A NIGHT AT THE CAG-BARET!

Alexandria Moorman

Alexandria Moorman (she/her) is a Chicago-based collaborator whose portfolio of work is inspired by her ancestral legacy, intersectionality and the need to expand representation for marginalized storytellers on and off stage. As a multi-hyphenated, interdisciplinary force she holds a BFA in Acting from Emerson College, receiving the Isabel Sanford Award and scholarship her senior year. In addition she has trained, written, produced and performed improv and sketch comedy all over the Chicagoland area including receiving the iO Chicago Diversity Scholarship Fellowship. She has worked with Joanna Merlin and Olivia Dukakis through the Michael Chekhov Association and believes her positions on CAG’s Artist Board and as the Development Manager allow her to advocate for instrumental change in making Chicago theatre equity focused and diversity-minded. Our online platform aims to reform the casting/hiring process for marginalized artists to ensure voices unheard are celebrated. She prioritizes holding space for members of her community through the practice of radical compassion and self-love that is built on the healing power of karaoke and singing Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It”. She has created new works for UN Women (Chicago), The MCA, Haitian American Museum of Chicago, American Writers Museum (Dark Testament: Century Of Black Writers Exhibit visit now thru 8/31). Her work as an educator has been in collaboration with Evanston Public Schools, CPS, Mudlark Theatre, Victory Gardens, GreatWorks and Green Room Studio. Selected Chicago credits: Amplify Series (Labor Day Weekend, Definition Theatre), American Son (Fleetwood Jourdain), FLIPPED, What To Send Up When It Goes Down (Lookingglass), cullud wattah (Victory Gardens), What To Send Up When It Goes Down (Chicago-premiere, Jeff Winner: Best Ensemble-Short Run, Congo Square), Mother of The Dark Water (MPAACT). Selected film credits: How to Re-caulk your Tub dir. Sean Pierce (Best International Short - Calgary Underground), Mid 30s Martyr dir. Eliaz Rodriguez (Director's Choice Best Actress Austin Revolution). Catch her as a cast member and writer in season three and the upcoming season four of The Blackside, Congo Square’s sketch comedy web-series. New episodes premiering this fall, streaming season 1-3 now on Youtube. Next see Alexandria working with Artemisia Theatre as Gina in Hit Dog Will Holler by Inda Craig-Galvan, running 8/29-9/17 at The Den.

Tyler Miles

Tyler Miles (they/them) is a composer and pianist living in Chicago. Favorite credits include Sweeney Todd (Kokandy), Sunset Boulevard (Porchlight) and The View Upstairs (Pride Films and Plays). For the last 6 years, Tyler has been working with cabaret legend Honey West on a new musical about her life.

Anna Schutz, CAG Founder

Anna Schutz (she/her) holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has worked in Chicago as a performer, playwright, and producer for over a decade. She co-founded the storefront theatre Brown Paper Box Co. and served as Managing Director during its 11 years of operation. Anna completed her Master of Nonprofit Management at DePaul University where her research was on Representation in Nonprofit Performing Arts Leadership. She founded Chicago Artist Guide with the belief that technology can create access, and theatre can create change. Sunday in the Park with George will never not make her cry.

Leah Eva

Leah Eva (she/her) - Comedian, Producer, Radio Host and Actor was born in the Philippines raised in California. She moved to Chicago to pursue her Comedy career. She's currently on Apple TV Oprah's Book club, 1/2 of Mr and Mrs Smith Comedy Duo, radio show on Que 4 Bad Waves Radio. In the past, Leah has been on MTV Yo Mama, Cast of Vagina Monologues, Documentary Comic Calling, and several independent movies. Her mom doesn't approve of her Comedy because Porn Stars make money. www.mrandmrssmithcomedy.com

Grace DeSant, CAG UX Designer

Grace DeSant (she/her) - holds a BA in Theatre from Millikin University, where she also minored in dance. She has worked as a theatre artist in Chicago for the past decade as a performer, producer, director, choreographer, and prop designer. In the past, she was co-chair of the Executive Board for Awakenings, a nonprofit art gallery that makes visible the experiences of sexual assault survivors. She also moonlights as a burlesque performer and producer Foxie la Fleur and co-founded Crescent Moon Nerdlesque in 2018 and has been seen performing around Chicago, and was featured in the New Orleans Nerdlesque Fest, Midwest Nerdlesque Fest, and Electric Forest. Grace is passionate about creating equal opportunities for artists and advocates for pay transparency within the performing arts community. In 2020, Grace decided to dive into UX Design through General Assembly's immersive program to marry her creative flair for visual design and passion for helping others. She aims to get certified in accessibility design in the future. She is thrilled to continue her journey as a UX Designer with Chicago Artist Guide!

