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Ricardo Agudelo

Director; Filmmaker; Musician; Photographer; Storyteller; Visual Artist; Video Art

Arts and technology professional with experience in hospitality and museum operations, including program development; visitor engagement and education; collections care, research and archiving; fundraising; marketing; exhibition content development and design; museum technology; public outreach and communications.

Cassandra Belony

Director; Filmmaker; Storyteller; Visual Artist; Writer

Cassandra Belony graduated from Florida State University with a BA in Theatre. Prior to graduating, she starred in a play about racial injustice in America called One Hundred Years of Hope and a short piece about domestic violence called Expossium Manifesto. The following projects demonstrated Realism which is a form of theatre and art Cassandra favors. In 2017, she returned to her hometown of Fort Lauderdale, FL. She wrote her first play Strange Fruit on a Burning Tree and workshopped it at the Stages of the Sun Festival. In addition to theatre, she starred in a couple of films including John Leguizamo’s Critical Thinking. Most recently, she wrote, directed, and starred in her first short film Melancholic Verse. A story about a woman reminiscing the life of an old friend. She is currently working on her second short film We Good Project.

Ed Casas

Actor; Director; Filmmaker; Writer

Broward Community College Associate of Liberal Arts (graduated with honors) Florida Atlantic University Bachelor of Arts Major: Anthropology Interdisciplinary Studies: Social Science Certificate in Ethnic Studies Honors: Cum Laude, GPA 3.53 & Dean’s List Spring 2003 President of Lambda Alpha FAU, National Anthropology Honors Society Fall 2003 Film Ghost's Realm Witlac the Rogue Ginnugagap Filmwerk Carlita’s Secret ( opposite Eva Longorria) Miguel (Domincan Drug Lord) Breakaway Films Transporter 2 Stand-in (Jason Statham) 20th Century Fox Big Trouble Stand-in (Stanley Tucci) Buena Vista Commercials/Voice-overs Title Loan Commercial (w/ Mr. T) Contestant Robert Berning Productions Halloween spot Wolf-man (make-up by Rick Baker) Disney Latin America Public Service Announcement Lover The Hope Foundation The Tube Music-video Channel Dancing Lip-Singer Beer Commercial (International) Bar patron Fast Food spot (International) Painter Gas/Food spot (East Coast) Lead (Foreman) Live Promotions & Stage Conquistadores 2015 & 2016 Lead Conquistador Jim Hammond/Day of the Dead Krampus Nigh 2015 &2016 Lead Krampus Jim Hammond Screen-Writing Competion 2016 (Casting) SciFi Miami Wicked Shakespeare Titus/Macbeth/Clarence Actor's Cultural Theatre Skitsations Principal Player Paul Lawrence Productions Stand-up Comedian Solo performances Name Change Pending Improv Principal Player Hollywood Blvd Theater Return to Forbidden Planet Cookie Boca Raton Children's Theater Video For the Love of Zeus 2016 Hephaestus Backlot Studios Metal City Mayhem 2016 Tamerlane Villain Dan Jackson Productions Outdoor Wild Kids 2016 Host Backlot Studios Training Hagen Process w/Marc Durso ActTrue at Art Serve Scene Study w/ Marc Durso Burt Reynolds School of Acting Voice and Body w/ Marc Durso The Acting Studio Acting and Analysis w/ Michael Gioia The Acting Studio Acting I w/ Pamela Markus Broward Community College Film as Literature w/ Lynn Thorner Broward Community College Theater Appreciation w/ Maureen Mathews Broward Community College Fencing w/ Miguel DelDiego Broward Parks & Recreation Stage Fighting Hollywood Theater Karate w/Master Kelichan Broward Parks & Recreation

