Octavia | OLIVIA FOSTER

Olivia Foster is a first-year MFA actor at the University of Iowa. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she started her artistic journey as a dancer. Through the years, she ventured into various artistic mediums and found an exciting passion in acting. Olivia attended Kennesaw State University and received a BA in theater and performance studies. Her favorite performance was 45 Plays for 45 Presidents (multiple characters). Olivia would like to thank her parents for all of their love and support.  

Imani | DEZHANÉ ANTIONETTE

DeZhané Antionette (they/she) is a first-year MFA actor at the University of Iowa. They are a proud native of Chicago, Illinois, where they received a BFA from Columbia College. Their favorite past productions so far include Once on this Island. DeZhané Antionette was introduced to the world of theater at a young age and has been fascinated with the art ever since. They are a proud advocate for mental health awareness and enjoy bringing theater to the community through outreach and engagement. DeZhané Antionette is excited to join the cast of BLKS and looks forward to what the future holds. Asé. Instagram: @DezhaneAntionette 

June | DAJZANÉ MEADOWS-SANDERLIN

Dajzané Meadows-Sanderlin is a first-year MFA actor at the University of Iowa. She received a BA in acting from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2021. Some of her previous productions include A Raisin in the Sun, The Visit, Three to Five Days, and Gwenevere. She is beyond excited to be a part of this production. Dajzané would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.  

Ry | ASHA KELLER*

Asha Keller is a third-year biology and theatre arts double major with a French minor from Iowa City who is very excited to be in her first mainstage production at the university. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her and especially thank the black queer women for endlessly inspiring her to find the joy in life even in the tough moments, much like the characters in this play. 

Justin/Sosa/Ethnically Ambiguous Dude | ISAAC ADDAI

Isaac Addai is a first-year MFA acting candidate from Rialto, California. Past productions include Romeo and Juliet, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, and Polar Bears, Black Boys & Prairie Fringed Orchids.

That Bitch on the Couch/Drunk White Woman | KAYCE DREVLINE*

Kayce Drevline is a third-year student from Arlington Heights, Illinois, double majoring in theatre arts and journalism & mass communications. A few favorite credits include Val in A Chorus Line, Belinda Blair in Noises Off!, and Molly Aster in Peter and the Starcatcher. Kayce would like to thank the cast, crew, and Department of Theatre Arts for this very memorable experience. Much love to family and friends!