Lit From the Black!: Meet the 2024 Fellows!
2024 Lit From The Black! Cohort
In AUS News, we present to you… Lit From The Black! (LFTB!) 2024 Stage Design and Technical Production Fellows for Women and Non-Binary Folx of African Descent! These 17 fellows will study and apprentice learning the art and skill of theater lighting, sound, stage management, and visual design with training and mentorship by Stephanie Anne Johnson and various other stage design professionals. We are honored to be able to provide this opportunity to equip the Arts Industry with more professionals of African descent. This fellowship is presented in collaboration with BAM House
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Alex Fakayode is an artistic collaborator & theatrical sound designer from the Bay Area, working thus far with theaters, such as: Shotgun Players, Berkeley Repertory & Cutting Ball Theater.
Aya Travick Best stands as a dynamic and versatile multi-hyphenate artist, effortlessly weaving her prowess across stages, digital art, technology, content creation, and production. Rooted in formal dance training spanning West African, Jazz, Horton, Contemporary, and Ballet, she aspires to craft visually compelling works that powerfully illuminate the essence of black bodies and the rich tapestry of black cultural traditions.
Danni Blackman is a “Jack of all trades” self-taught artist with a passion for connecting creative self expression and social justice work that gives myself and my community outlets to embody freedom, play, and resistance.
Desiree Winters is looking to pursue a career in the film industry through sound and lighting
Elizabeth Jones grew up in the Bay Area. A graduate of Howard University’s Theatre Arts program, she also co-hosts Creatively Shaded Podcast - A Black Artist’s POV on Bay Area Theatre! Elizabeth was recently seen in 42nd Street Moon’s Mame and other memorable productions. She’s grateful to God, family and friends.
NiQueen Jones NiQueen Jones is an Oakland-based multidisciplinary artist and educator who intersects the concepts of social justice, youth empowerment, community unification, and meditation/mindfulness practices.
Joelle Joyner-Wong I am a Bay Area Playwright and Screenwriter.
Kimi Scott is a southern belle, lover of dance and theater arts and cultural ambassador of West African dance. Kimi studied Linguistics, Sociology and Dance Production at UC Berkeley. Then founded Alkimi Stage Management in 2013 to train BIPOC folx in stage management, dramaturgy, lighting design, program management and producing festivals.
Isis Fields is an Oakland native who enjoys exploring many facets of her creative ability including dance, music, visual, and healing arts. She finds joy in creative circles such as Carnaval, participating in art exhibitions and throwing a whimsical outfit together for a spontaneous photo shoot with her photographer friends.
MiLisa "Mercy" Coleman (they/them) is a Black queer writer and artist from Cleveland, OH, based in the Bay Area.
Kenitra Always go the Max it out!
Phaedra Tillery-Boughton(she/her) is a multi-hynaphte creative artist. She continues to expand her artistic range as an Associate Producer and Casting Manager at SFBATCO. She is a Co-Host of Creatively Shaded and a Teaching Artist for SFartEd. She consistently challenges the concept of traditional theatre and finds new ways to push the boundaries of creativity and inclusion in the theatre community.
Ray Ray is an ensemble member of the San Francisco Neo-Futurists, where they write, perform, and direct short plays for the ongoing ever-changing production of The Infinite Wrench. They also enjoy doing stand-up comedy and musical improv. Instead of Facebook, etc. which I don’t have, please share my email:
Rianna Samone is a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in Oakland. Passionate about music, art, and community, she inspires creativity while teaching. As an audio engineer, she crafts immersive sonic experiences that delve into the intricacies of the human experience. Being rooted in love, gratitude, and the openness to learning is the foundation of Ri’s creative practices.
Tajianna Okechukwu is a multi-hyphenate storyteller who strives to tell experimental stories that will shift paradigms and shake culture in our society.
viva allen born to Ohlone ocean floors… creativity, curation, and advocacy fractalized across mediums, viva: as in alive, growing, flowing, and ever transforming.
Saoirse-Naomie Weaver is a versatile and multi-disciplinary creative who enjoys contributing to the thriving performing arts community of the Bay Area.
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