Darius Daughtry

Actor; Director; Poet; Storyteller; Writer; Playwright

WRITER. DIRECTOR. POET. EDUCATOR. Darius Daughtry fell in love with words at the age of six. It was then, that he used to write and draw his own comic books. While the visuals left a little to be desired, being able to paint pictures with words was a passion that soon began to blossom. Darius has been marrying the pen to the paper ever since. Born and raised in South Florida, Darius was immersed in the arts at an early age. He dabbled in commercials, modeling, and short films as an adolescent and was highly involved in the performing throughout high school and college. As an English, Creative Writing, and Drama Instructor, Darius used his love for knowledge and creative expression to change the lives of thousands of students and provide avenues for them to explore their artistic gifts. After ten years in the school system, he had an opportunity to take a position as the Director of Programs for the Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network, an affiliate of the Jason Taylor Foundation. Darius has written and directed numerous stage plays, including, Focus, Hallways & Heartbreaks, and For The Love of Music. Additionally, he has graced the stage as an actor in numerous regional productions. He has twice been the feature poet for Save the Twinz, a Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser, sharing the same stage with NY Times Bestselling Author Zane and National Recording Artist Avery Sunshine, and Darius has graced the stage for the Jazz in the Gardens Women’s Impact Luncheon. In recent years, Darius has facilitated dynamic creative writing workshops for various community organizations and has been commissioned as a featured presenter and public speaker for several events with Broward County Public Schools. Darius is the founder and Artistic Director of the Art Prevails Project, an arts organization dedicated to providing exceptional artistic and cultural experiences to underserved communities. Darius’ literary offerings: poetry, plays, stories, etc., can best be described as a sort of creative realism. His words seek to make the reader, the listener, or the viewer think. Learn more about Darius at dariusdaughtry.com.

Juneteenth For Joy

Director; Filmmaker; Storyteller; Social Practitioner

Juneteenth for Joy is an annual celebration of Black freedom through the lens of joy. Our goal is to shift the paradigm of freedom as the result of struggle and survival to a paradigm freedom as interdependent on joy and what our founder calls "thrival".

PACO HUERTA

Actor; Choreographer; Dancer; Director

taste for dancing and Folklore from very young me allowed to develop my qualities and attitudes as a dancer and with the experience and maturity me allowed direct different groups in mexico creating workshops, seminars and intensive courses in dance and Dance in Mexico and I am now director and instructor ballet Folklorico Azteca Florida since 8 years ago. and now as a group. we support different organizations giving shows in social, cultural and artistic events...

Kendrick Jones

Actor; Choreographer; Dancer; Director; Singer

Education 2010 | Bachelors of Arts in Theatre/Dance Minor • Florida A&M University 2007 | Culinary Arts (Certifications) • Johnson &Wales University 2004 | High School Diploma • Hallandale High School Experience August 2014 – Present| Director of Theatre Hallandale High School | Hallandale, FL create and maintain the artistic vision of the organization Instruct Dance and Drama Classes Oversee & direct productions Order supplies, costumes, props, etc Perform light maintenance and custodial task March 2009 – August 2014| Dance Instructor Lampkin’s Creative Arts 4 All | Hallandale, FL Taught Dance Classes Oversaw productions Ordered supplies, costumes, props, etc. October 2008 – June 2010 |Director of Dance John Battle Theatre Ensemble | Hallandale, FL Assisted with maintain the artistic vision of the organization Taught Dance Classes Oversaw productions Ordered supplies, costumes, props, etc August 2009 –July 2011 | Administrative Assistant/ Rehearsal Director Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre | Tallahassee, FL Contacted Sponsors & Patrons Created class & rehearsal schedules Oversaw productions Ordered supplies, costumes, props, etc Performed light maintenance and custodial task Maintained social media accounts Skills • Microsoft Office • Production Management • Theatre Management • Scheduling • Phone Systems • Sound Operation • Lighting Operation • Choreography • Set & Costume Design • Interior Design • Event Planning and Management Training • FAMU Connection • Florida A&M University’s Essential Theatre • John Battle Theatre Ensemble • (BTN) Black Theatre Network • Philadelphia Dance Company • Orchesis Contemporary Dance Theatre • World Ballet Inc. • Tj’s Contemporary Dance Theatre • Jubilee Dance Theatre

Kahra Keyes

Actor; Choreographer; Composer; Dancer; Director; Filmmaker; Musician; Poet; Singer; Storyteller; Visual Artist; Writer

Kahra is a unique, multi-dimensional artist set to break limitations to set new standards for the possibilities of creative individuals. Among many talents, Kahra is a recording artist, singer, songwriter, visual artist, actor, model, & dancer. Kahra enjoys playing piano, guitar, harmonica, flute, media show hosting, painting live, painting & singing live, photography, & interior design. "Being a creator of the arts is essential to my soul's happiness and fulfillment" she lovingly insists. Kahra has sang on stages across South Florida. She has written over 300 songs, released albums on iTunes, design her album cover artwork, and has recently captured the title of Miss Florida US Nation 2014. Kahra also enjoys shooting, directing, & editing music videos. Kahra now has 12 music videos on her YouTube Channel. "In today's market, diversity is a necessity & Kahra's got IT". www.youtube.com/kahramusic. www.kahramusic.com. kahramusic@gmail.com

