ABOUT THE PIECE –An astonishing tale of daring told in the tradition of Victorian adventure fiction.The tale follows Edward Joseph Reade, a good-natured, but anxious accountant who gets whirled into a globe-trotting adventure with an eccentric group of explorers as they set off for a remote island in search of a legendary monster.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER – The Beast of Hyperborea was developed at Audacity Theatre Lab, a small theatre outfit founded in 2008. ATL specializes in hand-crafted “small-batch” productions created in-house by a revolving collective of individual theatre artists.

ABOUT THE PIECE –From Ordinary Citizen to Commander-in-Chief: Introducing “AFJ: The Comeback” – A Comedic One-Man Show.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER –Abel Flores Jr. is a performing artist from Grand Prairie, TX. Originally a theatre actor, he pursued ritualistic performance at the University of Texas at Dallas. While studying under Thomas Riccio, he cofounded Riccio’s group Dead White Zombies with fellow alumni as a resident artist. In 2016, he cofounded the arts nonprofit Artstillery to empower marginalized peoples and communities through art projects. He has performed with other companies, bands, and festivals including Therefore, SUPERMOOK, Shakespeare in the Bar, Tropic Pictures, WaterTower Theater’s Out of the Loop Fringe Festival, Dallas Video Fest, Ft. Worth Fringe Festival, Small File Media Festival, and the Elevator Project at AT&T Performing Arts Center.

ABOUT THE PIECE – A bawdy but heartfelt romp about modern dating.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER – Jill Bradley currently resides in the piney woods of East Texas. She is currently the technical director for Northeast Texas Community College. She has worked in the field of theatre eduction for over a decade. Jill holds a master’s degree in theatre and has been involved in over 50 productions. Her experience includes acting, directing, lighting and sound design, and playwriting. Jill has won Tyler Civic Theatre’s New Play Festival twice. Her awarding winning works include The Disappearance of Maud Crawford and The Eulogy.

ABOUT THE PIECE – “Just back from his extended engagement at Graceview Psychiatric Hospital, TikTok’s favorite televangelist splashes down in Fort Worth with the world premiere of his new live show.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER –Josh Maxwell is a long-time theatre artist, author, and minister.

He began performing at the age of four, joining his grandfather’s Southern Gospel quartet. His love of theatre was born in church drama teams and pageants, discovering educational and community theatre in high school. As an actor he has portrayed roles ranging from Princeton in Avenue Q to Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet; even half the population of Tuna, Texas in an award winning production of Red, White and Tuna.

He’s an accomplished director and designer.  His past directing credits include Chicago, JB, Mame, The Lion King Jr., Little Shop of Horrors, The Wizard of Oz, and many more. Administratively he has served in theatre and events management for over a decade, including seven years as the Managing/Artistic Director for Paris Community Theatre in Paris, Texas.

In 2021, Josh created Reverend Jay McPherson based on the evangelists, faith healers, and prophets he met in his youth. The character quickly became a hit on TikTok, garnering multiple viral videos, over 10 millions views, and 1.5 million likes. Jay’s comedic message of hope, inclusion, and equality resonated with audiences—especially those who had given up on faith and religion. Although a fictional character, Josh considers Reverend Jay very much a part of his own ministry. In 2024, Josh announced plans to launch Verve Fellowship, an arts based Christian ministry, dedicating itself to Jesus’ final commandment: Love one another.

In addition to his work in theatre and ministry, Josh has worked extensively with schools and organizations to help enrich communities by volunteering and advising. He plays piano and has recorded three albums. He’s also an author, having published four books, including the recently released A Practical Guide to Lighting Design.

For more information please visit http://JoshuaMaxwell.cc

ABOUT THE PIECE –A Bharatanatyam showcase bringing the essence of femininity, power & Shakti traversing historical narratives and contemporary feminism.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER –Supraja Sundaresan is a trained Indian classical (Bharatanatyam) dancer and performing artist for over 18 years hailing from the southern coastal city of Chennai, India. She began her dance journey under the tutelage of Kalaimamani Smt. Krishnakumari Narendran from the age of six which laid her foundation. After moving to the US for her studies she continued refining her art by participating in workshops & immersive advance training by visiting artists from India. She continues her journey under Smt. Deepta Seshadri in Dallas, to further enrich and hone her skills. She has performed in seasonal dance festivals in Chennai such as Kapaleeshwarar Dance Fest 2020, Rasika Ranjani Sabha etc. She also freelances with choreographers in the Dallas area (Garage Arts Project Ensemble, Eyakkam Dance Company – Kutraala Kuravanji). Balancing a fulltime job and her passion for dance and art, she is currently on the path of spreading thought provoking conversations through art in the US.

ABOUT THE PIECE –A reality metadrama in reference to the 1997 hit-and-run murder of 19-year-old punk musician Brian Deneke by a 17-year-old local football player in Amarillo, Texas based on true events.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER –Jeni Stennis is an autistic single mom of five, a cult and abuse survivor, an actor and singer, writer, trust coach, and communication strategist. Drawing on her life experiences, she uses principles of nonviolent communication and empathic strategy to help people understand one another and create solutions in high-conflict situations. Jeni hails from the nationally recognized arts community of Amarillo, Texas, including work at the historical Amarillo Little Theatre and Amarillo Opera, and has performed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area at Casa Manana, Theatre Three, and previously at the Fort Worth Fringe Festival with an appearance in The Glamorous Life by Sarah Powell. She is in the process of founding of a new nonprofit organization with a mission to develop theatre and film projects and performance art installations that use storytelling psychology to increase a community’s awareness and empathy around socio-economic issues, while also creating economic mobility for local artists.

