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Tom is an actor, songwriter and musical performer from the San Francisco Bay Area. He has performed as an actor in independent films, and as a front man in musical performances for weddings, anniversaries, and corporate events. He trained with First Take Acting School and Voice One Acting School in San Francisco, CA.

Adora trained in dance and acting. She is an up and coming actor from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has played roles from Professor Willard in Our Town to Mrs.... Peacock in the theater production of Clue. On screen, Adora was featured in "Stop the Bleed" a public service announcement. As a competitive dancer, she is trained in lyrical, jazz/contemporary and musical theater.

Hi! I'm Naomi, a 10-year-old actor with a deep passion for storytelling. From a young age, I've been captivated by the magic of acting-bringing characters to life and creating vivid worlds on stage. I love playing diverse roles, whether it's an adventurous hero, a curious explorer, or a mischievous friend, and I bring energy and joy to each performance. When I'm not acting, I enjoy reading and writing, which help fuel my imagination and creativity. Stay tuned to see my latest performances and projects-there's always something exciting on the horizon!

Amy is excited to join the talented cast of this important play. She was last seen onstage as Lady Flora Chilton in Bloody Jack at San Leandro Players. She has participated in the Short-Lived play festivals and the Olympian's festivals in San Francisco and performed at various venues in the East Bay. Before moving to the Bay Area, she was very involved in theater in Massachusetts including an online soap opera and countless plays. She also enjoys directing and costuming shows, and her love of vintage clothing has taken over her garage.

Bill is a lawyer and native San Franciscan, who is a graduate of UC Berkeley and the University of San Francisco School of Law. For over 25 years he has done PA Announcing, MC'ing and provided stadium and arena music for a variety of sports and civic events. He has done PA announcing for professional Rugby matches and international tournaments. Additionally, he is a past president of the Alameda County Lawyers Club and past president of the San Francisco Bay Are Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel.

Magaly has been interested in theater and acting for over a decade. She is particularly interested in productions and roles focused on social justice. She holds a Masters of Public Policy from UC Berkeley and has dedicated her career towards equity and justice. This project is an extension of her commitment and passion for social justice. This is her first Zoom production.

Cianna is an aspiring actress from Newark, NJ. Currently a Junior at Temple University, Cianna has appeared in several short films and theatrical productions. She is the recipient of the GIIF Mental Health Awareness award and the recipient for the Best Lead Actress award for her role of Sam in Mishandled. When schoolwork isn't piling up, Cianna enjoys cooking and doing yoga.

Hello, my name is Addison Carter. I am in the fourth grade. I like cooking, acting, drawing and playing. I love little kids and have an older brother, Braxton.

Brian is a third generation Bay Area native. Brian grew up making movies with his best friend. His first big break was being cast in the middle school production of Oliver as Mr... Bumble. He was hooked. As a teenager Brian was drawn towards circus performing and spent the summers studying: juggling, improv, unicycling, stilts, and the flaming ball of death.Brian graduated from Miami University in 2006 with a degree in Creative Writing. After many years of the corporate grind Brian has decided to return to his creative roots.

Carrie Brobeck (Court Reporter) is a Canadian-born California transplant. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two dogs on a ranch in the rolling hills of Moraga. She is a professional organizer and event planner. In her spare time, she volunteers as a mentor with a student leader in Sierra Leone for Families Without Borders. WORDS is her first production.

Words is Bill's first time ever being on stage and is very grateful to Cindy for this opportunity. He is a retired mechanical engineer turned voice over artist for marketing videos & YouTube channels - model for music & industrial videos, marketing brochures & websites - play x play announcer - Charity MC - On stage with Words That Made The Difference - Much Ado About Nothing - Hamlet - The Marvelous Land of Oz. - Midsummer Nights Dream - 12 Angry Jurors - Romeo and Juliet - A Xmas Carol - Macbeth - As You Like It - King Lear

Paul is honored to help tell this important story. Recent credits include Oliver in As You Like It (Foodbank Players), Rutherford Selig in Joe Turner's Come and Gone (Lower Bottom Playaz), Zac Connor in Kudzu 2012(BAM House), Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Missing Mystery (Actor's Ensemble of Berkeley), Performer in Hold On: When Everything Changes in a Flash (Crescent Moon Theater Productions), and roles in a variety of short films. Outside of acting, he enjoys board games, writing, and trying to do science.

Michael is neither an actor nor Montessorian, he's a two-time Purple Heart recipient, USPS retiree, avid tennis player, master Honey-doer and grandfather to four adorable granddaughters and two of the best stepdaughters possible.

