Gary Walker, CPA, Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair
James (Jim) Warner, Development Committee Chair, Board Co-Chair
Scott Daneman, Real Estate Committee Chair
Lorie Blair, Governance Chair
Quodesia Johnson
Carol Donovan
Rev. Mike Baughman
Karen Brooks
Elaine Taylor
Senada Rustic
Kymberlaine Banks
2025 JAZZ SERIES TICKETS ON SALE NOW! w
The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this produc7on and distribu7ng recordings or streams in any medium, including the Internet, is strictly prohibited, a viola7on of the author(s)’s rights and ac7onable under United States copyright law. Please turn off cell phones, pagers, and noisy watches, and refrain from tex7ng during the show.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Directing a production that’s inspired by the incredible, Langston Hughes, is truly a reward all by itself. I however, had the added pleasure of working with talented artists and community members to bring this vision to life. I’m so very proud to present it to you all.
“Black Nativity”, in its 20th production at Bishop Arts Theatre Center, will do what it’s done in past production over the years: inspire, uplift and encourage. I hope as you watch this performance, you’re reminded of the gift of Jesus Christ. Not just for what His birth meant as He laid in the manger but what it means now. May the artistry displayed through words, song and dance, bring gladness to your heart, peace to your soul and joy unspeakable that’s full of glory!
Thank you to the Bishop Arts Theatre Center family, the DFW community, my family, my friends and every audience member for being a part of this experience! It would be awesome to read your thoughts after the show. ~ Kris Black Jasper
ABOUT THE CAST
AALIYAH SMITH (MARY) Aaliyah Smith is so excited to be making her BATC debut! She is a recent graduate of UTA with a BFA in Musical Theatre and minor in dance. Past roles include Ensemble/Dance Captain in Firehouse Theatre’s production of Footloose, Ensemble (u/s Mopsa) in UTA’s Head Over Heels, and Frenchie in UTA’s Cabaret. She would like to thank her mom & brothers for their love and support. 1 Corinthians 16:14.
JOSHUA D. REED (JOSEPH) Joshua Reed is an African American Actor, born and raised in Dallas, Tx. His career started at a young age, when his ar>s>c mother realized he had a curiosity in ac>ng. Star>ng early off reading poems and monologues in school and church, which helped develop his passion and love for ac>ng. Around 2006 Joshua began training and ac>ng professionally. Joshua has appeared in "Tazmanian Devil" on Starz, Apple TV and Amazon Prime, as well as "Grimy Business" on Tubi and Amazon Prime. His goal is to use his craft as a tool to bring awareness to stories that are overlooked or not often told. Stories that can change the narrative of how people view each other and are understood. Creating a voice that will embody a character, to entertain but to also spark conversations that lead to potential changed behaviors. He is excited for what the future holds regarding this production.
KARRINGTON SNEED (NARRATOR 1) Karrington is elated about her 3th consecutive year working with Bishop Arts doing "Black Nativity". She is a singer/songwriter from Dallas, TX. She has participated in The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) Summer Program doing musicals such as Hallelujah Gospel the Musical, Michael the Musical, Whitney the Musical, Aretha the Musical, Stevie the Musical, Motown the Musical and more. She studied Music Education at McPherson College in Kansas and later at Prairie View A&M University. She has toured as an independent artist in Austin, Houston, Dallas metroplex and overseas in multiple cities in Europe with Prairie View Concert Choral. She loves to sing independently, but also has a passion for musical theater. She is particularly excited about this production given her vocal background and musical expressions in this adaptation. HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY BISHOP ARTS THEATRE!
CRYSTAL HAYNES (NARRATOR 2) Crystal Rochelle Haynes is an avid lover of music and theater. From a young age, Crystal grew up singing in church via different services and concerts. She began acting in high school where she fell in love with Musical Theater and has been unable to let it go since. Since then, Crystal has received her Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Lamar University and a Master’s degree in Music performance from Boston University. Highlights of her career include portraying the role of Effie in Dreamgirls, and Fatima in Der Betrogene Cadi. In the realm of opera, Crystal has excelled in classical roles, including Dorabella in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. Another notable performance of hers was as Sister Angelica in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, where her portrayal of the heart-wrenching role demonstrated both technical skill and profound emotional resonance.
