Ben Saypol
Founder
Ben Saypol, Founder of Theater Delta, worked in interactive and community based theater for twelve years and was a leader in the field until his 18 month battle with colon cancer ended his life. Before focusing exclusively on Theater Delta, he spent six years leading Interactive Theater programs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Loyola University New Orleans, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. He had a PhD in Theatre from CU Boulder, a Masters of Music Vocal Performance from CU Boulder, and a B.A. in American Culture with a Certificate in Musical Theatre from Northwestern University. Ben also studied Interactive Theater, Theatre of the Oppressed, and other community based Interactive Theater techniques with Augusto Boal, Julian Boal, Michael Rohd, Marc Weinblatt, Jeffrey Steiger, and others. Ben served as Chair of the Interactive Theatre Subcommittee for the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, and was also an Educational Advisor for the Drossman Center for Biopsychosocial Medical Care. He also worked as a professional actor for five years.
Lyn Dickinson
Executive Director
Lyn Dickinson, Executive Director of Theater Delta, has over fifteen years experience in theater, education, and leadership training. She is an actor, facilitator, writer, and director for a wide range of Theater Delta programming, including Sexual Assault Prevention, Communication Strategies, Implicit Bias, Conflict Resolution, and Crisis Management. Specializing in the synthesis of Montessori philosophy, applied psychology, and Theater of the Oppressed principles, Lyn applies a variety of techniques and strategies to cultivate effective adult education for social change. Before joining Theater Delta, she was a Montessori school administrator and taught English, Theater, and Special Education in North Carolina schools. She received her Masters in Education from Wake Forest University and Bachelors in English Literature, with minors in Theater and Religion, from Mercer University.
Hannah Eppling
Program Consultant
Hannah’s work with Theater Delta began in January 2017. She assists Lyn in managing TD’s programs, marketing and social media strategies. She comes to Theater Delta with a background in theater as well as 5 years experience in Account/Project Management. She received her B.A. in Communication from Louisiana State University, and after working in the corporate world with Nielsen and a graphic design firm in Dallas, Texas, decided to pursue a career within the realm of her first love, the theater. In addition to contracting with Theater Delta, Hannah directs productions at local schools and teaches theater classes for children with special needs.
Ayana Johnson
Casting Consultant, Performance Educator
Ayana Johnson is a SAG-AFTRA eligible commercial, television, and film actress. She has appeared in local, regional, and national projects. Her ultimate desire is to have a recurring lead role on network television and be a principal actor in action films.
Page Purgar
Rehearsal Director, Performance Educator
Page Purgar received her training in theatre from The New World School of the Arts in Miami. After taking time to get her Masters in Counseling and working in the field of victim services for 10 years, she returned to the theater and has been working extensively in the Triangle area ever since. She also works as a trainer and standardized patient for a number of medical schools and educates elementary and middle school students surrounding issues of bullying and conflict resolution with the North Carolina Theatre Conservatory outreach program, Theatre 4 Change.
Jeb Brinkley
Acting Coach, Actor, Writer, Facilitator
Jeb is an Acting Coach, Actor, Writer, and Facilitator for Theater Delta - he has been working and growing in the Triangle area of NC for the past 10 years. He holds a B.A. in Dramatic Art from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he became a jack of all trades, acting in productions at both the undergraduate and professional level with Playmakers Repertory Company, directing mainstage shows, and serving as Undergraduate Technical Director. Since then, he has continued acting and performing, taught improvisation and acting for youth, pursued professional songwriting, and juggled multiple jobs ranging from elementary afterschool tutor/mentor to automotive mechanic.
Sarah Donnell
Writer, Facilitator
Sarah Donnell is a writer, educator, and theatre artist from the Piedmont of North Carolina. After graduating with a BA in Dramatic Art from UNC Chapel Hill, she spent several years developing new works and performing in New York City. She has taught students of all ages and backgrounds, from adults in Alamance County, North Carolina to elementary school Children in China to high school students in Spain. Teaching led her to social justice work and several years as the co-leader of UNC Chapel Hill's Interactive Theatre Carolina where she directed, wrote, and facilitated performances and workshops about a broad range of health and social issues. Additionally, Sarah has created interactive theatre as a co-instructor for UCLA's visiting Sex Ed Squad and with Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theatre Program. She is currently a candidate for a Masters of Arts in Social Change with certification in Interfaith Chaplaincy from the Graduate Theological Union's Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley. She has been a facilitator with Theater Delta since 2015.