Saskia is an American actor of Dutch and Italian descent, born and raised in Los Angeles. Named after the Dutch painter Rembrandt's wife, Saskia began her career as a Ballet dancer with Ms.. Eileen Locklin and later went on to study Theatre Arts in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. She is represented by Joan Spangler at LOOK Talent and her website is www.saskiabaur.com

Kevin was born in Berkeley and lives in El Cerrito. The California State University San Francisco Radio and TV Graduate is honored to have the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful production. Kevin's acting career includes feature, short and student films, sizzle reels, commercials, multi-media campaigns, industrials, web and streaming series. He and his bride of 41 years Victoria have two children and four grandchildren. Kevin has dedicated this performance to his parents Patricia and Kenneth Berndt who were very active in the Contra Costa Civic Theater in El Cerrito.

Gene is a retired teacher and active bookseller, actor, director and poet. Among the plays he's directed are Angels in America, Nicholas Nickelby, Doubt, and Fences. Gene is also a man of ink with 23 tattoos, most of them reflective of his love of literature and Shakespeare. He spends much of his free time reading, writing and biking.

Michael spent almost two decades in heavily padded rooms, talking to people he couldn't see. Someone called it 'broadcasting' and kept giving him checks. Michael escaped broadcasting to go to college, earning a BFA in 2014, reversing the common trend of 'college first.' He moved to SoCal, working in the background of numerous productions. Michael escaped from L.A. to the Bay in 2016. He continues to write, act, direct, produce music, and compete for commercials.

Alan is a Bay Area actor, improviser, and writer who has previously performed with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2ELFth Night, Three Chords and the Truth), the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival (Pericles, Hamlet, Macbeth, Comedy of Errors), We Players (Psychopomp, Caesar Maximus), and Custom Made Theatre (The Braggart Soldier, Chess, Cloud 9). He has written for the SF Olympians Festival, PianoFight's Short-Lived Competition, and Musical Cafe. You can see him next in Central Works' production of Escape from the Asylum at the Berkeley City Club in March/April, and Lafayette Town Hall Theatre's production of Antigone Performed by the Girls of St. Catherine's this June.

Will began his artistic career singing in the Grace Cathedral Choir and later attended the Young People's Musical Theater Company in SF. After studying music and theater at San Francisco State University, he left for Los Angeles writing a gold record for singer Tara Kemp on Warner Bros. He has also composed the "Off-Broadway musical "The Seven" by playwright Will Power and received grants from the California Arts Council, The Bernard Osher Foundation, and the National Endowment foWill r the Arts.

Jesse has 51 acting credits, 3 IMDb acting credits, 20 singing credits, and is the Visual Theater Playwright for 22 short plays performed at Dixon Place, NY. He directed Comedy Night in New York; Series 1, Episodes 1, 2, 3 and 4 for Paper Plane Entertainment on Amazon Prime plus You've Got To Put Them Out Of Their Misery by, Paul K. Smith: a dramatic 10 minute play with shadow theater technique at Players Theatre, NY; BOO Festival. Jesse is also a Puppet Fabricator for 10 short plays and an award winning Scenography Artist.

William is thrilled to be part of Words That Made the Difference. He was last seen as Dr. Mills, Herb and Cheddarsofsky in the world premier of The Short and the Short of It by Bruce Karp. Prior to that, he was Reverend Peters in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime at Players Circle Theatre in North Fort Myers. He plays Mr. Dunlap in the independent feature film, Reese Enterprises, scheduled to be released in late 2022 or early 2023. William trained at the Central School in London, and has worked in England, New York, Regional Theatre and Summer Stock, television and commercials. He wrote and produced the independent feature film, Ordinary Sinner with Elizabeth Banks and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. A million thanks to my amazing family for their love and support.

Rob is making his acting debut in St. Petersburg. He has spent his career in the hospitality industry which has prepared him well for this role. Rob is officially retired, an avid golfer, and a theater lover.

Salvatore grew up in southern Spain with an American Mother and Italian father. He always had a passion for creating and design. He studied Marketing in Spain and Denmark, then moved to New York City where he worked in retail and bartending. He eventually moved to Los Angeles and created his own business. There he had a first glimpse at acting and it planted a seed. A few years later, when Covid hit, he lost most of his business and made the decision to drop everything and start acting. An undeniable passion that had been growing in him for years..because if not in the middle of a pandemic, then when?