Jorie Goins

Jorie (she/her) earned a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in dance from Northwestern University in 2016. While at Northwestern, Jorie was a member of Tonik Tap, Northwestern's premiere tap dance company where she choreographed five original pieces. Jorie has danced with Noumenon Dance Ensemble, Praize Productions' Rize Pro-Elite company, and as a guest performer with Chicago Tap Theatre. She has performed works choreographed by Brenda Bufalino, Rich Ashworth, Mark Yonally, Nicole Clarke Springer and April Torneby.

Blender Bluid

Blender Bluid (they/them) was born during the black plague, but they didn’t think it was Black enough so they hibernated until things were more diverse. They have risen from their slumber to sing songs about the life and times of a Black, Autistic, Genderfluid Gangsta of Love. They also owe money to many Gangstas of Hate. Hug your families.

Sheri Flanders

Sheri (she/her) is a Chicago based comedian, actor, and writer, who has performed stand-up, and musical comedy at the Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest in New York City. A graduate of the Second City Conservatory, and teacher in the training center, her performance background includes improv, stand up, musical theater, commercials, Shakespeare, corporate training and voice over work. She is a freelance journalist, theater critic, and comedy writer whose work has been featured in many publications including the Chicago Sun-Times and The Chicago Reader.She has been a guest on WTTW Chicago Tonight, and WGN Radio, and is represented by NV Talent.

Luna de Light

Miss Luna de Light (she/her) is equal parts stardust, mermaid and a touch of vintage glam. When not in her mermaid form or practicing witchcraft, she loves saucy romance novels, sunbathing, pole dancing, pinup modeling, and doting on her chihuahua/pug mix. She has had her art published in Dark Beauty Mag, modeled for Retro Lovely, and competed in Miss Iola Pinup.

Amanda Payne

Amanda Payne (she/her) is a Black and Filipina singer and comedienne from Sacramento, California. She started performing as a child, in piano recitals, choirs, and Filipino dance/music theater groups. After decades of training to be an opera singer and navigating life as an ADHD, multi-racial, bi-sexual, retail manager, Amanda has a story (or two) to tell and a song in her heart. She has recently performed with Lyric Opera, Chicago Fringe Opera, and on WFMT. You can find her in the Chicagoland area and beyond with Forte Chicago, Club Asia, Doki Doki Beats, Hair Affair, Super Rad: Chicago’s Ska Tribute, and on the internet @blkbeltsoprano.

Jessica Mance

Jessica Mance is Chicago-based standup comedian originally from Northern California. She has performed all over the Chicagoland area as well as Denver, Louisville, Indianapolis, and D.C. She produces Key Klub and Sashay, the queer comedy shows at the Laugh Factory.

THEM QUEERS

THEM queers is a Chicago-based band featuring co-founders Nathan Kistler (he/they) on vocals/guitar/ukelele and Molly Smith (they/them) tap dancing/addtl. percussion. This genre-defying folk punk duo creates original work that always places queerness center stage, and their combination of music and dancing inherent in their work means that audiences are always entertained. THEM queers was a 2022 and a 2023 NOITP partner with the Chicago Parks District, and they have also performed throughout Chicagoland in venues such as Davenport’s Piano Bar, the Gallery Cabaret, and the Newport Theater. Having met through working in early childhood education, Molly and Nathan always bring a silliness to their sincerity that can’t be denied.

