The Royale

Tosin Morohunfola (Director and Fight Choreographer) is an actor, writer, director and son of Nigerian immigrants, who you may recognize from his magnetic charm as a regular on Run The World (STARZ) or from his brooding intensity alongside David Oyelowo in the Taylor Sheridan western Lawmen: Bass Reeves (Paramount+). He also recurred as a dreamy romantic on the series Julia (HBO Max), a hilarious F-boy on ABC’s Everything’s Trash (Freeform), a teleporting supervillain on Black Lightning (CW), and a terrifying gang lord from The Chi (Showtime). Previous TV credits include an ark on Love Is (OWN) and guest appearances in Stumptown (ABC), NCIS (CBS), I’m Sorry (TruTV), and recurring as a doctor on Chicago Med (NBC). On film, he stars in Amazon’s Blackbox, BET’s romantic comedy Always A Bridesmaid, the erotic thriller, Friend Request and the bro-mantic comedy, North of the 10. He was also in Oscar-winner Kevin Willmott’s The 24th, nominated for a NAACP Image award. Currently, he costars in the action-heist film, 1992 (Lionsgate) with Ray Liotta. Currently, he leads Tyler Perry’s heart-warming romantic drama Finding Joy (Amazon). Tosin is also a filmmaker whose festival-selected shorts are: The Pulpit: Prelude, a thriller about a controversial pastor under threat from extremists, which is also being developed as a feature, Endowed, a parable about fear, faith and fatherhood, and On Sight, a social justice police thriller. Currently, he’s producing Famous Enough, a dark comedy about the dangers of celebrity. Tosin has also written two series’ about his Nigerian heritage: Single A.F. and Small Chops. Tosin’s writing and filmmaking centers on stories of empathy, awareness, belonging and seeing the human as hero. His TYA play, The Drum Closet was also commissioned by the Coterie Theatre and will premiere in 2026. Tosin earned his theatre degree at the University of Kansas, where his proudest accomplishment was founding the “Multicultural Theatre Initiative.” He began his career in Kansas City regional theatre; appearing at the Kansas City Rep Theatre, the Unicorn, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and his artistic home, the Coterie, where he was Resident Artist for two years. After moving to Chicago, he performed stage roles at the Goodman, Lookingglass, Northlight, Court Theatres and Creede Repertory Theatre. He notably won the “Best Supporting Actor” award from the Black Theatre Alliance for his performance in Victory Gardens Theatres’ The Gospel of Lovingkindness.

Drew Drake (Assistant Director) is an Actor, Poet, Hip Hop Artist and Educator currently residing in Knoxville Tennessee; focused on creating art that facilitates healthy dialogue for people of color. Drew was last seen performing on TV in Roles such as “Lamar Cordell” in Law and Order Season 22, “Keshawn” in Netflix International Original Ratu Ratu from Queens and stages such as Bonnarro Music Festival, Barclays Center and Brooklyn Academy of Music production Word. Sound. Power. and Off Broadway at National Black Theatre’s Production Packages, O The Things We Deliver and Capital Rep’s production Friend of A Friend this past February. Drew was a former Artist in Residence at the University of Tennessee and also adjunct professor of Theatre for Pellissippi State Community College and Maryville College. Learn more at www.thedrewdrake.com

Alondra Castro (Scenic Designer) is a second year MFA Scenic Design student who is excited to be the first MFA scenic design student in The Jenny Boyd Theatre. Her past Scenic Design work includes How to Defend Yourself (The Lab Theatre), The Colored Museum (BVTA), I and You (Angelo State University), and Bright Ideas (Angelo State University). Alondra also worked in paints and props for two years in Richmond Virginia where she was able to work on a range of productions which included plays, musicals, theatre for young audiences, and small intimate shows. She is also the associate scenic designer for You Can’t Take It With You designed by Ken Martin, so don’t miss it! You can see more of her work at alondracastrodesigns.myportfolio.com .