Jacinta is a Bay Area actor and she has worked in theater for several years, at several theater companies in the Bay Area. Jacinta is proud to be a part of the play production of "Words That Made the Difference: Brown vs the Board of Education" by Cindy Acker, Ed.D. You can see Jacinta in her next plays, both of which will be in late May 2024 at 3 Girls Theater in "Soulmates" by Kimberly Ridgeway; And in the role of Ma Rainey in "Bessie in Medias Res" by Robyn Brooks at Playground Theater SF.

Jerry is a Brooklyn, NY raised actor and poet. He is an organic creative who is passionate and driven by the metaphor of acting. He's been in theatre, film and commercial productions across the country. Most recently appearing in two features, Footprints of an Angel produced by Anthony Mealings and Under Punches produced by Goa Yang to name a few. As a passionate nuanced based actor, he is continuing to build his actor's portfolio training in stunts and accents. He has studied in St.Francis and John Jay College honing his skills in performing arts and currently resides in Westchester, NY.

Charselle is a performance poet, writer, actor and artist. She has been an Individual Artist Grant Recipient from The Marin Art's Council, recognized by The World March for Peace and Nonviolence, and the 8th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates for her relational artwork, Peace Poem Project. She is honored to be involved in this important work.

Frank is retired from the IT department at Stanford University. Since his retirement, he has become a volunteer in a Hospice organization and has become a serious photographer. This is his first experience in a live performance.

Katie is a NYC based actress and is honored to be telling one of the most important stories of our history. Recent credits: She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms (Agnes) - All in Theatrics, Cabaret (Lulu) - Peregrine Theatre Ensemble, The Proxy Marriage (Gillian) - Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals, Pericles (Marina) - Capital Classics. Educational: Sweet Charity (Charity), Little Women (Beth), The Children's Hour (Catherine/Agatha). Upcoming Virtual Reading: Mendocino (Julie) - Planet Connections Theatre. BFA in Musical Theatre from The Hartt School. You can find her at www.katieelman.com or @katie_elman!

Elizabeth grew up in the Bay Area and is a graduate of Howard University with a BFA in Theatre Arts. Elizabeth was recently seen as Claudette in Theatre Rhino's How Black Mothers Say I Love You, Nancy/Boz in A Christmas Carol (Center REP), Radio in Caroline or Change (Ray of Light) and Motormouth Maybelle in Bay Area Musical's production of Hairspray. Some other theatre credits include, Lady O in The Right Note (Spare Stage), Darlene in Dance of The Holy Ghosts (Ubuntu Theater Project), Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act! (Berkeley Playhouse) Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors (Contra Costa Musical Theatre). Elizabeth sends love to her daughter Caira and thanks God, family and friends for their support. Next up: The Code this summer at A.C.T. Follow Elizabeth on instagram @elizasenoj

G.G. has enjoyed acting since age 4. She is now a retired social worker with many years of experience in mental health, children and family services, as well as aging and adult services. Currently, she is sharing her experiences and knowledge with social work students as an instructor at California State University San Bernardino. Acting brings so much joy and she has had the opportunity to be a part of The Baby Shower, The Bacchae, Trojan Women - A Love Story, Fences, On Golden Pond, A Raisin in the Sun, Never Too Late, Talk Radio, and others. She is so pleased to be a part of such an educational and historic play.

Gloria is an educator and musician. She portrayed Alma Jean Galloway in the original staged reading of Words That Made the Difference.

Rebecca is grateful and delighted to return to Words that Made the Difference, after over a year away. You may have seen her earlier this year as Dromio of Ephesus in Marin Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, as Molly in PlayGround's A Thousand Natural Shocks, as four different characters in a five-actor As You Like It with SF Shakes on Tour, or as May in Anthony Clarvoe's People Where They Are at San Jose Stage. Other recent credits include Sulla/Alquist in Rossum's Universal Robots at Cutting Ball, Judith in the award-winning Dignity Circle at Central Works, or as Bridget Potter in the original cast of The Kilbanes' The Code with the ACT YC. Next up you can catch her as a singing chicken named Mission Burrito in the holiday spectacular Panto in the Presidio in San Francisco. She holds an MFA in Collaborative Theater making from Rose Bruford College in England, a BA in Theater Arts Performance from SFSU, and is the co-founder of the Analog Theatre Collective in SF (analogtheatre.org).

Melzena Rene has always had a love and passion for the Arts. Her passion for the arts started at a very young age, and it has never stopped. Melzena has been performing in local plays for over 20 years. She has landed various roles in local Bay Area plays and commercials. In addition to acting, directing also brings her fulfillment. She is pleased to be working with Cindy Acker and team with Brown vs. Board of Education.

