Dr. Mark G. Henderson is a native of Canton, Mississippi.  After graduating from Canton High School, he attended Jackson State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication Studies and Dramatic Art.  Mark went on to receive a Masters of Art in Communications and Urban Studies from Michigan State University. Henderson returned to Mississippi and enrolled in the Ph.D. program at The University of Southern Mississippi where he received the doctorate degree in Speech Communication. Dr. Henderson just recently completed his second Masters of Arts degree in Theatre from Texas A&M University. AT JSU, Henderson has served in the positions as the Chair of the Department of Speech Communication and Director of Theatre.  He is the Founder/Artistic Director of MADDRAMA (Making A Difference Doing Respectable and Meaningful Art), a troupe of Jackson State University performers who tour nationally with an extensive repertoire of original plays and specialized performances that are highly requested.

Yolanda Williams (Director/Producer/Educator) is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She received her B.A. in Drama from the University of Dallas, her M.F.A. in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi and was selected by the Theatre Communication Group(TCG) as a Young Leader of Color. She serves as a faculty member, Academic Coordinator of Theatre and production manager at Jackson State University in the Department of Art and Theatre. She is on the National Board of Directors for USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology) and currently serves on the committee for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and as Chair for the People of Color Network. Williams also serves on the Board of Directors for Mississippi Theatre Association and as Chair-person for the Ten Minute Play Festival. Being active in the art community, she works as a freelance director, producer and acting coach. She is the Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Blue Light Underground Ensemble (B.L.U.E.)- a Jackson, MS based theatre company that focus on original, diverse, and inclusive work in the arts in the South. She has premiered new works at the Mississippi Museum of Arts and the International Muslim Museum. Her work does not end on the stage, she has worked as a Casting Director and Associate for many Mississippi based films and projects. She is an activist and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the arts. Williams believes theatre creates an understanding of the human condition by telling stories while informing people of the past, present, and future. By helping young artist understand the workings of theatre, then one is able to teach collaboration while motivating them to build upon their individual strengths therefore cultivating collaborative artists.

James Pettis (Set Design/Light Design), from Chipley, FL is faculty member and Technical Director and Designer in the Department of Art and Theatre. He has extensive professional experience as a Scenic Designer, Light Designer, Master Carpenter and Sound Engineer. He received an M.F.A. from the University of Southern Mississippi and a B.A. from the University of West Florida in Design. Some of his favorite shows include: Arsenic and Old Lace, The King and I, Noises Off, and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. He is proud to be a part of this team.

Associate Professor of Art

LaMarr is a Senior Theatre major from St. Louis, Missouri. LaMarr performed for the first time with JSU in the production of The Colored Museum as Junie B Robinson in Soldier with A Secret, directed by Dr. Mark G. Henderson. He also played the role of a security guard in the play Redeemed Row, written and directed by Prince Duren. LaMarr does more off stage as well. He was the stage manager, light and sound coordinator for Drinks on Me, written and directed by Prince Duren, that won superior rating in the Allen WIlliam's One-Act Play Festival at the 84th NADSA Conference. His strongest interest is in stage management, but also enjoys the other aspects of theatre, such as playwriting, directing, and light design. LaMarr will be graduating in the spring and is planning on going to grad school to obtain his MFA in Stage Management.

Sophomore Theatre Major, Jackson, MS

Sophomore Theatre Major Woodville, MS

Senior Theatre Major Lamar, MS

Freshman Theatre Major Crystal Springs, Ms.

Freshman Political Science Miami, FL