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Ja'Mel Dean
Father
Ja'Mel Dean is a proud graduate of Norfolk State University, where he earned his master’s degree in music education. He currently teaches elementary music with Norfolk Public Schools. Selected theatre credits include Once on This Island (Agwe/Papa Ge), The Lion King (Scar), The Color Purple (Preacher/Grady), Big River (Jim), Dreamgirls (CeCe), Chicken and Biscuits (Reginald Mabry), and Memphis (Bobby). In addition to performing, Ja’Mel is an accomplished music director, playwright, songwriter, and director. Ja’Mel is the founder of J.L. Dean Productions, a faith-based theatre company dedicated to combining artistry and spirituality while sharing powerful and uplifting messages through the arts. Through J.L. Dean Productions, he wrote and directed Reflections, which premiered at ODU’s Goode Theatre. Ja’Mel gives all honor and glory to God and extends his heartfelt gratitude to Underground Performing Arts Collective (UPAC) for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful production.
Venus Clark
Eve/Mama Noah
Venus is a performer, violinist, and musician from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She's trained as a dancer in Coppin Dance Company and as a student at the Musical Theater Conservatory with Barrington Stage Company. She has appeared in musicals and showcases in both the Hampton Roads area and East Coast. Her favorite roles include The Leading Player in Pippin, Juror No. EIGHT in Twelve Angry Jurors, and as a performing student in Barrington Stage a Company's MTC Final Showcase. Venus is excited to make her UPAC debut! She's honored to work with such talented castmates and crew. Venus would like to thank her mom and dad for their love and support throughout her journey as an artist, as well as her grandma for coming from florida to see the show.
Tory Myrick Jr.
Adam/Noah
Bio to come.
J Travis Cooper
Abel/Japheth
Bio to come.
Corey Jay Hinson
Cain/Ham
Corey Jay is 23 years old and has been in the theatre scene for over 15 years. Although they are typically behind the scenes working with costumes, set pieces, or makeup design; they also have seen their share of the limelight. Some of their favorites include Nancy in Angel Street at LTN; Kathryn in Radium Girls at LTN; and Young Lilly in The Conversation at The Z Theater. They are honored to make their UPAC debut with this production and amazing cast and crew. They would like to thank their mom for always pushing them towards new experiences, and their partner for dealing with all the music and accents that comes with show life!
Christine Barreca
Yonah/Lead Dancer
Christine is thrilled to be making her debut with UPAC! She loves performing in Hampton Roads and has appeared in local productions and readings with Virginia Musical Theatre, Rouge: Theater Reinvented, and Virginia Stage Company. Her favorite recent roles include Helen Henley in Rosie the Riveter with Rouge and Patsy Jefferson/Ginger in a staged reading of Sally & Tom at VSC. She holds a degree in Musical Theatre and Dance with Carthage College, and has enjoyed teaching dance locally and working for The City of Norfolk. Much love to the cast and her incredible husband who pushes her everyday to pursue her dreams.
Otis Williams
Seth/Shem
Bio to come.
Ella Grace Breshears
Aysha/Lead Dancer
Ella Grace Breshears is incredibly excited to be making her UPAC debut! Ella Grace was bitten by the theatrical bug at an early age when she performed as a fairy in The Tempest. From that moment on, theatre became her passion. Currently in college pursuing a BA in Communications, Ella Grace has performed in numerous plays including A Merry Little Christmas Carol, String!, The Yellow Wallpaper, and Percy Jackson The Lightning Thief to name a few. She is grateful for this amazing opportunity and knows none of it could have happened without the love, devotion, and support of her amazing family and friends.
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Aliya Reed
Aphra/Lead Vocalist
Aliya Reed is a singer and actress from Jamaica Queens, New York. Her artistry is grounded in powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and a love for bringing complex women to life onstage. A Vocal Music minor from Old Dominion University, Aliya is known for her dynamic vocal presence and expressive, immersive performances. Her most recent and favorite role to date was Abuela Claudia in Little Theatre of Norfolk’s "In the Heights", a role that earned her first HRACT nomination and award for her performance of “Paciencia y Fé”. Her additional credits include Jeena Marie in A Soulful Christmas with UPAC at Zeiders, Ensemble in Memphis at The Little Theatre of Norfolk, and Nzinga in Black Girl Magic as part of Little Theatre of Norfolk and UPAC’s Sankofa Festival. Aliya is drawn to roles that challenge her, stories that resonate deeply, and performances that leave a lasting impression.