Tori Niemiec (Costume Designer) Originally from Arizona, Tori is a second-year Costume Designer in the MFA program. They have previously designed such shows as Sense and Sensibility (Clarence Brown Theatre), How to Defend Yourself (Clarence Brown Lab Theatre), A Midsummers Night Dream (DC Shakespeare in the Park), Dance^2 (In Partnership with the University of Maryland), The Waffle House Musical (Andy’s Summer Playhouse) in addition to assisting at The Folger Shakespeare Theatre, Signature Theatre VA, Disney Theatrical Cruise line and most recently at the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Maranda Debusk (Lighting Designer) is an artist and educator specializing in lighting and media designs. They proudly hold an MFA from the University of Tennessee (Class of 2017), and they currently serve as an Assistant Professor of Lighting Design at The Ohio State University. Last seen at the Clarence Brown Theatre designing lights for Blithe Spirit (2020), Maranda is thrilled to be back in Knoxville. Other shows at the CBT include Around the World in 80 Days (Lighting – 2017), Violet (Media – 2016), South Pacific (Media – 2016), and A Lesson Before Dying (Lighting – 2016) . Highlights of their work include designing at Actors’ Express (Atlanta); Virginia Stage Company (Norfolk, VA); Music Theatre Wichita; and the Warehouse Theatre (Greenville, SC). Select associate designs include Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Trinity Repertory Company (Providence, RI); Syracuse Stage; and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Their work has been exhibited internationally at the 2017 World Stage Design Expo in Taipei, Taiwan [Emerging Artist Exhibit – A Lesson Before Dying (2016), Clarence Brown Theatre]; and at the Prague Quadrennial in 2019 and 2023 [Emerging Artist Exhibit – Roméo et Juliette (2015), Glow Lyric Theatre (Greenville, SC); Emerging Artist Exhibit – K2 (2019), Catalyst Arts Atlanta; and Professional Artist Exhibit – LIZZIE (2022), Actors’ Express]. At the core of all of their work is their belief in the power of the dramatic arts to create positive change in our communities. The greatest work is that which, when let out into the world, improves it.

Willow James (Sound Designer) is a Chicago-based arts leader, DJ, and multidisciplinary artist working in photography, sound design, and composition. He uses art as a platform for community healing and work that uplifts Black identity–building spaces where art and purpose meet. He currently serves as Civic Engagement Director at Definition Theatre (where he is also an ensemble member), a teaching artist with Court Theatre and Adjunct Faculty at DePaul University. Chicago: Eureka Day (TimeLine Theatre); You Will Get Sick (Steppenwolf Theatre); Fat Ham (Goodman Theatre/Definition Theatre); Black Cypress Bayou (Definition Theatre); Miss Julie (Court Theatre); Hymn (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Regional: American Players Theatre, TheatreSquared, Next Act Theatre, Alleyway Theatre, and others. Representation: Michael Moore Agency. worksbywillow.com | @worksbywillow

Nia Sciaretta (Stage Manager) Nia is excited to return to the Clarence Brown Theatre following her work on Knoxville in the summer of 2024. Previously, she served as resident Production Stage Manager at the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, FL, stage managing more than 40 productions in her time there. Nia has also worked with the Alley Theatre, the Signature Theatre (NYC), Creede Repertory Theatre, Hangar Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, Flea Theatre, and more. Ithaca College graduate. Love and thanks to her family: Matthew and Lily.

Kenneth Martin (Department Head, Artistic Director) Ken comes from the University of Missouri, at Kansas City, where he was the Patricia Mcllrath Endowed Professor and Chair of the Theatre Division. His career in academia also included nearly 18 years serving as chair of the theater departments across the USA. Ken is also a scenic designer and member of United Scenic Artists, his designs have been seen at theatres across the country including Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, The New Theatre, Ohio Light Opera, Cleveland Ensemble Theatre, Ocean State Theatre and many others. He has also designed shows for many colleges and universities including Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Coastal Carolina University, Cuyahoga Community College, and The Ohio State University. Martin has actively served his profession as a respondent for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, as a consultant for several regional theaters and through active participation in organizations like the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Educational Theatre Association and the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

Tom Cervone (Managing Director) Tom is grateful and honored to serve the Clarence Brown Theatre as Managing Director. Cervone has also served as executive director for both Dogwood Arts and the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, but the CBT/UTK Theatre Department is Tom’s administrative and artistic home. Cervone is a long-time board member of the WordPlayers and continues to evangelize on behalf of the art and culture community locally and nationally. Tom received the Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Service to the University in 2010. Cervone holds his undergraduate degree in Theatre from West Liberty University in West Virginia and a Master of Fine Arts and an MBA from UT. He is a graduate of and was selected as the Class Representative of the Leadership Knoxville class of 2011. Cervone was inducted into his undergraduate alma mater’s class of 2015 Wall of Honor and was appointed by the Governor of WV in 2021 to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of WLU.

