The Center Southland Spotlight at The Center for Performing Arts

Michael C. Brown

Michael C. Brown is thrilled to be joining this showcase! Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Michael spent a few years in Los Angeles, California, doing indie and student film. Coming off of The Sing to Cycle fundraiser showcase, his most recent credits include Curtis Taylor Jr understudy in The Drama Group's Dreamgirls. Angel Dumott Schunard in Rose Theatrics’ RENT. You can also see him in the role of Paul in The Genesius Guild's upcoming production of Company! Instagram: Michael.s.roe Facebook: Michael C. Brown

Brittany Campbell

Brittany Campbell has had the joy of starring in many amazing shows such as Deena in Dreamgirls with The Drama Group in 2025, Yolanda in Crowns, Sheila in HAIR, and many more! Brittany has shared that her favorite role to play has been, without a doubt, Deena in Dreamgirls. This is due to her strong passion for Motown Records and Diana Ross' influence on her performing style. Brittany would like to thank each and every one of you for coming to support the incredible talent shared on stage and hopes you all enjoy the show!

Erline Dorcy

Erline Dorcy is a passionate performer, educator (Drama Teacher, Morgan Park Academy), and advocate for the arts. She has performed internationally as Rafiki in The Lion King (Disneyland Paris) and Lead Blues Singer in Big Band Beat (Tokyo Disneyland). Her credits include Armelia in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Lorrell in Dreamgirls, Nancy in Oliver, and a Dynamite/understudy for Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray at the Beverly Arts Center. She was also the understudy for Patti LaBelle in the Jeff Award–nominated That’s What Friends Are For at Black Ensemble Theater. As the founder of Take a Bow Productions, a nonprofit children’s theater program, she combines theater education with therapeutic approaches to empower all children through creative expression. “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams”

Dylan J. Flaig

Dylan J. Flaig is an actor, director, and teacher currently residing in the South Chicago Suburbs in Crete, Illinois. He is a graduate of Western Illinois University, where he studied Secondary Education and Theatre. He is currently a History/Theatre teacher at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, Indiana. Favorite/Recent credits include Mark in RENT (Rose Theatrics), Willard Hewitt in Footloose (Erica Heilmann Theatre-OLPD), Henry in Next To Normal (Western Illinois University), Anthony in Sweeney Todd (The Genesius Guild), Link Larkin in Hairspray (Beverly Arts Center), and Barry Mann in Beautiful The Musical (Rose Theatrics). He hopes you enjoy the show! Instagram: dylan.jacobf

Meghan Hoyt

Meghan Hoyt has been performing throughout the Chicagoland area since the age of 6. Favorite roles include Alison in Fun Home at the Towle Theatre, Amy in Company at Porchlight Music Theatre, The Witch in Into the Woods, and Sarah Jane Moore in Assassins with Slate Theatre, and Mother in Ragtime at The Drama Group. Perhaps her most important role is Mom to Stella and Cooper. Meghan is represented by Gray Talent Group and is so happy to be sharing the stage again with these beautiful artists!

Nyla Johnson

Nyla Johnson was previously seen as a Step Sister and Ensemble member of the Chicago Heights Drama Group’s production of Dreamgirls. She is so excited to share the stage with a few of her theatre family members again and super honored to be chosen for their second “One Night Only”!!

Charl'z L. Kay

Charl’z L. Kay is excited to be partaking in this Showcase. A proud Chicago native, Charl’z has graced the stage in several beloved productions including Dreamgirls, Black Nativity, 3 Brothers, and RENT. Outside of theater, he serves as a dedicated firefighter and is a self-proclaimed nerd. When not in the spotlight, Charl’z can be found exploring the culinary scene as a foodie or tinkering with the latest tech innovations. He is thrilled to share his passion for the arts and looks forward to connecting with audiences in this performance. IG: ck1andonly FB: Charl’z L. Kay

Kentrell LaVaughn

Kentrell LaVaughn (he/him) is a triple threat actor, singer, and dancer from Chicago Heights, Illinois. He has always loved performing since he was a child. Kentrell’s passion led him to his high school’s theater where he played large roles such as Willy Wonka, Genie, and Cat in the Hat. He has also portrayed Andre DeShields in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Wayne in Dreamgirls at the Chicago Heights Drama Group. Kentrell has been on shows such as Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med. Special thanks to God, his mom, siblings, family and friends for the support and love as his dreams are becoming a reality.

