Torie Wiggins* (she/her) (8 Seasons). Cincinnati: To Kill a Mockingbird, Oliver Twist, A Raisin in the Sun, and Fences, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (CSC), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Harry and the Thief (The Know Theatre), Your Negro Tour Guide, The Mountaintop, Violet, His Eye is on The Sparrow (Ensemble Theatre), To Kill a Mockingbird (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park), Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 (Diogenes Theater Company/The Know Theatre). Regional: Mame, Crowns and The Revolutionists (Human Race Theatre).

A.J. Baldwin (she/her) (6 Seasons) is delighted to perform this production of The Amen Corner at CSC! She is an Actor/Playwright from Montgomery, AL who has grown very fond of Cincinnati. Recently, A.J. has filmed The Wind in the Willows at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, as well as Theater: A Love Story and Zack at The Know Theatre of Cincinnati, which produced her play The Twunny Fo’ in April 2022. She has been seen at Trinity Repertory Company, A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Past/Lucy), StageOne Family Theater, Lawbreakers! (Olivia, Sojourner Truth), Theater at Monmouth (Esther in Intimate Apparel and Mistress Page in Merry Wives of Windsor). A.J. sends love to all who may be reading.

Geoffrey Warren Barnes II* (he/him) (9 Seasons) is overjoyed to be returning to CSC for another season! Cincinnati: Christmas Story Ever Told, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Fences, A Raisin in the Sun, Twelfth Night (CSC), Let the Right One In (CSC/CCM). Regional: The Tempest (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), The Book of Will, The Tempest (Illinois Shakespeare Festival), Hands on a Hardbody (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati), Ragtime (Zach Scott Theatre, Austin TX), A Single Shard (Seattle Children's Theatre). Alumnus of University of Texas at Austin (MFA), Webster University (BFA) and Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts. He sends thanks to his family, friends and Katie for your love and encouragement.

Beasley (they/them) (Debut) is a Houston Native and proud to call Cincinnati home right now. Cincinnati credits include The Dancing Princesses, MLM is for Murder, Fiona: The Musical (Ensemble Theatre). Regional credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oklahoma Shakespeare). They are an alumnus of University of Oklahoma. Beasley would like to thank their parents, partner, family and friends for all of their support. 

Jasimine Bouldin (she/her) (Debut) is a local actor/improvisor, delighted to be making her debut on the CSC stage. Audience members may recognize her from The Know Theatre of Cincinnati’s Main stage in productions such as It’s Not a Trip, It's a Journey as June or The Twunny Fo’ written by fellow castmate, AJ Baldwin, as Rissa. She’s been featured on a couple different community theater stages as well. She was featured in The Mariemont Players,Inc., 2022 production of Intimate Apparel as Esther Mills and most recently,The Footlighters,Inc., 2023 production of Fabulation Or, The Re-Education of Undine as Undine.

Burgess Byrd (she/her/they) (4 Seasons) is delighted to be returning this season, last appearing in the world premiere, Wrecking Ball by Zina Camblin (Anita) and The Importance of Being Earnest (Ms.Prism). Previous Seasons: Raisin In The Sun (Lena Younger) and Guess Who's Coming To Dinner (Tillie). Recently, she spent the Holiday Season at Cincinnati Playhouse in The Park in A Christmas Carol (Mrs.Fezziwig). Select credits include: (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati): Cynthia in Sweat, Bunny in Detroit '67 and Faye Davison in Skeleton Crew; (Human Race Theatre) Lilli-Anne in Barbeque; (Falcon Theatre) Miss Leah in Flyin' West; Washing Machine in Caroline or Change (New Stage Collective); and the one person solo performances as Charlayne Woodward in Pretty Fire and Neat (Know Theatre of Cincinnati); Mrs. Mueller in Doubt (The Drama Workshop) and Gary Coleman in Avenue Q (Showbiz Players). As a Guest Artist, Burgess played Shylock in Merchant of Venice (University of Texas at Austin) and Rose in Fences (University of Wisconsin-Madison). 