Marie Garlock
Facilitator
Marie Garlock, PhD candidate, is a facilitator and actor who has toured with 50-plus Theater Delta performances, and worked dynamically with audiences in classrooms, clinics, professional certifications, national and global conferences, policy hearings, and equity trainings. As a communication specialist, participatory educator, and performing artist, Marie is dedicated to centering the stories and priorities of persons who face life-threatening illness and legacies of social violence. Her awarded narrative research, keynotes, public engagement and arts leadership (itisinyou.org) includes partnerships with: the US Commission on Civil Rights, ArtPlace America, Hospital Systems, Medical Schools, Universities, and collaborative trainings across the US South, Tanzania, Kenya, and Malawi.
Sonny Kelly
Facilitator
Sonny Kelly is a world class performer, story teller, motivator, speaker, and comedian. Currently pursuing a PhD in Communication & Performance at UNC Chapel Hill, Sonny is a graduate of St. Mary’s University (MA, Communication Studies, ’08) and Stanford University (BA, International Relations, ’98). After serving our nation as a U.S. Air Force officer, Sonny has gone on to serve as non-profit organization director, university admissions counselor, award winning pharmaceutical salesman, college communications instructor, and a church youth pastor. As a lover of theater and performance, Sonny has acted professionally on stage and television for over 20 years. He is also a writer and director of live theater as well as the creator and co-host of the CrossOver radio show on WIDU Radio in Fayetteville, NC. As a professional storyteller, he has performed for the National Association of Black Storytellers, the Black Storytellers’ Alliance, as well as schools, businesses and civic organizations across the country. As a PhD student and instructor, Sonny's research and work focus on interpersonal communication, performance, critical pedagogy and public speaking. His research is based upon developing trauma-informed performance-based interventions to empower under-served youth to counter the School to Prison Pipeline. On March 11, 2002, Sonny committed his life to Jesus Christ, and has sought to share God’s love with everyone in his midst ever since. He is also the blessed husband of Elenah and father of Sterling and Langston. No matter where he is, or what he is doing, Sonny’s passion for teaching, engaging and empowering others through love is unmistakable!
Ron Lee McGill
Facilitator, Performance Educator
Born and raised in Durham, NC, Ron began his career in print work at the age of 4 and was a part of the Hillside High School Drama legacy headed by Mr. Wendell Tabb. He went on to receive his Bachelor's degree in Media Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With well over 15 yrs of experience on stage and screen, Ron has worked on such shows as ABC's “Grey's Anatomy” and has made and an appearance on “The Ellen Show”. Stage credits include: Black Ops / Little Green Pig's production of “The Shipment”, and Howard L. Craft's “The Miraculous and Mundane”, and Children's Theater of Charlotte's production of "And In This Corner...Cassius Clay". Ron takes special pride in working with Theater Delta, using his talent to educate and open dialog on topics that affect society, continuing the legacy of Ben Saypol.
Ben Slate
Facilitator
Dr. Ben Slate is an arts advocate with fifteen years experience in higher education teaching and administration. Ben holds a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary fine arts (art, theatre, music, philosophy) and a Masters in Theatre. Ben has served as artistic director, managing director, and performing arts director, at university, professional, and community theaters. Along with his educational and administrative experience he has also served in the role of artist as director, actor, playwright, and designer. As a facilitator for Theater Delta, Ben enjoys helping to craft meaningful and instructive experiences for diverse audiences to engender hope, enrich lives, and bring awareness to issues in powerful and profound ways.
Amadio
Performance Educator
Amadio is a stage and film Actor based in Durham, North Carolina. He is an artist that takes his inspiration from John Coltrane, Thomas Sankara, El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz and many others that refused to be compromised.
Aurelia Belfield
Performance Educator
Aurelia is a multidisciplinary creative specializing in performance, storytelling, music for film, and arts activism. A UNC-Chapel Hill graduate; she believes in the power of building, empowering, and nurturing healthy communities, that the way to someone’s mind is through their heart (and vice versa), and that art is just the way to do it! She has appeared in several productions on stage in the Triangle and nationwide including: I Love My Hair, Our Town, Hair, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She also currently serves as a music supervisor on several Emmy and Peabody winning productions.
