ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM
MEHR MANSURI
Founder/ Executive Artist Director
MEHR MANSURI & ERIC DOZIER
Awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts for Artistic Excellence, Mehr Mansuri is an award-winning writer/ co-composer of over 15 original musicals for young audiences, with a social justice imperative at their core. Most recently, her musical adaptation of the Narrative of Henry Box Brown, performed by an adult professional off-broadway cast, garnered the show a Best Musical Nominee for two consecutive years, for Henry Box Brown: A Musical Journey, at the Fringe International Theatre Festival in the UK which also won the Fringe Best Audience Engagement/ Social Action Production. Through the Children’s Theater Company, Mehr has coached young actors on the set of numerous Broadway shows and films including Lee Daniel’s Oscar winning film, Precious.
ERIC DOZIER
Co-Founder, Director of Equity and Community Engagement, Music Director
Eric Dozier (co-founder at Oneness Lab and One Human Family Music Workshop) is a music educator, cultural activist, and recording artist who uses music to engage communities in dialogue about racism. He has served as the musical director for the World-Famous Harlem Gospel Choir, developed curriculum for the National Museum of African American Music, Has been a featured artist at the United Nations, sharing the stage with the likes of Harry Belafonte, Angélique Kidjo, Raffi, and even Nelson Mandela.
Eric is the historian and co-composer of the internationally award-winning production Henry “Box” Brown: A Musical Journey and a founding director of the award-winning Children’s Theatre Company of NYC, where he currently serves as Director of Equity and Community engagement.
Adam Crossley (CED Coordinator)
Averri Anderson (Associate Producer & Graphic Designer)
Ayanna Campbell (Associate Director)
Eric Dozier (Director of Community Engagement & Choral Performance)
Gertrude Copeland (Assistant Director)
Jef Canter (Company Manager)
Juliet Crossley (CED Coordinator)
Keith Davis (Assistant Director)
Keith Hendrix (Video & Media Specialist)
Lachesha Hendrix (Parent Coordinator)
Martha Martinez (CTC Education Consultant)
Mehr Mansuri (Executive Artistic Director)
Melina Salifoski (Regional Chapter Coordinator)
Michael Beacham (Stage Manager)
Nadia Beard (Assistant Director)
Nancy Young (CTC Development and Communications Consultant)
Penny Roberts-Cooper (CED Coordinator)
Tatonia Dunlap (Stage Manager & Assistant Director)
Veronica Sesson (Assistant Director)
Will Adams (Assistant Stage Manager & Lane College Liaison)
Stephanie Fawkes Fraser (CTC Managing Director)
Sue St. Clair (Parent Café Liaison)
Abby Palmer - City of Jackson
Alex Reed - City of Jackson Mayor's Office
Alexis Rainbow - Lane College
Alisha Davis - CTC Jackson Prod. Asst.
Alison McGee - Baha’i Regional Council
Antonio Smith - Baha’i Auxiliary Board
Aram Ferdowsi - Baha’i Regional Council
Ben Trainer - The Ned Tech Director
Bob Henderson - NSA of Baha'is of US
Brandon Shields – The Jackson Post
Celeste Smith - Wayfarer Foundation
Danielle Wade – Keep Jackson Beautiful Coordinator
David Carter - NAACP Liaison - Jackson-Madison County Branch
David McCall - Executive Director of the Ned
Dr. Gilbert Wolford - Lane College
Dr. Logan Hampton - President of Lane College
Duane Cherry - WHML Radio
Earnestine Perkins - Jackson Transit Authority
Erris Yarbrough - Jackson Transit Authority
Ficher Smith - Lane College Facilities
Greg Hammond - JMCSS Communications Liaison
Harrell Carter - NAACP President - Jackson-Madison County Branch
Jackie Eghrari - CTC Development Consultant
Johnetta Black - Keep Jackson Beautiful Chair
Johnny Dodd - Councilman
Johnny Kimbrough - The Ned
Julie Cooke - News Talk Radio 101.5 FM
Karen Wise - WLCD Lane College Radio 97.7 Jammin' Jackson
Kristin Klonowski - The Ned Production Manager
Kyle Peppers – WBBJ-TV
Legon Roberson - United Way of West TN
Matthew Marshall – President of United Way of West TN
Mayor Scott Conger
Monique Merriweather - AKA Sorority President
Monola Patterson
Nancy Ewing - CTC Education Consultant
Nancy Young - CTC Development Consultant
Ntianu Bullock - Baha’i Regional Council
Patricia Beasley - CTC Jackson Advisory Board / Eric Beasley Foundation
Penny Roberts-Cooper - CTC Jackson Advisory Board
Steaven Joy - Lane College Security
Stephanie Fawkes Fraser - CTC Managing Director
Steve Bowers - News Talk Radio 101.5 FM
Terry Smith - T.R. White Sportsplex
The ComeUnity Café
Tony Black - County Commissioner
Travis Franklin - Jackson Transit Authority
Victoria Wedley - CTC Jackson Prod. Asst.