Kenneth Early* (he/him) (7 Seasons) is grateful for this opportunity to work at CSC once again. He has been seen in CSC’s productions of To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Macbeth, Taming of the Shrew and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Kyndra Dyanne Jefferies (she/her) (Debut) is a Cincinnati native and alum of the School for Creative and Performing Arts and is very excited about making her debut on the CSC stage. Some of her recent favorite performance credits include: Anger, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous (Betty Sampson) at Dayton, Ohio’s The Human Race Theater and Who All Over There (Aunt Toonie) at The Ensemble Theatre. Kyndra has also performed in several productions with Children’s Theater of Cincinnati including: The Wiz (Addaperle), Disney’s Descendants (Cruella) and Mary Poppins Jr. (Mrs. Cory). Movie credits include The Old Man and the Gun and Dark Waters. Special shout out to all family and friends who have continued to support!

"ranney" (he/him) (5 Seasons) has five decades in the performing arts as a multi-disciplinarian. Acting credits include Doaker (The Piano Lesson. A Public Fit Theatre Company); Brucie (Sweat. Ensemble Theatre Company); Troy, Benny, Mark (Fences, Hymn, Art. Shakespeare & Company); Polonius/Gravedigger, Toledo, Troy Maxson (Hamlet; Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; Fences. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company); Hambone, Sterling (Two Trains Running; Radio Golf. American Stage Company.); King Hedley, Chutes & Ladders (Seven Guitars; Water By the Spoonful. Nevada Conservatory Theatre); Boy Willie (The Piano Lesson. Center Theatre Co.); Adriana/Antipholis/others (The Bomb-itty of Errors. American Stage, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Helix in Dublin, Ireland, and Ambassadors Theatre in London’s West End). As a comedian, he has headlined internationally and shared billing with Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock, and Paul Mooney. Nine one man shows include And the Horse You Rode In On (Projects Arts Centre, Dublin), Whatever (People’s Improv Theater, NY), Incendiary (The Straz Center, Tampa), and Cufflinks and Jolly Ranchers for Dummies (Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland). 

Adrian Devaughn Summers (He/Him) (2 seasons) is originally from the Boogie Down Bronx, New York. Cincinnati: The Living Dead, Twelfth Night (CSC), Stupid F***ing Bird (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati). Regional: Hamlet (Vermont Shakespeare Festival), The Tempest (Vermont Shakespeare Festival), King Lear (Saratoga Shakespeare Company). New York: Julius: Harlem’s Caesar. He is beyond grateful for this opportunity to shine, to grow and to collaborate with such dope artists! Much love to his mama and to his friends.

Aleah Vassell (they/she) (Debut) is excited to make their CSC debut! She is a Canadian born, Jamaican rooted, American singer, actor, and creator. They hold a B.F.A. from Samford University and an MFA in Acting from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Along with being a performer, Aleah has founded three spaces, Hear Me Roar Theatre, Sanctuary Soul House, and R3 Creative Co as well as creating the new musical, MFAs: A Musical For Actors in School. A few of their favorite roles include: "Deloris” in Sister Act (Charleston Stage), "Judy Haynes" in White Christmas (Charleston Stage), “Bunny” in Detroit '67 (Clarence Brown Theatre), “Dionne” in Hair (Clarence Brown Theatre). In Aleah's free time, you can find them cuddling with their spouse Emmeline and their two rescue cats, Frank and Neighbor. She dedicates this performance to one of her biggest past cheerleaders in life, her dad. Www.aleahvassell.com

Samantha Reno (she/her) (3 Seasons) is excited to be heading into another season at CSC! Recent favorite designs include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Comedy of Errors, and The Living Dead. In the last year, she has also enjoyed working with the Cincinnati Opera (Fierce), the Cincinnati Ballet (Bold Moves Festival), Northern Kentucky University (Noises Off), and B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California. The most gratitude and joy to her wonderful, supportive husband and two amazing kids!