David Berberian
Performance Educator
David graduated with a BFA in acting from East Carolina University . College roles include: Dancing at Lughnasa, The Boys Next Door, Romeo and Juliet and The Crucible. For many summers David could be seen at the Eastern Carolina Summer Theater in Greenville. Shows include: Carousel, Daddy’s Dying Who’s Got The Will, Biloxi Blues, Man of LaMancha and Arsenic and Old Lace. After graduation David produced, directed and starred in Boy’s Life. He also had the pleasure to be involved with the Brooklyn Heights Players (the oldest community theater in Brooklyn). Since moving to Durham in 2001, David has been employed as the Scene Shop Supervisor at Duke University building sets for the Theater Studies Department. Local credits include: Tomorrowland, Back of the Throat, At The Vanishing Point, The Goat, Oh The Humanity (Manbites Dog), Uncle Vanya, Polish Joke, Holiday (Deep Dish Theater), The Guys, Odd Couple, Glengarry Glen Ross (Bull City Players). David can also be seen in area commercials and industrials. A complete resume and David’s acting reel can be found at: davidberberian.com.
Jenn Bianchi
Performance Educator
Jenn has been improvising for 7+ years with several theaters all over the Southeast. She is currently teaching longform improv at PIT-Chapel Hill. When not Yes Anding on stage she spends her time watching Real Crime Documentaries with her husband and her dog Basil.
Vincent Bland
Performance Educator
I am originally from Chesapeake, VA but I've lived in the Triangle for about a decade now. I've worked with many companies across the country, both onstage and behind the scenes, and strive to use every job as a learning opportunity. It is important to me that I am involved with work that uses creative arts as a tool for social, cultural, and artistic enrichment.
Anoo Tree Brod
Performance Educator
Anoo Tree Brod is an award winning speaker, actress and professional improviser performing with Transactors Improv Company. She has performed in 16 U.S. states, 2 countries (U.S. and Scotland) and taught improv workshops in corporations, organizations,and arts centers around the country. She currently teaches improv as an adjunct Professor at UNC, Kenan Flagler. She loves helping people learn to play and be fully themselves!
Alexis Brown
Performance Educator
As a professional Video Producer and Editor, Alexis spends countless hours behind the camera. But, she is always thrilled to perform for live audiences. Her earliest start to the world of entertainment was in broadcast radio in Frankfurt, Germany. Since then she interned for Will Smith, produced a short film starring Danny Woodburn of Seinfeld, and has performed in commercials and musical theatre. Alexis feels honored to be apart of Theatre Delta as it seeks to educate audiences, across the nation, on navigating important social issues. Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the Lord, and do good…”
Chris Burner
Performance Educator
New York credits include: A Lie of the Mind, Ring Round the Moon, and Three Sisters. Chris also performed in productions of Romeo and Juliet with both the WV and NY Shakespeare Festivals and 4:48 Psychosis at the 2010 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Film and TV: The Sopranos (season 6), Across the Universe, Chasing the Unicorn, and The Taco Hut. European credits: MacBeth in Bamburg, Germany. NC tour of The Parchman Hour, Mike Wiley Productions. ManBites Dog: The Overwhelming, God's Ear, Oh the Humanity, Now You See Me, Middletown, The Homosexuals. Chris also works for Theater Delta, an interactive theater group focused on social change and development, as well as doing Standardized Patient work at Duke University Hospitals.
Trevon Carr
Performance Educator
Trevon made his Theater Delta debut as Shawn in “What’s your problem?” He really enjoys working for this company and loves what it stands for. Trevon has recently played Trey in a short film, the “Know it all Kid” in the Miami showing on the polar express and is glad to be back representing Theater Delta once again. Trevon hopes to attend school for Musical Theater and master his craft.
J. Chachula
Performance Educator
J. Chachula is a performer, acting teacher, and a director/facilitator with Triangle-based Open Mind Improvisation. A graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, his acting background, improvisation training and decades of teaching experience led to work in corporate education, role-playing and teaching communication skills for Google, Raytheon, Electrolux, Rolls Royce, and many others. In addition to his corporate work, J is a Standardized Patient for medical schools and performs with Theater Delta, an interactive theater for social change. He is also a proud member of the longform improv group Third Date.
Angum Check
Performance Educator
