Director’s Note As most people know, Shakespeare famously wrote, “All the world's a stage." We took him literally—and added a wrestling ring, a therapy couch, and Steve Harvey. I love Shakespeare when he's done right—when the language sings, and the characters breathe, and you forget you are watching something written four centuries ago. But Shakespeare done wrong? Deadly. And with limited rehearsal time and a brilliant cast of students who deserved something more electric than drowning in "thee" and "thou," we made a choice: find a way to make the Bard live for us, right now, in this moment. So we stole his characters, kidnapped his plots, and dragged them into sketch comedy. Inspired by SNL, Chappelle's Show, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), we asked: what if Juliet went on Family Feud? What if Macbeth needed couples therapy? What if we investigated Caesar's murder like Knives Out? And what we discovered is that Shakespeare's characters are so deeply human that they can survive anything—even our irreverence. This show is our love letter to the Bard with terrible puns and worse accents. If it makes you laugh, we have succeeded. If it makes you curious enough to pick up the original plays afterward, we have really succeeded. (Trust me, the jokes cut deeper when you know the source material.) To our incredible ensemble who committed fully to every absurd premise, our production team who built entire worlds in three weeks, and our marketing team who convinced you this was worth your time—thank you. And to you, our audience: laugh loudly, groan freely, and embrace the chaos!
-OLUBAJO SONUBI
Scan the QR code for our full cast and crew list!
Production Crew Production Team
Wrestling Consultant and Fight Choreographer Michel Baptiste
Producer Mary Emily Deal
Technical Production
Director Olubajo Sonubi Production Manager/ Technical Director/ Master Carpenter
Woody Depew Writers
Mary Emily Deal, Olubajo Sonubi, Shunrodney Rosser Jr., Kai Chisholm Shira Davis
Stage Management Stage Manager /Assistant Director Jacqueline Falco Assistant Stage Managers Taylor Palmore Vivian Mann
Design Team
Emmanuel Page Dareon Tillman Jillian Hill Kyndall Miller Kethyna Reid Joshua Simpson Naomi Uwaifo-Omorogbe Alice Watson Mike Xu Devon Craig Alexander Harmon Samira Jashim Varum Kumar Cidella Sims Robert Walker Justin Wilson
Front of House Front of House Manager / Ticketing Alessandra Erazo
Projection Designer Jacqueline Falco
Assistant Ticketing Jazzlyn Johnson
Assistant Projection Designer Mateo Custodio
Marketing & Media
Lighting Designer Kris Hwang
Marketing & Publicity Director Maisha Era
Assistant Lighting Designer Moth Price
Marketing Managers Skyler Negron Jacob Robertson
Sound Designer Camryn Brockman Assistant Sound Designers Jashawn S. Thompson Tuesday Coward Costume Designer Kayla Garcia Costume Assistants Elizabeth Matthews Germanie Holloway Chase Teamer Karla Salinas Mya Rolle Jasmine Gould Wig Assistant Anastasia Wilson Intimacy Director Jessica Bennet
Marketing Assistant Victory Ironna Abraham Nyante
Photographer Ericia Burke
Production Vincent Milazzo Olivia Ryan Dylan Cruz
Post-Production Abraham Nyante Victor Sonubi James Kannanthara Shira Davis
Cast Bios Shira Davis
Bryson Falconer
(Anne the Royal Physician/Cordelia/Mean Jean/Others/WRITERS ROOM )
Bryson Falconer is an academic senior student at Georgia State University. Bryson has made both the Dean's List and the President's List. He has worked as a run crew member, set builder, puppeteer, prop master, and actor in productions such as The Lion King, Squirrel Girl Goes to College, Mr. Burns, Circadian, Blood Wedding, Shrek the Musical, and Shakespeare Night Live. Bryson’s Favorite Shakespeare play is Romeo and Juliet because he likes the romance and thrills of seeing rival families' children fall in love. Bryson is excited to work on this production because he can now be on stage with the other actors and get to have dialogue scenes. He hopes that this production will be both funny and amazing for others to see.