Kristen Long

Actor; Composer; Director; Musician; Poet; Singer; Storyteller; Writer

WHAT'S MY STORY? A power surge of Soul meets Broadway, flavored with Jazz and Life Experience create a truly unique sound best described as Gypsy Soul. Kristen has recorded in Nashville, Muscle Shoals and Austin, TX and has two releases Shoebox Memories, and Gypsy Soul, featuring Grammy Nominated cellist Rushad Eggleston (Fiddler’s Four, Tornado Rider, Crooked Still). Additional recording credits include Executive Music Consultant, arrangements, writer, and pianist on Glennellen Anderson’s PERSPECTIVE album, along with the single by the same artist, Not Forgotten, featured in the film Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas. Long is the writer and creator of The Journey: A New Indie Musical that has been featured in the New Orleans Fringe Festival, along with in the 2013 season at the Silver Palm Award winning Outre Theatre Company, and the Arts at Saint John’s 2016 season, of which she Directed, Music Directed and starred in. Kristen was featured on Catt Sirten's 92Zew Radio Avalon Coffee Table Series in 2015. She is co-founder of the band Long Lost Friend, an original band that has toured extensively throughout the US and Caribbean. Notable performances include CBGB’s, The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, AL, The Esplanade in Boston, MA, The Cabaret South Beach and Tin Pan Alley in Provincetown, MA. Kristen is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. a Vocal Director at Royal Caribbean Productions, and Vocal Coach to many successful clients, including Shelby Brown (The Voice Season 9 Finalist). Most recently, Long, music directed Outre Theatre Company's production of Green Day's American Idiot. These days Long has teamed up with long time friend and musical cohort, William Fink, to form the power duo, The Minx & The Maestro. Together they have created a new children's show currently in development. Most recently awarded a 4-week artist residency at Chateau Orquevaux in France, along with The Denis Diderot [A-i-R] Grant as part of the award. The residency will begin once international travel is once again viable. Kristen is currently in the Master of Music in Music Production program at Berklee College of Music.

Uriel Natero

Composer; Director; Musician; Singer; Writer; Recoring, Produder, Computer Programing.