Wanda Stanfill - The City of Jackson Mayor's Office
Wendy Trice Martin - SAACA / CTC Jackson Advisory Board
William Watson - Historic First Baptist Church
Wynton St.Clair - CTC Social Media Consultant
Zekydia Beasley - Sigma Gamma Rho Liaison
JACKSON STAFF BIOS
Tatonia Dunlap
Tatonia Dunlap believes that the arts are a universal tool for healing. Tatonia is a mother of three boys (ages 12, 13, and 18), from Trenton, TN, currently residing inJackson, TN. She uses the visual and performing arts as a way to stay active, as a stress releaser, and to teach self-discipline. Tatonia has a diverse backgtound that includes ministry, business, and community service. Her journey began at the age of 13 with Patty Taylor Performing Art School (Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Country & Western), Pat Brown Ballet School of Arts (Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet), and University of Tennessee at Martin (Dance Ensemble), where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts emphasis in Dance Performance She enjoys sharing her love for the arts with the youths through various teachingassignments and serves as Director of Operations with New Birth Kingdom Church (Dyer, TN) and teaches Tap and Hulaat LaQuan Dance Studios (Jackson, TN). She is one of the business owners of Spice Events & Decor and Expressions with Ms. T (Trenton, TN). Taronia has worked ar The Ned as a one of choreographers for rhe musical production play, "Hairspray", in 2021and as Co-Director of a "The Wiz, The Super Soul Musical 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz" in 2022. She is also a member of rhe Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. ofJackson, TN. Currently, she is working with Fayette County Public Schools as a Teacher's Assistant for Fayette Ware .Comprehensive High School -Jefferson Innovative Learning Center while also working as an Assistant Majorette Coach and Head Flag Corp Coach. As a coach, she hopes ro bring a sense of freedom through expression of dance and to assist students cultivate a sense of fulfillment thar will result in great harmony and peace in their lives.
Veronica Sesson
Veronica Sesson, is a native of Jackson TN She is the daughter of the late Moddie Sesson Sr. and Bridgette Sesson. Ms. Sesson works for theJackson Madison County School System as Assistant Principal of North Side High School. She also serves as a dance instructor at VSS Dance in Jackson TN. Ms. Sesson is currently an CTC advisory boardmember and Dance teaching artist. Her passion for children shines through her work every day.
Nadia Beard
Originally from Lauderdale County, Nadia now resides inJackson, Tennessee. Almost three decades. She is the oldest daughter ofJames T. as well as Bernadine Beard. Following graduation from North Side In 1997, she graduated from high school. In 2001, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the Universityof Tennessee at Martin. Nadia attended American University in Washington DC to further her education She graduated in 2003 with a Master of Arts in Dance. Nadia Q. Beard is the Artistic Director, Founder, and Choreographer of LaQuan Dance The studio was established in November 2015. Motto: ''We might be small in size, but large at heart''. Nadia accepted an adjunct professor position at her alma mater UTM campus where she taught beginner Ballet and Modern classes, assisted with Dance Ensemble, sand displayed her artistry through numerous dance pieces. Currently, serving as the Wiz Jr. director at The Ned Cultural Art Center for this upcoming Fall 2022 show. Nadia has also worked at The Ned as one of the choreographers for the musical production play, Hairspray. During the previous summer of 2022-2023, Nadia taught a creative dance movement intensive class as well as Bound for Broadway camp at The ed. Nadia served on the board of CMACC as Vice President and on theJackson Children Theater Company advisory board. She is a member of the National Dance Education Organization (Washington DC), Sigma Alpha Iota (music fraternity), The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa (Gamma Psi Chapter), The National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Historic First Baptist Church of Jackson (Media ministry). Lastly, Nadia is a member of the lovely ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Incorporated (Upsilon Gamma Zeta). Presently, Nadia is a teacher for theJackson Madison County School District. Nadia presently teaches atJackson Central Merry Middle and High School. Where she was selected by her peers as Teacher of the Year forJCM High School 2021-2022.JCM is the only high school in this district that offers dance #TheRebirth.
