ADA CHENG
Panelist on “Diversity and Inclusion: All for One, One for All”
An educator-turned artist, storyteller, and creator, Dr. Ada Cheng has utilized storytelling to illustrate structural inequities, raise critical awareness, and build intimate communities. Committed to amplifying and uplifting marginalized voices, she has created numerous storytelling platforms for BIPOC and LGBTQIA community members to tell difficult and vulnerable stories. Dr. Cheng has been a speaker for Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau since 2019. She was named Educator of the Year in 2021. She is 2023-24 Lund-Gill Chair at Dominican University. She is one of the recipients for 2024 Public Humanities Award from Illinois Humanities. Her interests encompass academia, storytelling/performance, and advocacy.
ARTURO GONZALEZ
Workshop leader on “Get Moving #2”
Arturo Manuel Gonzalez is a Mexican-American dancer, artist, and educator hailing from East LA. With a BA in Theatre Arts and Dance from Cal State LA, he now shares his passion as a teaching artist at LA Music and Art School. Proudly a company member of BrockusRED, he has performed in Seoul, Korea for the Seoul International Dance Festival in Tank. He trained in contemporary, ballet, and modern techniques and was a dancer with Hae Kyung Lee & Dancers. He has trained with CONTRA-TIEMPO in Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican traditional and social dance forms, salsa, and house. Arturo has performed throughout LA at venues like Highways Performance Space, Luckman Intimate Theater, and Theatre Raymond Kabbaz. Through his artistry and dedication to education, Arturo strives to inspire and uplift the next generation of artists to create a more inclusive and vibrant world for all.
BARBARA ROBERTS
Barbara Roberts is an eclectic creative; a writer, singer, actor, lecturer and activist for social change. She views the world through a boundless prism, reflecting light of endless possibilities. She has a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting from Cal Arts and earned her Masters of Social Work from UWM with her thesis, “The Black Matriarch Reexamined.” Barbara has penned and performed four SOLO Shows and a certified Drama Therapist. She is a Councilor for Actors’ Equity Association based in the Western region. Her most recent work includes “SELF MADE: The Politics of Me.
CHRISTINA LINHARDT
Christina Linhardt has enjoyed an eclectic and versatile career as a concert singer, writer, and actress. She is most known for her “Classics to Cabaret” act (which was the headliner for the opening of the Grand Concert Hall in Saxony, Germany), and her independently produced cds,”Circus Sanctuary” and “Voodoo Princess” (available on iTunes and Spotify) As well as being a regular entertainer at the World Famous Hollywood Magic Castle. Ms. Linhardt is a recommended chanteuse for the coveted Southern California Chamber Music Consortium. In Los Angeles, she is the official national anthem singer for the German Consulate, and represents Berlin at the Los Angeles Sister Cities Festival. She has performed for the 2010 Los Angeles Opera Ring Festival, the House of Blues Gospel Brunch, The Grove, The Brand Plaza Concert Series and even down in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. She produced a documentary about the Gitmo experience titled “Guantanamo Circus” which has screened at festivals and Universities across the US and the UK winning the Hollywood FAME Award 2013 and is now available on Amazon Prime.
DEBORAH WONDERCHECK
Celebrating 20 years of transformative leadership, Debora Wondercheck, as Producer and Founder of the Arts & Learning Conservatory, spearheads cultural inclusivity in arts education for 3,700 children annually throughout Orange County. Recognized as one of OC’s 125 Most Influential People and an OC Visionary, she earned acclaim as a Woman of Distinction by the CA State Assembly. In 2024, she was named Commissioner of the Arts by the city of Costa Mesa. Under Debora’s guidance, the Arts & Learning Conservatory earned Orange County’s Outstanding Arts Organization of the Year, displaying unwavering dedication to preserving high quality music and theatre programs for children especially in marginalized communities. Debora’s commitment radiates through impactful contributions, shaping futures through the transformative power of the arts.