Tommy Bradford, Derek Henderson, Javier Red

Tommy J. Bradford (he/him) - is a saxophonist, Entrepreneur and Educator. He is a focused musician and artistic leader with a proven record for fostering deep emotional connections through exceptional musical performance and artistic and professional leadership. This fundamental idea is what keeps him constantly developing his philosophy, knowledge and abilities to connect people. Growing up in Chicago, he's had the privilege of hearing a variety of music and has absorbed a tremendous amount of Chicago's artistic culture. As a youth, Tommy began his musical path in elementary school playing throughout high school and later graduating from Columbia College in Chicago, 2003, with a B.A in Music Business. In 2013, he received an MEd from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Instructional Leadership and has several State of Illinois certifications in teaching Middle School, ELL & Music Education. A portion of his focus has been in developing and implementing both curriculum and artistic programming in the Chicago school systems, and creating artistic partnerships that provide creative learning environments and outlets using music and art from diverse cultural backgrounds. He is presently the Director of General Music for Barry Elementary and is a recent appointee of the Board of Directors for the Chicago Artists Guide.

Joey M. McCall, ESQ (he/him)

Founder & Managing Partner, McCall | Atten; Founder & Chief Vision Officer, Law Lynx Joey M. McCall, Esq. (he/him) - is the founding Principal and Managing Partner of McCall | Atten, International, PLLC. McCall | Atten, International provides legal representation in the following areas: Real Estate Transactional Services, Real Estate Litigation, Civil Litigation, Immigration, and Outside General Counsel Services for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses. With a strong foundation rooted in establishing quality long-lasting relationships, both business and personal, Mr. McCall identifies the most effective legal solutions to the individual legal needs his clients may encounter during their professional and personal lives. Mr. McCall continuously strives to resolve all conflicts for his clients in the most optimal and effective manner.

Tatum Lee (she/her)

Consultant, Boston Consulting Group Tatum Lee (she/her) - is currently a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group, and has worked with companies in the technology, retail, and entertainment industries. Tatum graduated from the University of Texas, where she studied Finance and Liberal Arts. She’s had a passion for theatre her whole life, and has previously worked as a stage manager and production assistant for various companies.

Alexis White (she/her)

Deputy Budget Director, Office of Budget and Management, City of Chicago Alexis White (she/her) - serves as Deputy Budget Director for the City of Chicago Office of Budget and Management. She has years of successful experience in fiscal management, project management, and people operations. Alexis graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a B.Sc. in Marketing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a Master's in Business Administration. Alexis has served in a budgeting capacity at both the State of Illinois- Office of Management and Budget and the City of Chicago- Office of the City Clerk. She is a Board Member for Southern Illinois University Alumni Board-Chicago Chapter. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and serves in the capacity of Small Group Leader and alumni of Bonfire Women- Women Leadership Development Program. She was a Mentor Coach for the America Needs You program which focuses on First-Generation College students. Alexis is also a co-founder of Build Up Bold, a professional development collective and a former Board Member for Women in Public Finance-Chicago Chapter. Alexis has also volunteered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Lakeview Pantry.

Adebayo Onigbanjo (he/him)

Director of Digital Strategy and Product Planning, Cummins Inc. Adebayo Onigbanjo (he/him) - helps to position businesses for what’s next and brings unique insights into the growing power of new markets on breakthrough innovation and business transformation. Adebayo is the principal Internet of Things platforms and applications for Wabtec – A GE Transportation company, where he sets both the technical and commercial strategies and processes to transform a century old industry as well as enabled a truly inter-modal solution by bringing Internet of Things, mobility and cloud solutions to customers. He has a background in computer science and data communication systems with over 20 years working experience from Motorola, MTN, Zebra Technologies and GE. Adebayo holds executive advisor roles at both startups and global technology brands, he is a member of the Internet of Things advisory board to the city of Chicago, a mentor at M-Hub, co-founder of SpectaPLAY, a founding member of the Institute for African Future, and an advisor to several governments. Connect on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Cheryl Frazier (she/her)

