Blacktopia

Bairton Brown (he/they) is a revolutionary artist and educator hailing from Ann Arbor, MI who is currently thriving in Burbank. Bairton is an alumnus of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where they earned an MA in Arts and Public Policy. They also hold a BFA in Directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University, and minors in TV Producing and Comedic Screenwriting, where they directed the series ‘Naomi and Levi Take On The World,’ streaming now on OTV. Last year, Bair’s directorial prowess shined in the sold-out premiere of “HOW DARE YOU” at Affirmation Theatre in NYC. Bairton’s creative journey continued to flourish as their latest short film “THICKER THAN OIL” won best production design at the 2022 Paper Crowns Film Fest. This year, as a distinguished Next-Up Playwriting Fellow at Congo Square Theatre Company, Bairton wrote and directed “THE PLAY GROUNDS,” a poignant and impactful drama focused on suicide prevention in Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles. In addition to the full-length play, Bair’s first novel, BLACKTOPIA, will be published in January 2024. As a Community Engagement and Education/Programs Associate, Bairton carries forward the vision of Congo Square. They do this by contributing to the success of the Industry Training Institute, Internship programs, and Apprenticeships, enriching the lives of emerging artists and ensuring that the legacy of storytelling endures for generations to come. They’ve also served as first AD and writer on the troupe’s web series “BLACKSiDE” since Season 3.

Kyle Hinton is a trailblazing queer, BIPOC writer whose creative prowess has left an indelible mark on the world through storytelling. With a distinctive voice and a commitment to representing diverse experiences, Kyle’s journey in the arts has been nothing short of exceptional. In 2019, Kyle made the captivating short film “Diary of A Mailman,” which demonstrated their unique ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with viewers and leave a lasting impression. Renowned for their visionary work, Kyle is the brilliant mind behind the acclaimed series “Vaguely Hayes” (2020). As a testament to their talent, Kyle is also the creator of the celebrated series “Naomi & Levi Take on the World” (2021). This series, distributed by Open Television, has captivated audiences with its unapologetic diverse representation and exploration of vital themes. In a world hungry for fresh and authentic perspectives, Kyle Hinton’s work shines as a beacon of representation, offering a powerful voice for those often underrepresented in media. As a queer, BIPOC writer, Kyle’s narrative contributions are instrumental in fostering a richer tapestry of stories, bridging gaps, and amplifying voices that need to be heard. Their dedication to their craft and their ability to touch hearts and minds make Kyle a vital force in contemporary storytelling.

Jasmine Bracey is a New York based storyteller and story teacher. She’s also a proud member of Actor’s Equity & SAG-AFTRA.

Jasmine’s theatre career has taken her across the country. She has spent the past three summers at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, most recently playing Menenius in Coriolanus and Prospero in The Tempest. Other notable mentions, Berkeley Rep, The Alley Theatre, The Guthrie, The Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Asolo Rep, & The Acting Company. As a director, she has worked with artists developing devised & new work. Most recently directing Intimate Apparel at North Coast Repertory Theatre. Jasmine has also worked on various film, commercial, short, and voice over projects in New York & Chicago.

Jasmine received her bachelors in theatre from Florida State University; studied musical theatre at AMDA NY; and earned her masters in classical acting from the University of Delaware. She will soon be joining the performance faculty at Florida State University this fall.

Jazzy Rush is an actor, mover, writer, and director based in Chicago, IL. Her creative work centers black bodies, evocative expression, and fearless vulnerability. As an actor her credits include: King Lear, School Girls; Or the African Mean Girls Play, STEW, Twelfth Night, Our Lady of Kibeho, and currently, As You Like It. She is also a seasonal performer with The Exodus Ensemble in Santa Fe, New Mexico where new-age, groundbreaking theater is being created. Jazzy is gearing up to premiere her film directorial debut of a short feature titled “A Yellow Circus”. She is represented by Gray Talent Group, and can be found on all social media platforms as @jazzycheri.

Justen Ross is a black, queer, multi hyphenate artist born, raised, and currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. Actor, poet, and musician are few of many roles that this ambitious soul takes on. He is a 2021 graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University where he co-founded Black Artists of Today, an organization dedicated to emphasizing black voices within a conservatory environment. During the pandemic, he has managed to write, produce, and star in both his own music video (Fairy) and short film (Gazing).The young talent also creates online content for a 70K+ following. Outside of art, he is a motivational speaker and a spiritual light worker. Ross is passionate about teaching people the power of performing arts from an afro-diasporic lens. Many will witness the dynamic impact this jack of all trades will certainly have on our culture in due time.

