The Awakening Screener May Contributors

Renn Woods, the celebrated film, television, stage star, and vocalist, has the role of Grandma Sadie, beloved grandmother of her troubled grandson, Jason, in the encore of The Awakening. Woods, whose remarkable career began with recognition as a child prodigy at six years old, a television appearance at ten, and her vocal group’s Vietnam Tour with Bob Hope, at thirteen years old, brings a wealth of talent and experience to the portrayal of Grandma Sadie. She has notable credits including Roots and the role of Dorothy in the first national tour of the The Wiz, at The Music Center, founded by pioneer of live theater in Los Angeles, Gordon Davidson. Woods is known for her powerful performances and advocacy on issues of racial inequality and women's rights.

Dionysius Akeem (Jason) is thrilled to work with Golden Pyramid on their first ever stage production “The Awakening”. Dionysius studied acting at CCAC South campus and has since worked professionally on stage, film and TV. "Joe Turner's come and gone", "Jitney" & "The Double V" with PPTCo. YPF festival (City Theatre) “12 Desperate hours” (Lifetime), “Gone” (NBC), “An American Pickle” (WB) “American Rust” (Showtime). In 2016 Dionysius worked personally alongside Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and the cast of “Fences” as an understudy to Russell Hornsby during rehearsal for the film. He continues working with Docherty talent agency furthering his career as a performer. The Awakening is an emotional journey of a young man fighting his past and present for a chance at a better future, we hope you enjoy the show!

Destiny Nwafor is thrilled to welcome her journey back to theater with The Awakening. By trade, she is a software engineer with a background in computer science and dance. She has a passion for performing, the arts, and social equity. She’s excited for you to see the show!

A happily married mother of two college graduates, Tracy earned her master’s degree in Leadership & Business Ethics from Duquesne University. Over the course of her career, Tracy was employed for 30 years at H.J. Heinz and was awarded the Women of Excellence Award during her stint with the company. She also worked as the CFO for the dance company, Full of Grace as well as for an entertainment company in production management and as a liaison to guest artists. Tracy currently juggles two jobs as a part-time HR Compliance Officer for a home-health agency and a full-time administrative assistant within the Pittsburgh Public School district. Within Pittsburgh Public, Tracy is often seen lending an ear or a smile to a student in need. Tracy has been cast in four local plays prior to her role in The Awakening. With no formal training in acting, Tracy has found a home in the theater and plans to pursue more acting in the future. In her spare time, she enjoys family time, reading, cooking, skating, and working with kids within her school and in the community.

Les Howard – (Mr. Abdullah). Les is an accomplished actor, beginning his acting career as a member of the former and prestigious D.C. Black Repertory Company, founded by actor Robert Hooks, in Washington, D.C. Les has had many fine performances, here in Pittsburgh, for such theaters as Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Co., New Horizon Theater, Gargaro Productions, the former Kuntu Repertory Theater, et.al. Les may be best remembered previously as Brooke Benton in PPTCO’s “Dinah”, Turnbo” in August Wilson’s “Jitney” and as “The Great Father” in Pittsburgh Festival Opera’s critically acclaimed, and award-winning production of an original opera, “A Gathering of Sons”, all directed by Mark Clayton Southers. Les also produced and hosted his own local public access variety television show entitled, "The Howard Entertainment Showcase". Les is also an accomplished jazz singer and can be seen performing at many of the jazz venues here in Pittsburgh. Les was assistant director and also performed in the original production of Lorenzo Boone’s “The Awakening”, performed on the campus of CCAC. Les is pleased to be reprising his role as Mr. Abdullah in this current production of “The Awakening”.

This will be Day’s introduction to the stage. Day has previously worked on such TV and film projects as “Mindhunters”, “Mayor of Kingstown”, “American Rust”and “Reformed.” Day is proud to be a part of this production of “The Awakening!

"Rodney grew up with two brothers in the small Navy town of Groton, CT with a passion for patterns and comedy. His entertaining ways AKA constant vying for attention as the middle child would earn him the nickname, “John Wayne.” Rodney’s resolve was shaped in witnessing his mother overcome a glioblastoma and the additional challenges it would bring. Inspired by these lessons from his biggest cheerleader and newest Angel, he went on to earn a degree in Mathematics from NYU’s Courant Institute, one of the world’s top ranked programs. It was by no coincidence that his school choice was also a top film school, affording him the chance to share in projects and see more of what was behind the curtain. Over the last year Rodney has returned to entertainment with background roles in upcoming films by Ethan Coen and Lee Daniel’s, and a renewed drive to develop his skills and book of work so as to fully change careers."