Robert is former artistic director and a founding member of Virago Theatre Co. He has worked as an actor, puppeteer, writer and Director. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Robert's acting filmography includes Under a Black Cloud, Quiet Murders, Justified Force, King Street, Kings of the Atlantic, and with Ohlone College as . Matamore in Tony Kushner's The Illusion, and Dr. Spivey in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Favorite roles include Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Porter\Murderer #2 in Macbeth, Angelo in Measure for Measure, Richard in The Lady's Not for Burning, Oberon\Theseus and Bottom in Midsummer Night's Dream, John in Scotland Road, Roger in The Hermit Bird. Robert wrote and directed An Original Christmas Carol to benefit Altarena Playhouse and Frankenstein, the Modern Prometheus for the 2001 San Francisco Fringe. For Virago, Roberts directed Orphans, La Boheme, Madama Butterfly, Crooked and the original productions Dan Brodnitz- Mankind's Last Hope, John Byrd, The Death of Ayn Rand, and Zombie Vixens from Hell - The Musical, and Miles Pawski's The Edge of the World. Robert can be seen as Dogberry in the upcoming production of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing directed by Gene Kahane for the Alameda Food Bank players on April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 in Alameda.

Gary is a Bay Area writer, actor, and artist who began honing his skills in San Francisco's Fillmore District. He is an alumni of San Francisco State University's distinguished Theatre Arts Program and is currently studying acting for TV and film at First Take Acting School. Gary has had a deep passion for performance and storytelling since a young age and aims to continue his growth as an artist. He has performed notable roles in Shakespeare's, A Midsummer's Night Dream (Bottom), The Laramie Project (Jedadiah Shultz), and A Raisin In the Sun (Walter Lee Younger). Gary was featured as Scott in the Words international zoom version and he is honored to continue bringing diverse stories to stage.

Jennifer is originally from Los Angeles and now calls the Bay Area her home. She has studied improv with Comedy Sportz, San Jose and acting with the Bay Area Acting Studio. She has worked in education for over a decade and is excited to be part of this important production to build awareness about desegregation and to showcase a critical milestone in our nation's history.

Samantha is a Bay Area actress, author and educator. She holds a B.A. Degree in Linguistics and speaks 5 languages. She has travelled to over 60 countries worldwide and has lived in 5 different countries pursuing a career in English education to students in Italy, Turkey, Poland, and Croatia. She is the author of two published sci-fi books under the pseudonym Sami Van Mathis, as well as runs a travel channel on YouTube. She has also grown to develop a love of film and theater acting and has appeared in commercials as well as feature films. Though she's had opportunities to live in many countries world-wide, she will always consider San Francisco, California her home. https://samivanmathis.wixsite.com/rebelspencer https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzmwBH2u4oj1KttCXq4Pe9g

Jim has over 20 years of community service and local government experience in the City of Alameda. He grew up in Chicago, graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Finance, and received his MBA from Loyola University in Chicago. Later, as a working parent, Jim earned his law degree from the University of San Francisco and moved to Alameda in 1997 to raise his family. In addition to his record of public service, Jim is an attorney with an MBA and CPA certification, and has a broad base of experience in business consulting, accounting, tax, and financial services. While training to be a lawyer, Jim served as an extern for United States District Court Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong, who was also the first African American Alameda County Superior Court Judge.

Jeffrey, a native San Franciscan, grew up in the Fillmore district where its rich Jazz and Blues history has introduced him to his artistic endeavors. Jeffrey has a strong interest in acting and music. He is a member of SAG-AFTRA and has been a part of various theatrical works, television shows, commercials, and movies. His most recent work was with Ragtime, a production at the Throckmorton Theatre.

Awurama is a 6th grade student who loves singing, dancing and doing karate. She lives in Oakland with her mother and two younger brothers. She last played in her school's adaptation of Maria Montessori The Musical (Alessandro Montessori).

Jim is the pastor of the Congregational Church of Belmont, CA. He has been a pastor in the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), the Disciples of Christ, and The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries for the past forty years. He is a graduate of Columbia University, the Pacific School of Religion, the Harvard Divinity School and the Starr King School for the Ministry. He is a proud member of the ACLU and the NAACP and thinks you should be too.

Emily is thrilled to be a part of such an important piece of theater. An LA native, she received her BFA in Acting from University of California, Santa Barbara. Emily is a proud co-founder of Berkeley's Berkeley Shakespeare Company. Most recent credits include Macbeth (Director, Berkeley Shakespeare Company), Taming of the Shrew (Kate, Avalon Players), and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Hermia, Shakespeare on the Deck).