Uriel Natero BIO Composer, Piano Player, Producer, Studio Recording, Music Director. On 2018, Starting a Tour in Argentina, Taconeando #1 Historical Tango Venue, and Palacio Barolo, and Palacio Balcace. On 2011 finished composing the original music for Centennial Photo montages collaborated on the project with Wil Shriner, Will Shriner Productions, the Broward County Film Society, Inc, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival & The City of Fort Lauderdale Centennial Photo montages Teaching Local History Through Photographs As part of the exciting Centennial Celebration, the City created a unique photo montage that tells the history of Fort Lauderdale through images. The photo montage is a public education project that uses visual media to project historic images on blank exterior walls of buildings throughout the City. The stunning, larger-than-life images used in the show are a collection of diverse pictures from the archives of the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, Old Dillard Museum and personal photos submitted by local residents. There are eight different, five-minute segments that include historic images from each City Commission District and photos that tie into playful themes, such as “Tropical Wonderland” and “Playground of the Stars.” Shows & Events (1979- 2016): ARGENTINA:Teatro de la Cova, Jazz & Pop, Dove, etc. (Buenos Aires) SWITZERLAND: Palace of Gstaad (Gstaad), Zermatterhof Hotel (Zermatt), Dauphin (Neuchatel). SWEDEN: Strand Hotel (Stockolm, Gottenberg, Vesteros, Umea), and others. ITALY: Porto Fino, Viareggio, Trento, Forte di Marmi, and others. FRANCE:HotelNova-park Elysee (Paris). MONTE CARLO: Cabaret de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Hotel de Paris, Sporting Club, Jimmy’z, and others. P M C O (Orquestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo) at the RED CROSS GALA at the Sporting Club, Monaco, (Monte Carlo). • RED CROSS GALA at the Sporting Club, Monaco, (Monte Carlo) Share Stage after Elton John and before Frank Sinatra, for a special joint performance. SHARING THE STAGE IN THE SPORTING CLUB MONACO MONTE CARLO WITH OTHER PERFORMERS OVER THE SUMMER SEASON INCLUDING: Phil Collins -Diana Ross -Commodores Astor Piazzolla -Gilbert Becaud -Paul Anka -Grace Jones -The Platters -The Pointer Sisters -Al Jarreau -Harry Belafonte -Minna -George Benson, etc. SHARING THE STAGE WITH OTHER PERFORMERS OVER THE WINTER SEASON AT THE CABARET MONACO MONTE CARLO INCLUDING: PRIVATE EVENTS:Princess Stephanie, Prince Albert, and Prince Rainier, at the Wine room of the Royal Family in the Hotel de Paris, (Monaco). Regine at Jimmy'z in the Sporting Club, (Monaco) & Maona (Exotic restaurant at the Sporting Club). GERMANY: Bayerischer Hof Hotel (Munich). AUSTRIA: Hotel Schloss Velden am Worthersee (Velden), Eden-Bar (Vienna), and others. SOUTH AFRICA: Hotel Sandton Sun & Towers Intercontinental (Johanesburg), and others. USA: Grand Bay Hotel, Sheraton of Key Largo, My Fair, G.W. THE GRILL ROOM (The las Olas Company-Riverside Hotel- 620 East Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale Fl. 33301) Amaturo Theatre at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.with Las Olas Studio Orquestra. PARKER PLAY HOUSE- The Great American Follies/ Starring ROBERT MORSE/Special Guest Star MICHEL LEE-LORENE YARNELL /DIRECTOR JEAN ANN RYAN Privet YACHT M.Y. BOADICEA Owner Reg Grundy Golden Bear Club Golf Course, Owner Jack Nicklaus STEINWAY & SONS Concert at 4104 Ponce de Leon Coral Gables Miami. LauderdaleYacht Club, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Coral Ridge Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale, FL. /Uriel Natero bio compositor, pianista, productor, grabación de