Director of Test Adjudication, Southland College Prep Charter HS Cheryl Frazier (she/her) - hails from the Chicago south suburb of Markham, Illinois whose love for theatre was nurtured by competing in speech and drama at Thornwood High School. Cheryl Frazier is a nationally recognized forensics educator, who has served as Director of Forensics and Theatre at Southland College Prep Charter since 2011. Frazier started her teaching career at South Holland (Illinois) Thornwood High School in 1997 as a speech and science teacher and held various extracurricular positions, including theatre manager, head speech coach, and assistant play director. She additionally served Thornwood as the Fine Arts Department Chair and Arts and Communication House Leader before becoming the Fine Arts Area Instructional Leader for District 205. As the group interpretation director at both Thornwood and Southland College Prep, she was a seven-time state champion, five-time state runner up and six-time finalist director. Additionally, under Frazier’s direction numerous students have won Illinois High School Association (IHSA) regional, sectional, and state titles and National Speech and Debate Association national speech titles. Frazier was named the 2018-19 Outstanding Debate and Theatre Educator for the National Federation of High School’s (NFHS) central section of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin and is a 2020 recipient of the NFHS Citation award. As she moves from directing and coaching to acting, the role of Lena “Mama” Younger remains her favorite, playing it three times since 2014. Frazier is a graduate of Drake University, and also earned a master’s degree in Communications Studies from Governors State University, as well. Frazier believes in the power of the spoken word and the impact BIPOC artists have in using their gifts to heal a community.

Tommy J. Bradford (he/him)

Educator, Chicago Public Schools Tommy J. Bradford (he/him) - is a saxophonist, Entrepreneur and Educator. He is a focused musician and artistic leader with a proven record for fostering deep emotional connections through exceptional musical performance and artistic and professional leadership. This fundamental idea is what keeps him constantly developing his philosophy, knowledge and abilities to connect people. Growing up in Chicago, he's had the privilege of hearing a variety of music and has absorbed a tremendous amount of Chicago's artistic culture. As a youth, Tommy began his musical path in elementary school playing throughout high school and later graduating from Columbia College in Chicago, 2003, with a B.A in Music Business. In 2013, he received an MEd from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Instructional Leadership and has several State of Illinois certifications in teaching Middle School, ELL & Music Education. A portion of his focus has been in developing and implementing both curriculum and artistic programming in the Chicago school systems, and creating artistic partnerships that provide creative learning environments and outlets using music and art from diverse cultural backgrounds. He is presently the Director of General Music for Barry Elementary and is a recent appointee of the Board of Directors for the Chicago Artists Guide.

Zeke Dolezalek (he/him)

Human Resources & Recruitment Manager, Corner Table Restaurants Zeke Dolezalek (he/him) - In the workplace or in the community, Zeke has a passion for creating spaces in which people can thrive. As a People & Culture professional, Zeke strives to unite people together by encouraging conversations and empowering others. Over the course of his time at What if Syndicate, Zeke has overseen a near 200% increase of staff, over 6 new property openings, labor laws and employee relations in over 5 markets, and growth and development planning for several leaders and operators within our brands. With a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Zeke has spent time actively involved in the Chicago theatre community both on and off-stage. As a professional photographer, Zeke specializes in headshots, events, and production photography/B-roll. @iAmZekeD

Erin Mitchell (she/her)

Business Consultant, Erin Mitchell Consulting Erin Mitchell (she/her) - holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University. She worked with the American Red Cross in the Information Technology (IT) department for twelve years. In her twelve years with the Red Cross, she has gained experience from helpdesk support to project coordination. Wearing many hats, she has acquired skills such as relationship management, documentation development, problem-solving, organization and planning, and operations management. The skills she acquired during her time at the Red Cross has equipped her to excel in any role and position she steps into. Recently acquiring her master's degree in Nonprofit Management from DePaul University, Erin started her second business, Erin Mitchell Consulting, where she consults small businesses and nonprofit organizations in various capacities. The arts is an area in the nonprofit world that Erin is excited to learn more about and see how she can effectively support artists in the Chicagoland area. She is a member of the Chicago Women in Philanthropy. She was inducted into the Pi Alpha Alpha of Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration and received the Degree Chair Award from DePaul University.

Steven Zacks (he/him)

Product Manager, Trajecktory Steven Zacks (he/him) - is a Product Manager, building software for the mortgage industry. Now based in Chicago, he has a BA in Economics from Fordham University and a J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to moving to Chicago two years ago, Steven was a producer in Los Angeles, focusing mostly on documentaries and virtual reality experiences. His life goal is to steal a cape from Andrew Lloyd Webber.