FAY HAUSER-PRICE
Stage Actor- National tour Purlie”, Twelfth Night, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Jewels In The Crown.” Stage Director – “Having Our Say,” and “LAWTF Galas.” TV Director “Turning Barton Elementary” (two Telly Awards), and “Emerging Artist Showcase”- PBS. Producer/Writer over 25 documentary TV shows including Paris In Search of A Dream, “Red, Hot and Cool,” 24/SEVEN, and “Living With Soul” (Vision Award nomination) Actor TV and Film – “Bed and Breakfast” on Tubi (festival winner Best Ensemble). Jordan Peele’s “Weird City;” Candyman II;” Roots II;” and “The Young and The Restless” (Outstanding Cast Emmy). Director Film – “5150. (Festival Winner Experimental Short); “Where There’s Smoke…” (nominated Best Short USA; aired “BET’s Lens on Talent;” screened BHERC film cruise, South African Christian Film Festival and The National Black Theatre Festival.) In development Bethania and her Extraordinary Ordinary (documentary) “Surfmen” (feature.) Musical concert Producer, Published Songwriter, Poet. DGA, SAG/AFTRA, AEA, ASCAP, ATAS, and NARAS.
JAHNA HOUSTON
JAHNA HOUSTON is an actor, writer and producer who first appeared a series regular in the indie crime drama GET THEE BEHIND ME on the ION Network. Jahna has also appeared in the indie films, TRIUMPHANT: SHE FIGHTS TO WIN, TAJ, I FJEEL LIKE GOIN’ ON and A LITTLE PROBLEM. Her stage credits include UNDERTOW by Harlem Renaissance playwright Eulalie Spence, and FINAL PLACEMENT by award winning author Ara Watson. Jahna appeared in A FATAL FRIEND and HOLLYWOOD FICTION, both of which screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Jahna’s media background includes her talk show/commentator credits THE WAY I SEE IT and CANDID COMMENTS on Time Warner Cable and Cable Radio Network, and three seasons as co-host, solo host and co-producer of THE LADIES TALK SHOW on YouTube. With her husband, actor Fitz Houston, their production company, JahnaHugh Entertainment, has produced numerous promotional videos and short films including TOO YOUNG TO DIE and JUST ANOTHER DAY, the latter of which Jahna directed.
JELLA GREAVES
Jella Greaves, Founder and CEO of Black Stream LLC, graduated from The Art Institute of Philadelphia. He began his professional career working on his own television show (Kids & Company) as videographer, editor and co-producer at WITN, a local government station in Delaware. After moving to Los Angeles, California, Jella continues to freelance for several companies and high-profile projects. With more than ten years of experience under his belt, Jella is focused on creating a purpose-driven company that exceeds the needs and desires of his clients.
JESSICA LYNN JOHNSON
Panelist on “Mounting a Show With Your Dream Team”
Jessica Lynn Johnson, is a published playwright, recipient of BEST NATIONAL SOLO ARTIST AWARD, Advisory Board Member of the LA Women’s Theatre Festival, Co Executive Producer of both the Stars Solo Series and the Joshua Tree Solo Theatre Festival, and Founder & CEO of Soaring Solo Studios International. Jessica has aided in the development, direction and producing of over 150 solo shows (and still going strong)! As a performer, Jessica has “edu-tained” international audiences touring her own one person shows ZE and OBLIVIOUS TO EVERYONE for over 15 years. Jessica’s projects have taken home awards such as TOP OF FRINGE, HFF ENCORE PRODUCER AWARDS, TVOLUTION BEST SOLO PERFORMANCE, LARRY CORNWALL AWARD FOR MUSICAL EXCELLENCE & several other accolades! Jessica was also nominated for the Female Director of Distinction in Theatre by Girl Trip LLC at the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival and most recently as Best Director of a Play by Broadway World 2023, and Winner of LAWTF’s Rainbow Award 2024.
