992. Photo credit Dormetria Robinson
Spring Semester 1992 (no season theme)
Dream Girls travels to Hong Kong for sold out performances!
DREAM GIRLS book and lyrics Tom Eyen. Music Henry Krieger (Musical)
Directed and choreographed by Mike Malone. Musical Director Tony Booker
Date: March 3,4,5,6,7, 1992
Produced in Shouson Theatre Hong Kong
Cast: Traja Barnett, Alvin Bell, Renee Belton, Guina L. Bennett, Kim Bennett, David Brannon, Anthony Bryan, Paris Campbell, Dwayne A. Case, Desiree Dubose, Ross Edwards, Malaika Finney, Tanya Garnett, Derek Gentry, Mark Hall, Carla J. Hargrove, Edwin Harper, Darryl Harris, Taraji Henson, Tracie Jade Jenkins, Regina Johnson, Terrence Lee Jones, Nina E. Lane, Robin Massengale, Zaneta Polard, Carlyncia Peck, K. Leland Rivers, Dormetria Robinson, Shawn Shepard, Yolanda Snell, Mia Sullivan, Leslie A. Tatum, Cedric Thomas, Brian Q. Thorne, Erika J. Vaughn, Ebony Vines, Rosalind White, e'Marcus Williams, Sean Jamaal Williams
Design/Creative Team: Michael Stepowany, Set Designer/Technical Director. Christian Epps, Lighting Designer. Reggie Ray, Costume Designer. Tonya Miller & Sidney Porter, Assistant Directors. Adrian James, Assistant Choreographer. Warren Louis, Hair/Wig Stylist. Valerie Eichelberger, Vocal Coach. Henri Edmonds, Mark Jolin & Vera Katz, Acting Coaches. E. Dawn Samuel, Production Manager. Gary Drew Glen Tapscott, Sound Designers. Erika Vaughn & Ross Edward, Dance Captains
2. SENIOR SEMINAR
Date: April 16,17,18, 1992
Produced in Environmental Theatre Space
1990/1991 - Dr. Carole W. Singleton, Chair, Department of Drama
Dean: Dr. Vada E. Butcher, College of Fine Arts
Major: B.F.A. Drama
Areas of Concentration & Coordinators: Acting (Henriette G. Edmonds), Directing (Kelsey Collie), Musical Theatre (Mike Malone), Theatre Administration (Theodore G. Cooper), Children’s Theatre (Kelsey Collie), Theatre Education (Dr. Carole W. Singleton)
Minor Areas of Concentration: Dance, Playwriting, Theatre Arts, Theatre Administration, Theatre Technology
Staff: Janet L. Johnson, Claudia Neal, Mike Stepowany
Faculty:
Professor – Kelsey Collie, Theodore Cooper, Henriette Edmonds, Carole Singleton, Vera J. Katz
Associate Professor - Joe Selmon, George Epting, Peter Zakutansky
Assistant Professor – none
Instructor – Adrian V. James, E. Dawn Samuel
Lecturer - Al Freeman, Jr, Martin Jolin, Alvan Mike Malone
Howard Players President: Morris Beasley
Excerpts from 1990/91 College of Fine Arts Annual Report
(pg. 131)...tangential with the Department's instructional programs is its production season which attempts to reinforce the former, It is essential that the Department be provided a production budget commensurate with its size and scope, in order to implement the productions necessary to augment its academic programs. it is important that productions emanating from an academic theatre unit not be regarded as mere entertainment or extra-curricular "frills." Consequently, the 1990-91 budget cuts which resulted in the removal of at least two "service" courses from the Department's teaching schedule and one production from its 1990-91 season should be considered as serious threats to successful implementation of the instructional programs of the Department.
(pg. 131-132) ... the Department has been invited to bring its production of DREAMGIRLS to the annual Hong Kong Arts Festival in March, 1992. Plans for that project are currently underway. The American Community Theatre in hong kong and the Board of Governors of the American Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong are certain of adequate corporate funding to totally underwrite this exciting cultural exchange. The Department of Drama considers even the invitation as an honor and a major highlight of its instructional innovation for academic year 1990-91. if this project should materialize (and there is a good chance that it will) it cannot help but be a boost to the image of the Department and a "feather in the cultural cap of the University-at-large.
