Join us for our year-round Script Reads presenting our very own local screenwriters work read by local actors followed by a Q&A to talk about their work.
SCREENWRITERS
Click on the writer’s image to read their bio and find contact information!
ALEXANDRIA DANIELLE KING
SHE/THEY
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Alexandria Danielle King is an actor, writer, educator, dancer, director and nature enthusiast. She received her BA in Drama from Tufts University and advanced theatre training from The Moscow Arts Theatre School. She believes that performance art is a divine tool for revealing and examining the condition of the heart. Her previous credits include: Regional: The Bluest Eye (The Huntington Theatre). Off Broadway: Pipeline (WAM & The Nora Theatre), A Christmas Carol In Harlem (Classical Theatre of Harlem), Antigone (Classical Theatre of Harlem), Detroit ‘67 (New Horizon Theatre), The Girls of Summer (The Layon Gray Experience,LLC), The Revolutionists, (The Nora Theatre), Broken City: Wall St. (Pop Up Theatrics), Arabian Nights (The Underground Railway Theatre), Shockheaded Peter (Company One), Splendor (Company One), Midsummer Nights’s Dream (Roxbury Repertory Theater), Black Nativity (The National Center of Afro-American Artists). Film: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Compelling Pictures), Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart (Film Posse), Red Monster (Beyond Measure Productions), Clear History (HBO). Education: B.A. in Drama (Tufts University), Advanced Theatre Training (Moscow Arts Theatre School, Billie Holiday Theatre & Stella Adler BASI). Other: Award Wins- Eliot Norton Awards Outstanding Ensemble & Production, The Bluest Eye. Award Nominations (Berkshire Theatre Critics, Eliot Norton and IRNE Awards).
ANGEL TONIA
(formerly credited as Angel Vincent)
SHE/HER/HERS
Angel Tonia is a passionate screenwriter and filmmaker dedicated to telling emotionally honest stories rooted in love and reflect the complexity of everyday life. Her passion for film was born during childhood visits to her local library when her family couldn’t afford cable television. Angel discovered the magic of cinema through cassette tapes of Disney classics. These early moments weren’t about escape; they were about possibility.
In elementary school, Angel enjoyed writing short stories and poems, captivated by the power of words. Recognizing her devotion to writing, her theatre teacher gave her a copy of The Lion King script which ignited a deeper calling for visual storytelling.
Today as a first-generation graduate and MFA alumna of Boston University's Screenwriting Program, Angel is committed to creating screenplays that spark dialogue, highlight underrepresented voices, and write stories that stay with audiences long after the credits roll. She believes in storytelling as a tool for empathy and connection; a space where every voice deserves to be heard in cinema.
ANIKE TOURSE
ANJIE PARKER
SHE/HER/HERS
Anjie Parker (Actor, writer, & director) is excited to be making her debut as a writer for the Daily Reads with Rox Film Festival. She has been an actor for the reads for a couple of years and as always she's excited to be back in both mediums writing and acting!
She has recently concluded directing 2 short films earlier this year, and is looking to make this script “Tortured Soul” her third production. She has been writing since she was little and acting for 10+ years locally, and she uses all of her experiences to inform her crafts. Anjie has recently closed out a theatre performance “You’re Cordially Invited to the End of the World” with Company One, at the Boston Public Library. After closing, she switched gears to Directing and Writing, and is currently writing on a series called “Hue Done It” being produced by Anawan Studios.
As she debuts this new work she's excited to see it come to life for the first time. Thank you to Rox Film for this opportunity to share this screenplay.
ANTHONY J. DAVIS
ANTHONY J. DAVIS
INSTAGRAM
Anthony J. Davis is carving out an impressive lane as an independent producer, showcasing a passion for spotlighting diverse voices and unique perspectives though his work on short film projects like Yogurt Raisin and Spin. Currently, he’s joined forces with Golden Globe, Emmy®, BAFTA, PGA, and NAACP Image Award-winning producer and director Anthony Hemingway on the upcoming health documentary Sugar Daddy, in which Davis serves as producer. Davis previously spent more than a decade as an assistant production accountant, with credits spanning some of the largest productions in Hollywood, including several Marvel Studios titles.
BARRY
HE/HIM
WEBSITE || EMAIL || INSTAGRAM
Barry is a Cambridge, Massachusetts–based screenwriter and filmmaker whose work is deeply influenced by the tradition of the West African griot—storytellers who preserve community history, provide social commentary, and pass down cultural knowledge through oral storytelling. These values are central to Barry’s filmmaking practice. His documentary work focuses on highlighting community-driven initiatives and amplifying stories centered on equity, access, and social impact. He directed a documentary for the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee documenting the impact of RISE Up Cambridge, a guaranteed income pilot program launched in partnership with the Cambridge Mayor’s Office and local organizations. The program provided monthly financial support to single caregivers in Cambridge and explored how guaranteed income can support economic mobility. Barry also created a documentary for the College Success Initiative, a college access program supporting first-generation and low-income students. The film explored the importance of mentorship and strong interpersonal relationships between college coaches and students in promoting academic persistence and success. Across his work, Barry examines themes of economic inequality, educational access, and community empowerment. In addition to his documentary work, he founded The Makers, a Boston-area filmmaking collective where filmmakers workshop scripts, collaborate on productions, and support one another’s creative development.
BRANDICE PELTIER
SHE/HER/HERS
Brandice Peltier is an actor/director/playwright living in NYC. Her main purpose for making art (other than feeding her passion) is to give a stronger and more layered voice to Black women through storytelling that humanizes us. She is thrilled to be a part of the Roxbury Film Festival script reads and thanks her friend and co writer Kareem Nemley for his unlimited pursuit of greatness through collaboration.
BRIANNA J. COX
SHE/HER/HERS
Instagram || Twitter || Website
Brianna Jewel Cox is a Caribbean-American artist and educator, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She works as a Writer, Director, Actress, and Video Editor, crafting narratives in the form of films, theatrical performances, and poetry. Themes central to her work include coming-of-age, history and heritage, mental health, gender roles, the role of art in an individual’s life, interpersonal relationships, and existential questions linked to Blackness and race. Her short film work has been featured in festivals across the globe. Brianna earned her dual Bachelor's Degree in Africana Studies and Theatre Arts/Performance Studies from Brown University and is now an MFA Candidate in the Film and Media Art program at Emerson College. She is currently developing the Afrofuturistic world of Onyx and the Chronicle of the Seers (@OnyxTheSeries on Instagram and Twitter), for which she is filming a proof-of-concept episode called 18 Years: A Letter to Zora as her MFA Thesis Project.
CROSBY T. TATUM
HE/HIM/HIS
Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Website
Boston, Massachusetts native, Crosby Tatum, secured distinction as a television and motion picture producer, director, writer, and editor with works featured on Netflix, BET, Amazon Prime, and global video on demand platforms. Tatum’s mantra is evident in his work: “Create opportunity where it seems as if there is no opportunity to be had at all.” The concept motivates Tatum’s loyalty to thorough work, the latest film and video technologies available, and to resilience in his profession. Tatum graduated from the New England Institute of Art with an associate degree in television broadcasting. His dedication and ability to excel during his time at the New England Institute of Art earned him the Most Outstanding Broadcaster Award in 2003. Two years following this achievement, Tatum founded Triceptus Studios, a motion picture production and post-production company. Triceptus Studios ensures excellence in every stage of the creative and technical processes, handling everything including the producing, directing, budgeting, screenwriting, post-production work and finishing services for clients. Triceptus Studios’ film, television, and new media projects are shown worldwide, presented at film festivals, and complimented with various awards.
DANTE HAUGHTON
HE/HIM/HIS
Dante is a director originally from New Haven, CT who, through serving in various roles on set, is developing a collection of knowledge to approach filmmaking in a manner that facilitates holistic and lucid creative exploration. He's concerned with the beauty of mysticism, the movement of investigation, and the lift that can come from revising canonical Western narratives. He's driven by and for the effect of wonder.
DAVID J. CURTIS
HE/HIM/HIS
Born in Washington, D.C., but raised in Boston, MA since 6 months, David J. Curtis has been blessed to work in television, film and stage since
2004. David is a director, actor, screenwriter, and producer. Some of David’s production credits include directing/writing/producing and
starring in the short film, “Love of a Lifetime,” due to make the festival rounds this Summer/Fall, co-directing/producing the short film,
“Plus 1s,” written by and starring his good friend, the amazing Liz Eng,acting in and producing the award-winning, full-length psychological
thriller “By the Water’s Edge,” and many other music videos, promotional and testimonial videos. A proud SAG-AFTRA member since 2007, some of
David’s film and television credits include principal roles in TheWalking Dead: Dead City, The Holdovers, Dexter: New Blood, A Very
Vermont Christmas, Julia, Kevin Can F- - - Himself, Don’t Look Up, Whiskey Floats, R.I.P.D., The Maiden Heist, Edge of Darkness and many
more. With many theatre productions under his belt, his most memorable stage credits include “When January Feels like Summer,” “Brokeology,” “A
Soldier's Play,” “The Crucible,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and “Mama, I Want to Sing,” David has also been featured in many national and
regional television. In addition to acting, David is also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, composer, music producer, and sound engineer with many credits to his name.
GWEN TANNER
SHE/HER/HERS
Gwen Tanner is a writer, photographer and educator from Oakland, CA. Her career designing educational videos and animations allows her to use storytelling to teach and communicate ideas. Her experience in scriptwriting and directing educational videos inspired her love of writing and visualizing scary stories.
Her love of all things horror began at a young age when she was allowed to stay up late to watch black and white creature features with her parents. Her stories reflect what she witnesses in her daily life. Her works in progress include Little Red in the Hood (short film) and The Spicy Blood (novel).
HAKIM HILL
Hakim's first career was in the mental health field, working with at-risk youth as a Therapeutic Mentor. From there, he returned to school to pursue a master’s degree in counseling, switching gears to work in college institutions and provide on-call crisis management. At the same time, he used horror films to teach students about trauma.
Upon moving to Los Angeles, Hakim participated in the 2020-21 NBC's Writers on the Verge for comedy, the 2022 Yes And... Laughter Lab Showcase, and the 2026 YALL Comedy Fest. He was a writer on Peacock's horror series "HYSTERIA!” and the first season of "THE 'BURBS."
HEATHER GIBSON
SHE/HER/HERS
Heather Gibson is a magnetic, bi-coastal actress and writer whose work has taken her in many different directions. Her theatrical credits Range from being top 10 participant of the 2024 ABC Discovers Showcase, captivating industry leaders with her emotional range and bold presence, Guest starring NBC’s Chicago Fire, Tyler Perry’s all the Queen’s Men and Leading two original plays at the Kennedy Center. Currently, Heather is developing her first original pilot, a heartfelt, humorous piece inspired by her own beautifully messy experiences. When she’s not acting or writing, you’ll find her mentoring fellow artists, taking solo Jeep drives, or Dancing to her favorite Broadway tunes—all with faith in God and a fire in her spirit.
JAKE MAIDA VALE
HE/HIM
I am a British born and raised screenwriter that has written multiple competition-winning scripts over the past couple of years. Being the son of immigrant parents from Jamaica whilst living in London, my work is influenced by the many experiences I have had living in a diverse society, both joyful and harrowing. I love crafting stories with interesting characters and developed a strong desire to write screenplays a couple of years ago after watching a video by Aaron Sorkin on the art of script writing. Since then, I've worked on perfecting my craft.