JULIETTE JEFFERS
Workshop leader on “Stories Imagined: From Thought to Pen”
Panelist on “Branding: Giving a Face to Your Show”
Panelist on “Empowered Women: Taking the Reins of Your Career”
Juliette Jeffers is an award winning Caribbean American actor, writer, director, producer and educator. On screen, she has appeared in twenty-two films, forty-one TV shows and over sixty commercials. You can see Juliette currently in “Aftermath” on Netflix and starring in “Noise in The Middle” on Amazon. Stay tuned for her upcoming recurring roles in Shondaland’s “The Residence” on Netflix and “Tulsa King” on Paramount Plus with Sylvester Stallone. She has written and performed five solo plays and has received awards, nominations and/or great accolades for them. As an educator, Juliette has taught in schools and correctional facilities. She is a private coach and has helped develop and directed over fifty solo shows. She also teaches Master Classes throughout the country. Juliette served on the Board of the LA Women’s Theatre Festival and was the Curator of the Black Voices Solo Theatre Festival at the Whitefire Theatre.
KAT KRAMER
Katharine ‘Kat” Kramer is a former Miss Golden Globe Ambassador. Kat is the Founder of “Kat Kramer’s Films That Change The World,” in international cinema series to showcase motion pictures and documentaries that raise awareness of important social issues. Kat is the daughter of legendary filmmaker Stanley Kramer, actress/producer Karen Sharpe-Kramer, and the Godchild/namesake of screen icon Katharine Hepburn. She has starred in four one woman shows, and debut her solo show “My Duet With Mick” for Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival. She is currently developing a new solo show titled “She’s A Rainbow.” Kat has won awards for her roles on stage as Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker” and Anne Frank in “The Diary of Anne Frank.” She starred as Estella in “Great Expectations,” “Joan of Arc” in “The Lark,” and she appeared in the ensemble of “The Vagina Monologues.” Ms. Kramer served on the dais and opened the program for the Pioneer Luncheon honoring her performing idol Lily Tomlin.
KIRSTEN LAUREL CAPLAN
Kirsten Laurel Caplan is an award winning solo theatre performer and a social justice educator. She is a creative coach and her services are available through Living Up to Your Laurels, empowering every day people to claim their inner artist- that is everyone’s birthright. She has performed two solo shows, Lady LiberTEASE and Is It History or Is It His- Story with LAWTF, and is honored to be new Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival board member.
LIZA DEALEY-THOMASON
Liza Dealey-Thomason is an Utah born actress, singer, dancer, writer, and comedian. Due to her award winning one woman musical comedy, Supernova, she is proud to add self taught musician and lyricist to her accomplishments. Liza got her start at the young age of 9 in a professional Seattle based singing group, “The Can Do Kids”. She was a published poet by age 13. She studied at Julliard’s Perry Mansfield, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, The American Theatre Wing, and received a BFA in Theatre Performance at Chapman University. She’s performed in London, New York City, California and Utah doing regional and off-broadway plays and musicals (Marie Christine, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Two Gentlemen of Verona). Notable IMDB credits include films Incest! The Musical, Saving Private Jane, and Insecurities. Since calling Los Angeles home, she’s filmed shorts, indie movies, national commercials, and music videos (Therese Curatola’s “Braille”, Badflower’s “x ANA x”.) New to comedy, she’s already performed at Flappers and The Comedy Story in La Jolla.
MASA HILCISIN
Workshop leader on “Taking Care of You: Mind, Body, and Spirit”
Panelist on “Diversity and Inclusion: All For One, One For All”
Masa Hilcisin is a visual artist, and educator. Her professional background includes work for media, cultural and human rights organizations where her interests were centered around post-war feminist scene, cultural activism, media research and gender – based violence. She has been making documentary films, experimental videos, and other visual forms on personal narratives and social issues for more than 15 years. Her works have been screened and exposed at various film festivals and exhibitions around the world. In 2015, with a group of artists and friends, Masa co-founded SWAN, an international women’s art festival in Prague. She is co-founder of Media & Film Initiative with Touching Lives, non-profit organization based in Mumbai, India, which work towards Learning and Healing of children and people of slum communities, supporting them to become independent learners. For the past several years, Masa has been running visual storytelling workshops for women and girls in Czech Republic, Georgia, India, and Mexico. She holds PhD In Film Studies and Audio-Visual Culture from the Masaryk University, and Diploma in Holistic Creative Arts Therapy from Mind Body Education.
