LOU BELLAMY (DIRECTOR & PRODUCER) is the founder and artistic director of Penumbra Theatre. Under his leadership, Penumbra has produced 23 world premieres, including August Wilson's first professional production, and is proud to have produced more of Mr. Wilson's plays than any theater in the world. Mr. Bellamy is an OBIE Award-winning director, an accomplished actor, and sought-after scholar. He has been a member of the University of Minnesota's faculty for 32 years and is currently appointed to the rank of associate professor in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance.  Recent directing credits include Black Pearl Sings!, Radio Golf, Fences and The Piano Lesson at Penumbra, A Raisin in the Sun and Gem of the Ocean, Penumbra productions staged at the Guthrie, Two Trains Running at the Signature Theatre in New York, Jitney at Kansas City Repertory Theatre and Arizona Theatre Company, and the staged reading of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at the Kennedy Center.

DOMINIC TAYLOR (ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR) is a director, playwright and the head of Penumbra's OKRA New Play Development Program. Most recently, Mr. Taylor directed Black Nativity: A Season for Change at Penumbra. Other select directing credits include the new opera Fresh Faust at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, The Negroes Burial Ground at the Kitchen, N.Y.C., Uppa Creek at Dixon Place, and Ride The Rhythm in the Hip-Hop Theatre Festival. He is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota where he has directed The Wiz, Night Train To Bolina and this spring will direct Execution of Justice. Mr. Taylor has worked with Crossroads Theater, Rites and Reasons Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Public Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, Playwrights Horizons, and Ensemble Studio Theatre, among others. He is an alumni member of New Dramatists and holds a Bachelor's and a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Brown University.

AUSTENE VAN (MAME WILKS) recently performed in Penumbra's production of Gem of the Ocean, staged at the Guthrie Theater. Other select Penumbra credits include performances in Zooman and the Sign, Dinah Was, The Trial of One Short Sighted Black Woman vs. Mammy Louise & Safreeta Mae and Blues for an Alabama Sky, and she directed Black Nativity-Hear Again the Christmas Story! and Black Nativity: Twenty Years of Holiday Cheer! She has performed at Children's Theatre Company, Mixed Blood Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Ordway Center, Pantages and the Saint Louis Repertory Theatre. Television credits include Vernie and The Shakedown. Musical endeavors include writing and co-producing her own album.

SANFORD MOORE (MUSICAL DIRECTOR) has served as musical director for many Penumbra productions including The Piano Lesson, Get Ready, Blue, Black Nativity - A Homecoming and Ain't Misbehavin'. Other select musical direction credits include Crowns, Dream on Monkey Mountain, Triumph of Love, and As You Like It at the Guthrie Theater and Two Queens, One Castle at Mixed Blood Theatre. Sanford is an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota School of Music, and Minister of Music for Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.

URI SANDS (CHOREOGRAPHER) is the co-founder and co-artistic director of TU Dance Company. A principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for five years, he also danced with Minnesota Dance Theatre and James Sewell Ballet, as a guest artist with Complexions under the direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, and as a principal dancer with North Carolina Dance Theatre. He has choreographed for Zenon Dance, North Carolina Dance Theater, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He was awarded a 2004 McKnight Artist Fellow ship and a 2005 Princess Grace Award in choreography. Uri Sands and Toni Pierce-Sands received the 2005 Sage Cowles Best Performance Award, and were named 2005 Artists of the Year by the Star Tribune.

T. MYCHAEL RAMBO (CO-CONCEIVER & SON) is a Penumbra company member. Select Penumbra credits include Gem of the Ocean, The Piano Lesson, Get Ready, Ain't Misbehavin' and several productions of Black Nativity. He has performed locally with the Guthrie Theater, Illusion Theater, Minnesota Opera, Ordway Music Theatre, and Mixed Blood Theatre. He has also performed at Carnegie Hall with the Minnesota Orchestra and throughout Canada, Europe, Africa and Brazil. Television credits include Endeavor, I Led Two Lives and the HBO mini-series Laurel Avenue. Film credits include Mighty Ducks, Crossing the Bridge, Grumpy Old Men, The Cure, Equinox, Wooly Boys and Justice. Recent honors include singing the National Anthem for President Obama during his recent Twin Cities visit, and receiving a 2008 regional Emmy Award.

MARY K. WINCHELL (STAGE MANAGER) is a longtime Penumbra Theatre company member. Most recently, she stage managed Penumbra's Black Pearl Sings!, Black Nativity: A Season for Change, Radio Golf and Gem of the Ocean. Other Penumbra credits include The Piano Lesson, Get Ready, Black Nativity: Twenty Years of Holiday Cheer!, Seven Guitars, Jitney, Two Trains Running, King Hedley II and Dinah Was. She has stage managed at the Orpheum Theatre, State Theatre, Pantages Theatre, Children's Theatre Company, Jungle Theater and the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami. She has lent her talents to Macy's Glamorama and served as production stage manager for Dorothy Hamill’s Nutcracker on Ice, Aveda's 20th Anniversary Celebration at Radio City Music Hall, and Super Bowl xxvi Winter Magic.