JOHN OLUWOLE ADEKOJE
HE/HIM/HIS
John's awards include being a national award winner of The Kennedy Center's ACTF Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award for the play Street Hawker; as well as a recipient of The Roxbury International Film Festival's Emerging local Filmmaker award for the documentary "Street Soldiers", which also showed at the Pan African Film Festival in Cannes, France, and The World Film Festival-Montreal, as well as the BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta. John has received the Brother Thomas Fellowship Award and he is a playwriting Fellow at the Huntington Theater Company. Most recently, he was awarded the Emerging Filmmaker Award for Knockaround Kids, his narrative feature, at the Roxbury International Film Festival which all showed at the Urbanworld Film festival in NY. Knockaround kids can be found on Tubi, Amazon prime, Google Play, Apple and other film platforms. John Adekoje is the co director and director of photography for the digital version of Hype Man (Company One/American Repertory Theatre) as well as the writer, director and projection/art designer for the Triggered Life Project (Portland Playhouse) John Oluwole ADEkoje, teaches film production and theatre at Boston Arts Academy.
KAILI Y. TURNER
SHE/HER/HERS
Kaili Y. Turner (creator) is a Black Indigenous (enrolled member of Nipmuc Nation) comedian, actress, writer, producer, and puppeteer with a MFA at the Actors Studio Drama School. Some of her credits include: Fires in the Mirror, ASDS Rep showcase, 103 Within The Veil, Company One (IRNE Award for Best Ensemble), Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet, Footlight Club, The Nosebleed, Lincoln Center (Lucille Lortel Nominee for Best Ensemble), The Cycle Film (HBO Best Short Film MVAAFF) and an invited audtionee for Jim Henson's Sesame Street as a puppeteer.
Kaili’s pilot Fk’d Up & Fabulous was nominated for Best Web Series at the Hip Hop Film Festival. Her play Indian Country was a semifinalist for the Eugene O'Neill playwrights conference (2023), Native Voices at the Autry, and has had readings with National Black Theater Festival, New Voices in Black Cinema, and Eagle Project.
She’s the creator, book writer, and lyrics writer for Sheen the Musical, a Grease parody from the perspective of the Black students integrating Rydell HIgh, an award winning director with her Best Friends parody winning Best Director (vesuvius international Film Festival), and Best Music(al) parody (All the Laughs, ATL). Turner has had multiple digital projects place and screen in film festivals such as Portland Comedy Film Festival, ABFF inaugural Comedy Festival, L.A Comedy Festival, Lit Laughs, The Toronto Sketch Festival and PhillySketch Fest to name a few. Turner wrote Vivicia A. Fox’s host speech for the 9th Annual Reality Tv Awards, as well as for Wondery, Yellow Arrow Journal and Western Sound. Additionally, Kaili is an alumni of ABC/Disney Pilot Prep Program for Native Americans, SNL/Second City Scholarship, The Native American TV Writers Lab, Collective 5 Showrunners program. For more information visit Kaili’s website at www.kailiyturner.com or follow her @madamnstarlight on IG.
KAREEM NEMLEY
KENYATTTA HOSKINS
From Boston, I have been a co-organizer for the Boston Screenwriters Group for nearly 10 years where we workshop scripts for up-and-coming writers in Boston, and have since included people from around the globe. I have dozens of screenplay shorts varying in genres, anywhere from horror, dark comedy, drama, etc. I have produced a number of shorts, and worked as a producer/cinematography for the documentary Covid-19 and Community currently shown on TUBI. I also have a couple of feature length scripts, a horror piece, a martial arts/coming of age, a dystopic piece and currently working on a thriller.
KEVIN MCLEMORE
HE/HIM/HIS
Instagram || Website || YouTube
Kevin McLemore is best known as a “Motivator” that just happens to be a Master Level Fitness, A Professional, Author, Social Activist, Podcast host, screenwriter, and entrepreneur. By reputation, Kevin Constantly is reinventing himself to his environment and consistently delivering his message to both young and old, to believe that anything in life is possible, if you have great vision and willingness to put in the hard work. Kevin McLemore heart is in his faith, family and his commitment to a cause greater than his own, to travel the world speaking to young people “Reach one, teach one” that’s what his Grandfather Joe taught him, his dream to be that “One Voice” that will encourage you to dream big and live an extraordinary life. Kevin believes that one random act of kindness each day will leave an impression that one day will change the world #findOnethousandreasons2BKind2someone.
McLemore’s Screenplays are an extension as to how he views the creative writing process for film, but an added layer to mindset for his next books that will be released this year are “Dating with a full deck” 57’ and I can, the truth about the business of Fitness,” “Know on can to this one thing alone, Lesson in life on how to get sh—T (stuff) done” and The Worlds not ready for you, which he has also illustrated.
LEVY MONTEIRO
HE/HIM/HIS
Levy Monteiro is a screenwriter with ambitions to produce and direct original content that reflect the neighborhoods he grew up in. Levy is originally from Cape Verde and has lived in Dorchester for most of his life. His writing experience started as a form of self-expression after undergrad. He later segued into screenwriting with intentions to bring his art to life on screens and television. Levy went to Bentley University for undergrad where he majored in Finance and minored in Entrepreneurship.
LOUIS JOHNSON
HE/HIM
LOUIS JOHNSON is a playwright whose work has been produced in theatres, festivals, and schools across the United States. In New York, his presented works include “Makin’ Bond” at the Secret Theatre, “A Bullet for Jenny King” at the Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Art (MoCADA), and “Remember This: Words from an Angry Young Man” by the Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network’s Gun Violence Awareness at N.A.N headquarters.
Other highlights: “The Lepers of Orchard Park” in the Fade to Black Play Festival in Houston, Texas, and “Papa” in the Stage Black Play Festival in Dallas, Texas; “Makin’ Bond” by Ghostlight Productions in Detroit, Michigan; “The Nag” as part of the “6’10 Festival of African-American Plays” in Louisville, Kentucky; “Old Man Cleans His Gun,” “Oh, the LIES we’ve told,” and “A Bullet for Jenny King” at the Darkhorse Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee, and “Mother/Daughter Reunion” at The Barbershop Theatre of Nashville, Tennessee; and “Frenemies” and “The Voice Inside My Head” with Perception Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. “The Voice Inside My Head” was later included in “8:46: A Fresh Perspective” published by New World Theatre Publishing.
Louis has written for The Rhythmic Lounge magazine. He is the lead writer/co-creator of likemindcreative.com’s web-series, “The Thrill of the Kill,” which was an official selection of the Phoenix Comicon Film Festival in 2017.
Louis was named a Fellow at the Tennessee Playwright’s Studio in Nashville, Tennessee and a Finalist for the 2020-2021 Maison Baldwin Writer-in-Residence Program presented by Les Amis de la Maison Baldwin. He is currently a member of the ESPA/Einhorn School of Performing Arts @ Primary Stages Theatre Company in New York City.
LISA SIMMONS
SHE/HER/HERS
You might know Lisa as the Artistic Director and Executive Producer of the Roxbury International Film Festival (ROXFILM), the largest festival in New England that celebrates people of color around the world, and the founder of the Color of Film Collaborative, whose mission it is to support content creators who are creating a broader range of images of people of color in media. But what you might not know is that she has written a few screenplays and has been working on a film for a while about the Negro Theater in Boston from 1935-1939 and has made short films that focus on Boston’s history and communities of color. Lisa is also working on a novel but her passion is supporting independent filmmakers and bringing their stories to a wider audience. Hope you enjoy all the stories.
LOIS P. ROACH
SHE/HER/HERS
LOIS ROACH is a writer, award winning producer and stage director. Her screenplay, "Lena and Leonard," is one of 3 dramatic screenplays she has written exploring the stories of Blacks in Boston.
Lois served as one of Resident Artists for the New Rep Theatre through its relaunch in April 2022 to its final season in October of 2023. Lois most recently directed “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry for the New Rep Theatre. The production was awarded The Critics Pick from the Boston Theater Critics Association and was nominated for 5 Elliot Norton Awards.
She produced a series of programs for the Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket. The shows looked at the role of women in the 2020 U.S. Election; the impact of racism on the health care response to Covid-19; and the importance of Boston's Black community and its allies in the antislavery movement. Each program was anchored with dramatic, historical vignettes and are hosted on the WGBH Forum Network.
As the former Director of Public Affairs for WBZ-TV and Radio, Lois won an Emmy award for spots written and produced about AIDS. She was the coordinating producer for public service campaigns such as “Stop the Violence” and “Time to Care.” For 16 years, she was a live event producer with First Night Boston.
She is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Theatre Studies department of Wellesley College.
MACSONNY C. ONYECHEFULE
HE/HIM/HIS
WEBSITE || EMAIL || TWITTER || INSTAGRAM || YOUTUBE
Macsonny Onyechefule is a writer, director, video editor and public relations manager. His longtime love of stories inspired him to create his own. That inspiration fueled his undergraduate studies at Stonehill College and later his graduate studies at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies. To attain his master’s degree in digital media, he wrote, directed, edited and shot his thesis short Readmission.
Several years later, he again took on all those responsibilities and starred in the short 4:59 pm. When he’s not writing, he’s expanding his skills and working on video and motion graphics projects that explore different avenues of storytelling. Macsonny is the proud son of Nigerian immigrants and the oldest of four brothers.
MARY MCCULLOUGH
SHE/HER/HERS
MARY MILLNER MCCULLOUGH, co-founder of The Streetfeet Women, was born in Southwestern Virginia. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater from Goddard College, and a Master of Arts in Writing from Northeastern University. Her plays have been featured in Jacqui Parker’s African American Theater Festivals, Slam-Boston, ACT-Roxbury Dramatic Shoutouts, TC Squared New Works Festival, and the former Theater Co-op of Somerville, MA. She is an alumni of Company One’s Boston PlayLab Unit and is developing new work in the TC Squared Theater PlayLab. Smoked Oysters produced by TC Squared in 2020 is schedule for production by Hibernian Hall of Roxbury, MA in their 2021 season. Other work by McCullough is archived in TC Squared’s virtual readings on their Volume Up Web series and a podcast recording of an excerpt from McCullough’s play, Ballahoo in the Hair Kitchen, can be heard on the Boston Podcast Players’ website, Season I. McCullough’s A Fine and Dangerous Country was a semifinalist in the 2020 Eugene O’Neill Playwrights Theater Conference. Short stories by McCullough have been published in literary journals, the International Center for Women Playwrights’ publications and The Streetfeet Women’s publications. She is the 2021-2022 playwright-in-residence at Hibernian Hall, Roxbury, MA, a member of the Dramatist Guild and the International Center for Women Playwrights.
RISE-HOME STORIES
Website - Rise-Home || Website - MINE || Email || Instagram - Rise-Home || Instagram - Beauvoda
MINE is a part of the Rise-Home Stories project, a groundbreaking collaboration that aims to reimagine the past, present, and future of our communities by transforming the stories we tell about them. In 2018, our group of multimedia storytellers and housing, land, and racial justice advocates came together and began a unique co-creative process. We’ve created a suite of five multimedia narrative projects, including MINE, that speak to the power of abundance and collective action in the face of increasingly toxic narratives of scarcity and individualism while planting a long-term vision for a just future.
