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

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.

To speak of Janeé Latrice Abbott is to speak of lineage, purpose, and power. A dynamic performer, educator, and brand visionary, Janeé embodies what it means to merge creativity with legacy, carrying forward the torch of her mother, the legendary Joyce Abbott, while boldly forging a path of her own

Every great festival is powered by performers who bring truth to the stage, depth to the dialogue, and emotion to every line delivered. For LaPorscha Rodgers, this year’s Jasai Theater Festival is more than just another performance, it’s a platform to showcase the magic of original storytelling and a stepping stone toward her biggest dream

Eboni Ferguson is more than a poet. More than a filmmaker. More than a producer. She is a force of creative intention, using every word, frame, and project to educate, uplift, and represent

For over a decade, I-Know Brasco has been a respected name in the Philadelphia rap scene. A lyrical force and community-minded creative, Brasco brings more than rhymes, he brings responsibility

When you ask Jada Terrell what she wants out of life, she doesn’t hesitate: acting, filmmaking, entrepreneurship, and the freedom to do it all on her terms

For Reinna, the stage is a place of discovery, courage, and possibility. A newcomer to the world of independent theater, she steps into the Jasai Theater Festival ready to try new things, meet new people, and leave a lasting impression.

For Haiti Ock, music isn’t just a passion, it’s purpose. With more than 15 years in the game, this seasoned recording artist has graced stages nationwide, opened for industry heavyweights, and brought powerful energy to every performance.

For Kalief Ali, the dream is crystal clear, to act on stages across the world, sharing his passion and presence with audiences far and wide. But no matter how big the dream, Kalief's roots in Philadelphia's theater community run deep.

Lynn Shirley is on a mission to leave a mark. Not just on scripts or stages, but on hearts, communities, and the next generation of little Black and brown girls who need to see what's possible.

Some artists don’t just perform, they build stages, invite their communities in, and dare to shift the entire culture. At this year’s Jasai Awards, we are proud to honor Walter DeShields, a powerhouse of purpose, creativity, and legacy in Philadelphia’s arts community.

Every city has them, those tireless, passionate creatives who build the very backbone of its cultural identity. They aren't chasing fame, they’re shaping futures.

There’s something sacred about returning to the stage, not just to perform, but to reclaim, rebuild, and rebirth the stories that shaped us.