Dr. Nadia Bodie-Smith* (Prop Designer/Set Décor/Publicity) from Nassau, Bahamas, Dr. Smith is an Assistant Professor in Performance Studies. Last spring, she received a Departmental Award for Excellence in Teaching. Since she joined the department, she has directed Ain’t Misbehavin’, A Long Time Since Yesterday, Present Laughter and Dreamgirls. Her other professional pursuits include her work as editor of the ENCORE Journal for the National Association for Dramatic and Speech Arts (NADSA) and as Production Designer for Sweet Unknown South Studios. She earned her PhD from Texas Tech University with a concentration in Acting/Directing and Arts Administration, an MA in Theatre from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio and a BA in Music from Florida Memorial University in Miami Florida. She works toward improving actor training with hopes that her instruction inspires collaborative, critical thinkers and artists who laugh a little too loud. Her work as a Production Designer is showcased in the 2022 action film, ‘A Day to Die’, starring Bruce Willis, available on streaming services.

Professor Arthur M. Reese received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Virginia. He has set the mood for the past 23 years as Technical Director for the National Black Theater Festival. He has designed for, among others, Dr. Maya Angelou, John Amos, Samuel L. Jackson, and the Negro Ensemble Company. Reese has done technical work for many stars including Sidney Poitier, Debbie Allen, Oprah, Queen Latifah, Malcolm Jamal Warner and Denzel Washington. Reese won the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 African American Image Makers award for Best Lighting Design at ETA Theatre. Co-Author and director of By a Black Hand, he is currently the Technical Director for NCCU Department of Theatre and has recently completed a textbook, The African Diaspora of Theatre.

Lydia Henry Houston, (Costumer, Wardrobe). This is her debut with NCCU Drama Dept . She is an avid Sewist with more than 40 years sewing and Costuming experience. Graduating with a Degree in Fashion from Bauder College in 2014, Lydia earned The Craftsmanship Award in the Annual Bauder Black Tie Fashion Show. She has designed and sewn costumes for The African American Dance Ensemble, led by Baba Chuck Davis; Collage Dance Company; Suah African Dance Theatre; and several choreographers. She specializes in creating an awesome fitting garment. Lydia was wardrobe assistant with Cirque du Soliel's "Amaluna" in Atlanta, GA and Miami, FL. She has been a Movie Wardrobe Assistant for a DeVan Clan Production in GA and a True Dreams Production in NC. She currently operates ExtremelyLydia Sewing Company. Her motto is "You Design It, I'll Make

Oral Chinfloo is originally from Jamaica but has made North Carolina his home. Mr. Chinfloo is a Master Plumber and owner of Plumbing and Drain Service. He is married to the love of his life, Toya Chinfloo and has five beautiful children. He earned his BFA from SUNY Purchase where he was captain of the Fencing Team. His talents extend to various forms of weaponry as well as music production. Follow him on his YouTube channel at Oral Chinfloo/DJ Kingmon.

Ms. Sainworla is an Adjunct Professor at NCCU, where she teaches Drama Appreciation. She earned an MA in Art Management from American University, a BFA in Theatre Technology from North Carolina A&T, and an AS in Film Production from Valencia Community College. She has worked on Universal Studio’s lot on movies and videos such as Director for a Razzy Bailey music video and Asst. Director for the Orlando Magic’s public service announcements. She has worked as an Asst. Stage Mgr. at Arena Stage in Washington, DC on Thunder Knocking on the Door which featuring Martha Hicks. She has worked the Spolato Festival in Charleston, SC and the National Black Theater Festival in Winston Salem, NC. She is also the owner of Royal Hair Gallery, Refour’s Boutique, and Royal Tax Gallery LLC, located in Phoenix Crossing, Durham, NC.

Jodeya Brown, from Durham, NC, is a Junior Technical Design Concentration Major here at NCCU.. She recently costume designed her first production, Present Laughter, with Switchyard Theatre Company and has worked as a crew member for many department productions. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her.

Oluwaseyifunmi Sunmola (Bis from Charlotte, North Carolina, and is a Senior at NCCU majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Performance. She recently played Banetta in Chicken and Biscuits and Louise in On Strivers Row (2023) and Performer in NCCU’s 2023 production of Me Too Monologues.

Shahim, a Junior Theatre major from Goldsboro, NC., was last seen as Kenny in Chicken and Biscuits; Chuck in On Striver's Row; and Sean in The Bus Stop. He was also seen in Ain't Misbehavin and The House of George. He is excited to be a part of such an outstanding cast.

is from Durham, NC and is a Junior Theatre Performance Concentration Major. She was last seen as Latrice in NCCU's Chicken and Biscuits and Hillside’s Matilda as Mrs. Wormwood (2022). Awards include The Wendell Tabb Legendary Artist Award. She thanks her family, Mr. Tabb and Ms. Agerston for all of the lessons they have shared.

is from Smithfield, NC and is a Performance Concentration Theatre Major at NCCU. He was last seen in Kites as Stephen. He is proud to be working on this production. He wishes to thank his family and friends for believing in him and supporting him.

was born in New Jersey and is a Senior Performance Concentration Theatre Major at NCCU. She has a wide range of experience in acting and production, and has been recognized for her talent by the National Association for Dramatic and Speech Arts, and by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for her work in the play The Bus Stop (2022). Khiya is a dedicated student and aspiring actress with a bright future.

is from Fayetteville, North Carolina and is a Senior K-12 Education Concentration Major at NCCU. She is excited to be working on this production, and grateful for a supportive group of family and friends. She is grateful an would to thank everyone who has helped her along her journey.