Shira Davis is an Atlanta actor. They've performed across the Atlanta area, including at 7 Stages Theater, the Horizon Theater, and the Alliance. Shira continues their acting education and is now pursuing a degree in Film and Media Production at Georgia State University, due to graduate in May 2026. When not on the stage, they participate in areas of film and theater behind the scenes. They enjoy a variety of creative outlets, painting, sculpting, Magic the Gathering, and they’ve had their creative writing published and featured in journals. Currently they are an active troupe member of the Murder Mystery Company, where they have performed in over 200 of their immersive shows. Shira entered this project as a Shakespearian beginner. Reading the plays and laughing alongside their cast mates has transformed the way they think of Shakespeare. His works now rest in a special and warm place in their heart. @at_o.o_shira
Elizabeth Matthews (Juliet/Bianca/Costuming)
Carter Riddett (King Lear/The King/Bottom/Others)
Elizabeth is a Georgia State University Senior obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in acting. She has previously been cast in productions such as Shrek the Musical, Blithe Spirit, Roger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and more. After graduation, Elizabeth will pursue a career in the arts as an actor and singer with the ultimate goal of landing herself on Broadway and National Tours. She is most excited to witness the audience's reactions to such a unique production and hopes it will encourage others to get involved with the arts department. Her top two favorite Shakespeare plays are “Romeo and Juliet” and “Twelfth Night”. Most of all, she hopes you enjoy the show!
Taylor Palmore (Ophelia/Roderigo/Ensemble/Assistant Stage Manager) Taylor is joining this production as both assistant stage manager and as an ensemble member of the cast! She is very excited to see where both of these roles will take her in this production of Shakespeare, Night Live. Taylor is currently an honors sophomore student at Georgia State University, majoring in Film and Media and minoring in Theatre. She’s had a strong passion for performing ever since her first role as Greg in Romeo and Juliet. Previously, she’s performed a variety of theatre roles, such as Miss Scarlett in Clue, Sandy Cheeks in SpongeBob the Musical, and MOTHER in Blood Wedding. Taylor has also had the opportunity to work as an assistant stage manager for one of GSU’s previous productions, Shrek! The Musical. Outside of the theatre world, Taylor loves to make short films with her friends and is currently starring as Sade in Miseducated, a web series that can be found on YouTube. She aspires to become a film actress and eventually start her own production company.
Valentina Richards Shakespeare Night Live is Valentina’s debut show as a Georgia State University student. She is currently a first-year theatre major at Georgia State University. She always had a passion for the arts and started her career in elementary school at DeKalb Academy of the Arts, graduating from DeKalb School of the Arts. She has consistently participated in productions such as 12 Angry Jurors, Nutcracker, Waffle Palace Christmas, Dragons Love Tacos, Little Shop of Horrors, and more. Valentina loves anything creative, and the stage is her happiest place. Valentina is also very versed behind the scenes of productions and has experience as a director, technical director, cinematographer, and more. She also recently won an award for her film “A Slice of Cake” at the 2025 DeKalb Film Festival. She loves a modern twist on Shakespeare and is excited to hear the audience laugh and try to refrain from laughing herself!
Carter Riddett is happy to perform in his second production with the Atlanta City Theatre! His most recent performances include Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Franklin Shepard in Merrily We Roll Along, Jack in Into the Woods, and Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie. Carter currently sits on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Dogwood Theatre Company in Dacula, GA. He is graduating with a BFA in Film and Media in the Spring of 2026, and plans to continue his education by pursuing a MFA in Film Production. When not on stage, you can catch Carter building Lego, playing the piano, and hanging out with his cat. Carter’s favorite Shakespeare play is the Tragedy of Macbeth, because of its exploration of unchecked ambition and complex psychology. You can follow him on Instagram @carterdriddett.