Jessica Ann Drayton (2 Seasons) works as a professional lighting/projection designer, assistant and programmer. Every production has a life of its own and she is happy that her lighting gets to help tell each and every unique story. Her most recent works include designing lights for Raisin in the Sun (WaterTower Theater), Bridges: Sisters of Salem (Flexible Grey Theater) and projections for Viva Diva! (The Dallas Opera). She has recently assisted on Dallas Theater Center productions such as Tiny Beautiful Things, Working: The Musical, Something Grimm, and In the Bleak Midwinter. I keep my work practical, relevant and creative! I could not continue to pursue my craft without the love and support of my friends and family (especially Jonathan David). Explore more of her work at JessicaAnnDrayton.com

Kendra Johnson (she/her) (2 Seasons) is a costume designer of over 100 productions. Audiences may remember her design for CSC's Fences in 2019. Her design work includes The Warehouse Theatre, Centre Stage-South Carolina, Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, and the Nebraska Repertory Theatre. Her costume design at universities outside of Clemson University include the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Kennesaw State University, Anderson University, and South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts. Kendra is a theatre professor at Clemson University.

Robert Carlton Stimmel (he/him) (5 Seasons) is thrilled to be returning to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company! He is a Cincinnati area native, hailing from Fairfield, Ohio. After receiving his BA in Theatre at Miami University, he has worked with various theatre including Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Alliance Theatre, Short North Stage, and Tantrum Theatre. In addition to his technician and design work, he is also a performer and producer and is always looking to expand his artistic abilities! Robert is the Artistic Director of Impaired Vision Productions, a local theatre organization that produces new works. He would like to thank his wife Kayla for her constant support of his artistic aspirations and her unconditional love.

Rainy Edwards (she/her) (5 Seasons) is from Llano, Texas, and received her MFA in Costume Design at Florida State University. She has been with the company since 2018. Rainy has had the pleasure of designing many shows here including, The Winter’s Tale, Titus Andronicus, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and All The Way, to name a few. Her work has been seen at Utah Shakespeare Festival, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Triad Stage, and Lexington Children’s Theatre. Rainy is excited to be back and making art with her colleagues and friends. She is forever thankful for the support of Chris and their dog Obi.

Kara Eble Trusty (she/her) (4 Seasons) is delighted to be returning to make art with CSC for a second season. A Cincinnati native, she saw her first CSC production at 12 and is amazed that she gets to collaborate with some of the same people that inspired her love of theatre and art at a young age. Kara has worked locally with the Know Theatre of Cincinnati, The Carnegie, and the Clarence Brown Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee. She would like to thank her friends and family, especially her parents Bob and Sue, for their love, support, and encouragement as she continues down this incredible and irrational artistic path.

Kevin Semancik (he/him) (4 Seasons) is a Theatrical Sound Designer, Audio Engineer, and Live Production Specialist based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Kevin is well versed in audio system design and optimization - having completed advanced  training from Meyer Sound, d&b audiotechnik, Figure 53 and Rational Acoustics. As a Sound Designer, Kevin has worked on productions for the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Public Theatre, Theatre Row, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati and Memorial Hall of Cincinnati. He regularly works with The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company as a Sound Designer for their live productions and Recording Engineer Engineer for their Audio Dramas with WVXU. Kevin is currently the resident Sound Designer and Audio Engineer for the Children's Theatre of Cincinnati. He enjoys working in a supportive educational environment where he can help train students in professional design and engineering practices.
Read more about Kevin and his work at https://www.semanciksound.com/ 

Yemi Oyediran (2 Seasons) a Nigerian-American based in Cincinnati, skillfully blends his passions for filmmaking, music, and technology as part of Afrochine. His work not only tells compelling stories but also nurtures the rich musical heritage of the region. As a respected jazz bandleader, Yemi has contributed significantly to the local music scene. His talents shone through in his role as music director for August Wilson's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, showcasing his artistic versatility. Balancing his professional endeavors, Yemi is dedicated to lifelong learning and values the joys of parenthood. His multifaceted career mirrors his commitment to personal growth and fostering a deeper societal understanding. In quieter moments, Yemi enjoys reflective walks along the Ohio River, a simple pleasure that connects him to the community and landscapes he cherishes.

