Just Arts 2021

Tẹmídayọ Amay (they/them) is a Trans Non-Binary writer, actor, producer, and queer activist born and raised in Washington, DC. They are a Helen Hayes Award performer for Outstanding Supporting Performer in "School Girls: or, the African Mean Girls Play." They have worked alongside the MCC Theater, La MaMa ETC, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Tẹmídayọ Amay has been featured in American Theatre Magazine, The Washington Post, and DC Theatre Scene. In addition to writing, and producing, Amay is a director, collaborating most recently with the Athena Project, and Arts on the Horizon, and Spooky Action Theater. Tẹmídayọ Amay is the founder and executive producer of PILOT, a creation studio and producer’s collective dedicated to producing queer Black Stories, to making queer Black History, and to celebrating queer Black Liberation. Instagram: @temidayoma, @thepilotpro_

Frank is a native Washingtonian who has been appearing on DMV and regional stages professionally for nearly two decades. He is a graduate of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, and is also an instructor. He earned the 2018 Helen Hayes Award (the Robert Prosky Award For Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play—Helen) for his performance in “Jesus Hopped The ‘A’ Train” with 1st Stage. Many, many thanks as always to my dear Kevin McAllister.

Jon Jon Johnson is a multidisciplinary artist in DC. He works as an Actor, Director, Musician, Playwright, Administrator, among several other hats. He also serves on the board of The Free Theatre and as an advisory board member of Flying V , as well as working freelance as a diversity consultant and casting associate.

Jon Jon also works as professional TTRPG Game Master, Ghost Writer, among many other things that he enjoys that capitalism has forced him to monetize.

Love to ET, KH, RT, SWA, RB, and DS.

Deepti Mukund Navile, is the Founder & Artistic Director of the Natyabhoomi School of Dance, Maryland, USA. Her sister Shruthi Mukund, is the Artistic and Outreach Director of the school. 2019 marked the school's 25th year.

The school has performed at many prestigious venues all over the US and India including the Strathmore Music Center, Barns at Wolf Trap, Kennedy Center, to name a few.

Natyabhoomi has presented many thematic productions with unique concepts. Natyabhoomi, with Sandra Atkinson of the Light Switch Dance Theater and the flautist Deepak Ram created the 'The Girl Child Project', an endeavor to promote women empowerment through the Arts.

Deepti is actively involved in educating & making Indian Classical Dance more accessible to mainstream audiences.

Alexandra Palting has performed locally at Olney Theatre Center, The Kennedy Center, Imagination Stage, Chesapeake Shakespeare Co., The Keegan Theatre, and others. Through her business, The Hustling Creative, she has worked to support nonprofits through storytelling throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and empower and equip young professionals pursuing a creative career. Her song cycle 0874 is a reflection on her grandparents’ love story set during their immigration to the U.S. from the Philippines.

Christopher Michael Richardson is an actor, director, and teaching artist in the Washington D.C. area. You may have seen him in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical) at The John F. Kennedy Center TYA; Gun & Powder at Signature Theatre; Matilda at Olney Theatre Center; and The Wiz at Ford’s Theatre (Helen Hayes Nomination, Supporting Actor). He holds a BA in English and Theatre from The College of William & Mary.

Baakari Wilder is internationally known for starring in the Broadway musical Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk. He received a Bessie Award for his performance, and later assumed the lead role for a year. He has also received the Pola Nirenska Award for achievement in dance. Baakari's dancing has delighted audiences around the world in places such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, France, Africa, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and Russia. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from the University of Maryland at College Park. He shares his knowledge of tap dancing through his role as assistant artistic director of the Washington D.C. based companies Capitol Tap and District Tap. He will be receiving the “2021 Hoofer Award” by the American Tap Dance Foundation at Tap City, the New York City Tap Dance Festival in July.