estudio, Director de música. está actuando en "las olas Toscana Grill" un mini-Concerto piano único (Fort Lauderdale, Florida). El 2011 terminó de componer la música original para los fotomontajes centenarios colaboró en el proyecto con Wil Shriner, Will Shriner Productions, el Condado de Broward film Society, Inc, el Festival Internacional de cine de Fort Lauderdale y la ciudad de Fort Lauderdale centenario fotomontajes enseñando la historia local a través de fotografías como parte de la emocionante celebración del centenario, la ciudad creó un montaje fotográfico único que cuenta la historia de Fort Lauderdale a través de imágenes. El fotomontaje es un proyecto de educación pública que utiliza medios visuales para proyectar imágenes históricas en muros exteriores en blanco de edificios de toda la ciudad. Las impresionantes imágenes más grandes que la vida que se utilizan en el espectáculo son una colección de imágenes diversas de los archivos de la sociedad histórica de Fort Lauderdale, antiguo Museo Dillard y fotos personales presentadas por los residentes locales. Hay ocho segmentos de cinco minutos diferentes que incluyen imágenes históricas de cada distrito de la Comisión de la ciudad y fotos que se vinculan a temas lúdicos, como "tropical Wonderland" y "Playground of the Stars". Espectáculos y eventos (1979-2016): l Argentina: Teatro de la Cova, jazz & pop, Dove, etc. (Buenos Aires) l Suiza: Palacio de Gstaad (Gstaad), Zermatterhof Hotel (Zermatt), Dauphin (Neuchatel). l Sweden: Strand Hotel (Estocolmo, Gottenberg, Vesteros, Umea), y otros. l Italia: Porto fino, Viareggio, Trento, Forte di Marmi y otros. l Francia: Hotel Nova-Park Elíseo (París). l Monte Carlo: cabaret de Mónaco, Monte Carlo, hotel de Paris, Sporting Club, Jimmy'z, y otros. P m c o (Orquestre Filarmónica de Montecarlo) en la gala de la Cruz Roja en el Sporting Club, Mónaco, (Montecarlo). Gala de la Cruz Roja en el Sporting Club, Mónaco, (Montecarlo) compartir etapa después de Elton John y antes de Frank Sinatra, para una actuación conjunta especial. l compartiendo el escenario en el club deportivo Monaco Monte Carlo con otros artistas durante la temporada estival incluyendo: • Phil Collins-Diana Ross-Comodoro Astor Piazzolla-Gilbert Becaud-Paul Anka-Grace Jones-los Platters-las hermanas Pointer-al Jarreau-Harry Belafonte-Minna-George Benson, etc. Compartiendo escenario con otros artistas durante la temporada de invierno en el cabaret Monaco Monte Carlo incluyendo: • eventos privados: la princesa Stephanie, el príncipe Alberto y el príncipe Rainier, en la sala de vinos de la familia real en el hotel de Paris, (Mónaco). Regine en Jimmy'z en el Sporting Club, (Mónaco) y Maona (restaurante exótico en el Sporting Club). l Alemania: Bayerischer Hof Hotel (Múnich). l Austria: Hotel Schloss sabanaen am Wörthersee (sabana), Eden-bar (Viena), y otros. l Sudáfrica: Hotel Sandton Sun & Towers Intercontinental (Johannesburgo), y otros. l USA: 1. • Grand Bay Hotel, Sheraton de Key largo, mi Feria, g.w. 2. • el Grill Room (la compañía las olas-Riverside Hotel-620 East las olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale FL. 33301) 3. • Teatro Amaturo en el Broward Center para las artes escénicas. con las olas Studio Orquestra. • casa de juego de Parker-las grandes locuras americanas/protagonizada por Robert Morse/estrella invitada especial Michel Lee-Lorene Yarnell/director Jean Ann Ryan 5. • ligustro Yacht m.y. Boadicea Owner reg Grundy 6. • campo de golf Golden Bear Club, propietario Jack Nicklaus 7. • concierto de Steinway & Sons en 4104 Ponce de Leon Coral Gables Miami. • Lauderdale Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 9. • Coral Ridge Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Uriel Natero

