Jacob Henderson - Message to the Public

Message to the Public

First, I would like to thank everyone who came to support the Excellence Arts Academy -YWCA of Alton last weekend. “A Raisin in the Sun” in Alton has been a learning experience for me and my production team. This weekend, you have your final opportunity to see an American classic in the City of Alton. This will be your last chance to see the brilliant work of some amazing artists. When I produce shows, I always produce them with the audience member in mind. Audience satisfaction is my number one goal as a producer and director. At the Excellence Arts Academy, our objective is to educate, entertain, and empower our artist and audience members. “A Raisin in the Sun” shares the core values of all humanity, no matter what race you are. Everyone can identify with at least one character from this dynamic production. When we started rehearsals this past July, I immediately knew something special about how this play connected us as artists and performers. Since the start of production, the cast and crew have become family and friends to one another. I would like to think that the uplifting spirit of this show is the reason why great chemistry has manifested on stage between the actors. As a director, I have been challenged by the intense focus and determination of this company. The skill level of these artists is quite remarkable.

This Sunday, we will honor Mrs. Evelyn Johnson and her husband Mr. Harold Johnson. They are the first African Americans to live in the private neighborhood of Fairmont in Alton, Illinois. African Americans were not allowed to live in this prestigious neighborhood until the 1980s. When Mrs. Johnson became aware of the rules, she was outraged and demanded someone to change the rules. In 2012, The Johnson couple still lives in Fairmont and have broken down racial barriers. We will honor their legacy this Sunday at the final showing of “A Raisin in the Sun.” Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this great event.

Blessings,

Jake Henderson
Director of Excellence Arts Academy
YWCA of Alton
304 E. 3rd St.
Alton, IL 62002
(618) 465-7774 Ext. 207

The YWCA of Alton is a proud member of United Way. Established in 1918, the YWCA of Alton is part of the largest and oldest women's organization in the world. Its mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA of Alton serves communities in southwestern Illinois and is a partner agency in the St. Louis and Metro East region. For more information, visit www.altonywca.com

Elizabeth McCormick as Beneatha Younger

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth McCormick (Beneatha Younger) was born and raised in Florida and recently relocated to Alton, Illinois. She enjoys reading, creative writing, and spending time with her family. She’s currently a student at Lewis & Clark Community College and also plans to pursue a career in Theater & Performing Arts. Elizabeth is honored to make her follow up performance with the production of “A Raisin in the Sun” and she is happy that Jake has given her this opportunity.

Ronnie Banks as Joseph Asagai

About Ronnie

Ronnie Banks (Joseph Asagai) is a native of Birmingham, Alabama.  In a short amount of time, Ronnie has cultivated his acting talent and landed leading roles in both film and stage productions. As a youngster, he always had a secret passion for acting.  In the 4th grade, the talented actor had an opportunity to audition for the role as Dr. Martin Luther King in the stage play, "I Have Dream".  Although he didn’t attain that role, he persevered and garnered a supporting role in the play.  Ronnie was determined to become an actor no matter what obstacles he faced.  A film maker asked Ronnie if he would be interested in auditioning for his film, "The Hunga", and of course he said "Yes!"  Ronnie earned the leading role in "The Hunga" and has since then pursued acting with tenacity.  The talented actor also holds a B.S. in Health and Physical Education (K-12) from University Of Missouri-St. Louis.

Barbara Coleman as Mama

About Barbara

Barbara Swift Coleman

Barbara (Mama) has been involved in theatre in and around St. Louis for over 10 years.  She is so happy to be a part of this production of “A Raisin in the Sun” - one of her bucket-list shows.

Other Credits:

Some of her favorite roles include:

Margarita in “Stormy Monday”

Steele in “A Piece of My Heart”

Lee in “Holding On, Letting Go”

Maggie in “You Know I Can’t Eat Buffalo Meat When There’s a Terrorist on the Loose”

Angel 2 in “Tea with the Angels”

Juror #2 in “12 Angry Jurors”

Eve in “The Diaries of Adam & Eve”

Clara in “In Spite of the Drama”

Addie in “The Little Foxes”

Barbara has also appeared in several commercials and independent films shot locally. In her other life, Barbara works for MERS/Goodwill as a Sales Audit Specialist.  She gives thanks to God, her family and her husband Archie.

Taleesha C. Stewart as Ruth Younger

About Taleesha

Taleesha C. Stewart (Ruth Younger) - Writer, Actress, Poet

For as far back as memory allows, Taleesha has carried a passion for the arts. With a natural ability to paint a picture with words, she has performed her own poetic works for over 15 years. Taleesha currently resides in St. Louis MO, however she is a Hoosier in its truest sense, born and raised in Gary Indiana.

Quotes:

She is a lover, partner, mother, sister, daughter and friend with an outlook on life that is best summarized by one of her favorite quotes:  “Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art.” Taleesha would like to thank each of you for creating beauty by simply being you.

Jaz Tucker as Bobo

About Jaz

Jaz Tucker's (Bobo) first acting role was at the age of 13.  He portrayed the ill-fated Emmett Till in Unity Theatre Ensemble's, "The State of Mississippi vs. Emmett Till".  Knowing this was his calling, his mother, Thomasina Clarke, an accomplished actor and drama instructor, made him audition for the part.  That was when Jaz realized he'd want to do this for the rest of his life. In the fall of 2005, Jaz moved to Washington, D.C. for his entire high school career where he was fortunate enough to host a few school assemblies, aid his school in winning "Best Rookie" in its first Robotics Regional Competition, and have two of his poems published in "Bridges", a collection featuring poetry from hearing and deaf students.  Presently, Jaz is finalizing, "Forever in a Day", a short film he co-wrote, produced, and starred in.  He is also in the early stages of creating a variety web show that is not yet titled.

Joseph Schultz as Karl Lindner

About Joe

Joseph “Joe” Schultz (Karl Lindner) is 2012 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in Theater History/Literary Criticism and a minor in Philosophy. As a transfer student from Southeast Missouri State University, Joe has enjoyed a wide array of “hats” within the Department of Theater and Dance.

Acting Credits:

He performed in:

"Point of Revue,"

Multiple Black Theater Workshops

SIUE's Senior Showcase 2011

Other Talents:

Joe was master electrician for Pillowman and Student Dance Concert 2010. He also functioned as dramaturge for Kathryn Bentley’s Intimate Apparel and danced in Dance in Concert 2011. He splits his love between the learning of aesthetic performance theory and working as a tugboat deckhand on the Mississippi River.

Joe would like to thank his family and friends for their continual support and love; he is excited to work with such a talented cast and crew in this production of A Raisin in the Sun.