Susan L. McMillan (Production Manager) is in her twelfth year as Production Manager at the CBT and UT Department of Theatre. In addition, she teaches Stage Management. Prior, Susan was the Production Manager and Stage Management Instructor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, for 6 years. Susan is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, and was a Stage Manager at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for 18 years. Additionally, she has stage managed at the Guthrie Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Portland Center Stage, PCPA, Rogue Valley Opera, Portland Civic Theatre, and has toured to the Kennedy Center. Through science (B.S. degrees in Biochemistry and Biology from Oregon State University) and music (cellist), Susan found her way into theatre (Minor in Theatre from OSU). She is incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and adventures along the way, inspirational mentors, artistic and talented colleagues, amazing students, and the love and support of her family and friends. And very grateful for Molly – woof! This season is fully dedicated to her beloved, beautiful, and deeply missed mother, Grace – a shining light forever.

Obayana Ajanaku (U/S Percussionist) is a distinguished performing artist and cultural music educator with over 20 years of experience in the arts. His journey began at age six with the Djembe orchestra, a foundation that led him to international stages across Russia, Brazil, Cuba, and Africa. He continually deepens his craft through global immersion, most recently completing an intensive 2023 study project in Mali, Senegal, and Nigeria, where he mastered various drum styles and cultural traditions. Over his career, Obayana has performed with a diverse range of dance companies, from ballet to traditional African styles. Currently based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Obayana serves as the West African Drum Instructor at Austin-East Magnet High School and Vine Middle Magnet. In 2024, he was honored with the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance Educator of Excellence Award for his two decades of impactful service in Knox County Schools. Beyond the classroom, Obayana is the founder of the "Indigenous Vibes" edutainment group and the Executive Director of Drums Up Guns Down. Driven by a passion for youth development, he leverages drumming as both an educational tool and a therapeutic outlet, helping young adults process mental and emotional stressors while fostering unity across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Jeb Burris (Max) is an Assistant Professor of Movement and Company member of the Clarence Brown Theatre Company. Professionally, Jeb is an Actor, Fight Director, Intimacy Director, Movement Director, and Director who has worked on over 100 professional productions. When not teaching, he is the Director of Movement at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin. His work has been seen around the country in places like Portland Center Stage, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, American Players Theatre, Sacramento Theatre Company, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theatre, and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Company, to name a few. Jeb holds an M.F.A From Illinois State University and trained with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and The Royal Shakespeare Company in the U.K.

Keith Allen Davis, Jr. (Fish) is a first year MFA Acting student at UTK. He is an actor, writer, musician, and director from Meridian, Miss. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance at Alabama State University. During his time at ASU, he has been cast in and worked on productions such as Dreamgirls, The Wiz, Tracks, Slammin II, and Blues for An Alabama Sky. He has also written for and co-directed Montgomery, Alabama’s performance for the worldwide festival of The Walk (Little Amal) in 2023. Since graduating, he was cast as Tim Allgood in Noises Off and Professor Bhaer/Knight in Little Women at New Stage Theatre. Since joining the MFA program, he has been cast as Philpot/Grimgrind in A Christmas Carol. Follow his music and acting pages on Instagram, @thebabyboykeith and @ keithallendavisjr !

Denzel Dejournette (Jay) Dedicated to the memory of Betty Dejournette, Donald Foster Sr., Calvin Simpson Jr., and Desman Dejournette. You have the best seat in the house...Heaven. Thank you to my parents and family for the unwavering support and coming to every show, and to GBC, my love, thank you for your love, creativity, and support! www.denzeldejournette.com

Will Dorsey IV, (U/S Jay and Wynton) a proud native of Flint, Michigan, attended Central Michigan University and is a Knoxville College alumnus. A certified personal trainer and amateur bodybuilder, he operates his own fitness business. Will began his stage career in 2009, performing with Carpetbag Theatre, Clarence Brown Theatre, River & Rail Theatre and The WordPlayers, where he also directs. Represented by Talent Trek Agency, Will works in film, television, commercials, and voiceovers, and serves as drama director at Overcoming Believers Church.

