Innocent Dreams Program

Listen at linktr.ee/Innocent Dreams

About the Play

Davontae Sanford was arrested at fourteen and coerced into a false confession for a quadruple homicide. He spent nearly nine years in prison before being exonerated. The radio play, named after Davontae's non-profit organization, tells Davontae’s story through interviews, found texts, and poetry. We are pleased to be able to offer the play free of cost on multiple streaming platforms.

Davontae's mother, Taminko Sanford-Timon, his lawyers at the Northwestern Center of Wrongful Convictions and the Michigan Innocence Clinic, State police, and many others worked tirelessly towards Davontae's release. In 2016, Davontae's conviction was overturned, and he returned home to his family.

Davontae's story is horrifying, but it isn't entirely unique. We invite you to experience Davontae's story with us through his own words, and we hope it serves as a call to action for our listeners.

Note on content: Innocent Dreams contains extremely disturbing descriptions of police misconduct, incarceration, and family separation.

Meet the Team of Innocent Dreams

Austin Scott is Davontae

When Broadway shut down, Austin Scott was originating the role of Joe Scott in the Broadway production of “Girl From the North Country.” Before that, he spent two years starring as Alexander Hamilton on Broadway and National Tour. Other select credits include: One Day (Off-Bway, 3LD), Douglas Carter Beane’s Hood (World Premiere, Dallas Theater Center), Gotta Dance (World Premiere, directed by Jerry Mitchell) In the Heights (Hangar), Choir Boy (Geffen). TV: “Pose”.

Alexa Cepeda is The Reporter

Alexa is an actor, playwright, and lyricist based in NYC. She is the founder and host of Broadway Treats, a benefit concert for the non-profit organization Animal Lighthouse Rescue. Ithaca College BFA Musical Theatre. Come say hello at alexacepeda.com, or @lexacepeda !

Austyn Williamson is Smothers/Russell

Austyn Williamson is a Chicago-based actor and performer who is so thrilled to be a part of such an important project. Before quarantine, Austyn could be seen in several regional productions in the Chicago area, working with theatres such as Victory Gardens Theatre, First Folio Theatre and several others. He would like to thank Davontae for his courage and conviction, Megan for facilitating this project, and Austin and Alexa for their brilliant work. He is represented by Actors Talent Group. www.austynwilliamson.com

Music by Chaundre Hall-Broomfield

Chaundre Hall-Broomfield is a Newburgh, NY native and is honored to be apart of this important story telling. He graduated from the conservatory of professional actor BFA training Program at SUNY Purchase! His theatre credits include Hercules Mulligan/James Madison in the first national tour of Hamilton and understudying the role of Omari in Dominique Morisseau’s Pipeline at Lincoln Center.

He’s trained classically in piano for 8 years and has been producing and composing for the last 5 years. He is So excited to be helping tell this story through music!

Adapted and Directed by Megan Rivkin

Megan Rivkin is a playwright and director currently based in Chicago. Select credits include: We’re Here (Tufts University), Do You Hear Yourself (Arts At The Armory Somerville), and Kind Thing; Nice Thing (Tufts University, Homesick Play Project). Radio plays include Omnicide and Best Wishes (Available on Spotify and Apple Music). meganrivkin.com

Sound Design by Ramon Fernandes

Ramon Fernandes (Sound Designer) is thrilled to be working on Innocent Dreams. He is a recent graduate from Tufts University, where he majored in Computer Science and minored in Drama. He has taken on various technical roles in previous productions, most recently stage managing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Tufts University. This is his first radio play.

Graphic Design for cover art and marketing materials by Taliq Tillman Vigil

Special thanks to publicity assistant, abbie brenner

Living on Purpose ATL, Inc.

Our production is partnering with Living on Purpose ATL. Living On Purpose ATL, Inc. is a 501Š3 organization that will provide formerly incarcerated women with employment opportunities, life skills training, counseling, education and housing to help them overcome some of the challenges they face upon re-entering and give them a greater chance to succeed. We invite our listeners to donate at: lopatl.org .

SPECIAL THANKS

Kevin Doyle Taminko Sanford-Timon Playbill Broadway.com Hour Detroit The Detroit News WXYZ-TV

meganrivkin.com