Blues for an Alabama Sky Cast

Tyja Lynnx is a second-year MFA student from Daytona Beach, Florida. She received her BA in Theatre Performance from Florida A&M University. In undergrad, she played Josephine Baker in Beth Turner’s Sweet Mama String Bean. After graduating from her HBCU, she began her working as an Acting Fellow at The Black Rep in St. Louis. While there, some roles Tyja played were Harriet Tubman in the touring TYA production of Alice Childress’s When the Rattlesnake Sounds and was an ensemble member in Timbuktu. At UofL she has been in St. Lucy's Eyes as Young Woman and Clyde’s as Letitia. Tyja is thankful for her family and friends' support, which has encouraged her to reach this point in her career.

Marquise Hillman (They/Them) is a first year MFA student from Madison,MS. After graduating with a BA in Theatre from the University of Southern Mississippi, Marquise continued their stage work in multiple theatres across the greater Orlando area. Marquise’s past credits include Teen Angel (Grease), The Witch (Into the Woods), Lord Pinkleton (Cinderella), Belize (Angels in America), as well as work in Sesame Street and Universal Studios. While studying, Marquise has also worked as an instrumentalist, teacher, dancer, and choreographer for various schools, churches, and communities. “I am so excited to continue learning and growing my craft as a performing artist here at the University of Louisville. It is my hope that my work continues to inspire current and future generations to continue pursuing their dreams and become the best artist they can be.” @the_kiki_room

Razaria Denae (she/her) is a First Year Graduate student in the MFA Performance Program here at the University of Louisville. Razaria Denae has performed in The Fridge Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” as Hippolyta, and in “Our Town” as Stage Manager. This performance is special as this is her first performance with the University of Louisville. She would love to appreciate God and the guidance from her friends and family!

I have been fortunate enough to embody African American stories on the stage for quite some time now. While there are many positives that connect yesterday to today, sadly the negative side of these stories still rings true to Black people in this country. I MichaelJoseph Barber would like to dedicate this performance to Adriana Smith, the fight for Women's Reproductive Rights, all women past and present whose right to choose has been taken away by a corrupt government. As we continue to fight on, may justice find you, freedom embrace you, and peace be within you. 

Wayne Taylor is a visionary creative and strategist whose journey bridges the disciplines of finance, brand building, and the performing arts. Upon graduating with honors from Morehouse College, Wayne launched his career on Wall Street in New York City. Rising in ranks to Senior Vice President at Bank of America Merril Lynch and during his tenure there and at organizations such as Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital, he established a reputation for his sharp strategic mind, people-first leadership, and his ability to structure key client relationships in high-stakes environments. Today, Wayne is expanding his creative practice as a Theatre arts graduate student, embracing the stage as his next canvas. Wayne's impact has never been limited to the boardroom. Guided by a belief that culture is the true currency of influence, he transitioned into the world of brand strategy, leading initiatives and managing accounts for some of the world’s most influential organizations. From Lobos 1707 and the Atlanta Falcons to Amazon and Nike, Wayne has consistently delivered campaigns and experiences that do more than market products — they spark conversation, inspire connection, and leave a cultural imprint that transcends the moment. Today, Wayne is expanding his creative practice as a graduate student of Theatre, embracing the stage as his next canvas. His journey reflects a rare and powerful synthesis: the discipline and vision honed in finance, the cultural fluency and strategy sharpened in brand leadership, and the artistry and soul of a storyteller committed to transformation. Wayne’s path — from Wall Street to global brand campaigns, and now to the world of graduate theatre arts & performance training — is more than a career evolution; it is a living testament to the courage to reinvent, the resilience to adapt, and the power of art to shape hearts, minds, and culture. As a strategist and artist, business leader and creative visionary, offering proof that purpose knows no boundaries — and that when vision meets courage, lives are moved, cultures are shifted, and new possibilities are born.