Angum is a Cameroonian immigrant from Prince Georges County, Maryland and student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Check is passionate about serving marginalized peoples through interactive theater, mentorship, service, activism, and organizing. She loves to combine her interest of education and acting through theater for social change. Check hopes to be a civil rights or educational lawyer and one day open her own clinic to serve marginalized communities directly.
Ren Cleveland
Performance Educator
Ren Cleveland is an actor, writer, director and educator from Raleigh, NC. Though she breaks things and has no sense of direction, her friends say her many quirks are “enduring.” She has been blessed to act in both theatre and film across the east coast and presently runs the drama program at Sola Grata Academy in Cary, NC. Ren is gratefully represented by KU Talent. She believes that honesty is the highest form of courage and that when it comes to following our God-given dreams, we should never give up.
Lakeisha Coffey
Performance Educator
Lakeisha made her first professional appearance in Durham at Manbites Dog Theater in The Overwhelming. She has performed in other Manbites productions to include the farewell production of Wakey, Wakey, The Best of Enemies, brownsville song: a b-side for Tray, Spirits to Enforce, ...the Death of Walt Disney, Life Sucks. and The Miraculous and the Mundane. Additional Stage credits include I Love My Hair... and I Love My Hair...the Remix (FORTY/AM); Crumbs From the Table of Joy, Gidion’s Knot (Bartlett Theater); The Mountaintop, A Doll’s House Remodeled, (Justice Theater Project); For Colored Girls...(SheCow Productions/Burning Coal Theatre Second Stage); A Raisin in the Sun, The Waiting Room (Raleigh Little Theater); Boston Marriage (Ghost & Spice); The Jade City Chronicles Vol. 1, Our Town (Little Green Pig). She has also served as stage manager & costume designer for several theater productions. She is part of the Creative Development Team for the inaugural BullCity Black Theater Festival held in March 2018 in Durham, NC. She is also a founding member of Bulldog Ensemble Theater.
Leroy Ediage
Performance Educator
Leroy is a local artist with a laid back personality and an optimistic, fun loving spirit. His deep passion for theatre and the arts started at a young age and he is proud to be doing creative projects in the community that give him a sense of fulfillment. Leroy acts, directs and is also a member on the artistic council for MOJOAA Performing Arts Company. Leroy is ecstatic for the opportunity to be a part of Theater Delta.
Erika Edwards
Performance Educator
Erika began work with Theater Delta in the spring of 2013. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in Dramatic Art, she relocated to Wilmington to build a career in film and video production. Since then, Erika has collaborated with Theater Delta on numerous projects nationwide. Whether it's in the heart of Indianapolis or a mile high in Denver, she enjoys any time spent with the TD family!
Thaddaeus Edwards
Performance Educator
Thaddaeus Edwards is proud to perform with Theater Delta, and believes in its mission of using performance to affect real change. He is a founding member of Bulldog Ensemble Theater and has performed with Manbites Dog Theater, StreetSigns, Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern, and many more.
Maxine Eloi
Performance Educator
Maxine Eloi is an actor, director and filmmaker. Classically trained at Boston University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA), Maxine received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Boston University in 2013. Since graduating, Maxine has continued to pursue her creative passions through film and theatre, and has also become an advocate for Social Justice through the arts. Her recent film credits include 'The Last In Line', 'Blue Crossing', 'Roll Pin Punch', and 'Diamond', to name a few. Maxine is also a company member at Theater Delta and Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern. She is grateful for the opportunity to pursue her craft and uses her various platforms to help others by collaborating in projects that promote dialogue and positive social change. Maxine’s work provokes audiences to discuss and engage in ideas of social progress, wellness and justice, as seen through her roles in ‘Aghast’ and as a company member in Theater Delta, interactive theater for social change. 'Sunday Fun Day', which discusses social and environmental issues, has recently screened at film festivals around the globe, such as FECI Bogotá, Hollywood Screenings Film Festival, BIC Berlin,AM Egypt, Tryon International and more. Maxine is currently in pre-production for ‘Off Ramp’ and continues to write, act and create other film, television and theater projects.
Lauren Foster-Lee
Performance Educator
Lauren is an actor, vocalist, and improviser based in Durham, NC. She studied acting and vocal performance at UNC Greensboro. Some of her favorite acting credits include ‘Caroline or Change’ (radio girl), ‘For Colored Girls’(Lady in Orange), and ‘Silver Lining’(Hope Daley). As a performance artist and HR professional/trainer, Lauren loves utilizing the arts to create a welcoming environment to cultivate advocacy and awareness.