(pg. 130) The Directing area of concentration was submitted to National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) in June 1991 for plan approval to make Directing an accredited are of study in the department.
Fall Semester 1990 (no season theme)
CEREMONIES IN DARK OLD MEN written by Lonnie Elder III
Directed by Carole W. Singleton
Date: Oct. 18,20,25,26,27 Nov. 1,2,3, 1991
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Guest Actor: Al Freeman Jr.
Cast: Kelsey E. Collie, Anthony Feggins, Kyle Leland Rivers, Letha Remington, William Rowel, Paula Parker
Design/Creative Team: Joe Selmon, Set Designer. George Epting, Lighting/Sound Designer. Peter Zakutansky, Costume/Make-Up Designer. Guinea Lada Bennett, Assistant Director. Adrian Vincent James, Choreographer. E. Dawn Samuel, Production Manager
Stage Management: Tonya Garnett, Production Stage Manager. Tamela Aldridge & Michelle Peterson, Assistant Stage Manager
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN' (Musical) Directed by Mike Malone. (Howard Players production)
Date: Sept. 5-9, 11-16, 1990
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Spring Semester 1991 (no season theme)
BLACK IMAGES/BLACK REFLECTIONS written by Kelsey E. Collie
Directed by Kelsey E. Collie
In association with the Howard University Children's Theatre
Date: Feb. 14,15,16,21,22,23, 1991
Toured around the Washington DC Metro Area
Cast: Patrice Lori Adams, Morris Beasley, Antonio Charity, Sharolyn Anissa Clark, Desiree Dubose, Tanya Garnet Derek Gentr, Paula Jai Parker, K. Leland Rivers, Dormetria Robinson
Design/Creative Team: Sarah Joseph, student Set Designer. Thelonious W. Starnes, student Lighting Designer. Peter Zakutansky, Costume/Make-Up Designer. Kenneth Cobb, Master Electrician. Anthoni Bell, Choreographer. E. Dawn Samuel, Production Manager
Stage Management: Yolanda D. Warren, Stage Manager. Michelle Peterson, Assistant Stage Manager
2. DREAM GIRLS (Musical) book and lyrics Tom Eyen. Music Henry Krieger
Directed and choreographed by Mike Malone. Musical Dirctor Tony Booker
Date: March 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 1991
Produced in Ira Aldridge Theatre
Cast: Traja Barnett, Alvin Bell, Renee Belton, Guina L. Bennett, Kim Bennett, David Brannon, Anthony Bryan, Paris Campbell, Dwayne A. Case, Desiree Dubose, Ross Edwards, Malaika Finney, Tanya Garnett, Derek Gentry, Mark Hall, Carla J. Hargrove, Edwin Harper, Darryl Harris, Taraji Henson, Tracie Jade Jenkins, Regina Johnson, Terrence Lee Jones, Nina E. Lane, Robin Massengale, Zaneta Polard, Carlyncia Peck, K. Leland Rivers, Dormetria Robinson, Shawn Shepard, Yolanda Snell, Mia Sullivan, Leslie A. Tatum, Cedric Thomas, Brian Q. Thorne, Erika J. Vaughn, Ebony Vines, Rosalind White, e'Marcus Williams, Sean Jamaal Williams
Design/Creative Team: Michael Stepowany, Set Designer/Technical Director. Christian Epps, Lighting Designer. Reggie Ray, Costume Designer. Tonya Miller & Sidney Porter, Assistant Directors. Adrian James, Assistant Choreographer. Warren Louis, Hair/Wig Stylist. Valerie Eichelberger, Vocal Coach. Henri Edmonds, Mark Jolin & Vera Katz, Acting Coaches. E. Dawn Samuel, Production Manager. Gary Drew Glen Tapscott, Sound Designers. Erika Vaughn & Ross Edward, Dance Captains
3. TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK (student production produced by the department)
4. FRIDAY'S TOAST (Reading of a student play)
Click HERE to review 1990 - 1980 Theatrical Production History