Sophia Berry (Dr. Orna/Orlando/Hamlet/Others) Sophia is a graduating senior studying Theatre and Film, and this is her second production with Atlanta City Theatre! Her previous performances include Usher/God/Understanding in Everybody, Lena in The End of the World is Just a Perspective, Wadsworth in Clue, The Narrator in Puffs, June in Bethel Park Falls, H.B. Hackett in Welfarewell, and ensemble roles in The Drowsy Chaperone and Mamma Mia! When she's not on stage, you can find her writing, playing video games, or volunteering at playhouses such as Shakespeare Tavern, Horizon Theatre, and Theatrical Outfit. Her favorite Shakespeare play is The Comedy of Errors, because the only wacky misunderstanding more entertaining than a set of estranged twins is two sets of estranged twins. She hopes you enjoy Shakespeare, Night Live!
Esi (Lady Macbeth/Lady Capulet/Hermia) Esi is a senior Fine Arts student at Georgia State University majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Acting. A Caymanian performer with over a decade of experience on local and international stages, her foundation in dance informs her transition into screen and stage acting, where she has appeared in student films, local commercials, and voiceover projects. She also serves as a Production Assistant for the GSU School of Film, Media & Theatre. Beyond performance, she is the Founder of KYBeauty and works in marketing and cultural storytelling. Esi aspires to build a career in film while continuing to lead her creative ventures. Her favorite Shakespeare play is Macbeth, drawn to its psychological intensity and the layered complexity of Lady Macbeth. She is especially excited for Shakespeare Night Live as it marks her first theatre production since the age of twelve, making this return to the stage both meaningful and full circle.
Cast Bios Shunrodney Rosser Jr.
(Steve Harvey, Iago, Detective Atticus Beaumont, Announcer, Host) WRITERS ROOM Shunrodney Rosser Jr. is an Atlanta-based actor appearing in tonight’s performance of Shakespeare Night Live, bringing sharp wit, energy, and classical presence to the stage. His recent work includes Donkey in GSU’s production of Shrek the Musical, along with stage credits such as Sweat, Food Justice, Much Ado, Brandon Jacob-Jenkins’ Everybody, and Blood Wedding. Shunrodney has also been featured in the 2026 GSU CSAD Table Read, where he performed excerpts from A Raisin in the Sun as Walter and Fences as Troy. His film credits include Podcast Warriors and Hardlight Entertainment’s short film Le Rouge, available on YouTube, and he has performed at the 2022 Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival in SATB: The Musical and the NBA Global Academy Coaching Workshop. A Theatre student at Georgia State University, Shunrodney continues to refine his craft while inspiring others through his motivational “MotivaSHUN: One Word Sermon” series—so get relaxed, laugh, and have a great time tonight!
Jayden “JayJay” Williams (Helena) JayJay is a freshman at GSU who is pursuing a bachelor’s in Marketing. His main passion is theatre, as he’s been acting for over 7 years. His favorite Shakespeare play is Romeo and Juliet, mostly because it’s the only one he’s read. You may have seen him most recently in GSU’s Shrek the Musical last semester as Pinocchio! You may have also seen him in The Drowsy Chaperone as Robert Martin, Godspell as the We Beseech Thee vocalist, Matilda the Musical as the Escapologist and Shrek the Musical as Donkey (which was done 2 years prior to his role as Pinocchio in GSU’s Shrek the Musical). When he’s offstage, you might find him singing, studying, or watching slime tutorials on youtube. He is so excited to join this cast and can’t wait to perform this show!
Talib Henderson Actor|Macbeth/Cassius/Lord Montague/Macbeth/Referee Actor and filmmaker Talib Henderson is now pursuing a career as a Film and Media Major at Georgia State University, he has been honing his art for years through training and practical stage and film experience. Among the many films and plays in which Talib has starred are Try, Try Again, Young, Black, and Gifted, A Space Between, Wings, NightHaze, and Way of the Water. Projects like Bubbly Spec Commercial, Limbo's Crossing, The Game Changer, Internationale, Ghost Stick, and The Heist are among his supporting credits. Performances in Blood Wedding, Suffering, and A Christmas Carol are among his theatrical endeavors. Talib has a solid background in performance training in addition to acting, having completed courses at Georgia State University, Gordon State College, and Arabia Mountain High School's AVTF in scene study, cold reading, auditioning, and on-camera acting.