Composer; Director; Musician

My Name is Uriel Natero. My artistic Name : Urielpiano Piano music: Classical Jazz, Latin Sound track, and original's compositions.In Europe, Uriel established himself as a world-class pianist, playing in truly remarkable venues in Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Monte Carlo. In Monaco, he performed at private events for Prince Rainier, Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie, as well as during the famed Monte Carlo Red Cross Gala alongside the Orquestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo.

Bobby Rodriguez

Actor; Director; Musician; Singer

A native New Yorker, BOBBY was born & raised in Harlem. While attending the City University of New York, he honed his many musical talents and in 1970 became a lead singer/musician with "Joey Dee & The Starliters", touring the concert circuit - including opening for the first Rock & Roll Revival at Madison Square Garden, for 22,000 fans, in 1971. He then struck out on his own and was the lead singer and director for several cabaret shows, touring over thirty States. He came to Florida in Dec. 1976 co-producer and perform at "BEETHOVENS", which became Ft. Lauderdale's leading supper club. He stayed there until 1980 winning two Carbonell Awards and a third nomination for the club's innovative and ever-changing shows. In 1978 he formed a local all-star 18-piece Big Band and has performed for most of the major South Florida music festivals, conventions, black tie balls and fundraisers, ever since. In 1981, he opened his own special events and entertainment agency, BOBBY RODRIGUEZ PRODUCTIONS. Booking and/or performing with numerous name acts, including The Temptations, Manhattan Transfer, Red Foxx, Flip Wilson, Chuck Berry, Buddy Rich, Little Anthony… at events such as "Sunfest", "Taste of Ft, Lauderdale", the "Hollywood Jazz Fest."… for such clients as the Boca Museum of Art, Winterfest, American Cancer Society, the Red Cross, Philharmonic Orchestra of Florida, the Miami City Ballet and many more. He was Musical Director for the South Florida Entertainment Writer's Association's ‘Carbonell Awards’ Show from 1984 to 1989. In 1988, he was commissioned to be the Executive Producer & Director and working with just a six week notice, BOBBY exceeded all previous attendance records at the awards ceremony and was able to prevail upon the talents of such notables as CHRISTOPHER REEVE, ROBERT GOULET, NANNETTE FABRAY, DON JOHNSON, SCOTT HAMILTON, CHITA RIVERA, EDWARD JAMES OLMOS, JERRY HERMON and many more. The show received rave reviews and, not surprisingly, he took over as Executive Producer and Director in 1989 & 1990. As an actor, BOBBY has appeared as a principal player in numerous T.V. shows, such as “SuperBoy”, "Wise Guy", "21Jump Street" with Johnny Depp, "B.L.Striker" with Burt Reynolds, “guest star” on "MIAMI VICE", as well as several made-for-T.V. movies. In 1992 he created and produced a 16th Century themed event called the ‘Medieval Faire’. What started as a two day festival has grown into a 6 weekend event, now known as the ‘FLORIDA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL’, a major cultural, educational and entertainment extravaganza, with over 80,000 visitors annually and garnering numerous Local, National and International awards, including a “Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society. In 2005 Bobby was awarded the “Professional of the Year” by the Florida Festival & Events Association. His leadership skills have resulted in his being named to the board and/or an officer of many organizations including: Festivals Association of Broward (FAB - President Emeritus) Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) International Special Events Society (ISES) Professional Actors Association of Florida (PAAF) Florida Motion Picture & Television Association (FMPTA) Interested Members of the Performing Arts Center Team (IMPACT) Light of the World Clinic International Special Events Society Prestige Club 16th Century, Inc. (President Emeritus) Greater Miami Festival & Events Association His commitment to his community and his industry has led him to be a member of: Screen Actors Guild (SAG) International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) American Federation of Musicians (A. F.of M.) Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Broward County Chamber of Commerce Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Convention and Visitors Bureau National Association of Catering Executives Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce Visit Florida (FLAUSA) Greater Fort Lauderdale Lodging & Hospitality Association Rotary Club Fort Lauderdale Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Florida Motion Picture & Television Association

