Beyond Theater Blog

Meet Kyson Martin, the dynamic actor behind ManMan in Family Values, whose journey in the arts began over 15 years ago and hasn’t slowed down since. With professional acting roots tracing back to 2009, Kyson is no stranger to the power of storytelling

Some artists find the stage. Others are born for it. Emani Parks is the latter. Making her return to live theater in Strange Love, Emani embodies the complex and compelling role of Cheryl, a performance rooted in truth, vulnerability, and layered storytelling

After time away from the spotlight, Haley Wilson makes a powerful return to the stage in Family Values, bringing not just talent, but a deep-rooted commitment to legacy, creativity, and connection

There’s power in the pen, and Mila the Phoenix is proof. A poet, performer, and practicing therapist, Mila merges her love for the stage with her mission to raise mental health awareness in every line she delivers

When Charles Fears Jr steps to the mic, it’s more than a performance, it’s a ministry in motion. With a heart full of purpose and a voice shaped by faith, Charles has been using music as a vessel for transformation since the age of 14

With a pen in one hand and unapologetic truth in the other, Ms Marquita Writes is redefining what it means to show up boldly, honestly, and free. A rising voice in Philadelphia’s spoken word scene, Marquita may have only been performing for a year, but her impact already reads like a veteran’s chapter.

With a name that echoes classical greatness and a voice that pulses with raw, present-day power, Bae Thoven isn’t here to entertain, they’re here to unearth. A multidisciplinary artist whose creative journey began on the theater stage

When Necol Millsip speaks, she speaks from the heart, and from the fire she’s walked through. As the Founder, President & CEO of the Soldier of Love Foundation, and this year’s featured moderator for Strange Love

Terrence Harris doesn’t just ask the questions—he challenges the systems. As the conversation moderator for Skits and Conversations Presents: Family Values, Terrence brings depth, personal truth, and sharp analysis to the post-show dialogue, guiding audiences beyond emotion into real reflection and real solutions.

For The Stuttering Poet, poetry isn’t just performance, it’s personal liberation. Growing up with a speech impediment, he often felt like his voice didn’t land the way he intended. But instead of shrinking in silence, he chose a mic

There are artists who perform, and then there are artists who embody purpose. Knowbody, this year’s featured performer at the Jasai Open Mic, is the latter, an all-in-one lyricist, musician, dancer, and educator whose journey is rooted in legacy, authenticity, and evolution

When Naima the Self Love Poet steps on stage, she’s not just performing—she’s healing, inspiring, and awakening the love we often forget to give ourselves. Her poetry is a revolution wrapped in rhythm, vulnerability, and truth

Every theater season has its rising stars—bright sparks of potential just beginning to show the fullness of their brilliance. This year, Kori Richardson steps into that spotlight at the Jasai Theater Festival, bringing with her a deep love for the craft and an even deeper appreciation for the people who make it all happen

When it comes to building legacies, few people walk the walk quite like Anthony Lee. As the Lead Managing Partner of Realty One Group, Focus PHL, Anthony isn’t just a top-tier real estate broker, he’s a bridge to possibility, wealth, and generational change

When it comes to the intersection of voice, vision, and purpose, few do it quite like On-Air With Sir. With a legacy that began at just 12 years old, Sir has spent decades transforming the radio airwaves into sacred space, where inspiration meets information and empowerment becomes action

For Nicole Sheppard, acting is more than a performance, it’s a passport to purpose. With a dream to travel the world and make a lasting impact through her art

Every great artist has a spark, that internal fire that won’t let them sit still when the stage is calling. For Andre Frederick McCall, that spark has always been present

For some, the stage is a dream. For Ira Warren, it is a divine assignment.

With over 25 years in acting and singing, Mike Davis brings a rare blend of charisma, wisdom, and experience to the Jasai Theater Festival stage. But for Mike, it’s not just about performance, it’s about progress.

The lights may shine brightest on the stage, but behind every seamless scene is someone orchestrating the magic in real time. That someone, for the Jasai Theater Festival, is the incomparable Nathia Tucker.