ABOUT THE PIECE –The dance theater Bharatanrityam beautifully portrays 4 episodes of Krishnā Draupadi’s life in Natyashastra – considered the core of Indian classical dance forms.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER –Rachana Rao: A Dazzling Journey in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi

Rachana Rao, a versatile artist, has carved a niche for herself in the world of Indian classical dance. With a passion for both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, she weaves intricate tales through her graceful movements and expressive storytelling. Let’s delve into her captivating journey:

Training and Gurus:
Rachana is a dedicated student of renowned dance gurus:
-Nrithya Guru Shri Ullal Mohan Kumar Mangalore: Under his guidance, she imbibed the essence of Bharatanatyam.
-Guru Smt. Hema Dinesh Rao: Her training in Kuchipudi flourished under Guru Hema’s tutelage.
-Internationally Acclaimed Dancer Guru Sathyanarayana Raju (Bangalore): Rachana honed her skills further, imbibing nuances from his rich experience.
-Currently, she is a student of Padma Vibhushan (2nd highest civilian ward- India) Dr. Padma Subramanya, a revered name in the dance fraternity learning Natyashastra estimated to be a 7000 year old ancient dance and theater art form.

Awards and Recognitions:
Rachana’s talent has been acknowledged through prestigious awards:
-Yuva Prathibha (Government of Karnataka): Recognizing her exceptional abilities.
ICCR Dance Scholarship: Awarded by the Department of Culture, Government of India.
-Yuva Prathibhae Ratyotsava Award: Conferred by the Karnataka government.
-Natya Mayuri Award: Presented by the Ghadag Culture Department.
-Graded Artist: Featured on both Hyderabad and Bangalore Doordarshan ( national television).
-Empaneled Artist: Sankalp, a Delhi-based NGO, sought her expertise for conducting Bharatanatyam workshops.
Global Performances:
Rachana’s artistry transcends borders:
Indian Raga Fellow (2019): She had the honor of performing at the Howdy Modi event in Houston, Texas. Where she got to dance in front of USA President and Indian Prime minister
-Workshops for Aalaap and Samarpan: During the pandemic, she contributed by conducting workshops for relief efforts.
Over 500 shows across Mumbai, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chennai, and the USA have witnessed her captivating performances.

Cherishnu Performing Arts:
Rachana believes in nurturing young minds and propagating the art form.
She founded Cherishnu Performing Arts in the USA:
– Conducts dance classes, fostering a love for Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.
-Invites artists from India to share their expertise.
-Showcases local talent, bridging cultures through dance.

Rachana Rao’s journey exemplifies dedication, creativity, and a commitment to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Indian classical dance.

ABOUT THE PIECE – A storytelling musical of a young woman searching for her true identity, navigating through the men who all have a claim on the role of father in her life; a grandfather, a stepfather, an outlier…and one surprise – who would change everything. One small lie sets her on a trajectory questioning “Who’s my dad?” while another unknown heart quietly cried, “Who’s my girl…?”

ABOUT THE PRESENTER –Fleur Alys Dobbins is a professional actor/singer/playwright/composer (and Ft. Worth native) who has worked on and off Broadway sharing the stage with Tony Award winner Bill Irwin (Scapin/Roundabout Theatre), Emmy Award winner Andre De Shields (Gulliver/LaMama ETC), Stephen Tobolowsky (Heartbreak House/Theatre 40), Petula Clark & David Cassidy (Blood Brothers/Broadway National Tour). In the recording studio, she has worked on countless new musicals including the Sweet Potato Queens written by Grammy Award winner, Melissa Manchester. In addition, she has originated several roles in new plays-in-development in the New York and Los Angeles theatre arenas (Playwrights Horizons, York Theatre Company, Sacred Fools) as well as performed regionally in plays and musicals at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, Denver Center Theatre, Studio Arena Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse and many more. Recently in New York, Fleur was seen as Lizzie in the Blackfriars Repertory/Storm Theatre production of The Rainmaker (Sheen Center), the world premieres of The Fight and Deconstruction (Storm Theatre) and was awarded Outstanding Actress in a Short Subject Play for her portrayal of Paula in Between Men (Midtown International Theatre Festival). Film and TV credits include Strong Medicine, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Yellow, Labels, Stephen Tobolowsky’s Birthday, and Mr. Pleasant. As playwright and composer Fleur has written the one-woman storytelling musical, Who’s My Girl, the full-length play, Home, (about a family traversing the landscape of Alzheimer’s), and the sung-through musical, Hushabye (currently in development). Fleur is the associate artistic director of the Storm Theatre Company and a certified early childhood music specialist. She is the founder/curriculum writer of Look Up! Music and Creative Arts, a music and theatre program for children. Training: BFA/Theatre (specialization in acting) Southern Methodist University; certificate of study, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art: Acting Shakespeare. www.fleuralysdobbins.com