Trina Soumare

Choreographer; Dancer; Director; Musician; Storyteller

Trina Soumare 651 NE 45th Court, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064 Phone: 954-687-5789 Email: Thebridgecae@aol.com url: www.balletbrika.com EDUCATION 1991 Bachelors of Arts Degree–Developmental Psychology/Social Work, University of Maryland- Baltimore County 1992 Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Training for Addiction Services Received training and certificates in Grant Writing, Substance Abuse Prevention, Prevention, Program Management, Community Empowerment, Marketing for Prevention Programs, Prevention Programs for Children and Adults. 1993 Business Skills Training Certificate, Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore 2006 Participated in Kennedy Center’s Seminar, Artists as Educators: Planning Effective Workshops for Teachers. 2007 Participated in Kennedy Center’s Seminars, Artists as Educators: Planning and Presenting Effective Workshops for Teachers. PRESENTATIONS (partial list) “Beyond the Museum Walls: The Truth About the African Mask” for Teachers of Grades 3-8. Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. May 2014. Broward County Student Enrichment Trust Fund (SEAS), Wrote, directed, choreographed and performed in theatrical adaptation of ‘Mmadipetsane: The Girl Who Refused to Listen to the Warnings of Adults”; Funded for 2012, 2013, 2014 for a total of 14 performances State of Florida, Arts-On-Tour, Florida’s State Touring Roster, Choreographer, Director and Performer for Ballet Brika West African Dance Theater (2012-2014) “The Enchanting Song of the Magical Bird: A Simulated Journey into Rural West Africa (for grade K-5 Educators)”, Florida Alliance for Arts Education, Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts,. . “Celebrating African Culture through Storytelling, Music and Dance: A Multi-Sensory Approach to Teaching Students about West African Culture for Teachers of Grades 3-8”. Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. October 15, 2008 and April 24, 2010. “Celebrating West African Culture through Storytelling, Music and Dance: A Multi-Sensory Approach to Teaching Students about West African Culture for Teachers of Grades 3-8. Sixth annual conference on arts integration—Teaching for Success: Educating the Whole Child through the Arts on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. FILMOGRAPHY Role: Haitian dancer in “Charlie’s Angel’s” television series, Season 1, Episode 2: Runway Angels (aired 29 Sep. 2011) Role: West African Dancer in “Dancer”, the third installment in a set of films by internationally acclaimed film-maker Dara Friedman. (Debuted Nov 19, 2011 in NYC) INTERNATIONAL: Taught English to Primary and Secondary Francophone students at Tounyifili Prefecture School in Guinea, West Africa, March – June, 2007. EMPLOYMENT Center for Creative Education, West Palm Beach Florida, 2009-present Teaching Artist Responsibilities include providing arts integration and arts education to Palm Beach County Florida children and their caregivers in classroom and after school program settings. Lessons involve the use of multiple intelligences, Blooms Taxonomy, Florida Sunshine State Standards, creating lesson plans, Essential Questions, and Time Management. AileyCamp Miami, Miami, Florida, 2010 – present West African Dance Instructor/Choreographer Introduce dances, music, and culture of West Africa to 100 middle school students. Classes include warm-up, authentic dances and songs from West Africa, as well as their historical and cultural contexts. Worked closely with a master drummer to encourage students’ understanding of the marriage of drumming, rhythm, and music to African dance. Choreograph energetic mini-ballets for culminating performances. The School District of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Florida 33301 Bak Middle School for the Arts, 2012-present, Artist in Residence- West African Dance Instructor I teach dance, music, and culture of West Africa to middle school for the arts students using both recorded music and live percussions. Classes included warm-up, authentic dances and songs from West Africa, as well as their historical and cultural contexts. I also choreograph dances for the student showcases and culminating performances. The School Board of Broward County Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 2008-present, Substitute Teacher Responsibilities include but are not limited to following lesson plans, left by the permanent teacher; teaching of all subject areas; addressing various learning styles of students; managing individual program plan for students with special needs; applying appropriate consequences for inappropriate student behavior; displaying problem sol ving, cooperative negotiating skills and conflict resolution strategies. Renaissance Village Project Pompano Beach, Florida 2006 – present, Director/Teaching Artist Renaissance Village Project, a U.S. based co-operative of African-centered artists who provide training and educational offerings as an alternative form of social and economic development, with the human placed at the center. Its mission is to assist youth and families in developing cultural awareness, harmonious balance and self-efficacy through their exposure to African artistic forms. Children Adolescent Health Advocacy Project (CAHAP) Baltimore, Maryland 1993-1999, Mental Health Specialist (Consultant) Responsible for the coordination and delivery of various prevention services to elementary, middle and high school aged students in the Cherry Hill section of Baltimore City, Maryland. Provided individual, group and family therapy; art therapy, play therapy, values clarification training, entrepreneurial skills development. Also responsible for securing funding to support program. 1999- 2008, Cultural Arts Director /African Dance Instructor Duties included teaching traditional West African culture, dance, songs and folklore to elementary, middle and high school aged students in an after school program setting. The majority of the students were children with special needs, children of substance abusing parents and ex-offenders. Classes were warm and intent on students leaving with the new knowledge and spirituality rooted through meditations, affirmations and visualizations. Secured funding through community and government grants. Hired, trained and managed contractual workers and volunteers. Baltimore City Public Schools 1999-2005, African Dance Instructor Duties included teaching traditional West African dance, songs and folklore to elementary, middle and high school aged students in a classroom setting. PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE (partial list) • (2010–2014) Wrote, directed, choreographed and performed in theatrical adaptation of ‘Mmadipetsane: The Girl Who Refused to Listen to the Warnings of Adults’. This project is funded by Broward County Student Enrichment Trust Fund • (2011) Performed African/Haitian dance on the television show ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (Runway Angels episode) • (2011-2012) Featured in Dara Friedman’s film, ‘Dancer’ which debuted in NYC in 2011 • (2005 - present) Co-founder, instructor and choreographer of Ballet Brika African Dance Theater • (2008) Wrote, directed, choreographed and performed in “Lessons from an Old Baobab during Kwanzaa” at African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, December 2008 • Currently studying and performing West African drumming with master percussionist Moussa Soumah of Guinea, West Africa. • 1991 Performer and Production Manager for “Assembly Mystique” theatrical production in conjunction with members of the National Ballet of the Ivory Coast • Eight years modern dance and performing experience with the Joan Kerr Dance Company (Philadelphia, PA) • Studied modern and classical ballet at the Settlement Music School and at Ballet Des Jeunes (Philadelphia, PA) • Studied and /or performed with Kauna Mujamal (Sankofa Dance Theater), Youssouf Koumbassa (Les Ballet Bagata), Babacar N’dyiae (Return to Goree West African Dance Company), Nai Zou Olivier (Ivory Coast), Performed with Africa in Motion at the 5th Annual Roots Homecoming Festival (in Gambia, West Africa), Studied theater arts at Freedom Theater (Philadelphia, PA) and The Arena Players (Baltimore, Maryland)

