Playbill

A B O UT IMANI THEATRE ENSEMBLE Imani Theatre Ensemble was founded by Artistic Director, Michael Atkins Yawn in January 2004. The primary purpose of Imani Theatre Ensemble is to provide an opportunity for African Americans actors to study, rehearse, and perform their craft. We believe that our expression through the performing arts should serve a purpose that goes beyond the normal limits of entertainment. Therefore, it is our commitment to present a better understanding of the arts as well as quality entertainment. Imani Theatre Ensemble will conduct itself in a professional manner and possess dignity in its character worthy of the highest respect.

A B O UT THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Michael Atkins Yawn is a native of Rochester, NY. His theatrical interests began at Buffalo State College in the Performing Arts Department as he obtained a B.S. in Business and minored in theatre. He returned to Rochester and became a member of the Westside Theatre Collective, where he further developed his acting and directing under the tutelage of Caril Powell­Price.

Michael has extensive acting credits, appearing in over thirty productions throughout the northeast. He most recently performed in August Wilson's "Two Trains Running" (Holloway) directed by David Shakes and "Money Don't Make The Man" (Vince) directed by Dita Monique. Michael received a fellowship from the Stage Directors Guild of New York City in 1996 for the position of Assistant Director of the Broadway production of "Having Our Say" produced by Geva Theatre Center. Michael is an experienced playwright and here is a partial listing of his theatrical anthology: •"Mustard Seed, Private Pain"­ A gospel musical originally staged in 1998 and restaged in 2008 to rave reviews and is considered the gem of all his writings. •"Put That Woman First"­ 2006 was presented at RAPA Theatre with excellent reviews. •"Inspiration"­ 1997, based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. •"Keep Your Head Up"­ 1995 was presented at the Rochester Auditorium Center. •"The Homeboys"­ 1991, which addressed the issue of street gangs and has received critical acclaim.

Dale K. Trott, CPCU 2290 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14610 585­271­3040 [email protected] www.dgmagency.com

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Congratulations to Michael Atkins Yawn and the Imani Theatre Ensemble

Teacher Opportunity Corps (TOC) Program

RE CRUI T I NG P E O P LE O F CO LO R Who are underrepresented and underserved in teaching professions, i.e., African American, Hispanic American, American Indian, or Alaskan Native and committed to teaching in H I G H ­N E E D U R B A N S C H O O L S . TOC SCHOLARSHIP MONEY Available at Nazareth College for MA S T E R ’ S D E G R E E P R O G R A MS Leading to Initial and Professional New York State Teaching Certification For more information, contact: Jackie Bryant, TOC Program Director 4245 East Avenue Rochester,NY 14618 (585)389­2684 [email protected]

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES “A House Is Not A Home” By Luther Vandross Performed by Mark Sheffield “You Should Have Been Here” Lyrics by Sharice J. McMillon Performed by Sharice McMillon “Too Much” Lyrics by C. Sherie Hill Performed by Patricia Starks II Accompianist, Gloria Brooks “Come Rescue Me” Lyrics by Alicia Bell Performed by Alicia Bell “This Ain’t No Game, You See, This Is My Life” Lyrics by Michael Atkins Yawn Performed by Patricia Starks II “If This World Was Mine” By Luther Vandross/Cheryl Lynn Performed by Felecia Lynn Council & Mark Sheffield Imani Theatre Ensemble proudly presents The Network Steppers “Yeah, they sho’ nuff good ya’ll”

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PANTHER GRAPHICS Tony Jackson, CEO

The Proof is in the Print!

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Bausch & Lomb 2006 MBE Supplier of the Year

P RO DUCT I O N P E RS O NNE L Director..........................................Michael Atkins Yawn Stage Manager............................Tina Chapman Acosta Box Office................................................Carolyn Henry House Manager.........................................James Wynn Marketing Director...............................Mark A. Dulaney Greeters...................................................Calvin Barnes Ivy Clarke Victor Haynes SPECIAL THANKS Tony Jackson, CEO Panther Graphics 465 Central Avenue Rochester, New York Gerald E. Hunt, Executive Director Frederick Douglas Resource Center 36 King Street Rochester, New York True Networking Thursdays (TNT) Minority Reporter Newspaper Rajesh Barnabas Videographer 749­0264 Kim Michell & Rajesh Barnabas Playbill

T I ME : Present S E T T I NG : Rochester, NY A CT O NE “The Book Club vs. The Poker Game” & “Peaches ‘Lovejams’ on WLOVE Radio” A CT T W O “It’s Gettin’ Hot In Here” & “Let’s Give A Toast To Telling Our Men How We Really Feel From the Heart” I N T E R MI S S I O N A CT T HRE E “Sadness, Pain, Frustration” & “Love and Happiness”

“PUT THAT WOMAN FIRST” CAST (in order of appearance) DJ Peaches............................Tina Chapman Acosta Benny T...........................................Bryant Cromartie Casandra.............................................Lorrie Stevens Michelle.......................................Patricia A. Starks, II Olivia..........................................................Alicia Bell Sonny.....................................................Ya­sin Yawn Playboy........................................Antoine J. McCloud Debbie.........................................Sharice J. McMillon Rob................................................Andre Hockerson Black Magic.........................................Mark Sheffield Rita.......................................Venisha Terrae Jackson Honey........................................Felecia Lynn Council