GG Grigsby (Ensemble / U/S Fish) is a Theatre major with a concentration in Acting at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She began her journey in the arts with her debut role as Kanine Krunchy in 101 Dalmatians. Her recent performances include Much Ado About Nothing, The Winters Tale, and Sandbags at the Tennessee Stage Company. GG’s CBT work includes a role in Inherit the Wind and How To Defend Yourself. She is ready to whoop and holler alongside the crowd for The Royale. By the end your socks will be knocked off! Thank you for following her journey @GgJayBirrd and she hopes you stick around for all her future productions. She dedicated this show to D’Andrew & Blossom.

Anquanizia Hall (Nina) is a native of Meridian, MS. She is an award-winning director and actor. Hall attended college in Los Angeles at AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts where she graduated with honors and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. You can find Hall in projects on Amazon Prime and Tubi. Her first supporting role in a film was acting alongside GRAMMY winner, Cedric Burnside. Hall has been seen onstage as Beverly in Chicken & Biscuits at New Stage Theatre, The Mountaintop, A Wrinkle in Time, and more. Hall is elated to be a part of the Clarence Brown Theatre for the next 2.5 years as an MFA Acting graduate candidate; she's living in answered prayers. To keep up with her professional endeavors follow @anquanizia.

Corey Hodge (Percussionist) An alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Corey “Legend” Hodge has continued evolving in music since beginning West African Drum classes at Vine Middle. Remaining a student first, Corey has been able to further his musical capabilities through traveling abroad, hosting classes for communities, and learning under renowned musicians. Blessed with acknowledgments including Knoxville’s 40-Under-40, Corey’s initial fuel remains showing youth the grand value of art and their talents. Audience, with combining House Music and traditional music, turn on your ears, invite your positivity, and dance to the music we are providing!

McKinley Merritt, (Ensemble / U/S Nina) a UT Theatre alumnus and Nashville native, is thrilled to join the cast of The Royale! Her favorite roles include Elinor Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility, Victoria in the new Ahrens & Flaherty musical, Knoxville, and Lauren in Kinky Boots, all at the Clarence Brown Theatre. You can often find McKinley interning at a cappella conventions, singing with her 90s cover band, Teen Spirit, and probably laughing too hard at something really silly. Stay healthy, be kind, and, most importantly, enjoy this beautiful show!

Anna Swart (Ensemble) is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, studying Theatre Arts. This is her first professional production, and she could not be more excited to share it with both her fellow cast and the audience.

Kerwin Thompson, (Wynton) aka The Leading Man, is an Emmy Award-winning Actor from Atlanta, GA. His early acting training was at the Alliance Theatre; but he received his most substantive training at the feet of 2X Tony Award nominee Freddie Hendricks while performing with the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta (YEA). Kerwin has starred in and/or produced two films that premiered at Cannes. He is motivated to use his gifts not just to entertain, but to touch people's lives. Kerwin gives thanks to The Divine, The Ancestors, his family, and his friends for their unyielding protection, love, and support. www.kerwinthompson.com

Thomas Nash Tetterton (U/S Max) At the Clarence Brown Theatre Company: Cabaret, and A Christmas Carol. Select Regional Credits: Hamlet, and Much Ado About Nothing (PlayMakers’ Rep); The Caine Mutiny Court Martial (Judson Theatre Co.), The Rainmaker, Silent Sky, and The Life of Galileo (Burning Coal Theater); Romeo & Juliet, and Cymbeline (Virginia Shakespeare Festival); Love’s Labour’s Lost, and A Christmas Carol (Annapolis Shakespeare); Richard III (Sweet Tea Shakespeare); and Inherit the Wind (Compass Rose Theater). TV & Film: Die Hart (Roku.com); and Have A Nice Life (avail. on Amazon). BFA in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory. MFA in Acting candidate at the Clarence Brown Theatre/University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He sends his love to Galen and their two dogs - Offal & Guapo. www.tntetterton.com. @thomasntetterton