Dean has been active as an actor since 2007. He is best known for his performances on stage as Prospero in "The Tempest" and as George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life", both in theaters in Modesto, California. After retiring from teaching in 2021, Dean has been pursuing screen acting with roles in more than two dozen productions, including the full-length feature "I Rise" (currently available on Amazon Prime), a music video by Noah Mac called, "Gone Fishin'", and the short film "Stages", which is in post-production. Dean enjoys the support of his wife Cheryl in his artistic adventures. A quote from Dean, which is borrowed from his favorite film is, "I believe that God has given me these talents to use, and when I am using them, I can feel his pleasure."

Gary is a Northern Virginia based actor/voice actor who is honored to be involved in this important project. Recently retired after serving in the United States Navy for the past 40 years as both an active duty sailor and Navy civilian, he is now pursuing a fulltime career as a performer. Recent work includes two commercial voice over spots and a Zoom reading of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Links". Gary is presently working on a limited series television show and a feature film as well as this project. You can find him at www.audiomaticvoice.com @audiomaticvoice.

Bonni is a singer, songwriter, screenwriter and educator, who lives in Oakland. Bonni was raised on a farm, in Michigan, by social activist parents. She attended, University of Michigan, Interlochen and California Jazz Conservatory. Her Album "Get Your Ticket, is a reflection of historical injustices and resilience of those who fight against them. As a screenwriter, she continues to be dedicated to culturally underrepresented stories. Bonni was also featured on OWN - Oprah Winfrey Network, "Tanya's Kitchen Table". Bonni enjoys, swimming in warm water oceans, farming her family's Hemp farm and travel. bonnisongs.com

Eric is a native son of San Francisco and has plied his trade in the Bay Area theater and visual arts for many years. Mr. Ward's numerous contributions include serving as Musical Director of San Francisco Recovery Theater for seven years and being named "Best Crooner" by San Francisco's landmark Cabaret venue, Martuni's. Through his association with John Aiello's Electric Review, Mr. Ward's illustrations have been published over 150 times in print and web media.

Tom is a retired attorney and former City Council member and former Mayor of Sausalito.

Terrance had the honor of working at Town Hall Theatre, where he won a Shellie Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Sam in Brooklyn Bridge. He has received Shellie nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his work in Town Hall's production of A Civil War Christmas and Best Actor for his performance of Helena in B8 Theatre's gender swapped take on A Midsummer Night's Dream. For fans of the hit Netflix cartoon series, "Go Go Cory Carson," Terrance provides the voice for Roll Train's DJ Train Trax. Instagram: @yountsmith23

Curtis is a fast rising, entertainment jack-of-all trades based in beautiful Orlando, Florida. Known for having one of the deepest, baritone voices in the industry, he is also a lifelong artist, writer, actor, vocalist and much, much more.

Born in Illinois, raised in California and Tennessee, Will Taylor moved to Las Vegas to pursue his calling of acting, including everything from Macbeth, voice over work and spoken word. Will is prayerfully optimistic that Las Vegas is the place where his new life chapter begins.

Billie is a native of Oakland, California. She received her B.A. in Dramatics and Speech from Fisk University, Nashville, TN. Ms. Simmons has recently completed two short film project; The Color of Autumn and Metamorphosis. When not performing, Ms. Simmons is advocating for the unhoused, working with her husband Pastor Simmons to develop affordable housing in her community.

Esther is a vibrant and talented young actor hailing from Delta State in Nigeria. Born on to Nigerian parents, Esther's journey into the world of performing arts began at a tender age during her time at Corona Primary School in Nigeria. Since then, she has blossomed into a multifaceted performer, captivating audiences with her remarkable talents.
In September 2021, Esther embarked on a new chapter as she moved to the United States, where she continued to pursue her passion for acting. With unwavering dedication and a natural flair for the stage, Esther has quickly risen to prominence, landing lead roles in various school plays that showcase her versatility and charisma. Productions have included "Olurombi," where she portrayed the titular character, and "Handa's Surprise," where she brought the beloved character Handa to life, and her portrayal of Young Maria Montessori in Maria Montessori the Musical. Outside of the spotlight, Esther is a creative soul with a passion for storytelling, evident in her love for reading, writing plays, poetry, and animation.

