Center Stage Productions presents The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler at Over The Moon Art Studios

Ysamalis Perez born and raised in Paterson, NJ, is a trilingual actor fluent in English, French, and Spanish. She is a graduate of Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York, where she trained in Meisner technique, and previously studied at Studio Pygmalion in Montrouge, France. Her artistic journey has been shaped by theatre, cinema, and storytelling across cultures. Her stage work includes Shakespeare, including her performance as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Jardin des Arènes in Montmartre, as well as contemporary theatre. She has also appeared in short films created with filmmakers from EICAR and La Fémis in Paris. She is honored to return to The Vagina Monologues for her third iteration, having shared this work with audiences over the past two years. She believes deeply in theatre as a space for honesty, connection, and transformation, and is grateful to be part of a piece that continues to give voice to women’s experiences and stories.

Chinyere Stevens is a classically trained actress born and raised in New York City. She Studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts where she earned an Associates Degree in occupational studies. Chinyere has starred in a few films including "When A Tree Falls", and "Diving into Stilettos First" which have received countless Awards from the film festival circuit. Her most recent film "The Angry Man" starring alongside Wayne Diamond is currently premiering at festivals around the country. Alongside acting, Chinyere is a commercial, and print model. She has starred in a COACH campaign and has worked with brands such as Maybelline, and NuFace. Chinyere is currently pursuing membership at the prestigious Actors Studio in New York City.

Hailing from Paterson NJ, Jaquair is a multi-artistic storyteller as an actor, poet, and producer. He has performed in Theater in New York and New Jersey in plays like August Wilson's Piano Lesson for The Now Theatre Workshop and Black Issues Issues at Joe's Pub for The Public Theater. Also, he's been featured in television shows like Orange is The New Black, Godfather of Harlem, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Law & Order: Organized Crime. He has co-starred and Produced the festival award-winning film, 3rd&4th Chapters. He is the annual open mic host of The Paterson Poetry Festival and has performed in poetry venues across the U.S. From being a three time featured poet at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City, to rocking the stage several times at Da Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles. He recently released his highly reviewed transmedia spoken word poetry project entitled "Defiance & Desperation". Released as a poetry book, music album, and short film that was an official selection of the Garden State Film Festival of 2023. Jaquair co-produced a film entitled, "For Lila" that received an award at the Independent Shorts Awards in Los Angeles in 2025. He has embarked on the rollout of his second spoken word poetry project, "Freedom Letters"with the release of the book this January 2026. He continues to stay active in his hometown and the Jersey arts scene as a co-founding committee member of Paterson's Green Acre Community Garden, a Commissioner on The Paterson Arts Exchange, and a member of the professional artist fraternity Gamma Xi Phi.

Desiree S. Bounds (she/her) is a recent graduate from Ramapo College of New Jersey, fresh off completing her B.A. in Acting and Directing this May! Since she began acting at age nine, her training has taken her across the tri-state areas and as far as Cambridge, England in Anglia Ruskin University’s Exchange Student Program. Past credits include: Nine: the Musical (Luisa), Play On: As You Like It (Rosalind), Urinetown (Senator Fipp), and Polaroid Stories (Eurydice). Film Credits: Jersey Birdies (RufCut Productions). Desiree is excited and grateful to be performing in her first post-grad credit here at Center Stage Productions! @desireesbounds

Tammy Nicole Cooper, a native of Passaic, New Jersey was introduced to acting with her portrayal of multiple characters in “The Vagina Monologues by Ensler”. She lends a powerful voice, capturing the true essence of femininity and womanhood. Breaking barriers within her community, she was the first African American English teacher at Passaic High School in Passaic, New Jersey. Certified by the United States Department of Justice for Juvenile Urban Mentoring and recognized as a Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Tammy is committed to education and passionate about encouraging others to be lifelong learners. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Johnson C. Smith University, a second Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from William Paterson University, and a Master’s Degree in administration and supervision from Montclair State University. Crowned Miss Johnson C. Smith University and featured in Ebony Magazine, Tammy is a role model for women and girls. She has been awarded the NAACP Linda Reid Teacher of the Year Award and member of the New Jersey Association of Student Councils, the New School Food Association, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Bergen/Passaic, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

Malcolm Minor is a New York-based actor, singer, and poet. He has been featured at the National Black Theater Festival, Williamstown Theater Festival, Newark Arts Festival, Radio City Music Hall, The Apollo, 54 Below, and Joe’s Pub. You can hear his voice on Amazon Prime and other award-winning short films and web series such as #LoveMyRoomie, Between the Pages, Escape From Canal Street, Circle of Sins, and Dissection of a Dollar, to name a few. He is also a resident actor at The Mercury Store and a finalist at the Actors Studio. ASDS @Pace (MFA) Ramapo College (BA) www.malcolmminor.com

It began with a dream. For Deirdre, the performing arts have been a passion since childhood. She is the Founder and CEO of Center Stage Productions LLC, an independent theater and event production company. Formally trained in acting, poetry, and public speaking, Deirdre brings more than 25 years of experience to the stage. She has performed in mainstage, Off-Broadway, and dinner theater productions. Her credits include 'Til Death Do Us Part, directed by Fulton Hodges as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival; Mad Forest, directed by Maria Vail; Room Service, directed by Rich Topol; The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler (various directors); A Lesson Before Dying; and Some Sweet Day: The Musical, directed by Mary Ellen Allison. She also appeared in For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf, written by Ntozake Shange and directed by Terra Vendergaw. In addition to her work as a performer, Deirdre has served as the creative producer of the Martha's Vineyard Rhythm and Rhyme Arts Festival and numerous spoken-word performances. She is a proud member of the Actors' Equity Association. Her performing arts background is complemented by a distinguished career in higher education. She is a college professor of Social Science and Africana Studies. Deirdre earned a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, a Master of Arts degree from New York University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State University. She is also the President and CEO of Breaking Bias Research and Consulting Corporation, whose mission is to build a community of learners through cultural immersion and global education. Through her community service, education, and research in Africa, France, England, Portugal, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, Deirdre brings a broadened global perspective and rich cultural understanding to every stage she graces.