By the Way, Meet Vera Stark at The Center for Performing Arts

LaT’ya A. Johnson (Vera Stark) is delighted to return to the stage following her appearance in Anon(ymous) (Calista/Female Ensemble) last semester. She is currently employed as a Stage Manager with Collaboraction theater and is pursuing a degree in fine arts. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and various artistic pursuits. Her previous works include Trial in the Delta: the Murder of Emmett Till (Stage Manager), Exonerated (Sue/Female Ensemble), and Cloud 9 (Edward/Victoria). She extends a special thank you to her family and friends for their unwavering support and dedicates her performance to her mother, Katrina A. Johnson.

Cylia Srmek (Gloria Mitchell), a graduate student at Governors State studying Social Work, is grateful to be here! Cylia is from Oak Lawn and has acted in children’s theatre, middle school, high school, and college. At Valparaiso University, she played Olivia in Twelfth Night, Evil Tina in She Kills Monsters, and Nun in Tracks. Cylia is a case manager at a mental health center, is involved with her church, and would like to thank Ryan.

Dakota Keel (Leroy Barksdale/Herb Forrester) graduated with his degree in Theatre and Performance Studies in the Spring of 2024. He has performed in several dance productions, including Dream, Body Language, and Rise Up! Truth to Power, while attending GovState as well as several plays that his major presented, including 12 Angry Jurors, Othello, The Exonerated, and She Kills Monsters. He looks forward to continuing his studies and getting his master's degree.

Maya Shelton (Lottie McBride/Carmen Levy-Green) is returning as an alumna, having graduated in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Performance Studies. Maya’s previous performance credits include Helen (Fat Pig), Miranda (The Tempest), Hester Prynne (The Scarlet Letter), Kitty Civette (A Delightful Quarantine), Emilia (Othello), and Violet Bick and others (It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play). Because she loves all aspects of theatre, she has also stage-managed, front-of-house managed, and been on crew for productions here at GovState and in Los Angeles. Maya currently serves as the Marketing and Events Coordinator for the Center for Performing Arts at GovState. She would thank her mother and father, grandparents, sisters, and other family and friends for their continued support, inspiration, guidance, and love.

Bria Hall (Anna Mae Simpkins/Afua Assata Ejobo) is thrilled to continue to make art at Governors State University. Having studied theater performance throughout Chicagoland, she is eager to showcase her skills. With a passion for storytelling, Bria hopes to bring dynamic energy and a commitment to excellence to every role she takes on. Stay tuned for more exciting performances from this talented actor after graduation! She would also love to thank her family for their unwavering support.

Joshua Tisdale (Mr. Slasvick/Brad Donovan) has been performing with GovState for over 3 years. His more notable roles have been from Cloud 9, The Exonerated, and She Kills Monsters. After graduating, he has been cast in projects such as Rhythm and Blues and short sketch comedies. He would like to thank God, family, and his friends for their constant support.

Andy Mitchell-Gregory (Maxmillian Von Oster/Peter Rhys-Davis) is an actor, improvisor, musician, and writer originally from St. Charles, Ill. This is his first production for GSU. Previously, he's performed at The Second City Training Center, iO, The Annoyance Theatre, ComedySportz Chicago, and many other makeshift stages. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Colette, and cavapoo, Beignet. All his love to them, his family, and friends, including the new ones made on this cast and crew.

Camille Younger (Understudy) is a devoted mother and graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Communication at Governors State University. A staff member, author, and business owner, she is a woman of faith whose life and art are rooted in love, resilience, and purpose. She brings depth and sincerity to every role, using performance to connect hearts and tell meaningful stories. Her recent role in ANON(YMOUS) explored themes of identity, belonging, and strength, reflecting the same truths she expresses through her writing and creative work.