Braden Claiborne
Young Abel
Braden is taking the stage as Young Abel in his very first production with UPAC. A current 7th grader at Southside STEM Academy in Norfolk, Braden balances his love for the performing arts with a strong passion for STEM, particularly computer science and game coding. He is incredibly thankful for the community of support that empowers him to pursue all of his varied interests. This debut is just the beginning—There's a million things he hasn’t done yet, but just you wait.
Jonathon Jaqua
Young Cain
Jonathon is a 7th grader at Lake Taylor School in Norfolk. He is excited to make his first stage appearance with UPAC. A child of many interests he participates in Sail Nauticus, Robotics club, Invention Convention, and is a history fanatic (specifically all things Hamilton). He wishes to thank everyone who encourages him to pursue his interests. There's a million things he hasn’t done yet, but just you wait.
Calvin Morris
Father/Cain Understudy
Bio to come.
HannahJoe Hemingway
Young Abel Understudy/Ensemble
HannahJoe Hemingway is an 8th grader at Academy of
International Studies at Rosemont. HannahJoe’s acting experience began at Ready Academy
Christian School where she was featured in numerous productions. HannahJoe has taken
acting classes at Hurrah Players, where she was cast as a baby angel in the Best Christmas
Pageant Ever, as well as the first production of Black Girl Magic, in which she was cast as Ruby
Bridges and Little Sister. HannahJoe has enjoyed performing with UPAC and is looking forward to this new and different experience.
Houston Watson
Young Cain Understudy/Ensemble
Houston Watson is a young actor, artist, and animator with experience both onstage and behind the scenes. His performance credits include Bethlehem Carol at Family Fun Xperience, where he played the supporting roles of Yonah and Dusty, serving as an understudy for Sillers by Yayra McGodfred, and performing in UPAC’s Camp Imagine giant puppet production as a fish with speaking roles. He has also worked in technical theatre at Family Fun Xperience. Outside of theatre, Houston is a 2D animator and sketch artist who enjoys creating original characters, stories, and visual worlds.
Olivia Wilkerson
Storyteller
Olivia Wilkerson bio to come.
Matthew Fisher
Storyteller
Matthew Fisher is an actor from Virginia Beach doing his first performance with UPAC. Having graduated from Vassar College with a bachelor’s degree in Drama and minor in English he is ready to continue learning and working in all aspects of theater. He has experience in both plays and musicals such as Chicago, Sunday In the Park with George, Skin, and Mad Forrest. Matthew is grateful for this opportunity to work closely with such an amazing community. He would like to thank his parents and sister for being supportive in all his ambitions.
Dasia Serrette
Storyteller
Dasia Serrette is a 22 year old, she is currently a Senior Drama & Theatre Undergraduate at The Norfolk State University. She is ecstatic about her second show with UPAC!!! Dasia has always had a passion for the dramatics since she was young. From performing solo concerts, making clothes, and so much more, her creative flow just keeps blooming! She has performed in several different shows over the years such as Color Purple, Luther Tribute, Black Girl Magic and etc. Dasia is joyful for such an incredible opportunity to broaden her talents and skills. This may be her first debut for many…but don’t worry it certainly won’t be your last.
TaiMarie Moore
Storyteller
TaiMarie is a Junior Communications and Theatre major at Old Dominion University. She is so excited to do her first show with UPAC! TaiMarie assistant stage-managed Constellations at ODU and stage managed her first show this past summer called ‘Life in the Sonshine’. She has always had a love for musical theatre but only started performing last year in ODU’s production of String. She would like to thank her parents for always believing in her even when she didn’t believe in herself.
LaShanda Walker
Storyteller
Pastor LaShanda Walker is an anointed woman of God and psalmist, an actress who ushers in the presence of the Lord. LaShanda is a native of Newark, New Jersey and has had the opportunity to be casted in several plays throughout Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and D.C. She has a heart of worship that is reflected in her vocal sound which ministers to the heart of hearts. LaShanda is a Pastor, a wife, mother to two wonderful sons, and the creator of iHeart Radio show "Transparent Pastor L. Walker".
Dawan Barnes
Storyteller/Lead Dancer
Children of Eden Crew: the stars off-stage
Co-Direction by Sharon Cook & Jennifer Kelly-Cooper
Choreography by Jennifer Kelly-Cooper
Co-Musical Direction by Gina Stukes & Sherrod Brown
Production Manager & Lighting Director Derrion Hawkins
Stage Manager Bo Bowman
Puppet Production by Ben Blanchard
Prop Master Aquanetta Spencer
Marketing Director Nicolette Dumais
Costume Director Mickey Vanderwerker
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