Playwright | ANTON C. JONES

Anton C. Jones is playwright, composer, director, and arts integrationist. He holds his MFA from the University of Iowa Playwright’s Workshop and BA from Grinnell College. His plays have been developed in partnership with Penumbra Theatre (MN), Children’s Theatre Company (MN), Pangea World Theatre (MN), Pillsbury House Theatre (MN), Karamu Theatre (OH), and with various theatre collectives and ensemble based companies. As an educator, he has worked with ages birth-retirement and has taught workshops and classes at University of Iowa, Grinnell College, St. Cloud Technical College, Grandview University, and St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists.
In 2017, he became the CEO & Artistic Director of CLIMB Theatre, a 45 year old touring educational theatre company that uses the arts as a tool for strengthening the AREAS of Advocacy, Resiliency, Empathy, Accountability, and Self Control in individuals and within their communities.  He is the daddy of three beautiful girls and he is dedicated to making sure their world is better than the one he was born into.

Director | STEVEN WILLIS

Twenty-seven-year-old Steven Antoine Willis uses poetry and theatre to embark on the daunting task of articulating African American culture. Willis is a contributing writer to the Breakbeat Poets Anthology, NYU’s National Council for Teacher of English Journal, and is a three-time individual world poetry slam finalist. Willis is currently an MFA acting candidate at the University of Iowa where his acting credits include Lynn Nottage’s Sweat and Ike Holter’s Hit the Wall.

Directing Mentor | MICHAEL KACHINGWE

Michael T. Kachingwe is pleased to be directing such a talented cast. As a member of SAG/AFTRA and AEA, he has appeared in The Tempest as “Prospero,” as well as in Richard III as “Queen Margaret.” He has performed in over 40 productions including theatrical engagements at the Kennedy Center (Washington, DC), La Mama (off Broadway), Steppenwolf (Chicago), Goodman (Chicago), Victory Gardens (Chicago), Shubert (Boston), Southern California Shakespeare Festival, Hayworth (LA), Robey (LA), and Unicorn (Kansas City). Theatre roles include ”Claudius” in Hamlet, “Caius” in Merry Wives of Windsor, “Michael Cassio” in Othello, “Claudius” in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead,  “Charlie” in Bourbon at the Border, ”Wil” in Flyin’ West, “Slow Drag” in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, “Bynum” in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and “Keo” in Nomathemba (featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo). He can currently be seen in the Web Series Just Jackie in the role of “Marcus.”  In addition to his theatrical performing credits, Michael has appeared in film and television including roles in The West Wing, The Bold and the Beautiful, and several national commercials.  Michael has also directed over 50 theatrical productions, vocal coached over 40 productions, and fight choreographed over 30 productions.

Becky/Director of Athletics/Interviewer 1 | ASHLEY MIGLIORE

Ashley Migliore is a second-year theatre arts major on the musical theatre track and has been performing ever since she was little. She is very passionate about singing and performing in front of others and she loves to meet new people and participate in many different shows and experiences. She is very excited to meet more friends and create memories and experiences during her time in the Department of Theatre Arts at Iowa!

Stacy/First Black President of the University/Staff | VIRGINIA WANGECHI MUTURI

Virginia Wangechi Muturi is elated to be in her second show at the University of Iowa. Virginia is from Iowa City and she is now in her second year, majoring in theatre arts and enterprise leadership. In addition to theatre, Virginia also makes videos and posts them on her YouTube channel (Virginia Muturi). Virginia would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for all their love and support.

Dr. Dawson/Aaron/Interviewer 2 | BRANDEN SHAW

Branden Shaw is a third-year MFA acting candidate here at the University of Iowa. He is very excited to be working with this wonderful cast! You may have seen him as Brucie in the stage production of Sweat by Lynn Nottage and The Boatman in Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George. He hopes that you enjoy the show and will continue to enjoy our amazing productions.