MICHELLE JEWSBURY
Michelle Jewsbury, a dynamic force in transforming personal stories into powerful business narratives, is the founder and CEO of Unsilenced Voices. With a mission to empower survivors of pain and trauma, Michelle has emerged as an internationally recognized speaker, coach, and advocate. In 2017, she wrote and performed a critically acclaimed solo show entitled But I Love Him, based on her personal experience in a domestic violence relationship. Renowned for her expertise in translating adversity into business success, she has graced stages across the globe, captivating business owners with her powerful message. From sharing her journey to breaking the cycle of abuse, Michelle inspires entrepreneurs to transform their own stories into impactful narratives. As the driving force behind Unsilenced Voices, Michelle Jewsbury is dedicated to engaging business owners and helping them harness the transformative power of their stories for business growth.
MIRANDA JOHNSON-HADDAD
Resident Dramaturg, A Noise Within Theatre (Pasadena, CA). Upcoming: The Skin of Our Teeth; The Piano Lesson; Macbeth. Previous seasons: Misalliance; King Hedley II; Sweeney Todd; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; The Bluest Eye; The Book of Will; Kiss of the Spider Woman; Much Ado About Nothing; Radio Golf; Animal Farm; Metamorphoses; All’s Well That Ends Well; Argonautika; Othello. Educator and Consultant at ANW since 2011. ELSEWHERE: Dramaturg, Inherit the Wind, Pasadena Playhouse State Theater; Dramaturg, Measure Still for Measure, Boston Court Theater; Consultant, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington, D.C. Dr. Johnson-Haddad has taught Shakespeare, Drama, and Literature at Howard University, UCLA, Vassar College, and Yale University. She is a frequent speaker at Los Angeles Opera, the Shakespeare Club of Pomona Valley, and elsewhere. EDUCATION: Ph.D. Renaissance Studies, Yale University; B.A. Comparative Literature, Princeton University.
MJ ADAMSON
MJ Adamson is an LA-based stage manager and producer. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The University of Southern California in Stage Management. In love with entertainment, she has been credited as a costume designer, production manager, and light designer. She is best known for her award winning short film Breathe that screened at the TCL Chinese Theatre. She’s consumed by social change and prioritizes work in communities that have been historically oppressed. Her fight for representation has led her to work with a variety of non-profit organizations in Los Angeles including Hero Theatre, The Braid, and the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival. Currently, serving as a program coordinator for an emerging artist fellowship, she continues to search for ways to make an impact and leave a legacy. Learn more at http://theatrebymj.com
NICOLLETTE COMBRE
Nicollette Combre is a California native with a deep passion for dance and writing. Growing up, she found solace in these creative outlets and decided to pursue them further. After graduating from Long Beach City College with Associate degrees in Dance and Journalism, Nicollette enrolled at California State University, Long Beach. In 2023, she earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Dance and Journalism. During her college years, she honed her skills in various dance styles, including ballet, modern, and jazz, and gained experience in choreography. Nicollette also developed expertise in writing, podcasting, production, graphic design, marketing, and fundraising through her coursework and internships. Currently, Nicollette is advancing her education by earning a teaching credential in dance while continuing to work in public relations and marketing. She aspires to open an arts, health, and wellness organization in the future, combining her love for dance and writing with her passion for health and wellness. Nicollette envisions creating a unique and beneficial environment for people of all ages.
SKY PALKOWITZ
SKY Palkowitz (AEA/SAG-AFTRA) is an accomplished Avant-Garde Multimedia Performance Artist, Actor, Director, Producer, Musician, Filmmaker, Educator, Entertainer and Activist from New York, known widely as “The Delusional Diva”. She holds an MFA in Acting, and has toured 7 SOLO SHOWS nationwide, including off-BROADWAY. SKY works professionally in Television, Film, Stage, and has been performing, educating, touring since 1992. She’s the 2 nd longest standing Board of Directors member of the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival. SKY is also a private Acting Coach/Career Consultant for Actors of all levels. She assists Artists with branding, self-tapes, castability, representation and more. SKY creates; directs stage, and short films with clients around the country. She composes music, plays guitar, and paints glow-in-the-dark Aliens, UFOs, Pyramids, and Elephants.