Alfred was born in the Bronx, New York in the 1960s. He graduated from University of Califomia School of Law, San Francisco and worked for 25 years as a criminal defense trial lawyer. He kept his love for performing alive, appearing in community theater productions including 12 Angry Men, and was a contestant on Wheel of Fortune. A few years ago, he took an early retirement to pursue his dream of acting. Since then he has been cast in more than 25 short and feature films and appeared in many commercials, provided voice over for animation and video games, live-announced high school sports events, and appeared in videos and TV shows, including a co-star in Peyton's Places, where he acted with NFL stars Peyton Manning and George Kittle. As a career attorney and public defender, Alfred is honored to portray one of his heroes, Chief Justice Earl Warren, as his career now has come full circle.

John is an actor and singer based in New York City, originally hailing from the Oregon Coast. After attending Portland State University on vocal scholarships, Mr. Shortt embarked upon an operatic career that took him all over North America and Europe as a leading dramatic tenor in the most heroic, intensely strenuous and iconic roles of the standard Italian, French and German romantic repertory (most frequently as the lead or title role in Pagliacci, Otello, Carmen, Samson et Dalila, Fidelio, Die Walkure, Aida, Il Trovatore and Turandot). Mr. Shortt has appeared extensively throughout the US with many opera companies, theater and musical organizations (including The Metropolitan Opera Club and Guild, the San Francisco Opera, the New York City Opera Guild, the American Symphony Orchestra at Avery Fisher Hall and The Carnegie Hall 'Artist's in Concert' series). He has added to his growing list of theatrical roles (Death of a Salesman, 12 Angry Men, Mandela) and music theater roles (televised shows include Fiddler on the Roof, Kiss Me Kate, Man of La Mancha, South Pacific, Carousel, The Vagabond King), by recently expanding into the realms of film (PinkCity, The Call, Chad and Stacy: A Modern Day Love-Story, Agents Of Influence, and the soon to be released, The Bell Affair), virtual productions (The SS Robin, Brown VS The BOE) of plays and screenplays, commercials, as well as entering the field of voice-over, contributing portrayals in several of the categories above, in addition to the realms of video game (Transient) and podcast endeavors (Wordtastic and the upcoming March). Future projects include many leading, supporting, antagonist and outright villainous roles, while adding song recordings, voice-over and narration in a wide variety of musical, theatrical and film genres.

Gary is a veteran improvisor starting his training back in the 90s with Del Close and Improv Olympic in Chicago. He went on to work with Mick Napier at the Annoyance Theater followed by a training stint at Second City. He moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and was a founding member of the Frookies improv troupe and is currently a member of the First Degree Burns the Improv Marin troupe in San Rafael, CA. He has a specialty in playing a dead or dying fathers as is evidenced from two independent films he has worked on recently. He is the host of and storyteller in a monthly storytelling event in Mill Valley called the FLY. Gary Rudman is proud to make his non-improv stage debut with this incredible play.

Brianna began serious acting at eight years old, as Dorothy in a local performance of The Wiz. She is a graduate of The New York Film Academy and studied acting in the U.S., England, and the Netherlands. Brionna has performed in Canada, as well as with SF's American Conservatory Theater, and with Berkeley's Black Repertory Theater. She is a choir singer, and is happy to return to the stage.

Denise has been active in the Performing Arts since her childhood days. She is an actress, singer/songwriter, composer and vocalist. In NYC she attended P.S.190 in Brooklyn, she often auditioned for acting parts in Musicals. Her first acting role was in the play "Oklahoma". She attended Canarsie High and in her senior year acted in the play "Absurdity" which was a rendition of the Broadway hit "Hair". Denise has studied Drama at Hunter College and Performing Arts at the New Muse Workshop in Brooklyn NY, under the direction Muriel Winston and Reggie Workman. In Oakland California she studied Improv. under the direction of Lew Levinson. She has worked with Director/Writer/Actor Ted Lange (of The Love Boat) and writer Michael Lange in their production of the film "Prophet Nat" Denise played the role of Henretta Underwood in the film " The Underwoods of Napa Valley" written and directed by Janice Dennie.

Ray was trained as a scientist, receiving a PhD in Biochemistry, and was a faculty member at the Caltech. He subsequently spent over 30 years in the Biotechnology industry developing medicines to treat life-threatening diseases such as cancer. After retirement, he was elected to the Sausalito City Council, serving for two terms and is a former Mayor.

Paul is a retired marketing executive who's a long term member and leader of Unity Palo Alto Spiritual Center. He's been in thespian endeavors as the Wizard of Oz in grade school to chorus in The Pajama Game in college. A longtime Bay Area resident from Chicago, he's embraced running as a pastime and has completed marathons in 50 states as well as the Great Wall of China, Berlin and Paris and just returned from completing the White Continent Marathon in Antarctica.