ANSA AKYEA (Understudy) was last seen on stage in Penumbra Theatre's The Piano Lesson. He has also appeared at Mixed Blood Theatre, History Theatre, Black Ensemble Theatre, Chicago Theatre Company, Frank Theatre, and many other stages around the country. He can be seen and heard on radio and television for Gillette Hospital, Goodwill Industries, Great Clips, Qwest, and on the big screen in movies such as Repetition and Zora Neale Hurston's The Gilded Six Bits. Ansa was named City Pages 2007 Best Actor.

JAMECIA BENNETT (Ensemble) is a manager, singer, songwriter and producer who has sung background for superstars like Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross, Patti Labelle, and Lionel Richie. She is an original member of the Grammy award-winning group Sounds of Blackness, and is a featured soloist on the hit by James Grier & Co, “Don’t Give Up.” Jamecia has also performed in several Tyler Perry shows including, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” and “Madea’s Family Reunion.” She has two sons, Shakur and Jamez, and one daughter, American Idol’s Paris “Princess P” Bennett. Jamecia and her family own Community Fitness Today, a non-profit organization that assists AIDS patients and raises awareness of this disease.

AIMEE K. BRYANT (Ensemble) is a founding ensemble member of Congo Square Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, and a graduate of Howard University. Recent theatre credits include Two Queens, One Castle with Mixed Blood Theatre, Seussical the Musical at The Children's Theatre Company, and Ain't Misbehavin' at Penumbra.

GINGER COMMODORE (DAUGHTER) has been a member of the Twin Cities music scene for many years and was recently inducted into the Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame. During the summer, Ginger appeared as a featured soloist in Jazz at Lincoln Center, NYC with the Lincoln High School Choir of Thief River Falls, MN. She is currently a teaching artist with the VocalEssence Witness School Program. Through this program students of all ages in Minnesota schools have the opportunity to interact with nationally renowned African American artists, writers, storytellers, musicians, and dancers.

CAMERON HUGHES (Ensemble) was last seen at Penumbra in Black Nativity-A Homecoming. Cameron has been a featured performer on the nationally syndicated Maury Povich Show.  In 2003, Cameron won first place in the Minnesota State Fair Talent Competition, and also performed the National Anthem at a Minnesota Lynx WNBA game.  Cameron’s most renowned accomplishment to date is a personal invitation from Stevie Wonder to perform at his annual House of Toys Event in Los Angeles, California in December 2003.  Cameron shared the same stage with Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Michael McDonald, India.Arie and a host of other artists and legends.

TONIA HUGHES KENDRICK (Ensemble) has been a featured soloist in numerous concerts and recordings, including background vocals for Mary J. Blige's single "No More Drama," vocals for gospel artist Judith McAllister, and opening for gospel artist Fred Hammond. Tonia also has a solo project, "Just For Hymn," and was nominated by Minnesota Music Academy for the 2004 Gospel Artist of the Year. She appeared in the debut of Encounters at Minneapolis' Southern Theater. This is Tonia’s fifth consecutive year performing in Black Nativity at Penumbra Theatre.

GRETA OGLESBY (GRANDMA WALKER) is a Penumbra company member. Select Penumbra credits include The Piano Lesson, Dinah Was, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, A Love Song for Miss Lydia, and several productions of Black Nativity. Most recently, she starred as Caroline in Caroline or Change at the Guthrie Theater. Greta has also worked with the Children's Theatre Company, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Mixed Blood Theatre and 10,000 Things Theatre. Honors include the 2009-2010 McKnight Theatre Artist Fellowship Award, Black Theatre Alliance Award (BTAA), the Joseph Jefferson Award and BTAA for her role in Do Lord Remember Me, a BTAA nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Ester in Gem of the Ocean, and a Joseph Jefferson nomination for her portrayal of Ophelia in Dream of Ophelia.

THOMASINA PETRUS (Ensemble) was most recently seen at Penumbra in Ain’t Misbehavin’.  She has also performed at Mixed Blood, Illusion, and Old Arizona Theater.  Thomasina cultivated her talents as an actor and jazz vocalist through mentorship and friendship with some of the Twin Cities most beloved artists including James “Cornbread” Harris, Sr., Jevetta Steele, Stokley, Regina Williams, Prince, T. Mychael Rambo, and Lou Bellamy.  Thomasina established her own production company where her first production, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill by Lanie Robertson, allowed her to portray Billie Holiday, her musical muse. Her tribute CD “If Only...Billie Unsung” continues to sell locally and worldwide. Thomasina can be seen regularly performing in local jazz venues.