Individual bios and headshots for the whole team can be found on the "About" page on our website.
THATO R. MWOSA
SHE/HER/HERS
Instagram || Twitter || Website
Thato R. Mwosa is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. Her films have been broadcast nationally and internationally. Thato’s first feature film, Memoirs of a Black Girl, premiered at the 2021 Boston Globe’s Black History Month Film Festival and it won Best Feature Film award at the 2021 Hamilton Black Film Festival and the 2021 Roxbury International Film Festival (RIFF). Thato has been featured by National Public Radio (NPR) and Boston Globe. In 2021, Thato was selected for Company One’s Playlab Circuit Volt Playwriting Lab. She was a finalist for the 2019 Mass Cultural Art Fellowship in the Dramatic Writing category. Thato was a quarter-finalist for The Academy Nicholl Fellowship and a semi-finalist of the 2021 Writer Lab NY for her screenplay A Blue Dawn. Thato teaches Visual Media Arts at Emerson College and Writing for Stage and Screen at Lesley’s University Creative Writing MFA Residency Program. This fall of 2022, Thato will be a full-time Professor of Screenwriting at Boston University.
TORIN HARRIS
SHE/HER/HERS
My name is Torin and I’m a rising junior studying International Relations and Film & TV at Boston University. I grew up around different areas around Boston, but recently moved to Virginia. In the future, my goal is to make social-issue documentaries abroad in order to combine my love of languages with filmmaking. After being in a documentary about having queer parents and a multiracial family when I was much younger, I’ve been inspired to document others who sometimes fall at the edges of society. At the moment, I’m interning abroad at a production studio in Paris, but can’t wait to return to Boston in the fall.
U-MELENI MHLABA-ADEBO
SHE/HER/HERS
U-Meleni Mhlaba-Adebo is a Zimbabwean American interdisciplinary artist, experimental filmmaker, poet, author, educator, marathoner, and storyteller whose work explores ancestral memory, land, migration, healing, and Black diasporic identity. Working between Boston, Lagos, and Zimbabwe, she creates immersive storytelling experiences across film, poetry, performance, and socially engaged art.
Rooted in her Ndebele and Ndau heritage, Mhlaba-Adebo approaches storytelling as both artistic practice and living archive — preserving memory, honoring lineage, and creating space for collective reflection and transformation. Her work centers Black womanhood, embodiment, grief, spirituality, movement, and belonging, drawing from ritual, ecological memory, and lived diasporic experience.
She is a 2025 Baldwin for the Arts Fellow, a national fellowship founded by Jacqueline Woodson, and a 2023 Brother Thomas Fellow recognized for artistic excellence and cultural contribution. In 2024, she was a Lantern Art Space Fellow in Lagos, Nigeria, where she developed interdisciplinary work in collaboration with artists across the African continent.
Mhlaba-Adebo is the author of Soul Psalms, a poetry collection exploring love, loss, healing, and spiritual inheritance. She is also the co-founder of the Sinmi Bench Project, a public art initiative supported by the Goethe-Institut Lagos that explores rest as infrastructure, rest as a human right, and rest as both an aesthetic and political act.
Her directorial debut experimental film, Reclamation: This Is My Country, This Is My Land, premiered at the Roxbury International Film Festival in 2025. A marathoner and wellness advocate, she views movement as medicine and her artistic practice as part of her ministry.
UCHE IHEUKWUMERE
Uche Iheukwumere is a Nigerian-American playwright, screenwriter, poet, actress and storyteller whose work explores womanhood, cultural identity, faith, family, and the complexities of tradition within African and diasporic communities. Through emotionally driven narratives, she examines the ways culture, gender, and generational expectations shape the choices people make in pursuit of love, belonging, and self-determination.
A lifelong writer, Uche has been writing poetry for more than two decades. Her creative practice is rooted in a deep appreciation for language, memory, and the power of storytelling to preserve culture, challenge assumptions, and foster empathy. Drawing inspiration from her Igbo heritage and the experiences of African women across the continent and diaspora, she creates stories that are culturally specific, emotionally resonant, and universally human.
As an actress, Uche trained in the Meisner technique at The Michael Chekhov Actor's Studio Boston. Her training informs her approach to writing; grounding her work in authentic character relationships, emotional truth, and nuanced interpersonal dynamics.
In addition to her creative work, Uche has spent more than a decade working in healthcare technology, implementation, and education. Her professional experience and psychology background have deepened her interest in human behaviour, resilience, and the systems that shape individual lives - themes that frequently emerge in her writing.
WILLIAM ROEBUCK
WILLIAM ROEBUCK
William Roebuck is an independent filmmaker, writer, and producer known for character driven narratives and compelling documentaries. He executive produced The Breaking Point (2014) and The Turnaround (2017), along with writing the short films It Can Be Deadly (2019) and Yogurt Raisin (2023). Notably, he wrote and produced the documentary 2020 Year of the Nurse (2021) that won Best Documentary at the 12th Annual Bronzelens Film Festival and was nominated for the Panavision Award: Outstanding Feature (2022) and Orlando Film Festival Best Documentary Nominee (2021).
—
ANTHONY J. DAVIS
INSTAGRAM
Anthony J. Davis is carving out an impressive lane as an independent producer, showcasing a passion for spotlighting diverse voices and unique perspectives though his work on short film projects like Yogurt Raisin and Spin. Currently, he’s joined forces with Golden Globe, Emmy®, BAFTA, PGA, and NAACP Image Award-winning producer and director Anthony Hemingway on the upcoming health documentary Sugar Daddy, in which Davis serves as producer. Davis previously spent more than a decade as an assistant production accountant, with credits spanning some of the largest productions in Hollywood, including several Marvel Studios titles.
ACTORS
Click on the actor’s image to read their bio and find contact information!
ABDUL-KAREEM OSENI
HE/HIM/HIS
Abdul-Kareem Oseni is an artist, song-writer, producer and actor from Dorchester. He is also one of the curators of a Boston-based podcast called “Show and Tell Boston”, and one half of a music duo group known as Da Grüvement. His genre(s) of music are mainly neo-soul and contemporary hip-hop, and he also starred in an independent drama film called “Enter The Jungle”.
ALEXANDRIA KING
SHE/THEY
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Alexandria Danielle King is an actor, writer, educator, dancer, director and nature enthusiast. She received her BA in Drama from Tufts University and advanced theatre training from The Moscow Arts Theatre School. She believes that performance art is a divine tool for revealing and examining the condition of the heart. Her previous credits include: Regional: The Bluest Eye (The Huntington Theatre). Off Broadway: Pipeline (WAM & The Nora Theatre), A Christmas Carol In Harlem (Classical Theatre of Harlem), Antigone (Classical Theatre of Harlem), Detroit ‘67 (New Horizon Theatre), The Girls of Summer (The Layon Gray Experience,LLC), The Revolutionists, (The Nora Theatre), Broken City: Wall St. (Pop Up Theatrics), Arabian Nights (The Underground Railway Theatre), Shockheaded Peter (Company One), Splendor (Company One), Midsummer Nights’s Dream (Roxbury Repertory Theater), Black Nativity (The National Center of Afro-American Artists). Film: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Compelling Pictures), Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart (Film Posse), Red Monster (Beyond Measure Productions), Clear History (HBO). Education: B.A. in Drama (Tufts University), Advanced Theatre Training (Moscow Arts Theatre School, Billie Holiday Theatre & Stella Adler BASI). Other: Award Wins- Eliot Norton Awards Outstanding Ensemble & Production, The Bluest Eye. Award Nominations (Berkshire Theatre Critics, Eliot Norton and IRNE Awards).
ANDREA LYMAN
SHE/HER/HERS
WEBSITE || ACTOR FILM DEMO || IMDB || INSTAGRAM
Andrea Lyman enjoys organizing the RoxFilm Daily Script Read zooms each year. Along with moderating the talkback she is an actor in two works this year, GAVIN and TORTURED SOUL. Andrea is the New England Local President of SAG-AFTRA. She will be co-leading the free Actor Workshop with Brandon Scales and David J. Curtis at 10am Sunday, 6/21/26. She has loved being in films presented at the festival over the years, NOT A TYPICAL ALIEN, UGLY SWEATER, COME ON IN, PLUS 1’s and more. Andrea has played real life characters in the historical docudrama films HALF THE HISTORY: ELLEN GARRISON STORY playing Ellen Garrison and NEGRO ELECTION DAY playing the Phyllis wife of the King. Andrea has performed locally, nationally and internationally on stage and screen, such as Radio City Music Hall’s CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, ION-TV’s A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS, her solo musical show BROADWAY LADY and various local and national commercials and podcasts. She volunteers on Advisory Board of The Secret Society Of Black Creatives, the Executive Board of the Greater Boston Labor Council and the board of Roxbury International Film Festival.
ANJIE PARKER
SHE/HER/HERS
Anjie Parker (Actor, writer, & director) is excited to be making her debut as a writer for the Daily Reads with Rox Film Festival. She has been an actor for the reads for a couple of years and as always she's excited to be back in both mediums writing and acting!
She has recently concluded directing 2 short films earlier this year, and is looking to make this script “Tortured Soul” her third production. She has been writing since she was little and acting for 10+ years locally, and she uses all of her experiences to inform her crafts. Anjie has recently closed out a theatre performance “You’re Cordially Invited to the End of the World” with Company One, at the Boston Public Library. After closing, she switched gears to Directing and Writing, and is currently writing on a series called “Hue Done It” being produced by Anawan Studios.
As she debuts this new work she's excited to see it come to life for the first time. Thank you to Rox Film for this opportunity to share this screenplay.
ARIA JAMILA
INSTAGRAM
Aria Jamila is a Trinidadian actor and writer interested in stories that live at the intersection of spirituality, identity, memory, and liberation. Trained at both New York University Tisch School of the Arts and the William Esper Studio, her work is rooted in emotional honesty, cultural specificity, and a belief that storytelling can be both deeply human and transformative.
She is especially drawn to Afro-diasporic, Afro-Caribbean, Muslim, immigrant, and women-led stories; particularly stories that reclaim the parts of ourselves we are taught to hide. Her work often explores how shame, longing, tenderness, and difference can become sites of power, beauty, and connection.
Her screen credits include Sweet Freedom, an official selection of the Pan African Film Festival, as well as theater work including Gathering. Across mediums, she is drawn to work where drama and comedy exist in the same breath and where characters are allowed to feel recognizable and fully alive.
Raised with strong Trinidadian roots, Aria brings a distinctly Caribbean sensibility to her work ie warm, intuitive, spiritually curious, and full of vibe. She approaches storytelling with both rigor and play, believing that imagination and presence are essential to meaningful art.
She is honored to participate in the Roxbury International Film Festival table read and excited to continue creating stories that feel intimate, resonant, and culturally grounded.
ARIEL COLEMAN
ARTHUR WILLIAMS III
HE/HIM/HIS
Arthur Williams III is a native of Boston, MA who got his start in the arts at the age of (5) years old singing, acapella at the Playhouse In The Park concert. In High School he was trained as a classical 1st and 2nd tenor singer and toured La Coruna, Spain and parts of the US.
Later, he studied dance and theater at Emerson College in Boston and went on to become A professional dancer, gymnast. and later worked for the NFL as a Gymnast and principle dancer/actor with Boston Youth Theater.