Byron Frazelle
Performance Educator
Byron has been with Theatre Delta since November 2016. He has performed with the company in various locations all over the country, including in North Carolina, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Byron also works in scientific publishing for an editorial firm in North Carolina, and in his free time officiates youth sports as a referee and umpire.
Brianna Gilmore
Performance Educator
Brianna Gilmore is an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies with minors in Geography and Spanish. On campus she is involved with various performing arts and environmental organizations. She has most recently performed as an actress in The Vagina Monologues, MAD BOY (film) and In the Heights at UNC Chapel Hill. In addition to acting on stage and screen, she has been a choreographer for various musicals including Heathers: The Musical, Urinetown, Addams Family, Godspell, Bye Bye Birdie and an assistant choreographer for Pippin, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Batboy, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She hopes to continue to participate in various acting and dancing opportunities in the upcoming years.
Sai Graham
Performance Educator
Sai Graham is a local actor in the Triangle Area. He has performed at multiple theatre's such as North Carolina Theatre, Raleigh Little Theatre, NRACT, and more. Sai trained in Musical Theatre at William Peace University and is now pursuing professional acting opportunities. Sai is incredibly proud to be a part of the Theater Delta family and loves using his passion to inspire important dialogue and educate about social issues. Sai's next project is IN THE HEIGHTS at North Carolina Theatre.
Akili Holder-Cozart
Performance Educator
Qualia "Akili" Holder-Cozart is a Durham, NC native with a deep passion in the arts. She began her theater journey as a music student at North Carolina Central University in her Sophomore year. She absolutely fell in love with the magic of the stage. Since then, she has played in many different roles such as Amanda Aldridge in Alexander Simmon's Sherlock Holmes and the Hands of Othello and will star as Deloris in Sister Act, the Broadway Musical with NCCU. Now, she is pursuing her Bachelor's degree as an online student with Berklee College of Music, still serving as a community theater person for NCCU Theater and as an actress and stage manager for Agape Theater Project. She is soon to be doing work with Little Green Pig Theater and Justice Theater Project as well. She completely fell in love with the mission and personnel that is Theater Delta and always looks forward to working with them more and more in the near future!
Trevor Johnson
Performance Educator
Trevor Johnson is a local artist, home inspector, educator, husband and father. Trevor holds degrees from UNCCH and NCCU (Summa Cum Laude). He has performed with Playmakers Repertory Theater, Manbites Dog Theater and Little Green Pip Theatrical Concern. When not working, he squeezes in some reading, gardening & cooking.
Laura Faye Justad
Performance Educator
Laura Faye Justad is originally from Chapel Hill, NC. She became passionate about acting after attending the Summer Training Institute at Shakespeare and Co. Laura pursued her dream and moved to Los Angeles in 2013 where she studied at Warner Loughlin Studios. While living in LA, she appeared in various Short Films and Web Series. Presently, she is active in the Southeast, and resides in Durham, NC with her Husband, AJ, and two rescue pups, Nikki and Norma. In addition to joining Theater Delta, Laura recently appeared on stage in Neil Simons’ Plaza Suite, playing the duel roles of Jean and Mimsey.
Simon Kaplan
Performance Educator
After working as a professional actor in Australia and Europe for most of the 1980s, with steadily decreasing amounts of employment and fulfillment, Simon took a 25-year hiatus from the theatre. Since dipping his toe back into acting five years ago, he has been busy. Local productions of note include: for Burning Coal Written on the Heart (Chaderton/Archdeacon), King Charles III (James Reiss) and The Weir (Jack), for Raleigh Little Theatre What We’re Up Against (Stu) and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Ed), for Sonorous Road Straight White Men (Ed), for Theater Delta Are You Aware? (Don), for Peaceabilities Productions 84 Charing Cross Road (Frank), for Bare Theatre Marat/Sade (Sade), Twelfth Night (Sir Toby Belch) and Love Letters (Andy), for Little Green Pig Heads Will Roll (Prospero/Enobarbus/Romeo) and Norway (Bjorn), for Honest Pint Hamlet (Claudius) and The Herd (Ian) and for Honest Pint/Sweet Tea Shakespeare King Lear (Lear).
Caity Kelly
Performance Educator
Caity Kelly is a sharp and quick-witted actor and graphic designer. In addition to performing for Theater Delta, she is the Managing Director of Carrboro Creative- a graphic design and marketing agency whose mission is to empower women- & minority-owned businesses, nonprofits, and sustainable startups to succeed with impactful design.