Keenon Solomon (Othello, Lord Capulet, Pertrucio, Charles the crusher) Keenon Solomon is a junior at Georgia State University, pursuing a degree in Film and Media. Keenon Solomon is a very passionate and versatile actor and his recent work was in Georgia's State's production of Blood Wedding as Leonardo, and New Year’s Kiss as Manny. Keenon is also a twice published author, writing two action-adventure novels called The Relic of Power and The Gem of Faith. Keenon plans to continue writing in the future, and is beyond excited to continue acting. He’s had a great time learning Shakespeare and rehearsing for this show. Have a great night at Shakespeare Night Live!
Xavier J Romeo | Brutus Shakespeare Night Live marks Xavier J’s stage debut, and he could not be more thrilled to begin his theatrical journey with two of Shakespeare’s most iconic roles. Although this is his first production, Xavier J has been passionately drawn to the arts since childhood. Inspired by Uta Hagen, he felt a renewed calling last summer to bring his talent and passion for acting to the stage. His favorite Shakespeare play is Julius Caesar, making the opportunity to portray Brutus meaningful. What excites him most about this production is exploring the dynamics between Romeo’s passionate vulnerability and Brutus’s calm authority. Two different energies that allow him to explore emotional depth, inner life, and range as an actor. Xavier looks forward to unveiling a layer of Romeo the audience may not expect and bringing a grounded, commanding reassurance to Brutus. Check him out @xaavierj on all social media platforms, reach him at bookxavierj@gmail.com.
Crew Bios Skyler Negron Marketing Co-Manager Skyler Negron is a senior at Georgia State University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies with a minor in Georgia Film Academy Production Certification. She has previously served as Co-Manager of Marketing for productions including New Year’s Kiss, Blood Wedding, and Shrek the Musical. Skyler has professional on-set experience across commercials, feature films, and reality television, and recently worked as a First Assistant Director on an episodic pilot. After graduating in Fall 2026, she plans to continue working on set with the goal of joining a production leadership team as an Assistant Director or Unit Production Manager. Her instagram is @Bellaskyler. Her favorite Shakespeare plays are Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet.
Mateo Custodio Projection Team/ Marketing Team Member/ Set Design Mateo Custodio is a freshman at GSU pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies. Mateo is very passionate about theatre and film! This is his first crew production at GSU. Formerly, he acted as the Sticks Pig/Thelonious in GSU’s Shrek the Musical. He started at Dr. Phillips High School’s Theatre Magnet Program where he acted as Severus Snape/Lord Voldamort in Harry Potter and The Cursed Child and ensemble for Beautiful The Carol King Musical as well as lead carpenter projects for shows such as My Fair Lady and Into The Woods. While he loves the stage, he is currently looking forward to learning more about production and working on film sets. Insta: @mateo.diego._
Lisa Ekperi Production Assistant/Marketing Team Member Lisa is a sophomore at GSU majoring in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity. Although her academic focus is in technology, she is actively involved in theatre and participates behind the scenes in the production Shakespeare Night Live. This marks her second production, following her previous work with Shrek the Musical. She works closely with the marketing team and contributes creative ideas to help bring each production to life. She is always open to collaboration and connecting with new ideas, feel free to reach out to her on Instagram at @chinemerree.
Alessandra Erazo Front of House Manager/Production Assistant Alessandra is a junior at Georgia State University pursuing a major in Film & Media with a minor in Entertainment Media Management. Her previous credits include, Shrek: The Musical, New Year’s Kiss, and Blood Wedding, working in set design/decorations, and Front of House Manager. She has contributed to acting in student short films and is expanding her creative skills behind the camera, as a director, editor, and director of photography in upcoming student projects. In her free time she loves to travel, hang out with friends and family, and paint canvases. Her favorite Shakespeare plays are Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing.