As a stage play actor and director he is currently listed with Playwrite’s Platform and has started as Richard in “Blues to Mr. Charlie”; “I’d Rather Be Lucky than Good”; “FENCES” and Lucius in “Jesus Hopped The A Train”.
More recently he has had principal and lead roles in Indie movies and web series such as “Streets Run Red”; “Curveball” and “Sella’s Kitchen”. Currently, he is represented by Model club Inc., and was nominated for Actor of the year in the DASH Awards 2019…and is honored to work with the Roxbury International Film Festival once again.
ASHLEY ALDARONDO
SHE/HER/HERS
Ashley is a Puerto Rican born, proud Afro-Latina. She is a Rhode Island based actor who is excited to be back participating in this year’s RoxFilm Festival. Her credits include Clyde’s, (Burbage Theatre), La Tierra Que Buscó Yo, (Teatro Chelsea), Que Diablo, Faustus (Trinity Repertory Co/RILA) Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Speakeasy), Someone Will Remember Us, (Trinity Repertory Company), Crown of Times (ReRooted Space), Alguien Más (Trinity Repertory Co//RILA),
ASHTON MUÑIZ
ASHTON/THEY/HE
Legacy: A Black Queer Production Collective (Instagram, GoFundMe)
Ashton Muñiz is a queer actor, artist, and activist based in New York City. Select recent credits include The Inheritance(Broadway), Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music(The Kimmel Center/St. Ann’s Warehouse/Pomegranate Arts), Esai’s Table Cherry Lane), False Stars(The Pack Theatre), And She Would Stand Like This(Movement Theatre Company), and Take Care(The Flea). Recently, Ashton has collaborated with various artists and featured in their works at The Guggenheim(Machine Dazzle), Art Institute Chicago/Swiss Institute/New Museum(Cally Spooner), Biennial Performa/Lehmann Maupin(Nicholas Hlobo), Friedman Gallery(Alexander Kargaltsev), and Pace Gallery(Lilleth Glimcher). Additionally, Ashton has danced for various musicians including Marc Jacobs FW 2020(Karole Armitage), A$AP Rocky(Lab Rat-Sotheby’s), Rihanna(MTV VMAs 2016), Julia Anrather, and Miles Francis. Muñiz is a co-founder of Legacy: A Back Queer Production Collecitve and received training at Ithaca College, Moscow Arts Theatre School, and Shakespeare & Company.
BRANDON SCALES
HE/HIM/HIS
Actor Brandon Scales starred as a police officer who captures and arrests ghosts in the fantasy pilot Deadlock. He’s Chandra West’s cameraman in the comedy Love, Weddings & Other Disasters, and he appears opposite Taika Waititi, Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer in the adventure/comedy Free Guy. Early in 2020, he portrayed Terrence Graham, a doomed police detective in director Peter Berg’s crime drama Spenser Confidential, his third film with actor Mark Wahlberg.
It was through background work on films that he received a huge break. Determined to show off his skill even in extra parts, his energy and passion to be an authentic character was noticed by director Peter Berg on the set of Patriot’s Day.
Suddenly, Brandon had lines to speak.
Berg later cast him as a U.S. embassy analyst/computer hacker opposite Mark Wahlberg in Mile 22 – that support from one of Hollywood’s top creators has propelled Brandon’s career.
In addition to acting, Brandon has also starred in, written, and produced a number of short films, including Trumpet Gumbo, Hardened, I Forgot To Say Thank You, and Fire.
BRENDA RAY
“Disappointment is the seed of success." I am a lover of quotes, proverbs, fables, and humor.
It’s my lifeline to happiness. Like many artists, I’m a lifelong learner and a lover of learning both in and out of the classroom. Formerly, I’ve obtained a Bachelor ofScience degree in Biology, Masters of Education in Instructional Media Design from University of Massachusetts Boston and a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Animation from Mass College of Art and Design.
Throughout the years I’ve had the opportunity to grow as both an artist, writer, and scientist. I’ve entertained on stage as an actress, storyteller, puppeteer, and vocalists. There are too many wacky and weird stories of my ventures to put in this bio.
CARMEN DILLON
CARMEN FIELDS
WEBSITE || BLUESKY || TWITTER || LINKEDIN
A fixture in the greater Boston journalism community for over 30 years, Carmen Fields has broad experience in both print and broadcast journalism; journalism education and corporate and non-profit media relations. Additionally, Fields is a SAG-AFTRA affiliated actor and voice-over artist. The Tulsa, OK native earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Lincoln University (MO) and a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University. Other achievements include Harvard University’s Nieman Fellowship and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Salem State University.
CHIONISO S. JAKAZI
SHE/HER/HERS
Chioniso Jakazi is a Zimbabwean public health researcher and lover of the arts based in Baltimore, Maryland. Born and raised in Zimbabwe and shaped by years of living, studying, and working across continents, she brings a grounded cross-cultural perspective to everything she touches.
She is a doctoral candidate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where her research focuses on maternal and newborn health in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work sits at the intersection of history, data, and human experience, asking why mothers and babies live and die the way they do, and what systems, policies, and decisions shape those outcomes.
Film, writing, and music have always been part of how she understands the world. She believes that public health and the arts share the same fundamental question: whose lives get centred and whose voices get heard. The Roxbury International Film Festival is a natural home for that belief.
Outside of her research, Chioniso enjoys trying new recipes, reading, going to concerts, watching a good show, and singing in her church choir.
CHRIS EVERETT
SHE/HER/HERS
Chris Everett (she/her) is an Elliot Norton Award nominated actor, writer, and voiceover artist based in Boston. She is thrilled to participate in the International RoxFilm Festival and Daily Reads for the 5th year in a row. Most recent theater credits include Weighting the Wait (Open Theatre Project) and Dust (Art Salon Reading with TC Squared). Other theater credits include; How Long Must We Wait (History at Play) and the debut performances of; can i touch it? (Company One), at the Strand Theater in 2022, Confidential Informant (TC Squared) in 2023, The Interrobangers (Company One) in 2024, and There for You (I Got Your Back) with the touring educational theater troupe 2nd Act at the Grunin Center for the Arts in New Jersey. Television credits include, Kevin Can F*** Himself (AMC), SMILF (SHOWTIME), and Castle Rock (Hulu). In 2025, Chris starred in the independent feature film, Dual Plans. Additional film credits include Don’t Look Up, I Care A Lot (Netflix), About Fate, Godmothered (Disney+), TED, The Good House, Ella McCay, Sleepwalker, and Rubber Hut (pre-production).
CHRISTINA JONES
SHE/HER/HERS
Christina Jones is thrilled to be a part of the RoxFilm Daily Reads Series. She is an aspiring actress and musician studying musical theater at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, with a specialization in songwriting. She has participated and competed in both local and national competitions, such as the St Louis Teen Talent Competition (winner in 2017), American Idol (season 13), and Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. Her theatrical work includes Cabaret (Ensemble), Shrek the Musical (Dragon), Big Fish (The Witch and Josephine respectively), and many more. Her theatrical work/playreadings on zoom include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Peasblossom and the Fairy) and For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf (Lady in Yellow). She is expected to play one of the Hunnies girls in Jelly’s Last Jam at New Repertory Theater in Watertown, MA, and Charlaine Woodard in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Central Square Theater in Cambridge, MA in 2021.
CHRISTOPHER JAMES
HE/HIM/HIS
Chris grew up in California and made his first appearance on stage in his third-grade class’s performance of “The Elves and the Shoemaker” where he played the Shoemaker. Chris did not pursue acting, instead choosing the Navy, where he was detailed as ‘Escort’ for the “1973 Miss California Beauty Pageant” in San Francisco, California. Later he was again singled-out for a Navy enlistment photo shoot, that ran in 1984-85. After serving 25 years in the service, later pursuing a master’s in social work at the University of Connecticut, Chris studied “Stage and Theater Acting” under Michael Bradford. Working as a member of Professor Bradford’s ensemble, and preforming play’s such as “Black like my Sole is Black”, by Michael Bradford, Chris might have stayed in theater. However, upon exiting the Navy, Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad” had drawn him in to work as Chiewetel Ejiofor’s stand-in. It has been voice over, stand-in, background work and commercial’s ever since. Currently Chris is serving as SAG/AFTRA convention delegate for 2021-2023, and in the running for 2023-2025. Chris was elected to the New England Board.
CLOTEAL L. HORNE
SHE/HER/HERS
CLOTEAL L. HORNE is a dynamic actress, educator, and theatre-maker. Her credits include, Off-Broadway: The Steadfast (Slant Theatre Project); Dirty Blood (Billie Holiday Theatre). Regional: Twelfth Night; Merry Wives of Windsors; Two Gents.; Merchant of Venice; Comedy of Errors; Midsummer Night’s Dream; Christmas At Pemberley (Shakespeare & Co.). She A Gem, (NYTW). Black Odyssey (Trinity Rep.) Marie Antoinette, Comedia De Equivocaciones; Venus (Brown/Trinity), Saturday Night/Sunday Morning, (LyricStage) To Kill a Mockingbird, (Weston Playhouse); Funny Thing Happened…, (BarnStormers); The Clothesline Muse, (Aion Productions); How We Got On, (CompanyOne); Gift Horse, R&J, (New Rep.); Othello, (ASP); BlueShift, (Huntington). FILM: The Light (B.K.Lui.Horne), The Promotion (C1 Media) Driving While Black Magic. As an educator, Cloteal has taught at: Yale School of Drama, Brown University, NYU- Playwrights Horizons, and La Jolla Playhouse Student Conservatory. B.F.A in Acting from Boston University and a M.F.A in Acting from Brown University/Trinity. Gratefully standing on the shoulders of those that have come before her, Cloteal is a product of her grandmother’s prayers + her ancestors’ wildest dream.
CHRYSTEE PHARRIS
SHE/HER/HERS
INSTAGRAM || FACEBOOK: ChrysteePharris
Chrystee Pharris blazed onto NBC-TV as Simone Russell on the hit daytime soap opera Passions and she returned to NBC at night creating passion with Golden Globe Nominee Zach Braff on the hit show Scrubs as “J.D.’S” girlfriend Kylie. Currently, she can be seen on Craig Ross Jr.’s Monogamy on ALLBLK. She is also executive producing Mercer Island. And you will catch her recurring on Season 3, Goliath on Amazon Prime. This versatile alumni of Emerson College has conquered feature films, theatre and is currently touring her hit one-woman show In Search of O. Chrystee performed in Let Freedom Ring with SNL's Garret Morris, and Lady Patriot, both plays written and directed by Ted Lange. She has received 2 Best Actress Awards and 3 Best Films Awards for her starring role in Steps of Faith, a faith based film currently on Purflix & Amazon. Chrystee has now put on her directing hat. Directing the stage musical Suessical with 35 kids & adults as well as the short Aimee Victoria which has won two awards; Best Director and Best Covid Film.
Chrystee tirelessly donates her time by mentoring at women’s prisons and teen homeless shelters as well as traveling the world from Compton to South Africa as an Ambassador speaking to young people on everything from education to setting goals in order to plan a better future for themselves. Her specialty is speaking about the Business of Acting to young actors. “My success means nothing, if I have not planted a seed in someone’s life.” “I want to give others what has been given to me: hope, vision and determination.” Without a doubt, Chrystee Pharris, the beauty with brains and belief is turning heads and making people take notice in all aspects of the entertainment industry — all over the world.