Christine Lane
Performance Educator
Christine is stoked to be joining the Theater Delta team! She recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Elon University's BFA Acting Program- and is so excited to use her degree in such a meaningful way. She can be seen on the History Channel & Hulu in A&E's SIX. Favorite credits include Moment (Niamh), Heathers: The Musical (Heather Duke, Regional Premiere), Crimes of the Heart (Meg), and You Can't Take It With You (Penny). Much love to her family, Elon, and KU.
Kyma Lassiter
Performance Educator
Kyma Lassiter is a theatre artist and emerging director who currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. Some of her favorite acting credits include: Harriet Tubman, The Maggie Walker Story (Virginia Repertory Theatre); uncletom:deconstructed (The Conciliation Project); A Civil War Christmas (Firehouse Theatre); The Piano Lesson (Cape Fear Regional Theatre); Our Town (Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern) and For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf (SheCow Productions/Burning Coal Theatre Second Stage). Directorial credits include 12.21.09 (Bull City Black Theatre Festival) and For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf (The Justice Theater Project). Kyma also serves her community as a Programming Coordinator within the arts and non-profit sector and is a member of the Creative Development Team for the Bull City Black Theatre Festival held this past March in Durham, NC. In the spirit of black uplift, Kyma strives to give a voice to those unheard through artistic expression and creation.
Brenda Lo
Performance Educator
Brenda has roamed the U.S. with Theater Delta since 2015. She enjoys working on stage and wishes she had the voice for musical theater. She is also SAG-AFTRA eligible commercial and television actress. When not acting Brenda works for REI as an outdoor educator.
Sheldon Mba
Performance Educator
Mba is an actor and dancer from Durham, NC. He received his BA in Theatre and Dance Performance from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and is currently an MFA in Performance candidate at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Past favorite roles include: Matamore in The Illusion (USM Theatre), Fish in The Royale (Burning Coal Theatre), Drake in Annie (ANFO Productions), Bailey Jr/ James Baldwin in Maya Angelou (NCCU), Cheshire Cat in Alice and Wonderland (Durham Family Theatre), and Soloist Dancer/King in Black Nativity (Justice Theatre Project). While pursuing his educational and professional goals he finds time to be an activist and spokesperson for the National Bone Marrow Program: Be The Match.
Kaley Morrison
Performance Educator
Kaley Morrison is an actor currently based in Durham, NC. She enjoys work both in theatre and film and serves as the Director of Education for Burning Coal Theatre in Raleigh, NC.
Ford Nelson
Performance Educator
Ford Nelson is ecstatic to be performing alongside other passionate educators and facilitators with Theater Delta. When Ford is not on stage, he can be found blacksmithing, taking photos, and looking for new gigs. He is excited to see where life takes him, as he is always along for the ride.
Lydia Nethercut
Performance Educator
As a double major in musical theatre and anthropology at William Peace University, Lydia Nethercutt is thrilled to be a part of the Theatre Delta team, combining her passions for theatre and social justice. She has previously worked in educational theatre with the National Theatre for Children, teaching middle school students about energy conservation through performance. Other favorite credits include These Shining Lives (Catherine Donahue, Women’s Theatre Festival), The Crucible (Abigail Williams, North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre), and Into the Woods (Rapunzel, University of North Carolina at Greensboro).
W. Scott Parker
Performance Educator
W. Scott Parker III is known for his staring roles in "The Polar Bear Club" and "September". Scott recently directed the comedy "Bob & his Enlarged Amygdala". He received critical acclaim for his role of Jefferson in Ted Lange’s play "Four Queens — No Trump". He has appeared in over 100 plays and films, working with directors including George Clooney, Giancarlo Esposito, and Derrick Borte. Scott studied acting with Director Andrew Lane of the Roy London School. He taught skiing at Keystone Colorado and is an avid skier.
Felicia Renee
Performance Educator
Felicia Renee is a singer and actress who has been entertaining since she was a small child. Her goal is to land a featured role in a television Crime Drama and to take her acting talents overseas.
Yesse Rodriguez
Performance Educator