Jack Falco Stage Manager/Assistant Director/Projectionist Jacqueline is a Junior at Georgia State University studying philosophy with a pre-law concentration. Jack is incredibly passionate about theater and has been her whole life! With her experience, she’s been working as our stage manager here at Atlanta City Theater for the past year. She stage managed Shrek: The Musical last fall, and is so excited to be completing her second project with Shakespeare, Night Live! This play has been a blast to put together and she’s so excited for you to see everyone’s incredible hard work. Her instagram is @jackkfalco.
Jacob Robertson Marketing Co-Manager/Production Assistant/Set Design Jacob Robertson is a sophomore at Georgia State University majoring in marketing. Jacob has been working closely with Atlanta City Theatre for over a year and this will be Jacob’s second production with the marketing team. Jacob is passionate about theatre and strives to create and contribute to theatre in his life. Jacob has worked on previous productions including Blood Wedding, Mythos and he was Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical. Outside of the theatre, you can catch Jacob dedicating his time to working or singing every chance he can get. His instagram is @jacob_20058.
Jashawn Thompson Audio Engineer Jashawn Thompson is a freshman majoring in Theater Design at Georgia State University. He has been doing theater for 5 years. For Shakespeare Night Live he's helped with the audio aspect of filming and the live performance. He has also helped with the building of the set pieces. Previous shows that he's worked on include Shrek the Musical, Addams Family Musical, and Plaza Suite.
Jazzlyn Johnson Front of House Assistant Manager/ Production Assistant. Jazzlyn Johnson is a sophomore at Georgia State University majoring in Film and Media with a minor in Entertainment Media Management. She has previously worked as a Front of House Assistant Manager and contributed to set design for Shrek the Musical.
Crew Bios Kai Chisholm Production Assistant/ Writer’s Room Kai Chisholm is a senior majoring in theater (with a concentration in acting) and applied linguistics. They are honored to be a part of the writing team for Shakespeare Night Live as well as a member of the production team. You may have seen them in Bunmi & Babajide, EVERYBODY, Blood Wedding, and/or Shrek the Musical. Additionally, they participated in Horizon Theatre’s New Young South Playwright Festival (‘25). Kai’s favorite Shakespeare play is probably As You Like It. As far as something that excites them about this production: they are extremely thrilled to have actors play out whatever dumbs*** they wrote in a document. When they aren’t creating onstage or behind the scenes, Kai can be found playing video games, hanging out with friends, and cuddling with their Forever Kitty, Muma. They hope you enjoy the show! @k.aintstopwontstop
Vivian Mann Assistant Stage Manager, Assistant Director (Real Daughters of Shakespeare) Vivian Mann (she/they) is pursuing an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree in Theatre with a Theatre Design and Production Concentration here at GSU. She has been doing theatre on and off her whole life and has decided to follow that passion to become a Stage Manager for productions and theatres in the future. When not working at the theatre Vivian can be found at home with her dog, book or craft in hand. This is Vivian's second production with GSU, having been a costuming assistant for Shrek the Musical last semester. They are honored to have been given the chance to be assistant stage manager and assistant director for this production and are so proud of the work everyone has put in.
Abraham Nyante Assistant PR Coordinator Abraham Nyante is a senior at Georgia State University majoring in Film and Media. He is the Assistant PR Coordinator, assisting on events and productions for the School of Film, Media, and Theater, including Marketing Assistance for Shakespeare, Night Live.
Kayla Garcia Costume Designer/Wig designer/Makeup designer/Production Assistant
Kayla Garcia is pursuing her degree Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in art and science and art here at Georgia State university. Kayla was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, she is new to Atlanta. She is very excited to be a part of the team and continue her theatre journey at GSU. She hopes that one day she can be a Set/Costume designer in film! Even since a young age Kayla has been interested In fashion and designing room layouts the only difference is that she’s not doing it for her dolls anymore! She has worked on several productions at the San Pedro Playhouse in San Antonio, including The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, A Christmas Carol, The Rocky Horror Show and many more! She was the assistant costume designer for the GSU Shrek production; she hopes she can be a part of more GSU productions! If You wish to see more of her costumes or Have any interest in the process of making the costume look her up on Instagram and TikTok @kayyylagarcia
Kris Hwang Lighting Designer
Kris Hwang is the lighting designer for “Shakespeare, Night Live”!! They have done many light shows in the past throughout their high school career, and have helped out with the lights in previous shows here at Georgia State. They would like to thank everyone here, and express their gratitude and love for this cast and crew.