DANIEL CALLAHAN
HE/HIM/HIS
WEBSITE || INSTAGRAM || FACEBOOK
Daniel Callahan is multi-disciplinary artist and performer. Merging a plethora of mediums including film, painting, photography and performance Daniel seeks to create immersive experiences incorporating story, ritual and the human form to explore aspects of resilience and mysticism. A graduate of the UPenn School of Design, and Emerson College, where he received an MFA in Film and Video, Daniel and his work have been featured at the Museum of Fine Art, The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Queens Museum, The New Orleans Museum of Art and publications such as Believer Magazine, The Smithsonian Press, and Words Beats & Life: The Global Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.
DARLINE ANN HARRIS
SHE/HER/HERS
Darline Ann Harris is a union actor in the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and Actor’s Equity Association, with credits in stage, TV, film, radio, and voice overs. One of her many career highlights includes being named Artist in Residency for the California Arts and Corrections Program, teaching theater in the Southern California Correctional Institutions and doing Simulations for medical students in various educational institutions on the east and west coast. Represented by Model Club, Inc.
DARREN PAUL
A Dallas, TX native and recent Boston resident whose work has been primarily onstage, but looking forward to more on-camera opportunities. Credits include: JESUS, NOAH(Sight & Sound Theatres), Passing Strange, Memphis, Hot Mikado (Theatre Three), Smile, Smile Again, Original Man (Ochre House Theatre), The Color Purple, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, It Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues (Jubilee Theatre).
DASHAUN KNIGHT-BARTLEY
HE/HIM/HIS
Facebook: Dashaun Knight
I’m 26 with the whole world ahead of me I’m ready to embark on this great journey called life with hope and aspiration. I plan on building generational wealth from my family and making sure all my dreams come true in the process. right now I’m currently working as a behavioral therapist, but that was not always the goal. I’ve wanted to be an actor since I was little. And I even went to Boston Arts Academy as a theater major. Life had other plans for me, but that does mean I stopped loving the idea of being on the big screen, and hopefully one day it will happen. I just have to keep pushing forward.
DAVID J. CURTIS
HE/HIM/HIS
Born in Washington, D.C., but raised in Boston, MA since 6 months, David J. Curtis has been blessed to work in television, film and stage since
2004. David is a director, actor, screenwriter, and producer. Some of David’s production credits include directing/writing/producing and
starring in the short film, “Love of a Lifetime,” due to make the festival rounds this Summer/Fall, co-directing/producing the short film,
“Plus 1s,” written by and starring his good friend, the amazing Liz Eng,acting in and producing the award-winning, full-length psychological
thriller “By the Water’s Edge,” and many other music videos, promotional and testimonial videos. A proud SAG-AFTRA member since 2007, some of
David’s film and television credits include principal roles in TheWalking Dead: Dead City, The Holdovers, Dexter: New Blood, A Very
Vermont Christmas, Julia, Kevin Can F- - - Himself, Don’t Look Up, Whiskey Floats, R.I.P.D., The Maiden Heist, Edge of Darkness and many
more. With many theatre productions under his belt, his most memorable stage credits include “When January Feels like Summer,” “Brokeology,” “A
Soldier's Play,” “The Crucible,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and “Mama, I Want to Sing,” David has also been featured in many national and
regional television. In addition to acting, David is also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, composer, music producer, and sound engineer with many credits to his name.
DEANNA BEMUR
SHE/HER
Deannah Blemur (she/her) is a Haitian-American performing artist and entrepreneur. As the president of Holos Multimedia, she aims to provide resources that will support artists across the globe and elevate black and indigenous artists of color to secure generational wealth. She was last seen in June 2022 at the Mission Hill Arts Festival. In March 2022, she performed at the Master Playwriting Class Showcase, hosted by Hibernian Hall. In 2020, she embodied six different characters in the play, Broken, Healed, and Holding On, which Gloucester Stage Company hosted. In 2019, she began training under the direction of Jacqui Parker at Our Place Theatre, and that year, she also studied with Michelle Baxter and performed at Pine Manor College as "Ruth Younger" in A Raisin in the Sun. She is extremely grateful to have discovered her passion for acting in 2018 while studying under the late Stephen Sorkin, and will forever cherish the experience.
Holos Multimedia | @holosmultimedia
We integrate The Holistic Theory of Art into our services and empower creatives with mind, body, and soul balance.
DroppLiiT | @droppliit
DroppLiiT is a free and dynamic social media networking platform that helps artists connect, collaborate, and flourish professionally.
Harmunii Arts & Wellness | @harmuniiaw
A multidisciplinary creative sanctuary that utilizes innovative technology to offer high-quality sound healing and production services.
DENISE LOPES
SHE/HER/HERS
DENISE DOS SANTOS NEVES LOPES is an ESL teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Systems and a Master’s Degree in Education. She was born in the Cabo Verde Islands, West Coast of Africa, and immigrated to the United States when she was 14 years old. She is the mother of two beautiful children and speaks five different languages. Denise is a published author and a spoken words poet. Her first book is tilted “Dena’s Poems: Healing Through Poetry”. She is also the Vice- President and Events Manager for the nonprofit organization names Our Children, Our Future, Inc.
DINA JEAN
DOCTOR MIKAEL POWELL
DOC/HE/HIM/HIS
RESUME/REEL || INSTAGRAM || IMDB || EMAIL
Doctor Mikael Powell is a New England actor, commercial print model. VO artist and a longtime member of SAG/AFTRA. Doc is represented by Maggie Inc., in Boston, MA. Principal leads in film and TV include Public Defender in the feature LOSERS (2027), Renny in the feature DECLINED (2027), Reggie in the short film SOUTHPAW (2026), Freddy in the short film LAUNDROMAT (2026), and Mr. Kimani in the short film HIS NAME IS EKU (being screened at this festival). Significant roles in theater include Jimmy in A TASTE OF HONEY, Archie in THE LITTLE TOMMY PARKER CELEBRATED COLORED MINSTREL SHOW, and in the workshop ensemble of PROMETHEUS BOUND directed by Richard Schechner.
DONOVAN WOODS
HE/HIM/HIS
Donovan was recently appeared as Daz in the virtual production of Kill Move Paradise. Previously he made his New York debut as Esu in Feast: A Yoruba Project with Vineyard Entertainment! His past roles include Between the Lines (Ryan) A Raisin in the Sun (George Murchison), A Christmas Carol (Topper) at Kansas City Repertory Theater. The Brothers Size (Oshoosi Size) at Unicorn Theater and Hairspray at Starlight Theatre.
EMANUEL GOMES
EZRA REY STEVENS
HE/HIM/HIS
Ezra Stevens is a God fearing, Family oriented individual who Grew up in Cambridge Massachusetts, Ezra enjoy's every area of Acting, from comedy, Drama, and Action. He is a Phoenix on the rise, A classmate and professor from Emerson college pushed Ezra out of his comfort zone. Ezra has also done various, Plays, short films, feature films, and commercials. Ezra has had the opportunity to work with, various directors, and some awesome Actors. Theatre Plays such as, "A Soldier's Play", "To Kill A Mockingbird", "Othello", and "M*A*S*H" just to name a few. Ezra Appreciate's every opportunities given. Ezra Rey Stevens ’ film and television credit's include "come on in", "lighter than air", "Alone in the Woods", and Don't look up".
GILDA JAMES
SHE/HER/HERS
GILDA JAMES SHE/HER/HERS Born in Queens, grew up in Connecticut, later moving to Italy then Florida, and finally Massachusetts in 2015. Married, one daughter, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Gilda started acting very young, inspired by her mother’s involvement with community fashion shows. Later she was modeling at the Naval Submarine Base in Connecticut. Then, swimwear in Florida, and Informal wear in Alabama. Trained for runway photography, and dramatic modeling for TV commercials, at the Alabama Talent Agency. At the University of Connecticut, she worked with Michael Bradford, the Professor of Theater Arts. Her brother, Harry Thomas, also helped in her acting career, with her fist movie “Amistad”. The Amistad Movie gave her the opportunity to meet the director, Steven Spielberg and many other actors. From this first movie she was able join the Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artiste (SAG/AFTRA). It created more opportunities to work as a stand-in for the Providence Pilot and the movies Proud Mary and The Sleep Over. She has appeared on TV with Gale King, Talk Shows with John Fahey and Martin Olsen, and heard on radio station 980 WCAP with Dorcas Valentine for Senior Voices. Working to expand within the SAG/AFTRA, she ran for union office. Still working as an actor and union board member on the 2019 SAG/AFTRA Board, she was re elected this past year for 2021. She is further involved in her community as an active Poll worker, and volunteer at the Lowell Senior Center’s Age Friendly Group and Board member for Lowell Council on Aging.
HAKIM HILL
Hakim's first career was in the mental health field, working with at-risk youth as a Therapeutic Mentor. From there, he returned to school to pursue a master’s degree in counseling, switching gears to work in college institutions and provide on-call crisis management. At the same time, he used horror films to teach students about trauma.
Upon moving to Los Angeles, Hakim participated in the 2020-21 NBC's Writers on the Verge for comedy, the 2022 Yes And... Laughter Lab Showcase, and the 2026 YALL Comedy Fest. He was a writer on Peacock's horror series "HYSTERIA!” and the first season of "THE 'BURBS."
HEATHER GIBSON
SHE/HER/HERS
Heather Gibson is a magnetic, bi-coastal actress and writer whose work has taken her in many different directions. Her theatrical credits Range from being top 10 participant of the 2024 ABC Discovers Showcase, captivating industry leaders with her emotional range and bold presence, Guest starring NBC’s Chicago Fire, Tyler Perry’s all the Queen’s Men and Leading two original plays at the Kennedy Center. Currently, Heather is developing her first original pilot, a heartfelt, humorous piece inspired by her own beautifully messy experiences. When she’s not acting or writing, you’ll find her mentoring fellow artists, taking solo Jeep drives, or Dancing to her favorite Broadway tunes—all with faith in God and a fire in her spirit.
JACKIE DAVIS
SHE/HER/HERS
Jackie Davis is an actor, director and choreographer and intimacy director/advocate. She has worked in theater, film and television primarily on the east coast. Notable theatre directing credits include Blues for an. Alabama Sky, Notes from the Field, and Ruined. Notable Intimacy Direction include The Inheritance, and References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot. Notable choreography projects include La Tempestad (The Tempest), The Wiz and Caroline or Change. Jackie is a member of the Resident Acting Company of Trinity Repertory Company and was last seen on stage as FLOTUS in their production of POTUS. Other notable roles include Rose in Fences and Margaret in The Inheritance. Jackie received her BFA in Directing from the University of Rhode Island. She is on staff in Trinity's Education Department as a Teaching Artist/Master Instructor for both the Adult Intro to Acting classes and TRC's Young Actors Summer Institute (YASI). She is also part of the Movement Faculty for the Brown/Trinity MFA Program. Jackie is the founding artistic director of New Urban Theater Laboratory, (https://nutl.wordpress.com) where she produced and directed five seasons of new works in Massachusetts.
