Beyond Theater Blog

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.

Tiffany Ford isn’t just building programs, she’s building futures. As the founder of Leaders & Legends Performing Arts Academy, Tiffany has spent over a decade creating safe, expressive, and transformative spaces for the youth of Southwest Philadelphia.

Visionary. Playwright. Branding architect. Cultural force. Jaret R. Barron is proof that when purpose meets execution, dreams don’t just manifest, they multiply.

Some people direct from the stage. Others move the crowd from behind the curtain. But Shari Barron? She curates every moment in between.

When you meet Rhonda Roberts, you quickly learn she’s not just an artist, she’s an uplifter. Her dream is simple yet profound, to sponsor others so they can pursue their dreams too.

From the moment he picked up a mic and stepped onto a stage, Dr. John W. Graves III recognized art as more than a passion, it was his purpose.

When we talk about legacy, mentorship, and impact in theater, Mel Williams is a name that resonates through generations of performers, including my own experience.