Yesse began Her acting career as a child in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During high school, she studied Opera and Jazz and also took part with Strive Media Institute, a non-profit organization where she learned the in's and out of TV and production. She became a talent and reporter for Gumbo Television through Strive and in 2003, her and her team at Gumbo Television won a regional Emmy in Chicago, IL for Outstanding Achievement for Children’s Programming – Children’s or Teen Series. A few years after high school, Yesse relocated to North Carolina and continued her career in Acting and Modeling, taking countless acting classes and seminars to enhance her craft and become a better performer. In 2014, she had the opportunity to work alongside Kevin Hart and Ice Cube in the Film Ride Along 2. From there, she has been blessed to partake in other wonderful productions such as Beautifully Insecure by Director Nakia Hamilton, What Would You Do by Producer Rashed Myers, But Deliver Us From Evil by Director Joshua Coates, Ride With a Vamp By Michael Buie, Hurt People Hurt People by Reggie Adams, Blue Crossing by Nick Dalmacy, Lover's Lane by Karlton Clay, The Bridge TV Series by Brandon Bias, Investigation Discovery's 3 part Mini series, Jodi Aria's an American Murder Mystery by Director Rex Short to name a few. I was recently honored with the opportunity to work with Theater Delta and partake in their awesome productions. More to come!
Nat Sherwood
Performance Educator
Nat Sherwood is a recent graduate of NC State University with a B.S. in polymer and color chemistry in addition to minors in theatre and chemical engineering. They frequented their University Theatre stage, playing roles ranging from Antigone in The Burial at Thebes to Yente in Fiddler on the Roof. Sherwood returns to the Triangle after a stint in New York City completing Atlantic Acting School's Summer Intensive. Nat also dabbles in sound design and play writing.
Natalia Soto
Performance Educator
Natalia Soto is an actor, poet, musician, and North Carolina native. She has performed with numerous groups in the Triangle including Burning Coal, Sonorous Road, White Iris Light Opera, and North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre. She is elated to continue educating communities with Theater Delta. Natalia loves theatre used for social change, and she is also an avid reader, vegan enthusiast, and roller skater.
Zach Strum
Performance Educator
Zach Strum is an actor/director who graduated from UNCSA in 2012. His work has screened at film festivals such as Slamdance and Cucalorus, where he worked as a resident artist in 2018.
Julie Miller Thompson
Performance Educator
Julie is a graduate of The University of Kansas with a degree in Theatre. She is an actor with the North Carolina Children’s Theatre touring productions for youth. She loves the work that Theatre Delta does because it is intellectually and emotionally challenging, and loves the discussions it creates.
Adair Tompkins
Performance Educator
Adair Tompkins is originally from Durham, North Carolina and currently resides in Chapel Hill, NC. She fell in love with theatre after participating in drama camps and classes at the Durham Arts Council from the age of seven, and has been acting ever since. She attended the Durham School of the Arts and the North Carolina Governor’s school for theatre, and currently writes and acts in a neofuturist theatre troupe at UNC where she studies Spanish, Global Studies, and creative writing.
Abbey Toot
Performance Educator
Abbey is an actor, director and teacher who currently serves as Company Manager for PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill, NC. Abbey coaches acting, auditioning, voice and speech, physical storytelling, acting for the camera, and she teaches piano. She received her MFA from the University of California-Irvine, her BS in Theater Performance at the University of Evansville, and is one of the inaugural certified teachers of Miller Voice Method. After spending years acting in Chicago, Abbey is delighted to be back in the south where she enjoys long walks outside with her husband and their amazing rescue greyhound dog, Twyla.
Lindsey Urena
Performance Educator
Lindsey is a local actor and advocate who has been with our team since 2015.
J. Tommy White
Performance Educator
J. Tommy White is a queer and multiply disabled performing artist, poet, researcher, and educator who has performed throughout Philadelphia, Boston, and the NC Triangle. J. Tommy studied acting and music performance under various instructors and has completed university studies in both creative writing and English/Spanish translation (BA, Temple University) and the social and behavioral sciences (MPH, Boston University). They continue to write and perform while also serving as Program Advisor to the statewide Building Integrated Communities at UNC Chapel Hill and as a Bilingual Instructor for infant/child water survival.
Will Williams
Performance Educator
Will Williams is an actor and producer based out of Raleigh, NC. He was executive producer of the multi-award winning narrative film, No Child (2015) and Aghast (2017). He received BEST ACTOR at the 2016 South Carolina Cultural Film Festival for his role in NO CHILD as Will Windsor. He's been featured in commercials for Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Angry Orchard Hard Cider, and many others. He's currently producing the film, The Jack Johnson Story, which tells the life story of the boxing champion- Jack Johnson.