More about SKY can be found at: http://www.DelusionalDiva.com; http://www.SKYPalkowitz.com
Check out SKY’s Visual Art at: http://www.CosmicAlienArt.com FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM: @DelusionalDiva; @CosmicAlienArt IMDB: http://www.imdb.me/DelusionalDiva
SHELLEY COOPER
Workshop leader on “On the Road with a Suitcase and a Story”
Shelley Cooper is an Off-Broadway Award Winning Solo Actor/Playwright, Associate Professor of Musical Theatre at Augustana College and is no stranger to the LAWTF Community. Her one woman show, La Divina: The Last Interview of Maria Callas was featured in the 2022 festival, as well as Solofest, Hollywood Fringe (Pick of the Fringe), Orlando Fringe (Best Individual Performance in a Drama) and Off-Broadway at United Solofest on Theatre Row. (Best One Woman Show). Her newest work Jenny Lind Presents P.T. Barnum has been an official selection for United Solofest (Off-Broadway) Solofest, Binge Fringe, Fort Worth Fringe, LAWTF, Orlando Fringe FestN4, and made it’s European debut in Austria. Most recently was seen at Hollywood Fringe Festival where it won “Best of Asylum” and a Gold Medal from TVolution. Shelley is a very active musical theatre/opera performer. Most noted performances are “Dolly” in Hello, Dolly, “Johanna” in Sweeney Todd starring Tony-Award-winning actress Faith Prince; “Nellie” in South Pacific, and “Musetta” in La Boheme.
For more information visit http://www.shelley-cooper.com or IG: @musical_shelley
TASHARA GAVIN-MOOREHEAD
Workshop leader on “Get Moving #1”
Tashara Gavin-Moorehead is a dance storyteller, who is deeply passionate about her African American heritage. She holds a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University, and an MFA from CSU-Long Beach. She has toured both domestically and internationally with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Lula Washington Dance Theater, and Jazzantiqua Music and Dance Ensemble. As an independent choreographer she has presented her one woman shows through festivals such as, The Los Angeles Dance Festival, LA’s Women’s Theater Festival and Highways Performing Arts Space. She uses an ethnographic approach to her work by studying African American history, her southern roots and her family’s lineage. She is currently researching the relationship between the Nguzo Saba,the seven principles of Kwanzaa, and jazz improvisation as a liberation practice, as well as the potential link between jazz improvisation and non western healing methods for African American women’s health issues. Her mission is to create theatrical dance stories that uplift, inspire, and transform audience members through African American folktales, customs, and traditions. By merging dance, theater, and history she creates an immersive experience for the audience that produces both a collective and individualistic healing.
TERRIE SILVERMAN
Workshop leader on “Dramaturgy: From Page to Stage”
Terrie Silverman, MFA, is an award-winning Writer/Performer, Story Advocate, Coach, Teaching Artist, Director, Dramaturg and founder of Creative Rites Workshops & Coaching. She’s delighted to have a long history with LAWTF as a Teaching Artist, Board Member and recipient of the Rainbow Award. Ms. Silverman is the Producer and Host of Gorgeous Stories, one of the longest running shows in L.A. – 24 years & counting(!) Terrie has guided thousands of aspiring to professional writers, actors, Moms and Professionals to release the critic and uncover their story gold. Additionally, Terrie has guided actors and non-actors, to develop hundreds of Solo-Shows– many award-winning, that have toured nationally and internationally. Ms. Silverman has also has served as a Solo-Show Director and Dramaturg. It’s the joy of Terrie’s life to be invited into people’s stories and have them experience being seen, heard and championed – http://www.creativerites.com
ZULY INIRIO
Dr. Zuly Inirio, an Afro-Latina soprano from the Dominican Republic, is a scholar and TEDx Speaker known for her activism in promoting Afro-Latinidad in classical music. She founded the ‘Afro-Latinx Song and Opera Project’ to commission new works, uplift Afro-Latin composers, and decolonize the classical music canon. Notable performances include Verdi’s Requiem in Munich and Aida in Sicily. Affiliations include NALAC, 1Hood’s Artivist Academy, The Scale Fellowship, and SphinxLEAD. Dr. Inirio holds a DMA from LSU and an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh and serves as Executive Director of Women of Color in the Arts (WOCA).