ORARA FLETCHER (INNKEEPER 1) Orara Fletcher been musically inclined since middle school. She has enjoyed playing the clarinet in junior and senior high school marching band, and had fun being part of her high school’s drum line as a cymbalist and marimba player. Still wanting music to be a part of her adult life (and not just a “sing in the shower” type hobby), Orara took up singing in her church’s choir shortly after relocating to Texas. She’s been singing with Community Christian Church in Fort Worth since 2007. Along with singing as alto in the sanctuary choir, Orara also holds office and dedicates time as church treasurer.
PATRICE HUCKLEBERRY
(INNKEEPER 2) Patrice Huckleberry is beyond excited to make her stage play debut with BATC. This will be her first stage acting experience since High School. She has a long history of singing in various choirs and organizations since elementary. This Fort Worth Native has sang all over the East Coast with various church choirs and ensembles and is ready to share her gift and talents with you all.
CARMEN BECK (TOWNSPERSON) Carmen Beck, born and raised in a small farming town in East Texas and a graduate of the University of North Texas Denton is an emerging talent who has spent years singing in church choirs, musical groups and praise teams. She is thrilled to make her musical theater debut in Kris Black Jasper's inspiring produc>on of Black Na>vity Family. She passionately dedicates this milestone to God, acknowledging the divine guidance that has turned her dreams of becoming a theater thespian into a beau>ful reality. With an infec>ous enthusiasm for life and the theater arts, Carmen has always believed in the power of storytelling through music and performance.
ANDREW
CAVILLO (WISEMEN
1) Andrew is 10th grade student at North Mesquite High School who has performed with the school’s marching band and symphonic band as an Alto Sax musician. He is on the student council and varsity cross country team at NMHS. As a former summer theatre camp student, Andrew is thankful for being invited to be on the BATC stage once again.
GERARDO FRAUSTO (WISEMEN 1 - UNDERSTUDY)
Gerardo Frausto is a talented young performer excited to take on the role of understudy in his first produc>on at Bishop Arts Theatre Center. With a natural flair for ac>ng and a love for the stage, Gerardo brings enthusiasm and dedica>on to every rehearsal. He is thrilled to learn and grow as a performer while suppor>ng the cast in this incredible produc>on.
RICKIE JONES
(WISEMEN 2) i Rickie Jones is an Actor who’s been seen performing across the DFW Metroplex in numerous shows. Such as Grease, A Raisin in the Sun, The Wiz, and even Dreamgirls! Rickie is excited to join the cast of Black Nativity, as this is Rickie’s debut show with Bishop Arts Theatre! Since the age of fourteen, Rickie has studied performance and worked with some of DFW’s biggest names. During his time away from stage Rickie writes and produces his own music. He has two full length albums available for stream on all platforms. Rickie would like to thank the production , staff and all of those in attendance who support live theatre. If you’d like to continue supporting Rickie following the show please follow him on Instagram @rickiesmusic and stream his music on all streaming platforms. Mama, we made it, to another stage!
DAMERON GROWE (WISEMEN 3) DAMERON
GROWE (he/him) has been heavily involved in music his entire life, singing in school and church choirs, local productions, and performing. He graduated from East Texas Baptist University with a Bachelor's in Music Education and Southern Methodist University with a Master's in Voice Performance. Previously he has appeared in EAST TEXAS HOT LINKS "Buckshot", DREAMGIRLS "Ensemble", TAKE THE SOUL TRAIN TO CHRISTMAS "Ensemble", OAK CLIFF CHRISTMAS CAROL "Kalvin", SOUTHERN BOYS "Titus", THE WIZ "Uncle Henry/Pit Singer", BLACK NATIVITY "Ensemble". He has also been a music director for various shows and productions such as FOOTLOOSE, SISTER ACT, NEWSIES, and LIL AND SATCHMO "vocal coach". Currently, he is a choir teach in Everman ISD and previously taught in Fort Worth, Mansfield, Dallas, Crowley, and Cedar Hill ISD. Dameron would like to give a special thanks to all who support him, his colleagues, and all who are patrons of arts. Always remember “The arts represent all beauty in life. Never let them go unnoticed.”