Theater Delta did a great job. This should be done on every college campus.

Rush University undergraduate student

After experiencing this performance, I intend to become an advocate rather than sitting in the shadows.

Columbia College-South Carolina undergraduate student

The open conversation allowed for many ideas to be shared and a deeper understanding to develop.

Washington and Jefferson College incoming freshman

The acting was amazing. I also loved the instructor. Very engaging.

Rush University undergraduate student

The Theater Delta experience made it real; this format is significantly better than lecture.

North Dakota State University faculty member

I appreciated the chance to actually interact with the characters and see how they feel and think.

Washington and Jefferson College undergraduate student

Interactive Theater is a very interesting, novel way to teach ethics. These were very relatable issues.

Duke University graduate student, Duke Pratt MEM Program

I learned that Interactive Theater is a heck of a good teaching tool.

University of Alabama Birmingham faculty member

I wish you guys could do this for Congress! We would have a better government. Thank you, Theater Delta, for making me a better person and the world a better place.

Emory University faculty member

Many other discussions/performances are very general, but this performance led to a very nuanced discussion of communication.

University of Alabama Birmingham graduate student

This performance was highly engaging and interesting. Very thought-provoking.

North Dakota State University faculty member

This performance provided us with opportunities to share ideas in a non-threatening environment.

University of California-Santa Barbara faculty member

The facilitator draws in and wraps up each point – he was very effective in addressing key points and leading the discussion.

Duke University faculty member, BioCoRE Program

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