Ed Sparan

Actor; Director; Singer; Writer; sculpture, mixed media

Ed Sparan began his theatre career as an actor in New York City in the 1980's. In 1990 he moved to San Francisco what he expanded his theatre career to writing and directing. He Was the artistic director of the P.W.A. Theatre ( People With AIDS ) Part theatre, part support group people told their stories of HIV/AIDS and the theatre created plays to educate and entertain. This endeavor sparked in Ed his legacy in life to educate about HIV/AIDS using theatre arts and the visual arts. He was at The PWA Theatre from 1990 to 1993 and wrote the play "Berts Big Bed" This was a hit which ran for a year and was done in several regional LGBTQ theatres. He came to Orlando in 1994 to Direct his play and decided to stay in Florida and relocated to Ft. Lauderdale. In the late 1990s he worked with The Public Theatre of South Florida as Production Manager and occasionally took an acting job In New York and always came back home. In 2002 very active as a director Ed found out he was HIV positive. This fuel his passion even more writing more plays about HIV, " Positive Purgatives" " Ciao Mark" "Last Gay Man On Christopher St." "For Everhard" " The Why Chronicles" This experience fueled not just theatre but also artwork. Ed began to explore clay and mix media sculptures. As a speaker and educator he used his writing and artwork to inform and educate about HIV/AIDS. This lead him to 2014 and he became the Director of The World AIDS Museum and Educational Center for 6 years. the only AIDS museum in the world. Creating art gallery projects at the museum gave him great joy. His sculpture "The 10 year Ribbon" gave him national recognition and is still with the museum. HIV has changed over the years and his current series "Blue Dove" is a series of sculptures made from blue pills, The Truvada medication used for PrEP. He uses the artwork and speaks about HIV all over the country. HIV is emotional, art work is emotional, enlightening and healing. With the museum and his theatre company they worked together to do several plays about HIV. "AS IS" "The Normal Heart" "Safe Sex" "Heroes" He left the museum and began to do more theatre but theatre spaces to rent was a difficult challenge in Broward County. Most theatre company's have their own place and no room to rent to others. In 2017 Ed signed a contract with The United Church of Christ and Elliot Hall was their permanent home. Here we are able to do our own theatre and artwork but we also leave room for others to use our space as well. In 2020 Ed published his first book. " Always On Easy Street, Never On it" this book is about his early career in New York City. Ed had city's planned to do book signing but COVID came along and put a halt to that. During COVID Ed tried to keep the theatre alive. It took a year and finally was able to present "Nunsense Amen " the "Stepping Out" but that was cancelled due to COVID 2 weeks before opening. During COVID there has been alot of time at home. Ed has been writing new plays and working on a complete rewrite of his 1991 play "Berts Big Bed" Ed Sparan began his theatre career as an actor in New York City in the 1980's. In 1990 he moved to San Francisco what he expanded his theatre career to writing and directing. He Was the artistic director of the P.W.A. Theatre ( People With AIDS ) Part theatre, part support group people told their stories of HIV/AIDS and the theatre created plays to educate and entertain. This endeavor sparked in Ed his legacy in life to educate about HIV/AIDS using theatre arts and the visual arts. He was at The PWA Theatre from 1990 to 1993 and wrote the play "Berts Big Bed" This was a hit which ran for a year and was done in several regional LGBTQ theatres. He came to Orlando in 1994 to Direct his play and decided to stay in Florida and relocated to Ft. Lauderdale. In the late 1990s he worked with The Public Theatre of South Florida as Production Manager and occasionally took an acting job In New York and always came back home. In 2002 very active as a director Ed found out he was HIV positive. This fuel his passion even more writing more plays about HIV, " Positive Purgatives" " Ciao Mark" "Last Gay Man On Christopher St." "For Everhard" " The Why Chronicles" This experience fueled not just theatre but also artwork. Ed began to explore clay and mix media sculptures. As a speaker and educator he used his writing and artwork to inform and educate about HIV/AIDS. This lead him to 2014 and he became the Director of The World AIDS Museum and Educational Center for 6 years. the only AIDS museum in the world. Creating art gallery projects at the museum gave him great joy. His sculpture "The 10 year Ribbon" gave him national recognition and is still with the museum. HIV has changed over the years and his current series "Blue Dove" is a series of sculptures made from blue pills, The Truvada medication used for PrEP. He uses the artwork and speaks about HIV all over the country. HIV is emotional, art work is emotional, enlightening and healing. With the museum and his theatre company they worked together to do several plays about HIV. "AS IS" "The Normal Heart" "Safe Sex" "Heroes" He left the museum and began to do more theatre but theatre spaces to rent was a difficult challenge in Broward County. Most theatre company's have their own place and no room to rent to others. In 2017 Ed signed a contract with The United Church of Christ and Elliot Hall was their permanent home. Here we are able to do our own theatre and artwork but we also leave room for others to use our space as well. In 2020 Ed published his first book. " Always On Easy Street, Never On it" this book is about his early career in New York City. Ed had city's planned to do book signing but COVID came along and put a halt to that. During COVID Ed tried to keep the theatre alive. It took a year and finally was able to present "Nunsense Amen " the "Stepping Out" but that was cancelled due to COVID 2 weeks before opening. During COVID there has been alot of time at home. Ed has been writing new plays and working on a complete rewrite of his 1991 play "Berts Big Bed"

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