Lorenzo "Lo" Boone is a screenwriter, playwright, and filmmaker from Pittsburgh's Hill District, the same neighborhood where August Wilson grew up. Influenced by the dramatic human conditions he has witnessed and the diverse voices encountered in places like churches, barbershops, and bars, Boone's work aims to tell the stories of African Americans from a unique perspective that resonates with audiences. He specializes in biopics and historical narratives that highlight the contributions of unsung heroes and pivotal events that shaped the world. His storytelling, inspired by true stories filled with nuance and hope, seeks to inspire a generation charged with addressing societal challenges, echoing the voices of movements like Black Lives Matter. Influenced by literary figures such as Langston Hughes and James Baldwin, Boone considers himself a "writing warrior," fighting injustice with his work, aiming to instill pride in African American ancestry, motivate change, and move audiences deeply through his screenplays, stage plays, and teleplays.

Ja'Sonta is a dynamic individual with a rich tapestry of roles and passions. She is an educator, program manager, performer, director, playwright, actor, advocate, mother, daughter, friend, partner, troublemaker, and agitator. Ja'Sonta, is a strong believer in equitable futures for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and DACS (Descendants of Africans, Caribbeans, and Afro-Latinxs) Descendants and the stories of their lives. Her educational background includes studying performance, advanced direction, and education/child development at Point Park University in which she obtained her Bachelors of Arts degree. She's a graduate of the CORO Pittsburgh Neighborhood Leadership Academy for Civic Engagement, showcasing her commitment to community leadership. As an award-winning director and actress, Ja'Sonta has had the privilege of collaborating with notable figures such as Bill Nunn, Giancarlo Esposito, Stephen McKinnley, and Tony award winner Vivian Reed. She's not only immersed in the world of live performance but also deeply involved in advocating for education reform and creative expressionism to support the mental, emotional, and physical growth of youth within a system that often doesn't cater to their needs. She would like to thank Lorenzo and Les for this opportunity and for trusting her with this powerful work of living art.

George Jaber has been an influential figure in the performing arts and film industry, with a diverse career spanning over four decades. Since January 1982, he served as a Theatre Professor at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), where he has also was also a Theatre Producer at the CCAC South Campus Theatre in West Mifflin, PA, from 1982 to 2015. During his tenure as producer, Jaber oversaw more than 200 productions, including 25 years of the Pittsburgh New Works Festival, showcasing his dedication to nurturing new talent and innovative theatre. Additionally, from 1992 to 2015, he contributed his skills as a Film Carpenter with IATSE Studio Mechanics Local #489, working as a carpenter, set dresser, and special effects technician on numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, demonstrating his versatility and craftsmanship in the entertainment industry.

This is Brendan’s first time working with Lorenzo and this team. But has been in the theater industry for over a decade. Brendan has over 400 shows as a technician and over 40 shows as a technical director. He is a IATSE LOCAL 3 hand and works currently for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera as a key carpenter. He is extremely excited for this production.

Seth has over 15 years of multimedia experience, serving as a writer, engineer, audio engineer, videographer, and marketing expert.

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”.

Fashion Designer, designed in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Has designed shows for Kuntu Repertory Theatre, Pittsburgh Playwright Theatre, and New Horizon Theatre. Graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology in New York with an Associate in Applied Science. As well as a graduate from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Science in Clothing Textiles and Related Arts.