JACOBITE MCFEE
HE/HIM/HIS
WEBSITE || EMAIL || INSTAGRAM
Jacobite McFee is thrilled to join the reader list for the RoxFilm Festival Daily Script Reads. Jacobite is both a stage and film actor. On stage, recent roles include Richard III (Richard III, Gazebo Payers); Macbeth (Macbeth, TPAC); King Lear (King Lear, Gazebo Players) Oberon (Midsummer Night’s Dream ; Nemasket River prod.) Jacobite has also appeared in over 60 films, several taking top prizes at domestic & international festivals. Deep gratitude to his wife of 33 years and three amazing kids for their patience & love.
JACQUI PARKER
SHE/HER/HERS
Heather Gibson is a versatile and dynamic actor known for her performances in theatre, television and film. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Theatre from the University of Maryland College Park. Heather just participated in the 2024 Disney Discovers Showcase in Los Angeles, California! Her television credits include guest starring in NBC's Chicago Fire, Tyler Perry's “All The Queens Men” and appearance FX's “American Horror Story”. Theatre credits include "Steel Magnolias" at Everyman Theatre and two Kennedy Center world premieres of "She A Gem" by Josh Wilder and "HERStory: Love Forever Hip Hop" by Goldie Patrick. Heather's currently working on producing her first full length play, "Biscuits & Gravy"; a play dedicated to the bringing together of multiple generations of a very disconnected and dysfunctional multi racial family.
JADE GUERRA
SHE/HER
Actor/Educator Boston based. Resident artist company member of Actors Shakespeare Project. Recent credits include “Your Cordially Invited to the end of the world” by Keiko Green at Company One Theater, Macbeth(ASP), Piano Lesson by August Wilson (ASP), Her Portmanteau by Mfiniso Udofia ( Central Square Theater).
JAMAL PERKINS
HE/HIM/HIS
EMAIL || TWITTER || INSTAGRAM || YOUTUBE
Born In Chicago IL, Currently Living in MA. Jamal Perkins began art as a child playing trumpet since The age of 9. He continued on to Write/Record music, get broadcasted across numerous Radio Stations, gain Stage experience across the country, & Gain Recognition for acting in music videos.(Which led Him to the film industry!)
Jamal loves to preform in general, as He’s had to learn to dive into multiple roles throughout his real life. Acting comes naturally & He’s always open to work On different projects!
JANINE ROBINSON
SHE/HER/HERS
Janine Robinson, a native of Massachusetts is an actor, writer and producer. She is also a member of Screen Actors Guild. Her passion for collaborative film-making led her to work on numerous film productions in Boston.
She wrote and produced a short experimental film, "CHEERS, A Barstool Story" in 2012, and self-published a book of poetry entitled "Walk With Me".
Janine recently completed her science fiction-themed tale, "The Access Road", and is now working on the screenplay.
JOHN BROWNLIE
HE/HIM/HIS
John, a British expat, trained and developed his craft in the UK. Training first in a Performing Arts High School then moving into amateur theatre, where he stage managed for East Lynne and Blithe Spirit, and did tech for Dial M for Murder and Little Voice. John took to the stage in The Magistrate, Naked Justice, Our Day Out, and Much Ado About Nothing.
Brownlie attended Bretton Hall (Leeds University) to continue his education in acting. There he devised, wrote, and performed in several productions across a variety of genres and styles. Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Acting he formed Daft Mattress, where he co-wrote, directed, performed and toured with several productions. Arriving with his wife in Taiwan 2013 John became a long-standing member at the Lab Space, where he continued to develop his skills and train in Meisner, Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, and classical, to name a few. Brownlie performed in Sylvia, Wait Until Dark, the Taipei 24-hour theatre festivals, male swing for The Diary of Anne Frank, Tape and White Rabbit Red Rabbit. In front of the camera John was a finalist in the 2021 World Monologue Games, played the lead in What Comes Next and 2018’s award-winning short film Portraits. In 2019 he founded Taipei Shorts, working with expats and Taiwanese to create a bilingual theatre company which produced over 20 unique short plays. Since moving to the US last Spring, he has been involved with Mass Arts, NERC, HCE Players, and acted in several short films.
JD DAVIS
THEY/THEM
EMAIL || INSTAGRAM
JD Davis is grateful to return to Roxbury International Film Festival Daily Reads. An RI raised, Boston-based, communicator and arts professional with a passion for making and supporting art that amplifies voices we don't get to hear often. Some of their most recent credits are Sister Act, Seacoast Rep; A Christmas Carol, Trinity Rep; amongst others. JD is a vocalist for multiple wedding bands. You can hear them in their downtown Boston residency this summer and fall! They also teach and compete in various dance styles in New England. Education: Houde School of Acting, Ted Wold Studio, B.A. Rhode Island College.
JOHN GRIGORLADIS
HE/HIM/HIS
John Grigoriadis is a Greek American born and raised in Somerville, MA. His favorite pastime as a child was watching movies, which is where his passion for film began.
John’s acting career started with Mobston, a story about a detective facing a moral dilemma when a mob boss offers him a payoff in the gritty streets of Boston. In the film, John played the mob boss’s driver.
After seeing the process of making the film, John realized that he was not only interested in acting but also in producing films. He is currently working with local filmmakers to help produce their projects.
JOSHUA OLUMIDE
HE/HIM/HIS
Joshua Olumide is an actor raised in Worcester, Massachusetts. He studied acting at, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. His theatre credits include: Macbeth (Hanover Theatre Rep), Romeo and Juliet (Classic Theatre of Maryland), A Raisin in the Sun (New Repertory Theatre), Our Town (People’s Light), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival). Film credits include: “American Fiction,” (MGM, Oscar winning screenplay). “Detroit” (Annapurna Pictures, directed by Kathryn Bigelow). This summer you can catch Josh out on Boston Common in William Shakespeare’s, The Winter’s Tale, produced by Commonwealth Shakespeare Company.
JOURNEY-ADE KING
SHE/HER/HERS
Creative producer, organizer of chaos, and longtime lover of a good story well told, Journey-Ade King works at the intersection of performance, production, and purpose—bringing narrative to life both on stage and behind the scenes.
A recent B.A. graduate from Howard University, studying Communications, with a concentration in TV/Film Production, her sharp eye for detail has supported small-scale photoshoot and indie films, moving seamlessly between logistics and artistry.
She is excited to be a part of the RoxFilm's Daily Script Reads series, alongside talented Boston legends.
JUDITH NELSON DILDAY
SHE/HER/HERS
Judith Nelson Dilday’s credits include 20th Century Blues (The Burlington Players), The Audacity: Women Speak (Sleeping Weasel), Slam Boston (Open Theatre Project ), (Top Eye Open (Hibernian Hall), The Crucible (Franklin Performing Arts Company), Bold Moves (Hibernian Hall) ,The Women of August Wilson (Our Place Theatre ), Healing Waters (Our Place Theater), and Black Nativity (National Center of Afro-American Artists). Ms. Dilday is a Boston-based retired judge.
JULIA CARPENTER
SHE/HER/HERS
Born in Rochester, NY but now a Bostonian, Julia, is known for her enthusiastic, credible, caring and warm voice. An award winning Toastmaster, many have heard her presenting on our local GBH (Public Broadcasting Service) televised auctions.
You may also have heard her as the host Chef Julia, “In the Kitchen” and “SisterTalk”, booster shows for Brown University Institute for Community Health Promotion, or as the voice of instruction for the League of Women Voters Citizen Education Fund voter demonstrations of Datavote, Optech, Accuvote, AVM 40, and Paper Voting Machines for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
JUVAN ELISMA
HE/HIM/HIS
WEBSITE || TWITTER || INSTAGRAM
A SAG-AFTRA actor and model based out of Boston, MA and local to Los Angeles and New York City. Juvan specializes in TV, Films and Commercials. He's trained with many successful industry professionals such as Anthony Meindl, Michael Connors at Zak Barnett Studios and his latest training credit comes from an on camera class at Heather Whitty Studios.
His most recent work include a co starring role on season 2 of 'High Potential' on Hulu. And his feature film in a leading role, titled 'CRAZIE', directed by the legendary Greg Alan Williams is set to release this year!
KADAHJ BENNETT
HE/HIM/HIS
Trouble In Mind (Lyric Stage), Raisin In The Sun, The Charles Lennox Experience (New Rep), The Lehman Trilogy, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Common Ground Revisited, Dream Boston, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (Huntington) Brown & Boozy, X Or, Betty Shabazz vs The Nation (Front Porch) People, Places & Things, Pass Over (SpeakEasy Stage), Quotables, Hype Man, Leftovers (Company One/ART), Isolated Incidents (Broadway Podcast Network), and This Place Displaced (Actors Theater Boston). Bennett is an Elliot Norton Award winner and a WBUR ARTery 25 Changemaker. Currently, Bennett is the Chair of the Theater Department at the Boston Arts Academy and a teaching artist at Harvard University.
KAEDON GRAY
KAREN P.
KEITH MASCOLL
HE/HIM/HIS
The Triggered Project: www.triggered1.com
The Triggered Podcast: @livingatriggeredlifepodcast
Keith Mascoll SAG-AFTRA,AEA, M.Ed is a Actor, Producer ,Mental Health advocate, Sneaker-head, and Founder of the Triggered Project. Keith is a co-host/Producer of the Living a Triggered Life Podcast with his wife Roxann. Keith strives to use his art for social change in the black and brown community. As a survivor of sexual abuse Keith hopes to help end the stigma that surrounds mental health, and black men. He hold a Master Degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education.Keith has a New York Critics Choice award, and a Best Actor Award in The Triggered Project’s film Triggered Life Directed by John Oluwole Adekoje about Keith’s Life as a Survivor from the Las Vegas Black Film Festival.He is also an multiple IRNE nominee for best One Man Show for his work in Love Jones. Keith has also been in national and local commercials, and is excited about creating new opportunities behind the camera like with his documentary Sneaker Therapy. Look for Keith in Kevin Powell’s New Movie When we where Free and the lead role in the movie Confused by Love on Amazon Prime, and as Applesauce in The Polka King on Netflix.
KHAI TYLER
SHE/HER/HERS
Khai Tyler is a SAG-AFTRA actor of Caribbean and African American descent. Her credits include the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Netflix), the drama-thriller film, Boston Strangler (Hulu) and she plays the lead in the coming of age film, Memoirs of a Black Girl (Amazon Prime, Vudu, Apple TV) which won Best Narrative Feature at the Roxbury International Film Festival several years ago. She also stars in several short films, and has a supporting role in the short film His Name is Eku which is premiering at the Rox Film Festival this year. She can also be seen in several commercials and print ads. Khai has a BA in Theatre from Ithaca College and continues to train and work on her craft. She is thrilled to participate in the RoxFilm Festival and Daily Reads again.
LASHMI VIZCAINO
SHE/HER/HERS
Instagram - Lashmi || Instagram - LOYB Podcast || YOUTUBE
Love on Ya Brain on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Lashmi Vizcaíno is a Latina artist based in Boston with experience in acting, modeling and podcasting. She graduated the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2021 with two degrees, a BA in Communication and Spanish, with a focus on Multimedia Digital Communication. Her love for acting started on stage at 8 years old at the Wheelock Family Theatre where she took the lead role as Wendy in Peter Pan, and transitioned into various student films, recently including As Above, So Below and Plus 1s; and prominent Films and TV productions including Dexter: New Blood and Hocus Pocus 2. She has over 10 years of training with industry professionals from Boston, New York and Los Angeles, including where she will soon graduate from the Baron Brown Studio in Santa Monica, CA. She aspires to be a professional working actor and producer in L.A., and to use her platform to amplify the voices of the Black and Latiné communities. Currently she is rebranding her podcast, Love on Ya Brain, which centers around mental health in the Black and Latinx communities, so be sure to stay tuned later this summer! In her free time, Lashmi loves to cook (currently into asian cuisines), journal, play dress up and be a dog mom to 3 year old Apollo.