A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
― Nelson Mandela

Isaiah Reaves (he/him) (2 Seasons) is an emerging young playwright whose work explores a spectrum of Black and Queer experiences. A native of Cincinnati, he graduated cum laude from Northern Kentucky University in 2020. His plays have been commissioned and staged by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and many others. Isaiah has received five Michael Kanin Playwriting Awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. He is also a semi-finalist for the Ucross and The Blank Theatre Future of Playwriting Prize, a 2020 finalist of the Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate Playwriting Competition, and an Iowa Arts Fellow. He is currently on faculty at Northern Kentucky University.

Cole Sweasy (they/them) (3 Seasons) is thrilled to return for their second season in a stage management role at CSC! Previously, Cole acted as the production associate throughout CSC’s twenty-eighth season, serving in the roles of assistant stage manager, production assistant, and Covid safety manager. Before moving to Cincinnati, Cole was a stage manager for many kinds of events in the southeast, including geek conventions and pride festivals. Cole has received three Bachelor of Arts from Western Kentucky University in theatre, communication studies, and English.  

Shelby (she/her) (Debut) is so glad to be working on her first full production at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. As a freelance stage manager based in Cincinnati, she couldn't be more thrilled to be joining another pillar of arts in this community to bring stories to life. Shelby has previously worked at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, the Cincinnati Ballet Company, and spent time in Chicago last year for a short-term contract at Goodman Theatre. Shelby loves working in the arts and meeting new people who share her passion for live theatre. 

Brian Isaac Phillips* (Producing Artistic Director and Ensemble, 25th Season) has been leading the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company since 2003.  During his tenure, Mr. Phillips has guided the organization to artistic and financial success, including the opening of The Otto M. Budig Theater, a $17.5MM world-class facility at the corner of 12th and Elm Streets in OTR, as well as the completion of Shakespeare's 38 play canon, making Cincinnati Shakespeare Company one of the first five theatres in the United States to accomplish this milestone.

Mr. Phillips, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, is a graduate of Morehead State University and has been a resident of Cincinnati for over two decades.  In that time he has collaborated with almost every arts organization in the region.  He is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and the Stage Director’s and Choreographer’s Society.

In 2020, Mr. Phillips was awarded the international Shakespeare Theatre Association's prestigious Sidney Berger Award for excellence in artistic direction.  He has been named one Cincinnati Magazine's 300 Most Powerful Business Leaders for the past four years. Mr. Phillips was also nominated three times for the SDCF Zelda Fichandler Award for outstanding artistic contribution to our region. Mr. Phillips was recognized by Cincinnati Mayors Aftab Pureval, John Cranley, and Mark Mallory for service at CSC and to the city of Cincinnati. He was also selected for the 2014 Class of Forty Under Forty and has been nominated for the Ohio Governors’ Arts Awards.  In 2016, Mr. Phillips graduated from Cincinnati USA Chamber’s 39th Class of Leadership Cincinnati.  Also in 2016, Mr. Phillips was selected as a finalist for the Business Courier’s 2016 C-Suite Awards for Chief Executive Officer.

Most recent CSC directing credits include The Importance of Being Earnest, King Lear, The Living Dead, All the Way, The Merry Wives of Windsor, August: Osage County, 1984, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Dracula, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest (Co-Director), The Elephant Man, Antony and Cleopatra, Death of a Salesman, Cyrano de Bergerac, One Man, Two Guvnors, Waiting for Godot, The Birds, and The Great Gatsby.