D’ARA STARKES (WOMAN 1)
D’ara Starkes is excited to be making her BATC debut! The Dallasnative is a stage and film actress, singer, and dancer who has been in productions with the Dallas Theatre Center, most recently The Little Mermaid (Arista), and The South Dallas Cultural Center. She studied at Austin College as a theater minor and was inducted into Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society. As an avid student of the arts, she looks forward to continue growing and bringing new things to the performance industry. D’ara would like to thank God for continuously covering and blessing her and for His grace and mercy. She would also like to thank her mom and dad, her family, and her friends for all of their love and support. Colossians 3:23-24
NIA BLOUNT (YOUTH DANCER)
Nia Blout is a 10-year-old dancer attending the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, where she is dedicated to her dance and theater studies. She began her training at Dancers Called to Exhort, a small, Christ centered studio, that nurtured her passion for movement and expression. Nia is thrilled to bring her love for dance to the stage and hopes to inspire other young performers through her performance.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Kris Black Jasper (Director) In her return to Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Kris gets to work out of her director’s bag to direct “Black Nativity”. This production, inspired by Langston Hughes, is the returning to the BATC for its 20th production! She is no stranger to the performing arts world and has been in nearly 20 productions with the Jubilee Theatre in Fort Worth, both on and off stage. After Kris performed as “Mother Superior” in Jubilee Theatre’s recent return to Bass Hall for “Sister Act: The Musical”, she went right into directing Samm-Art Williams’ “Home” before Pinishing up the year as the Director for “Black Nativity.” When Kris isn’t on the stage, you may have seen her behind the scenes as a Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Assistant Director or of course, as a director
Steven A Taylor (Musical Director) Steven A. Taylor is a Music Director, Composer and Songwriter who has been recognized for the diversity of his work. His extensive music background enables him to incorporate a wealth of musical genres; jazz, gospel, R &B, classical and pop styles into a theatrical setting: Steven has the gift to bring musical illumination to any script. He has served as Music Director and Composer for The Color Purple, Dreamgirls, Marie and Rosetta, Ain’t Nothing but The Blues and Last Stop on Market Street; just to name a few. Notably, he has composed for Film and TV projects such as Lifetime's A Mother’s Intuition, BET's Kingdom Business, and The Passion Play. His song Hallelujah You’re Worthy is featured on Pharrell's Netflix series: Voices of Fire. Taylor attributes his success to his faith in God and he is grateful to use his gifts to inspire others.
Sydney Hewitt (Stage Manager) Sydney is a local stage and Pilm actress, singer, and stage manager in the Dallas Fort Worth area. She is a graduate of KD Conservatory. She has previously played the roles of Sister Mitchell in Praise the Lord and Raise the Roof (Jubilee Theatre), Came in The Mountaintop (Circle Theatre), Keshia in Fairview ( Bishop Arts), Sister in Southern Boys (Bass Hall), Lil in Lil and Satchmo (Jubilee Theatre), Jane in The Ballad of Jane Elkins (Teatro Dallas), Candy in Livin Fat (Jubilee Theatre), Santiaga in Yanga (Latino Cultural Arts Center) and a host of other staged plays, readings, and movies. She would like to thank God for his grace, mercy, and the many blessings he has bestowed upon her life. Her Mom, Dad, and family for the tremendous amount of love and support on this journey as an artist, and a special shout out to her bunny Zurina. Mommy loves you! Love and peace to all!
Hope Cox (Costume Designer) is excited to make her Bishop Arts Theatre Center debut for this production. Some of her favorite costuming credits include Chicken and Biscuits (Theatre Arlington), The Color Purple ( Jubilee Theatre), The Little Mermaid (Dallas Theater Center), and The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (Circle Theatre). Hope feels so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew. You can Pind information on Hope’s past and upcoming productions at www.hopecox.com
BREVAN CRAWFORD (Lighting Designer) Brevan Crawford is a respected ligh>ng designer and electrician based in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. AZer a[ending the University of Evansville for Ligh>ng Design and Technology, Brevan has con>nued on to collaborate with numerous companies, including Uptown Players, Grand Prairie Arts Council, Lone Star Circus, Second Chance Players, Theatre Arlington, Pegasus Contemporary Ballet, and the United Performing Arts Company, among many others.
Notable career highlights include receiving the 2024 Broadway World Award for Best Lighting Design of a Play or Musical for his role as Assistant Lighting Designer on Grand Prairie Arts Council's production of School of Rock: The Musical. He has also designed for the renowned Arlington Christmas Spectacular and served as the Master Electrician for Uptown Players' production of A Queer Carol. With a passion for creating immersive theatrical experiences, Brevan continues to shine brightly in the world of lighting design. He is sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this production and looks forward to bringing it to life
LEAH MAZUR (Scenic Designer) Leah Mazur, she/her, MFA University of Kansas, is a scenographer and visual artist based in the DFW metroplex.