LAWRENCE EVANS
HE/HIM/HIS
Lawrence Evans – Regional theatre: Florida Studio Theatre, Triad Stage, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Caldwell Theatre Company, Charlotte Repertory Theatre, freeFall Theatre, Weston Playhouse Theatre Company, North Carolina Black Repertory Company, Short North Stage. National tours: And Still I Rise, Camp Logan, The Sweet Spot. Television: “New Amsterdam,” “All My Children,” “Another World,” “Ryan’s Hope,” “As the World Turns,” “One Life to Live,” “The Good Wife,” “Law & Order.” Film: “State Property II,” “The Devil Wears Prada.” He studied theatre at Jackson State University and the University of Michigan.
LIZ ENG
LORRAINE KANYIKE
SHE/HER/HERS
WEBSITE || INSTAGRAM || INSTAGRAM
Lorraine Victoria Kanyike is an Ugandan-American theater artist, writer, and DJ born and raised in Massachusetts. Her work spans through film and stage, with appearances on several stages throughout the northeast and beyond. Lorraine’s work channels her love of Black culture and seeks to join the Black diaspora through storytelling. She is incredibly honored to be a part of the Roxbury International Film Festival!
LYDIA HARRELL
SHE/HER/HERS
INSTAGRAM || TWITTER || FACEBOOK || YOUTUBE || WEBSITE
Lydia "LovelySinger” Harrell is an award winning Jazz/Soul vocalist. While this genre is where her heart is, Lydia has shown an unbreakable ability to mold herself into any musical situation. Be it performing with the Boston Pops, serenading NBA fans with America’s National Anthem, or lending her vocal talents to a chart-topping Deep House singles by British record label, Reel People Music, Lydia’s dedication to extracting the pure essence of song goes virtually unmatched. Her most recent musical accolades include singing lead on a Bob Marley Tribute Album distributed by Sony Music Latin, winning the 2015 Duke Ellington Jazz Vocal Competition, performing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NYC (2016) and winning the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Voice Competition. In addition to her musical talents, Lydia is an actress that has been seen in several regional and national commercials, billboards, short films and theatre productions. She starred in her first Boston 48 Hour Film Project and won Best Original song for her song titled "I Am Beautiful". She is currently cast as Billie Holiday in the New Repertory Theatre postponed-until-further-notice production of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill".
MARIA WILKINS
SHE/HER/HERS
Maria is delighted to be participating once again in the Roxbury International Film Festival! A proud citizen of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Nation, she recently made her stage debut in John Tavano's celebration of Federico Garcia Lorca, Fuénte Grande. Maria began her career as a voice-over talent but quickly fell in love with on camera work, appearing in commercials and several short films. She has also appeared in stage readings by the Native Theatre Thursdays program in conjunction with American Indian Community House/The Eagle Project in NYC.
MAURICE EMMANUEL PARENT
HE/HIM/HIS
Maurice Parent is an actor, singer, dancer, educator, and mentor originally from the Washington, D.C., area. Since making Boston his theatrical home, he has been nominated for four Elliot Norton Awards by The Boston Theater Critics Association, winning two, 8 Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) awards winning three, and won a 2017 an ArtsImpulse Award. As an educator Maurice has taught courses at Northeastern University, Boston University, Reed Academy, and the Boston Public Schools. He was named the 2018 Monan Professor for Theatre Arts at Boston College and a 2019 Neubauer Fellow Faculty Fellow for Tufts University where he currently is a Professor of the Practice. He is a resident company member of the Actors' Shakespeare Project and co-founder / Executive Director of the Front Porch Arts Collective, a Black theatre company committed to advancing racial equity in Boston through theatre.
MEAGAN DILWORTH
SHE/HER/HERS
Meagan Dilworth (She/Her) is an actor, theatre educator, and choreographer. Acting Credits include Atlanta: Father Comes Home from the Wars (Actors Express) Chicago: Tokens of Promise (Digital–Goodman Theatre), A Day of Absence (Congo Square), The Ridiculous Darkness (Sideshow Theatre). Boston: Paradise Blue(Digital-Gloucester Stage) Saturday Night/Sunday Morning (Lyric Stage), Blues for an Alabama Sky (Trinity Repertory Company). She has worked as an educator with Chicago Children’s Theatre, Court Theatre, Kenny Leon’s True Colors, Emerson College, and Trinity Repertory Theatre. She holds a B.A. in Theatre & Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University and M.A. in Theatre Education from Emerson College.
MEICHELLE VARONE
MICHAEL NURSE
HE/HIM/HIS
Sag Aftra member;
Experience: Shakespeare now; Playwrights platform; Speak easy stage; Gloucester stag; Rights and reasons; Theater Hovey players; Puddingstone creative; Sugan theater; New african.
Films: Amistad; Mystic River; Fletch Spenser For Hire; The Departed; Glory; I Wanna Dance with Somebody; Patriots Day; Blown Away; House Sitter; Fever Pitch; What's The Worst That Could Happen
NAHEEM GARCIA
HE/HIM/HIS
ACTOR REEL || WEBSITE || FACEBOOK
Alexis Rene Garcia, professionally known as Naheem Garcia, has been an actor and theatre educator for thirty plus years. He grew up in Boston, MA, arriving here from Cuba with his mother, grandmother and aunt in 1968. This proud bilingual (English and Spanish) artist is known for his deep, mellifluous voice. As a teenager, Naheem developed his acting skills in Boston Youth Theater and received his formal training in theater arts at New African Company, where he has been a Distinguished Artist-In-Residence since 2004. Naheem is the Founder and lead teaching Artist for NG edutainment, an Arts/Education Program, founded in Boston Massachusetts. He is the Residence Teaching Artist and a member of the Huntington Theatre Company’s Education Department, for close to 35 years. Naheem was the Speaker of Residents for the METCO Program at Sharon High and Middle School, Sharon, MA, in the 2020-2022 school year. Working with Art Heals, a youth program in collaboration with Hiberian Hall. He is the Local Representative for the National Latino Committee, SAG-AFTRA, New England as well as a long time member of the union. Naheem is also the Artistic Director for the Oversoul Theatre Collective, and a member of the Board of Directors for Song Keepers, LTD. Most recently, Naheem had the honor and privilege to be the narrator for the King Embrace Monument located in the Boston Common, Boston, MA
Naheem has appeared in several prominent Hollywood-and independently-produced feature films. A selected list includes:
Thickly Settled Directed by Jordan Brooks
At the Sea Directed by Kornel Mundruczó
Black Business Directed by Noah Craigwell
Billy Somethin Directed by Brandon Scales
Any Day Now Directed by Eric Aronson
YE! Directed by A John Oluwole ADEKOJE
Madam Web, Directed by S.J. Clarkson
Challenger Directed by Luca Guadagnino
Money Games Directed by Julian Lowenthal
HOLDOVERS Directed by Alexander Payne
Hocus Pocus 2 Directed by Ann Fletcher
Spirited Directed by Sean Ander
The Sleepover Directed by Trish Sie
Free Guy Directed by Shawn Levy
Jungleland Directed by Mark Winkler
Equalizer2 Directed by Antoine Faqua
Daddy’s Home2 Directed by Sean Anders
Joy Directed by David O. Russell
Black Mass Directed by Scott Cooper
The Proposal Diected by Ann Fletcher
The Heat Directed by Paul Feig
Maiden Heist Directed by Pete Hewitt
Purge3 Election Year Directed by James DeMonaco
Naheem’s work has been lauded by his peers with his recent nomination for an Elliot Norton Award for hid role as Elmore, in August Wilson’s King Hedley II and Best Supporting actor for his role as Professor Gardner in Money Game. Naheem has also received the The Brown Sugar Culture Excellence Award 2021, State Street-El Planeta Powermeter 100 of the Most Influential Latinx (2014), OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center-Sojourner Truth Award (2007) and In recognition of his excellence as a theatre educator, he represented the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation for NeighborWorks America and Community Leadership Institute Los Angeles California in 2017, in same year, he completed the Aesthetic Education Immersion program with the Lincoln Center Summer Forum at Julliard, New York, NY.
Naheem continues his path as an actor and theatre educator whose mission is to represent and encourage youth and audiences through his work. Naheem is repped by Lisa Lax Agency in New York.
NERISSA WILLIAMS SCOTT
SHE/HER/HERS
WEBSITE || INSTAGRAM || FACEBOOK || TWITTER || LINKEDIN
Mrs. Williams Scott – CEO/Lead Creative Producer of That Child Got Talent Entertainment, Boston, Ma (tcgtentertainment.com) is a graduate of Hampton University, where she received a Bachelor of Art degree in Fine and Performing Arts. A true Theatre Baby for life! She is also a graduate of Emerson College, where she has received her Master of Fine Art degree in Film Production ‘15. Her career experience includes over thirty years working towards the position of Producer, Creative Producer, UPM and Line Producer. She is currently in production for the feature film “Urban Ed” where she is the producer. She is currently in development for three additional films, “Dill”, “A Private Experience”, and “What About Us.” Over the past ten years she has produced and served as production manager for a variety of Live events, Theatre productions, Fashion films, TV series, Documentaries/series, Narrative features & shorts and Music videos. She was awarded the LEF Foundation Fellowship to attend the Flaherty Seminar in upstate New York in 2018. She has recently been awarded the LEF Pre-Production Grant for producing the experimental feature film, “Paradise” with director Gabby Sumney. She has been awarded the Mass. Cultural Council Artist Recovery Award. She was recently invited to apply for the Sundance Narrative Producer’s Fellowship. She has been invited to participate in the Producer’s Guild of America’s Creates Program. She has made it to the final rounds of Creative Capital. She sits on the BOD for The Secret Society of Black Creatives, Women in Film and Video New England. Her most prized position is serving as the Chair for the BOD for Sarah’s Hope Charitable and Educational Foundation. As CEO of That Child Got Talent Entertainment, Nerissa has created a company that is a bridge for young women of color to gain employment in the film and live event entertainment industry while serving the greater community. Her favorite quote, “We lay poise for the women whom we provide an opportunity to wow the world with brilliance!”
ODIS SPENCER
HE/HIM/HIS
Odis grew up in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He went to Brookline High School and became a member of the Dramatics Society. By the time he finished his freshman year, he realized that he wanted to be an actor. Odis then went to Ithaca College to study acting and directing. He studied acting with Oscar Nominated actor Richard Jenkins Aka Ron Parady. He graduated with honors and received his BFA in Acting and Direction. Two years out of college, Odis became a member of AFTRA, AEA and SAG. He worked on local and national commercials during the early part of his acting career. He also performed in radio plays on WGBH Radio. Odis can be seen In the TV series “Spenser for Hire” with Robert Urich - Seasons One and Two, “Here Comes the Boom” with Kevin James, “Defending Jacob” With Chris Evans on Apple TV Plus as the school principal and on Netflix’s “Don’t Look Up” With Meryl Streep as the Chief Justice. Odis also played Professor Leon in a Short film “Miles of Summer” by Sam Zilic, and Oswald in “Magpie Optical” a film by Madeline Kotary and A short Film “Like Me” by Elias Stevens, which will show June 21, 2024 at the MFA at 8pm. In 2023 he was in a commercial for Point32Healthcare.
