Clyde's at Spotlighters Theatre

Dionne Belk (Clyde) (she/her) is ecstatic about her debut here at Spotlighters Theatre and the opportunity to work alongside such a talented group of cast and crew. You have seen Dionne in Bowie Community Theater’s (BCT) production of The Old Settler as Quilly McGrath (WATCH nomination), as Mama Lena in A Raisin in the Sun (Port Tobacco Players), as Lt. Rooney in BCT’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace (WATCH nomination) as Eren Gibson in Out of the Blue (Laurel Mill Playhouse) and most recently as The Lady in Brown in For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf (2nd Star Productions). When not on stage, you can find Dionne reading, writing, spending time with loved-ones and working as a change agent. Dionne is eternally grateful to her family and friends for their steadfast support in her quest to use her gifts to evoke deeper thought and provoke positive change—in the mind, heart and spirit.

Andy Belt (Rafael) (he/him) is excited to return to the Spotlighters stage! Previously, he has appeared in Spotlighters' productions of Love/Sick, Laughing Stock, The Mousetrap, and Much Ado About Nothing. In Baltimore-area theater, Andy has also performed at Vagabond Players (Room Service, Broadway Bound), Fells Point Corner Theatre (Machinal, Miss Holmes), and Manor Mill Playhouse (Trifles). He holds a BA in theater from Wake Forest University.

Michael Holland-Collins (Jason) (he/him) makes his live theatrical debut on the Spotlighters stage performing the role of Jason in Clyde’s. For 25 years he has performed on stages all over the country (and globe) as lead singer in several rock bands, and acted/directed his own music videos. Micheal is a US Navy Veteran, a father of two wonderful daughters, a children’s book author, a novelist, a painter, and currently works as an Aerospace Engineer. Though new to acting, Stanislavski and Uta Hagen are among his favorite authors to learn from; and he has already landed his next role(s) in a production of the world famous musical, Gypsy. Long term goals of his include performing Shakespeare onstage, and even becoming a playwright himself. He would like to dearly thank his wonderful partner Laura Holland, actor, Managing Director and resident dramaturg of Quarry Theater; in preparation for this role.

Vanessa McNair (Letitia) (she/her) is a dynamic actress and multi-talented professional whose stage credits include memorable performances as Beneatha Younger in A Raisin in the Sun. She has also garnered recognition on screen in romantic comedy and media series. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Vanessa is passionate about using her work to uplift and empower the community. With vibrant energy and a powerful voice, she is dedicated to breathing life into Clyde’s Letitia. Stay up to date on her latest at www.vanessamcnair.com.

Otega Okurume (Montrellous) (he/him) is excited to make his debut at Spotlighters! He was recently seen in Other Voices Theatre’s production of Songs for a New World, Nextstop Theatre’s production of Chicken & Biscuits as Reginald/Kenny U/s, Silhouette Stage’s production of Evita as Ensemble/Juan Peron US, LTA's production of Memphis as Delray Farrell, 2nd Star’s production of Dreamgirls as CC White, and in the world premiere of the Until We Vote reading. Other favorite roles include Mister in St. Mark’s Players production of The Color Purple, Man in 2nd Star's production of Crowns, Luke Castellan/others in Silhouette Stages' production of The Lightning Thief, Ensemble in ArtsCentric's production of Rent and Lord Pinkleton in Silhouette Stages' production of R&H Cinderella. Special thanks to my family and friends for your unending support and our fearless director for the opportunity! @classic_man098

Rikki Howie Lacewell (Director/Costume Designer/Props Master) (she/her) is passionately dedicated to authentic storytelling and inclusive theater with over 100 shows to her credit. Recent credits include Clyde's at Maryland Ensemble Theatre, For Colored Girls..., Chicken & Biscuits, and Memphis. Rikki focuses on creating vibrant, character-driven productions that celebrate resilience and humanity. She believes theater can spark dialogue, build community, and inspire change. Thanks to family and friends for their support. www.confidencetheatrics.com

Miles A. Lawlor (Stage Manager/Props Master) (they/them) is a Baltimore stage manager and theatre artist thrilled to be making their Spotlighters debut! They graduated from CCBC in 2017 with an AA in Design and Production and Towson University in 2020 with a BS in Theatre Arts. Miles has worked professionally in theatre for the past 9 years. Previous SM credits include Speech & Debate and Curious Incident… (CCBC), Dot (Cockpit in Court), Catch Me If You Can (DCT), and [title of show] (Fells Point Corner Theatre). Previous ASM credits include A Christmas Carol (Chesapeake Shakespeare Co.). They would like to thank Rikki for always being the best, Darlay, the cast, and production team for their hard work and dedication, and their friends and family for all their love and support. Enjoy the show!

Darlay Altenord (Asst. Stage Manager/Props Master/Crew) (she/her) is a Baltimore newcomer and budding creative with a lifelong passion for the arts, writing, and poetry. She stage managed Blood at the Root earlier this year at Fells Point Corner Theatre, and hopes to continue being a part of productions that reflect on the human experience and challenges audiences.

Justin Nepomuceno (Scenic Designer) (he/him) is a Baltimore based installation artist and designer. Previous credits include Scenic Designer for Death Trap, Working for Crumbs, and Baby with the Bathwater at Spotlighters Theatre; On the Verge at Fells Point Corner Theatre; Honey Bee Baby at Rapid Lemon Productions, scenic charge for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at ArtsCentric and props artisan for Sister Act at Ford’s Theatre, Piano Lesson at 1st Stage, and Covenant at Theatre Alliance. Justin holds a BS/BFA in Design etc. from Towson University. @nepoillustration

Wendy Walker (Costume Designer) (she/her) has been creating costumes for the stage for more than four decades. Favorite productions include: Patsy Cline, Cinderella, The Producers, and Spamalot at Cumberland Theatre; Yankee Tavern at Chenango River Theatre; and Appalachian Nutcracker at both the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia. As a proud member of IATSE Local 772 Wendy works on costume crews at the Kennedy Center, The Warner, and The National Theatre in DC, and as a member of IATSE Local 487 she works on films and TV series in the DMV. Favorites include: Lioness, We Own This City, Lady In The Lake, Jack Ryan, and Messiah.

Kelly Williams Carlson (Intimacy Coordinator) (she/her) is excited to be working on her first production with Spotlighters. She has her Master's in Directing from Roosevelt University and holds degrees in Musical Theatre and Education from American University. After 15 years as the Theatre Department Chair at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts and 2 years as the Artistic Director of Dundalk Community Theatre at CCBC, Kelly now focuses on intimacy direction, coaching, and consulting. She has trained with Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE) and Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC). Recent intimacy work includes: Spring Awakening, Heathers, The Diary of Anne Frank, Rent, and Seussical. Kelly has directed/choreographed over 50 productions in the Baltimore/DC area and has worked with several area professional, educational, and community theatres. She has served on the executive boards of Maryland Thespians and MTEA. www.kellywilliamscarlson.com