Select regional credits include productions at Spinning Tree Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, Kansas Repertory Theatre (Kansas City), Lake Dillon Theatre Company (Colorado), Cape May Stage (New Jersey), Anacostia Playhouse, Scena Theatre (Washington D.C.), Amphibian Stage, Theatre Three, Circle Theatre, Stage West, Altar’d Playhouse, SheDFW (DFW) Art Haus (New York), Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland), and RuPauls DRAGCON (Los Angeles).
Leah's research explores the blurring of lines between experiencing and becoming performance as well as the integration of XR (extended reality) into the performing arts as a means of accessibility and expanded storytelling. She is currently head of the Design & Technology BFA program in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance at the University of Texas at Arlington.
GABRIELLE
MALBROUGH
(Assistant Scenic Designer) Gabrielle is a dedicated Scenic Artist and Designer based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Her work includes notable positions at Theatre Three and Theatre Arlington, as well as the Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts in Southeast Texas. Currently pursuing a BFA in Design and Technology at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), Gabrielle has significantly contributed to numerous UTA productions, including Head Over Heels, Night of the Living Dead, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, and Bright Star. Her work on Bright Star earned her the Excellence in Assistant Scenic Design Award from The Kennedy Center Region 6. Gabrielle is currently serving as the Associate Scenic Designer for On the Town and as the Scenic Designer for Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 for UTA’s 2024-2025 season. Passionate about advocating for Black representation in theatre, Gabrielle focuses on the communication and appreciation of African-rooted culture in performance art and design. She believes in the importance of accessibility in theatre for African Americans and all marginalized groups. This commitment led her to found the Black Theatre Society at UTA, a student-led organization dedicated to these principles.
ADAM BALLEY (Sound Designer) Adam Balley is thrilled to return to theater as the Sound Designer for Black Nativity with Bishop Arts Theatre Center, marking his first live production since Sistas the Musical at Jubilee Theatre in 2019. With a professional certification in audio engineering from Collin College, Adam also brings his passion for music to his roles as a tenor with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras, a piano tuner, and a pipe organist at his church. Living with his wonderful wife and three kids (with one more on the way), Adam is grateful to use his talents to inspire joy and worship through music.
KAYLA MARSHALL (Choreographer) Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas… Kayla is an establishing actress, singer, dancer, choreographer, two-time Irma P Hall Award Nominee, and 2024 Bill Garber Young Theatre Artist Award Winner. Kayla has choreographed shows including “Praise the Lord and Raise the Roof”, “The Gospel: Black Nativity”, and recently “Auntie Explains Christmas” with Jubilee Theatre. She is excited to put on her choreographer’s hat professionally for the fourth time. With
many years of experience in dance, Kayla specializes in Jazz, Hip-Hop, Drill, Contemporary, Mime, and Lyrical. “Through movement, how can you tell a story from dialogue alone, or interpret the lyrics of a song? Every move should be deliberate and purposeful”. Kayla would like to thank Bishop Arts for this amazing opportunity. For it is an extreme honor and joy to continue the responsibility of telling a great story through dance.
DAVID RIOS (Sound Board Operator) David Rios spent some time away from the theatre learning a few things here and there. After building apartments in Downtown Austin, Dallas, and Mckinney, they taught elementary students in the Dallas Public School system. Somewhere down the line, a master electrician / ex-combat veteran taught them how to route residential electricity without causing any major house fires. Now, they’re using the few things they learned here and there to contribute to the arts and theatre.
RODNEY DOBBS (Construction Consultant) Rodney Dobbs (Set Assistance) is pleased to be back at Bishop Arts Theatre Center, helping in any way he can. Previously here, he designed “Jet Fuel,” “Ruined,” “In the Tall Grass,” “The Face of Emmet Till” and three productions of “Black Nativity”. Rodney co-founded the Pocket Sandwich Theatre in Dallas with Joe Dickinson in 1980 and retired from there in 2021 as Artistic Director and Resident Set Designer. He has directed and designed for numerous area theatres and taught Technical Theatre at both High School and College levels. Recent sets elsewhere include “Fa La La La Christmas” for The Spectacular Follies and “Noises Off” for Theatre Frisco.
MAGGIE SPROUL (Scenic Painter) Maggie Sproul is a local DFW scenic artist. To check out more of her work please go to MaggieSproulDesigns.com!