Victory Ironna Social Media Manager/Production Assistant/Artist Liaison Victory Ironna is a senior at Georgia State University majoring in Film and Media. She has worked closely with Atlanta City Theatre for the past three years, with credits including Bunmi and Babajide: Much Ado in Lagos (Abimbola), Circadian (Ensemble), New Year’s Kiss, a live-taped comedy (Cynthia), and Blood Wedding (Wife). Most recently, she has worked behind the scenes on the theatre’s productions of Shrek the Musical and the current production, Shakespeare, Night Live, serving as Social Media Manager, Production Assistant and Artist Liaison. Outside of school, Victory dedicates her time to writing music and scripts, with aspirations of bringing her vision to the big screen. Her favorite Shakespeare play is Romeo and Juliet because the 1996 film is a classic. Her Instagram is @itsvictorychisom
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Musical Guests Bios Ah!Dia Ah!DiA is a singer-songwriter with influences from indie pop, folk, and indie rock music. In 2025 she released her first single "Lost In Sea(Anchor") and since has released six more singles. She has recently started her journey in live performances and hopes to share her thoughts, experiences, and fun beats through her music.
J Dreaming A Georgia native (a.k.a the Black Boy from the COVE!), with the desire to help his audience experience and work through their emotions. J dreaming is a mindful artist who blends his thoughts, christian faith, and storytelling with an alternative hip-hop sound. Many times in his life, he has found himself compressing his feelings instead of facing the reality of life’s experiences. Through his introspective and emotive lyrics, he shares those emotions hoping to encourage his listeners to do the same.
Micah Joel Micah Joel is a singer/songwriter based in Atlanta. His music is heavily focused on lyrical expression and storytelling. Micah has released 3 singles so far, starting with his debut in summer of 2025 and he’s currently writing his debut album, which he hopes to release in 2027.
Sienna Jade Sienna Jade is an independent singer-songwriter in Atlanta, GA. Her music is a blend of the classic sounds of indie rock mixed with alternative folk, drawing inspiration from artists like Adrianne Lenker, The Cranberries, Rodríguez, Joan Baez, Hayley Williams, and The Arctic Monkeys. Sienna self-released a 4song EP last December, titled, “The Fool”. She continues work recording, & is always writing. Keep up with her work through socials @siennajade.music
Hit Rock Bottom Conceived in the 90’s and Created in 2025, Hit Rock Bottom was formed to bring everyone together to dance our way Up to the Top, Whatever we’re our current experience, it’s always better with Rock, Hit Rock! And that’s what we play. We perform some of the funnest, most well known groovin’ tunes from the 70’s and a few others mixed with some similar, catchy and danceable original music, Hit Rock Bottom is a unique combo of talent featuring Jonathan Paul Moore, a 40+ year varied band veteran, providing guitar and vocals and the MC duties and leading the band and crowd with energy and fun narrative. Jack D Smith, a 30+ year rocker, playing bass, singing and bringing his special feel. Maybe because he plays Keyboards too! Last but not least, Our Special Gift is Miss Kee Kee Stoghill. Playing drums, piano and singing since she was a child, Kee Kee is an Award Winning vocalist receiving a scholarship to Alabama A&M for her vocal talent and will move your heart to new smiling heights with her Soulful and Hit Rock Bottom sound! We have so much fun playing together like Family and bringing the party and will always bring some specially crafter music for our special event.