Russ is thrilled to be working on this marvelous project! Originally from Sacramento, Russ spent over 20 years on the road in the United States and Europe as an actor-director with Covenant Players, International, working in English and French, planning and developing topical and interactive programs as well as communication workshops for all corners of society, including schools, retirement centers, churches, and the U.S. military throughout Europe. Most recent Bay Area credits include AmiosWest/ShotzSF (live and online), The Fantasticks(Landmark Musical Theatre), The Odd Couple (Ross Valley Players), Humble Boy and Bright Star (Contra Costa Civic Theatre), and The Deception of Kathryn Vask (Altarena Playhouse online production). When not trodding the boards (or riding the waves of Zoom), he does improv with Made-Up Theatre in Fremont.

Dedrick is a Longview Texas native, and a proud member of Actors Equity Union. A 2022 Emmy Nominee for Interview Discussion with Theatre Corner on KPBS/PBS, Dedrick was a 2021 Broadway World Awards Winner for Best Lead Actor in a Musical and Best Musical/Script for Remembering James The Musical (The Life and Music of James Brown). Dedrick is an accomplished author of five published books; his latest success entitled, "Fabrics" a 20-day affirmation book, available on all digital store platforms. He is Executive Director/Founder of Super Bad Theater Company. Dedrick is a firm believer, if you remember those humble beginnings, you can use each moment for future endeavors. www.dedrickweathersby.com

Amos is an awarded American haiku poet and author, producer, and civil rights activist. He is recognized for his vivid literary imagery and breathless poetic interpretations. Amos is published in national and international reviews and anthologies. He is founder and host of the Heart of the Muse creative's salon, Executive Producer and host of Beyond Words: Jazz+Poetry show, President of Bay Area Generations literary reading series, board member with the Black Speculative Arts Movement and with the AfroSurreal Writers Workshop-Oakland.

Jonathan is a Montessori school consultant, leadership coach, teacher educator, and author, who brings to his work 40 years of experience in Montessori education as a classroom teacher and school administrator. He is the author of numerous educational publications including, The Self-Awakened Child - Character Education Program. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education from Temple University and a certification as a Primary guide from the Association Montessori Internationale. He studied with Mother Isabelle Eugenie, an early student of Maria Montessori.

Tory is an actor from Little Rock, Arkansas, looking to make big waves in movies and television. He has appeared in the short film, Twitched, and acted in The Fall of an Influencer, Freddie Slater: Blazing Vengeance, and Scot Murray: Blissful Ignorance. He enjoys boxing, going to the movie theater, and an occasional game of Tekken.

Paul, a New York City-based actor originally from Bowie, MD, is also an accomplished singer and pianist. He studied abroad at the London Dramatic Academy, and earned his Bachelor of Music from Catholic University in DC. Favorite roles: Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Graydon), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Ragtime (Younger Brother), and the original production of The Land Where The Good Songs Go (creative team: Stafford Arima, Christopher Gattelli, David Loud). www.paul-chamberlain.com @paulywog2

Cindy is a six-time award-winning educator, author, and playwright. She was vocally trained by the late Johnny Land, and has sung with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Glide Ensemble, Unity In Marin, and the MCC Worship and Praise Choir of San Francisco. She has led and toured three choirs, performing in the Governor's chambers on behalf of marriage equality. Cindy has produced an Emmy award-winning feature entitled Creative Parenting, and has written several plays, performed in the US and a Canada, including an award-winning musical entitled, In Our Hands.

Quinn (she/her) is an early career theatre maker. Her credits include reading for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival as part of their Literary Council, directing A Permanent Image for North Idaho College, and dabbling in many other theatre tech positions around the Bay Area. She is a proud member of Literary Managers and Dramaturges of America. Outside of theatre Quinn enjoys spending her time reading and cuddling with her three legged cat Lysistrata.

Sarah spent her career in theatre and feature animation at the Mark Taper Forum, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Walt Disney Feature Animation, Pixar Animation Studios and Lucas Animation. She loves the collaborative process! Sarah is excited to use her skills in the work of social justice and is now working as the Director of Social Justice at The Child Unique Montessori School.

Steve is a 39-year veteran of Bay Area television (KTVU, KICU, KNTV) producing, directing, and editing local programs from PSAs, promotion, and news features, to full length entertainment and documentary programs. Among his many honors, Steve has received 14 local EmmyR Awards (based on sixty nominations). Since 1999 Steve has lectured at San Francisco State University (in their BECA program) and at Oakland's Laney College where, since 2011, he co-chairs the Media Communication Department. Steve recently termed out as the local Chapter president the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (the people behind the Emmy Awards) and is currently the Programs & Activities Committee Chair.