JACKSON STAFF BIOS
Ayanna Campbell
Ayanna Campbell is a dancer, choreographer, actress, and independent model. She is a native of Jackson, Tennessee. She made her first appearance on the stage at four. Ayanna started in the church and expanded from there. Her very first teacher was Nadia Beard and Pat Brown School of Dancing. In May 2019, she produced, directed, and released her first self-choreographed dance film, "Open My Heart," with dance partner Nicholas Williams. She has had many teaching and learning from Dance Project, Greensboro, NC, Greensboro Ballet, Greensboro, NC, and Millennium Dance Complex. Ayanna is a past member of the internationally known E. G DanceCompany of North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina. And a current dance member of Pretty Big Movement, plus size dance company founded in New York City, New York. In 2021 Ayanna produced and self-choreographed a dance visual to Strange Fruit by Nina Simone. In the winter of spring 2021, Ayanna decided to take her love for dance to a new level and developed her dance program called Dancing with AC. That's all about the development and foundation of dance and healthy living involving-fitness.
GertrudeCopeland
Gertrude Copeland, a graduate of Jackson central merry high school (class of 1971) and graduate of Lane College, has been an educator for over 45 years. She continues to educate children and youth inside and outside of school hours, including tutoring and mentoring them after school. Because of her bright spirit and relentless efforts in the betterment of children, youth, and people of all ages in her community, Mrs. Gertrude has become one of the most celebrated characters in the city of Jackson and the Jackson Madison County School System. She has a wide range of talents and
interests along with an extensive background in leaderships in various subjects including performing arts, musical theater, dance, and much more. She does a tremendous job utilizing her various creative talents while serving as a physical education teacher and as an active member of church. She has directed and overseen numerous student and church performances and showcases such as Christmas programs, black history, women's history, and many more. Today Mrs. Gertrude has and will always be dedicated to guiding children academically, creatively, spiritually, and beyond.
Keith Davis
Keith Davis is a native of Bells and Jackson, Tennessee. He was educated in the Jackson public school system before matriculating at Tufts University, Medford Massachusetts, from which he holds a B.A. in Philosophy. Early years after college graduation Keith pursued his more creative endeavors such as writing, theater and dance, and later would begin a focused study of psycho-spirituality. Keith now teaches yoga, as well as other group exercise disciplines in Jackson. Through his personal yoga practice and body awareness, Keith explores his own issues where race has impacted his
mental, spiritual and physical well-being. Keith would like to bring his exploration of race and body/mind interconnectedness to a larger audience through his yoga and movement practices. Today, Keith continues to participate in local theater as he has recently starred in two commercials, choreographed for 2 seasons of Dancing with Stars, and developed
JACKSON STAFF BIOS
Will Adams
Will Adams was born and raised in Memphis, TN. He graduated from high school in 2019 and afterwards began his studies in instrumental music education at Lane College. Throughout his 4 years at the institution, he has played with the "Quiet Storm" marching band and was section leader. from 2021-2023 for tuba players. He was introduced to the CTC in earlyJanuary of 2023 and is working as the assistant stage manager and teacher assistant of the camp.
Penny Roberts-Cooper
Penny Roberts-Cooper is a fourth grade ELA teacher at Alexander Elementary School, the recipient of Henry Box Brown Community Mobilization Grant Award,JMCSS 2022 Elementary School Teacher of the Year, and a member of the Baha'i Faith. Besides working with her classroom students, she diligently works towards bringing the community together. She is also a member of the Children's Theater Company of Jackson Advisory Board.
MichaelBeecham
Michael is a recent graduate of Bethel University; he received his B.A. in Theatre and was a part of the Bethel Renaissance Program. While attending he was honored to be in many popular musicals such as Sweeny Todd Qudge Turpin), Matilda the Musical (Mr. Wormwood) and most recently portraying the role of Monsieur Andre in The Phantom of the Opera. He has also participated in a number of community theatre productions; he took on the role of Pablo in Jackson Theatre Guild' s
production of Sister Act as well as playing a multitude of roles and dancing around in last summer ' s production of The Wedding Singer. Aside from theatre Michael is actively involved in his church where he serves as an occasional worship leader and praise team member. He also enjoys exploring new activities and his current obsession is pickleball. Michael is also a huge film buff and will talk about movies with anyone willing to listen. Lastly, he is so thankful that The Children' s Theatre Company allowed him to take on new roles and explore different avenues in the theatre world. He would also like to remind you to never give up on your dreams. 11 All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." -
Walt Disney
Adam & Juliet Crossley
Adam Crossley is a film and tv composer, singer-songwriter, producer, and recording artist, andJuliet Crossley is director of Pre Primary at a Nashville-based Montessori school, a visual artist, illustrator, and musician. They are a Nashville-based husband-wife duo who have been writing and performing together since 2010.