Xavier Irons, he/him is an emerging actor withCredits include R.U.R: Rossum’s Universal Robots (Lookingglass Young Ensemble) and Peter Pan (Lookingglass Summer Series). Television credit: Saturdays (Disney). Xavier began training at The Second City and Lookingglass Theatre at age six. Many thanks to Stewart Talent.

Tyra Grove, a Chicago based actress, filmmaker, and visual artist from Charlotte, North Carolina .Tyra’s most recent acting credits include Panther Women (Jeff Nominated) with Perceptions Theatre and The Lacy Project (March 13th-18th, 2024) produced by Snails on a Bike. She graduated from Depaul University with a BFA in Acting, and immediately began writing and directing My Name is Tyra, an autobiographical documentary about pursuing an artistic career while dealing with debilitating chronic pain and autoimmune disease. Tyra is deeply passionate about storytelling, and is dedicated to spending her life expanding and reinventing ways to connect, create, and comment through artistic mediums. Check out Tyra’s visual art on Instagram (@tgvisualthoughts)!

Tia Jemison graduated from USF with degrees in Psychology and Theatre Performance. Professional credits include the Straz Center’s ‘S Wonderful, USF’s 100 Saints You Should Know and Hair, and HCC Ybor’s The Amen Corner. Directing credits include; USF Honors production of Animals and Plants, which was remounted at the Silver Meteor Gallery and Reverse Reverse at Jobsite. Jobsite audiences have seen her in Race, Einstein’s Dreams, and Taming of the Shrew. Stageworks credits include A Raisin in the Sun, Colored Museum, As Bees in Honey Drown, and A Lesson Before Dying. Tia is also a teaching artist for American Stage; credits there include The Wiz, Steel Magnolias, Seven Guitars, and August: Osage County. She is also a part of Talitha Anyabwele’s Black Girl Speaks and a professional jazz vocalist, having toured with Ted Shumate. Tia has always been thrilled to be a part of Jobsite’s ensemble; they are truly one of her favorite theatres to work with. Of course she has to thank her mother for all the love a working artist needs. (Support the Arts)

Courtney Marie Tucker, MFA. Courtney is an actor, storyteller, teaching artist, facilitator, and creative practitioner. She earned her Bachelor’s from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, studying Theatre & Speech and International Studies. Directly after, Courtney went on to earn her Masters in Fine Arts for Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. After gaining conservatory training, Courtney realized her deep passion for humanity, connectivity, expression and how wonderful things happen when all three collide. Courtney’s work is meant to not only bring people closer together, but it is first meant to bring us closer to ourselves. Closer to our very own internal world and our very own external parts… Our entire being.

Cameron Knight is an actor/director hailing from Flint, Michigan. He has performed on stage across America in such notable theaters as Milwaukee Repertory Theater, The Kennedy Center, and the Tony Award – winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival. His performance career spans a wide breadth of styles and mediums ranging from Shakespeare and classical works to modern and contemporary drama. Equally adept on screen, Cameron has been seen on television in guest starring roles in FOX’s The Orville, and Chicago Med on NBC. He has a number of film roles to his credit, notably the highly acclaimed drama Widows, directed by Steve McQueen. Cameron has also had a thriving commercial and voice-over career, working with such clients as Subway, McDonalds, General Mills, and Kellogs. He has a growing number of directing credits, translating his many skills and years of experience as an actor into the creation of vital, and forward – thinking theatre pieces. He was previously a professor of Acting at Carnegie Mellon University and the Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, and, most recently, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts as a professor or acting and directing. He is a proud member of SAG – AFTRA and Actors Equity Association.

Max Thomas (Ensemble) (he/him/his) is allergic to dairy, tree nuts, & Christianity. He grew up on Jimi Hendrix, Bernie Mac, & Soy Milk. Max is a lightning rod of a comedian that will have you laughing from start to finish & leave you excited for more. Max has been featured on Comedy Central Featuring…Live From Austin, TX, seen at The Comedy Store West Hollywood, The NBC Break Out Comedy Festival at The Second City Chicago 2017-2019, Zanies Chicago & Rosemont, Jokes and Notes, Tiny Cupboard Brooklyn, The Second City Chicago & Hollywood, Laugh Factory Chicago, Steppenwolf Theater, Black & Funny Festival, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Detroit Improv Festival, Boston Improv Festival, Out of Bounds Comedy Festival Austin, TX, Keenan Thompson: The Ultimate Comedy Experience and Lollapalooza Music Festival. He is Chicago Reader Best Stage Actor 2022. Follow him @ThatsMaxThomas