PARMIE POLK
SHE/HER/HERS
EMAIL || INSTAGRAM || Facebook: Parmie J Polk (Jeanie Polk)
Parmie’s thrilled to be participating again in the RoxFilm Daily Script Reads. As an undergraduate student at Northeastern University, she discovered her interest in acting with the encouragement of her drama professor to pursue a career in acting, but life intervened. Her passion for the arts and a desire to train and become an actor stayed with her.
An avid theatergoer, Parmie remains an active member of the Arts Emerson Play Reading Book Club (PRBC) since 2014 as well as a member of the Huntington Theater’s Community Membership Initiative. She’s participated in many Staged Readings and Workshops.
Her theatrical debut in 2018, was in a Workshop Performance of Bar Girl of Jamaica, by Robert Johnson Jr; in 2019, she appeared in a walk-on role in The National Theater’s Landmark Production of JB Priestley’s Classic Thriller An Inspector Calls Directed by Stephen Daldry and presented by Arts Emerson at the Cutler Majestic Theatre and in November 2019, under the direction of Michelle A. Baxter, she performed in A Raisin In The Sun, in the role of Mama, Lena Younger at Pine Manor College.
In the interim, as she continues to pursue her goals she is taking on “acting-adjacent” roles to hone her acting skills, by playing a witness, victim or police officer in various in-person training exercises with lawyers who are developing their skills.
PAUL BENFORD-BRUCE
HE/HIM/HIS
Paul Benford-Bruce – Knight is a Boston-based actor who is looking forward to partake in the reading of Freeman Ghosts. Other credits include stage readings of Dust, A Christmas Play, The Earnest Path of Duty, The Adventures of Lottie Forten, Howrounds, Mirrors, and The Laundromat, and If Walls Could Talk. Stage performances include The Court Martial at Fort Devens, Hamlet’s Ghost in Hamlet, Smoked Oysters (Ulysses), The Piano Lesson (Wining Boy), Chicken and Biscuits (understudy), Three Sisters (Chebutykin), The Visit (the teacher), and The Convert (Uncle), an Elliot Norton Award-winning play. Paul also had the pleasure of working with Alan Alda on Brains on Trial, a PBS production. Additionally, Paul appeared briefly in Roberto Mighty’s production of World’s Greatest Cemeteries, Episode 1-Mount Auburn Cemetery, which had its Boston-area debut in April 2022 on GBH, Channel 2. He was a featured actor in the following independent films: Into the Night, A Very Merry Christmas, Say Your Name (which had its 2023 premiere at The Coolidge Corner Theater and won best drama at the Top Shorts Film Festival), and The Mayor’s Wife. Paul is also a board member of the Apollinaire Theatre and an Executive board member of the TC Squared Theatre. He is immensely proud to be a 2023 DASH Award winner for best supporting actor for The Piano Lesson.
RACHEL COGNATA
SHE/HER/HERS
RACHEL COGNATA is thrilled to be a part of 2020's RoxFilm Festival readings. Recent credits include Gloria: A Life (American Repertory Theatre), Hype Man (2018 Elliot Norton Award winner) Greater Good, and Really (Company One Theatre); Cardboard Piano (New Repertory Theatre); The Book Club Play (Boston Playwrights Theatre). A graduate of both the Boston Arts Academy and Tufts University, Rachel is from and resides in the Boston area.
RAFAEL SILVA
RAHMAN OLADIGBOLU
HE/HIM/HIS
WEBSITE || INSTAGRAM || TWITTER || EMAIL
Facebook: Rahman A. Oladigbolu
Rahman Oladigbolu was coming out of a seven-year illness when he moved to Massachusetts to start a new life. He started as a production assistant on films, television, and experimental short films. As a liberal arts/psychology student and a peer tutor/teacher’s assistant, Rahman sought further film training under the private tutelage of film professor Howard Phillips at the Center for Digital Imaging and Animation school, CDIA, an affiliate of Boston University. He published a memoir of his long-term illness, On Holy Pilgrimage: A Long Journey For Freedom, which details his transformative experience of coming to America against all odds to learn filmmaking.
While furthering his education at Harvard University, and working as a mental health assistant with teenagers and young adults with autism, Rahman wrote and produced his first feature film Soul Sisters. The film tells the story of friendship between a Nigerian young woman faced with unexpected challenges as an undocumented immigrant in the United States and an African American young woman searching for her identity as a black woman in America.
Soul Sisters went ahead to win the “Best Emerging Filmmaker Award” at the Roxbury International Film Festival, “Best Film by an African Abroad” at the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA), and “The Artist Award” at the American Islamic Congress, a multicultural and inter-faith organization. It has been screened at film festivals and cultural institutes around the world, including the Cannes’ Pan-African Film festival.
The stories of Rahman’s college friends became his second feature film, Theory of Conflict.
RICARDO GUILLAUME
HE/HIM/HIS
WEBSITE || INSTAGRAM || CASTING NETWORK || LINKEDIN
Ricardo Guillaume is an actor based in Boston. His work includes a supporting actor role in Taper, an award-winning short film, a featured extra role in Apple TV’s Defending Jacob, and an additional production assistant position on the crew for Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
RICARDY FABRE
HE/HIM/HIS
Ricardy Fabre is a Native New Yorker and a recent graduate from Brown University/ Trinity Rep MFA Acting program. Ricardy is grateful to be apart of the Rox Film Fest.
SEINE YOUNG
SHE/HER/HERS
Seine is a stage actress who has been featured in plays such as The Colored Museum as Lala and Mama, The Crucible as Mary Warren and most recently Clue: On Stage as Mrs.White. She has also made it to finals in the August Wilson monologue competition and the Next Narrative monologue competition. This summer she will be working on a production of Twelfth Night and in the fall, she will be moving to New York to pursue her BFA in Acting at Pace University!
SHANELLE VILLEGAS
SHE/HER/HERS
Shanelle Chloe Villegas is a Boston-based actor, poet, deviser and teaching artist. Shanelle has been seen in numerous plays in Boston including, most recently, touring with New Repertory Theatre’s Classic Repertory Company for both their fall and spring tours. Other works include Fresh Inks’ Last Catastrophist, Yo Soy LOLAs’ Las Que Sueñan, and Speakeasy Stage Companys’ School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play. Currently, Shanelle is writing an autobiographical one-woman show about intergenerational trauma. Shanelle is a first-year graduate of Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Contemporary Theatre program.
SHARMARKE YUSUF
HE/HIM/HIS
SHARMARKE YUSUF is an actor and writer currently based and born & raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Sharmarke graduated from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee with a BFA in Contemporary Theater. He has appeared in several Boston-area theater productions and on television, most recently as Axmed in season two of Castle Rock on Hulu.
SHARON SQUIRES
SHE/HER/HERS
Sharon is a graduate of The National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York. Roles include: (Juliet) in "Goodnight Desdemona Good Morning Juliet", Nora Theatre Company. ( u/s Elizabeth Keckley) "A Civil War Christmas", The Huntington Theatre Company. (Volumnia) "Coriolanus", Praxis Stage. (Mrs. Settergren & Carnival Manager) "Pippi Longstocking", Wheelock Family Theatre. (Demeter/Damascus) stage reading "And Jesus Moonwalks the Mississippi", Front Porch Arts Collective. (Lucretia/Francis/Shirley) "Onward: Votes for Women"(03/2020), Birch Tree Productions. (Ross) "Macbeth", Repertory/Bouwerie Lane Theatre, NY.
SONYA JOYNER
SHE/HER/HERS
WEBSITE || EMAIL || INSTAGRAM || FB: SonyaJoyner, Actor (no msgr)
Sonya Joyner has been a mainstay of the Boston (and beyond) theatre scene for many years, working with community, fringe, and professional theatres where favorite roles include Gary Coleman (Avenue Q), and Mrs Muller (Doubt, A Parable). She has filmed commercials, independent films, and the award-winning YouTube web series Love Undone (Lead Actor, Director, and Producer), which just dropped it's final season. Currently, Sonya is preparing to film a feature horror film this summer in NYC. You will now find Sonya acting in more interactive roles such as The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Theatre (Boston-South). She is a Standardized Patient, working in the local medical school programs, and a Standardized Witness in mock trial exercises with lawyers. Voice over, and corporate videos round out her acting projects. In her few minutes of spare time she loves creating in the kitchen and riding roller coasters!
STEPHEN SPENCER
HE/HIM/HIS
Stephen Spencer is a Boston-based actor and educator artist with a degree in interrelated media from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. With extensive experience in improv, performance art, and movement, Stephen brings a unique blend of creativity to his work.
TAAVON GAMBLE
HE/HIM/HIS
Taavon is a New England based actor, director, choreographer, and teaching artist. Regional appearances include: Trinity Repertory Theatre Company, North Shore Music Theatre, Lyric Stage Company, Greater Boston Stage Company, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Theatre By The Sea, Ivoryton Playhouse, Reagle Music Theatre, New Bedford Festival Theatre, The Hanover Theatre, West Virginia Public Theatre, Quantum Theatre, Village Theatre, Baltimore Shakespeare Festival and others. He’s a graduate of Point Park University and a proud Actors’ Equity member serving as an Eastern Chorus Delegate in the inaugural AEA National Conventions in 2021 & 2022 and as a member of the Boston Liaison Committee.
TRINIDAD TAMKISSOON
VICTORIA OMOREGIE
SHE/HER/HERS
Victoria Omoregie is a proud Dorchester Native who has recently graduated this Spring with a BFA in Acting at Boston University. Her roles throughout college are: Perdita from The Winter's Tale, Shun from In The Red and Brown Water, Emilia from Othello, and JO from The Legend of Georgia McBride. To kick off her professional career in theatre she is currently in The Actors' Shakespeare Projects production of The Bomb-Itty of Errors (Antipholus of Ephesus), a Hip-Hopera. Visit her website to check out more of Victoria’s work.
WILLINGTON VUELTO
HE/HIM/HIS
Willington is an Artist Born and Raised in New York City. During his Youth he’s performed at Lincoln Center , The Delacorte, National theatre of Scotland, and much more. He now Organizes community events with the center for teen empowerment and the Boston Community Action Team where he uses his art to creatively engage people. He hope one day To play miles morales in a Hollywood movie.
Y’DHANNA DANIELS
Y’Dhanna Daniels is an actor, screenwriter and voice over artist. She began her entertainment career in Houston, Texas while working for a NASA contractor, appearing in television commercials, industrial films, voicing radio ads and performing as a stand-up comic. Y'Dhanna currently voices characters in podcasts and appears in episodic television as well as commercials. Her performances in plays include: A Raisin in the Sun, The Colored Museum, Long Time Since Yesterday and Since ‘76. She holds an MFA in TV & Screenwriting from Stephens College and writes sketch comedy, half hour comedy and one hour TV drama.