JACKSON STAFF BIOS
Lachesha Hendrix
Lachesha Hendrix was born and raised in West TN. She was educated in the Dyer County School System & Weakly County School System. She attended Dyersburg State Community CoUege, University of TN at Martin, and Liberty University where she is pursuing her Master's in Pastoral Counseling. She is a certified Life Coach, Peer Recovery Specialist, and Licensed Esthetician. Lachesha is also a licensed Minister. She freelances makeup artistry, and she does theatrical makeup. Lachesha has been in many plays and some professional productions. Lachesha has been in many plays and some professional productions.
Lachesha is a spoken word artist and voice technician who has narrated productions and events. Lachesha has been happily married for 14 years to the love of her life Keith Hendrix, together they own K.A.P.TION, Kingdom Appearance Photography. She also is developing Hey G.U.R.L. "God, Understanding, Relationship, and Love" to impact women of all ages. Lachesha is working in all areas of cultural diversity and renewing her passion of working in theatre. She believes as quoted by Winston Churchill, "Success is not final, and failure is not fatal." Art comes in many forms, and she will keep exploring those forms while using her gifts and talents to impact, encourage, and evoke change.
Keith Hendrix
Keith was born and raised in Alamo, TN and graduated from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida, specializing in Digital Cinematography and also a still photographer and portraiture. He currently shoots projects ranging from short films, mini documentaries, commercials, and has experience with a wide variety of film formats to the latest full frame digital formats. Keith is also the media director of Destiny Church International and the coowner of K.A.P.TION Photography and film.
AverriAnderson
Averri is a multidisciplinary artist and former elementary school art teacher. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Arts with a minor in Psychology. She loves working with children of all ages, especially those with physical and learning disabilities. After being introduced to the world of theater in undergrad, she was offered an everlasting muse for her collection of creative talents. Working with children's theater has effortlessly blended her passion for youth mentoring, community engagement, community service, and the arts. Visual Arts, craft making, creative writing, and poetry, interior, fashion, and graphic design are just a few of her creative interests, all of which are best nurtured within the realm of theater.
Zyan Light
So Powerful is the light of unity, it can illuminate the whole earth.
Baha’u’llah – from the Baha’i writings
Amaala Anyanwu
The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Mahatma Ghandi, Indian Spiritual Leader & Civil Rights Activist
Amadi AnyanwuArthur Lee Neal
In the future, I don’t think that there will be ANY racism, but people will still get on each other’s nerves.
Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
Whoopi Goldberg, Oscar Winner / Comedian
Aubrey OwensDallas Beard
Look at me! Look at my arm! I have plowed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me –ain’t I a woman?
Sojourner Truth, abolitionist
Zaelor Watkins
If you have an opportunity to make the world a better place, and don’t, you are wasting your time on earth.
Roberto Clemente- American Baseball Player
Love is not a mere sentiment, but the ultimate truth at the heart of the universe.
Deepak Chopra, Indian Physician, and author
James Baldwin, American novelist, playwright, and activist.
Gabrielle Dickerson
Activism is my rent for living on the planet.
Alice Walker – an American novelist and social activist
Amaana AnyanwuAmanze Anyanwu
Fifty years from now, it will not matter what kind of car you drove, what kind of house you lived in, how much you had in your bank account, or what your clothes looked like. But the world may be a better place because you were important in the life of a child.
Mother Teresa - Humanitarian
You see this scar on the top of my head?’ I got that scar in. Greene County, Alabama trying to register to vote in 1964. You see this scar on the side of my head? I got that scar in Mississippi demanding civil rights. These aren’t my scars, cuts and bruises. These are my medals of honor.
Bryan Stevenson, an American lawyer and social justice activist
Arianna Marshall
I am leaving this legacy to all of you ... to bring peace, justice, equality, love and a fulfillment of what our lives should be. Without vision, the people will perish, and without courage and inspiration, dreams will die — the dream of freedom and peace.
Rosa Parks, Mother of the Civil Rights Movement
In the epistle of James, the message is clear that the Kingdom of God is love, and that nature is an instrument of
God's justice and love. The Holy Bible
Close your eyes to racial differences, and welcome all with the light of oneness.
Baha’i Writings
“Too cheap to buy me Coca-Cola!! I lets them know it, though. Ma don‘t stand for no foolishness. Wanna take my voice and trap it in them fancy boxes with all them buttons and dials . . . and then too cheap to buy me a Coca-Cola!!....
-Ma Rainey
Sponsored by Generous Support provided by:
The Wayfarer Foundation
Manocherian Family Foundation
Posner-Wallace Foundation
National Spiritual Assembly Baha'i of US
We invite you to volunteer your service and expertise. Individual and corporate donations are welcomed and appreciated.
Thank you for supporting the work of Children’s Theater Company Jackson Chapter.
The Baháʼí Spiritual Assembly of Pensacola
Jackson-Madison County Branch