Bryan was born in Santa Cruz, California. He moved to the bay area in 2013 to study the recording arts. He graduated from Ex'pression College in 2016 with a BA in Sound Arts. Bryan has been working in the Live Events industry for six years and has worked on many high profile events ranging from tech conferences for Microsoft and NASA to musical acts like George Benson.

GWMarkham Consulting provides technical, logistical, production and program support for live and virtual events. Markham has 30+ years of experience producing broadcast, stage and corporate events. Currently, his focus has been supporting non-profits organizations holding live and virtual events.

Miesha was born and raised in Oakland California. Lampkins, a Communications and Events Director/Coordinator, has a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and in Hospitality, Tourism, Lodging, Resort, and Club Management. She loves communicating and connecting the dots, and is very excited to be working along side the Playwright/Director in this astonishing production.

Liam is an artist from San Jose, CA. He wrote and directed the short film WRITER'S INFERNO and the stage-play POLICIES & PROCEDURES. Liam has also worked as a stage manager and production assistant on a handful of theater productions.

October 2024

CETA Award Winner

OCTOBER 2024 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre Education!

Dr. Cindy Acker is the recipient of an award from the California Educational Theatre Association, (CETA) in the category of Outstanding Contribution to Theatre Education. CETA is honoring her and her work, Words That Made the Difference: Brown vs the Board of Education, as a theatre piece on education for social justice, and DEIA. Amos White and Brianna Acker Robinson both actors in the play, accept the award on behalf of Dr. Acker.

Dr. Cindy Acker is the recipient of an award from the California Educational Theatre Association, (CETA) in the category of Outstanding Contribution to Theatre Education. CETA is honoring her and her work, Words That Made the Difference: Brown vs the Board of Education, as a theatre piece on education for social justice, and DEIA. Amos White and Brianna Acker Robinson both actors in the play, accept the award on behalf of Dr. Acker.

May 2024

Words That Made the Difference' marks Brown v. Board of Education 70th

The Barbara Lee and Elihu Harris Lecture Series presents Dr. Cindy Acker's "Words That Made the Difference: Brown v Board of Education," marking the 70th anniversary of the landmark supreme court schools desegregation ruling. In May of 1954, Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren, former governor of California, issued the unanimous decision that changed history forever. At a time when segregation in covert forms is still pervasive, Words That Made the Difference uses the courageous words of plaintiffs, witnesses, attorneys and Justice Warren to highlight the need to follow their legacy to protect and promote democracy. Admission to the performance is free and reservations are encouraged by calling the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center at (510) 434-3988.

April 2024

5Q4: Dr. Cindy Acker

The first time I donned the black robe, held the gavel in my hand, and stood before an audience representing Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, I was terrified. This was not an ordinary role in an ordinary play, this was Words That Made the Difference: Brown vs the Board of Education, a theater piece written and directed by Dr. Cindy Acker. Using court transcripts and the memoirs of Chief Justice Warren and Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall, this was the story of arguably the most important Supreme Court decision of the 20th century. I had been blessed with the opportunity to portray the legendary judge, sharing the stage with Amos White as Thurgood Marshall, and with a remarkable cast.

Feb 2023

Local playwright discusses 'WORDS That Made the Difference: Brown v Board of Education'

Playwright and Director of 'WORDS That Made the Difference: Brown v Board of Education', Dr. Cindy Acker discussed the importance of the play. Watch the clip to see a sneak peek of 2 of the scenes.

June 2022

Words That Made the Difference: Brown vs the Board of Education

The City of Sausalito will host an outdoor production of the play Words That Made the Difference: Brown v. Board of Education at Dunphy Park at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 12. This play is for ages 12+ (not suitable for small children).

June 2022

Sausalito offers play on desegregation for Juneteenth

Sausalito will offer a play about the historical events of Brown vs. Board of Education to commemorate Juneteenth. Performers and organizers said they hope the play will remind viewers about the effects of segregation and motivate continued advocacy for social justice.

June 2019

Earl Warren's granddaughter honors his memory with participation in play

In honor of the case's 65th anniversary, the story comes to the stage with a reader's theater production of Cindy Acker's play, "Words That Made a Difference: Brown vs. Board of Education," at 1 p.m. Sunday at Unity in Marin in Novato. Warren's husband, Ken Kosloff, plays her grandfather, while Warren stars as Darlene Watson, a trial witness for the plaintiff in a 1951 district level court case in Kansas. When the couple who are members of the church heard about the show, the pair jumped at the chance to participate.

Recent Words News

Recent Brown v Board News