Amanda Washington
Founder of Theatre From My View and the NNPN Producer in Residency at Actors Express
Amanda Washington is a freelance director based in the Atlanta. She currently teaches at Kennesaw State University’s Department of Theatre and Performance Studies as a part-time assistant professor. Directing credits include August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, DJanet Sears’s Harlem Duet, and Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses. Washington is also the creator of Theatre From My View, a YouTube channel geared toward exploring theatre through a woman of color’s perspective. Early in 2020, Amanda started her qualifications to become an Intimacy Director and Choreographer. In May of 2020, Washington received her Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Workshop: Unheard Voices: African Americans in Theatre
Frankie Lee
Zion Dance Company Member and Instructor at Alonzo Lines Ballet
Frankie Lee Peterson III is a 2 time Isadora Duncan Award Nominee & Webby Award winner. He received his BFA from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts & his brand is “FLEE”. He has trained at Alonzo King LINES Dance Center, the Merce Cunningham Trust, The Dance Company Experience, Springboard Danse Montreal, Shen Wei Dance Arts & American Dance Festival. He has danced for Zaccho Dance Theater, Oakland Ballet, dawsondancesf, Helen Simoneau Danse, Antonio Brown Dance, Gaspard & Dancers, Rising Rhythm, RAWdance SF, Reyes Dance, Juel D. Lane, Mark Dendy/dendydonavan projects, RAE Model & Talent Agency, juxtashade, Emote Dance Theater, Jeremy McQueen, Man Dance Company, Alyssa Mitchell & Zest Collective. He has taught on faculty for Dramatic Truth, Mills College, Bay Area Ballet Conservatory, California State University East Bay, Dance Mission, LINES Dance Center, Belhaven University, Dance Brigade Dance Mission, University of California Berkley, Tremors Synchronized Ice Skating Team, Tannery World Dance/Cultural Center, New Style Motherlode International & currently teaches at the Royale Ballet Dance Academy & the Dallas Conservatory. This is Frankie’s 1st season with Zion Dance Project.
Workshop: Dance Master Class Contemporary/Ballet
Deon Releford
Actor, Dancer, Producer, performed on Broadway tour of Carol King
Deon Releford-Lee graduated from HBCU Fayetteville State University with his degree in acting and concert dance in 2014. Promptly after graduation, Deon became a teaching artist/choreographer and threw himself into the regional theater and film festival scene in the Carolinas and surrounding areas. He has also worked alongside dance companies like Eleone Dance Co., Koffee Dance Co., and Lula Washington Dance. After moving to NY in 2018 Deon booked his first off broadway show and that fall he joined the first Broadway National Tour of Beautiful: the Carole King Musical. After the tour closed and before/during quarantine, he has been involved in various readings and workshops in development of new works in NY and producing his own work. In summer of 2020, Deon launched the movement and production company “FREE BLACK MILLENNIALS” which led him to develop and launch Free Black Millennials: The Podcast in November of the same year. Deon is currently circulating in a national commercial for Biktarvy, the one a day pill for people living with HIV. Love Always: Love All Ways
Workshop: Music Theatre/Acting Workshop with Industry Q&A
Kennedy Salters
Actor, Singer, performed in Non-equity tour of Waitress
Kennedy Salters is an Atlanta based actress and a product of the Gainesville Theatre Alliance. Recently you could have seen her on the 2nd National Tour of Waitress as the spit-fire Becky, Cortland Repertory’s (CRT) Legally Blonde (Paulette), and/or CRT’s Mamma Mia! (Rosie). Salters is elated today to be here with you all.
Workshop: Music Theatre Acting/Vocal Masterclass with Industry Q&A
Daja M. Rice
Actress, Singer, Author, Director, Producer
Originally from Spring Valley, NY, Daja is a Performing & Teaching Artist and Author. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Performance and Education from North Carolina Central University. Daja has spent most of her career performing on the stage and enhancing the personal, professional, and artistic development of youth through the performing arts. Now residing in Grayson, GA, she is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Acting at University of Georgia.
Daja is the co-founder and Artistic Director of The Rices Family Enterprises LLC, which is an umbrella company that houses the multifaceted brand of Daja and her husband, Jonathan Rice. Their mission is to be a light in darkness and help others develop their own light – illuminating the world with sophisticated, soulful, and spiritual content through their marriage, art, and ministry. Daja leverages her platform and influence as an Artist and Entrepreneur to encourage and inspire others. She is the Founder of the Daddy’s Girl movement, a published author of the book “Daddy’s Girl: From Heartbreak to Redemption“, and the creator and producer of the documentary film, Daddy’s Girls: Re-Identified. www.dajamrice.com IG: @dajamrice
Workshop: Crafting your Career- Industry and Faith