City in the Trees City in the Trees is a new Atlanta based 6 piece band! They formed the group in the spring of 2025 and played their first gig in August picking up steam ever since! In fusing the cello with electric guitars, booming vocals alongside nice grooves, and ethereal piano rounding them out, they have worked to create a jamming, indie rock sound with lyrics and melody so catchy you’ll be singing all night! City in the Trees is made up of old college friends, childhood friendships, and young adult friendships! A perfect combo of shared history, meeting each other where they are and getting to know each other in the process. They are very appreciative of this opportunity, can’t wait to share their original music, and can’t wait to rock the stage with everyone. Give City in the Trees a follow on Instagram! @cityinthetreesatl
Faculty Bios Woody Depew (Production Manager/ Technical Director/ Master Carpenter Woody Depew is an Academic Professional at Georgia State University. He has worked as a Union Carpenter, working with Atlanta Local Union #225 for 20 years and as a builder and designer for 35 years. Additionally, he is thankful to be an integral part of Georgia State University, the College of the Arts, and the School of Film, Media, and Theatre, teaching, building, learning, designing, and managing. He is excited to work on this production because this production is an original work written in house and based on Shakespeare themes and characters with a heavy dose of modern sketch comedy.
Mary Emily Deal Producer/Writers Room Mary Emily Deal is the Associate Director of the School of Film, Media & Theatre, Producer of Atlanta City Theatre, and head of Theatre at Georgia State University. She also teaches acting, focusing on body, voice and character creation for stage, film, and new media. An international award-winning writer, actor, and producer, her credits include All Sinners Must Bleed (Netflix) Rejuvenation (Amazon/Tubi), Atlanta (FX) and P-Valley (Starz). Her films Fire Talker and Bicycle Face are now in festivals. Her favorite Shakespeare play is A Midsummer Night’s Dream and what excites her about this show is seeing an idea come to life, articulated by so many creatives.
OLUBAJO SONUBI Director/Co-writer
Olubajo Sonubi teaches and directs in GSU's Film, Media & Theatre Department, where he's discovered a great way to make Shakespeare electric for students: throw some of those plays into a sketch comedy blender. Previous directing credits include SWEAT, BUNMI & BABAJIDE, and Much Ado Lagos. This show exists because a group of passionate, dedicated, hardworking students and faculty said "yes" to every ridiculous premise, immense gratitude to Olubajo’s entire family, who also gave their time and energy to make it possible for him to contribute to this endeavor, and of course thanks the audience who complete every theatrical experience.
Anastasia Wilson Wig Assistant Anastasia Wilson is an educator, actor, and devising artist with over twenty years of experience in theatre and film. She is an Assistant Professor of Performance at Georgia State University and a Designated Linklater Voice Teacher, with an M.F.A. in Physical Theatre from Accademia Dell’Arte (Italy). Anastasia has also collaborated with Atlanta City Theatre Players previous productions Blood Wedding (Director), Circadian… When Will We Wake (Devising Director), and Bhunmi and Babajide (Dialect Coaching). Anastasia’s favorite Shakespeare play is Titus Andronicus. She loves sketch comedy and Shakespeare, and is especially excited seeing both collide in fresh, playful takes on classic works.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS As the Associate Director of the School of Film, Media & Theatre and the Producer of this show, it is my job to help bring productions like this to life. This spring, we embraced creativity in every sense of the word. We all donned multiple hats, students stepped into roles typically reserved for professional designers, and together we created something new out of something old. A special thank you to the director and co-writer Olubajo Sonubi. Every time I have a crazy, “we can do it idea” he steps up and proves me right. We came up with some outrageous ideas over the holiday break, and then he ran with it, handed it over to the students to embellish, rewrite, and originate new ideas, all under his guidance. I’m so grateful that the students jumped in and made it their own. I’m also grateful to all the students who stepped up to design projections, sound, lights, props, costumes, etc, all under Woody Depew’s leadership. Every one of these students has gained valuable college-to-career skills. In addition to juggling all the jobs behind the scenes, Woody always builds something special for the shows, and this time, it’s a wrestling ring! I hope you all enjoy this evening as much as we have enjoyed creating it.
-Mary Emily Deal
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