ANDREW HANKINS (Carpenter) has been building homes for 25 years. Recently, he made the set for Artstillery's production of “Family Dollar” and BATC’s. He loves building all kinds of things and believes he is positively impacting the art community by applying his knowledge and passion for construction to making sets for plays and movies. He is excited to join the team for “Black Nativity” and looks forward to working with BATC in future productions
Welcome to Our 20th Anniversary Production of Black Nativity!
Dear Friends,
It is with great joy and pride that we welcome you to our 20th anniversary production of Black Nativity, inspired by the timeless words of Langston Hughes. For two decades, we have gathered together to celebrate the spirit, strength, and beauty of the Black experience through Hughes' powerful poetry and music. This year, we are especially thrilled to share this moment with you, as our stage comes alive with a blend of professional actors and talented community members some of whom are stepping into their very first professional theatre role. Many of these performers are current and former arts education students, and their debut on our stage is a testament to the transformative power of the arts in our community.
As we come together this holiday season to reflect on the stories of faith, resilience, and hope, we are reminded of the importance of lifting each other up, honoring our shared history, and celebrating the voices that shape our collective future. Whether you are joining us for the first time or have been part of our journey for years, we are grateful to have you with us as we mark this milestone.
Thank you for your continued support of this production and the talented artists who bring it to life. Your presence makes this experience all the more meaningful.
With gratitude and excitement,
Teresa Coleman Wash
Executive Artistic Director/Founder Bishop Arts Theatre Center
TERESA COLEMAN WASH (Executive Artistic Director) is a producer, writer, and founding artistic director for the Bishop Arts Theatre Center in Dallas, Texas, whose mission is to cultivate a diverse and vibrant arts community committed to social impact while creating opportunities for local and emerging artists to develop new, contemporary, and lasting works that celebrate the diversity and resiliency of our community. Wash graduated from the National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program at Harvard Business School and holds an MA in Arts Management from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the 2019 recipient of the Theater Communications Group’s Peter Zeisler Memorial Award for artistic integrity and ingenuity and the National Guild for Community Arts Education’s Milestone Award. Mrs. Wash has also earned several Irma P. Hall Awards, including the 2020 Irma P. Hall Theatrical Excellence Medal. Teresa was elected to the Dramatists Guild of America Council in 2017, representing the Southern region, where she also served on the steering committee.
UPCOMING EVENTS: JAZZ SERIES
February 16, 2025
Gerald Albright, W ill Downing,
Julian Vaughn & Jay Lamont
OUR UPCOMING 2025 JAZZ SEASON
February 16, 2025
April 12, 2025
June 7, 2025
October 4, 2025
November 15, 2025
BATC ANGELS
The Bishop Arts Theatre Center is successful because we are supported by the generosity of private foundations, major corporations, public sector granting agencies, a resourceful group of board members, and individuals who are committed to sustaining our organization. Donors are the lifeblood of our organization because they give from their hearts. We rely heavily on donor support and invite you to become a partner too.
Founder Level ($25,000 and above)
Legacy Level ($100,000 and above)
Addy Foundation
Communities Foundation of Texas City of Dallas Office of Arts & Culture
George & Fay Young Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
Dallas County
Dallas Foundation
Dallas Tourism Public Improvement
DistrictEmbrey Family Foundation United States Small Business Association
Eugene McDermott Foundation
Fay Slover Fund – The Boston Foundation
Hoblitzelle Foundation
Holloway Family Foundation
Jean Baptiste “Tad” Adoue III Fund
Shubert Foundation
TACA (The Arts Community Alliance)
Texas Women’s Foundation
Producer Level ($5,000 – $24,999)
All Stars Project, Inc.
Al & Teresa Wash
Anonymous
Anthony & Doris Borino
Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
Brian Larney
Chris and Leana Baxley-Johnson
Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Truth Racial Healing & Transformation
Dr. Lew Blackburn
Frederick Loewe Foundation
Friendship-West Baptist Church
Gary and Brenda Walker
High-Tech High Heels
Houston First
Humanities Texas
Image 360 Arlington
Junior League of Dallas
Myron & Betty Kimball
M.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation
National Endowment for the Humanities
Peggy Logue
Rainwater Charitable Foundation
Rees-Jones Foundation
Schuler Shook Theatre Planners
Texas Capital Bank
Texas Commission on the Arts
Tom & Kim Miller
Playwright Level ($1,000 – $4,999)
A. J. Productions
Anthony Maniche
Andrew & Annalisa Mena
Bert and Pam Maxwell
Booker T. Washington High School of the Visual and Performing Arts Advisory Board