Angel Noelle

Angel Noelle is excited for the opportunity to perform in this cabaret! She has been seen previously in roles such as Hope Cladwell in KVTA’s Urinetown, Miss Honey in The Drama Group’s Matilda, Doralee in Country Theatre Workshop’s 9 to 5, Olive Ostrovsky in The Drama Group’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and more! She’s been lucky enough to work with multiple groups represented today and be involved with other shows featured, like Dreamgirls. She will be seen in The Genesius Guild’s production of Company, opening November 14th, as Amy, and hopes to see you there!

Darrow Richmond

Darrow Richmond, 23, is excited to share some of his favorite songs. Coming from the South Suburbs, Richmond has performed in Homewood- Flossmoor, IHSTF All State, Chicago Heights’ Drama Group, and Uptown Music Theatre productions: Sister Act, Big (Big Josh), Aida (Mereb), Bright Star (Billy Cane), Dreamgirls (C.C. White), Hairspray (Gilbert/ Seaweed Understudy). While studying Theatre, Richmond earned national titles on the University of Illinois Chicago Speech team. Now, Richmond would like to thank his loved ones for always encouraging him; and the Governors State University for providing a safe space to deliver messages of love when we need it most. Coming up, Richmond will star in Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnie) and White Christmas (Mike Nulty). SEE MORE of Darrow on Instagram: @darrow.vr

Brandi Shantele

Danielle Spence

Danielle Spence believes in the power of great storytelling. Her work is driven by the commitment to exploring the full range of human experience within each character she portrays. Whether she is bringing a historical figure’s true story to life or simply providing an escape through music and laughter, she is dedicated to giving audiences a powerful and emotional experience that either uplifts or provides a moment of genuine reflection. Professional credits: Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray (Beverly Arts Center), u.s. Mother/Clara in Bright Lights, Big City (The Beautiful City Project), and Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol (Metropolis PAC). Chicagoland Credits: Carole King (Rose Theatrics), Charlotte in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Magical Starlight Theatre), Marta in Company (point2productions). IG: @dani_ellemariespence

Arielle M. Ware

Arielle M. Ware - Arielle is thrilled to be on stage performing once again! Past productions include Dreamgirls (Michelle), Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Mitch). Currently, her other roles include wife to Jason & mom to Jase! She'd like to thank her family & friends for their support during this production.

Jacob Williams

Jacob Williams was born on the south side of Chicago and has been doing theater for 10+ years. He is a Mount Carmel High School and Millikin University alum and currently works as a lifeguard for the city of Chicago and as a DJ. Some of his passions are music, DJing, theater, photography, and tennis! His last show was a spring production of Dreamgirls with Drama Group, where he was the understudy for CeCe, directed by Cordaro Johnson, and his mother, Liane Williams, was also in the show! Jacob is so excited to be performing along with some of the most talented voices in Chicago and hopes everyone has a great time!

Cordaro Johnson

Cordaro D. Johnson is a multifaceted theatre artist, working as a director, stage manager, acting coach, and writer. He has led and supported a wide range of productions across the Chicagoland area, most recently directing Dreamgirls at the Chicago Heights Drama Group. His previous credits include For Colored Girls, Fannie Lou Hamer with South Shore Opera of Chicago, and Co-Pay, a play he also wrote. Cordaro is a Teaching Artist with the Paramount School of Arts and currently serves as Executive Board Secretary for the Chicago Heights Drama Group. The Center Southland Spotlight marks his first collaboration with Governors State University, and he is honored to have helped curate a program that uplifts and showcases the extraordinary talent of the Southland region. Cordaro extends his sincere thanks to Governors State University for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful event.

Joshua X. Miller

Joshua X. Miller (He/They) is a Chicago born artist that brings life to the work that he does. He is an artistic omnivore, and a devoted life learner. With the dream of being a producer of influential material, Joshua is dedicated to telling the stories of the unheard. He currently works as a teaching artist and hopes to inspire a new wave of artists to come after him. He is a playwright and performer looking to explore the identity of what it means to be Black and Queer. His play At Arm’s Length is currently being workshopped by actors from Chicago and New York.