DENNIS W. SPEARS (WANDERER) is a Penumbra Theatre Company member and has performed in The Piano Lesson, Blue, and Get Ready. This spring, Dennis embarked on a tour in Crowns, a co-production of Indiana Repertory Theatre and Syracuse Stage. No stranger to jazz, Spears has performed nationally and internationally and is an original vocalist with Moore by Four. He has three solo recordings to his credit. As Creative Artistic Director for the Capri Theater, Dennis produces a very exciting Legends music series.

JENNIFER WHITLOCK (THIRD ANGEL) is celebrating her 18th performance in Black Nativity. Other Penumbra credits include Purlie, Tambourines to Glory, Ain't Misbehavin', Selma, Bubblin' Brown Sugar and A Soldiers Play. She is a member of the Grammy awardwinning Sounds of Blackness. For the last seven years, she has directed and performed in The Night before Christmas: A Musical Fantasy.

JACK YATES (Ensemble) is a member of the renowned James Grear and Company of Minneapolis where he serves as one of the lead singers and staff songwriters of GrearCo Productions. He has toured and recorded extensively with this ensemble. Several of these recordings have reached national acclaim. Jack has worked with the famous duo, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, performing on The Prince of Egypt and Emperor’s New Groove soundtracks. He is well known for his vocals on “Don’t Give Up (1998), “Set Me Free” (2000) and “Peace Be Still” (2002), all of which he recorded on the James Grear Projects. Jack provided the lead vocals on a remake of Youngblood’s classic from the 70s, “Get Together,” which has received rave reviews in both the gospel and mainstream markets. Jack graduated from St. Olaf College in 1994.

MARCIANO SILVA DOS SANTOS (JOSEPH) is a native of Brazil. He studied theater at the Escola de Teatro e Dança FAFI in Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil and danced with the Afro-Brazilian dance company, NegraÔ. He has studied ballet, capoeira, modern and contemporary dance and is currently a member of TU Dance. He has also danced with Homem Cia de Dança Contemporâneo, Balé da Ilha and Stuart Pimsler Dance and Theater. He teaches at the University of Minnesota and at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. Marciano was named "Best Dancer 2008" by City Pages. This is his third consecutive year performing in Black Nativity at Penumbra.

ALANNA MORRIS (MARY) is a graduate of Juilliard School and a company member of TU Dance. She has studied modern, jazz and ballet at Creative Outlet Dance Theater (Brooklyn, NY), Phillipa Schuyler Middle School, Ballet Hispanico, The Ailey School and La Guardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts. In 2003 she was awarded a Level One A.R.T.S. award from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. When she is not dancing, Alanna is collaborating with local artists and pursuing her passion for youth and community development, spending time with children of all ages.

ERICK BALLARD (PERCUSSION) has played for various artists, events and venues throughout the Midwest. Since 2008, he has toured with blues giant Bernard Allison across the United States and Europe. Erick has also worked with G.B. Leighton, Catch Penny, Standard Thompson, The R Factor, Boogie Wonderland, The New Congress, Alex Rossi & Root City, and Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Choir.

DAVID HURST (KEYBOARD) is a songwriter, musician, and actor. He is a member of the 2002 Stellar Award-winning and 2003 Grammy-nominated Excelsior Choir, and the Grammy award-winning Sounds of Blackness. David made a guest appearance on James Grear and Company's "Celebrate," and performed at President Clinton's New Year's Celebration at the White House along with Will Smith, Luther Vandross, Usher, Patti Austin, BeBe Winans, and Tom Jones. He has worked with many gospel artists including R. Kelly, Brian McKnight and Mary J. Blige, and has performed with The Clark Sisters, Kirk Franklin, John P. Kee, and Kim Burrell.

JAMES A. YOUNG III (BASS) studied with C. Scott Hood of Indiana State University and at the School of Music at the Naval Academy. He is a freelance performer, music educator, founder and president of Cartouche Records, and founding member of jazz ensemble Moore by Four. He has performed at the Ordway Center, Guthrie Theater, Children's Theatre, Walker Art Center, and the Kool Jazz Festival. He has performed internationally in numerous concerts and in several local and national television and radio commercials. He has received recognition and awards from the Minnesota Black Music Awards and the Minnesota Jazz Music Awards.

MARK DOUGHERTY (Light Design) has been the lighting designer for Penumbra Theatre's Black Nativity for the past three years. He is currently the Master Studio Technician at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.

MARTIN GWINUP (SOUND & VIDEO DESIGNER) is an associate professor in the Theatre Arts and Dance Department at the University of Minnesota. He teaches audio and video technology, design and production. He has also worked in the Twin Cities area as a freelance sound and video designer and technician for 18 years. Martin has worked for the Frank Theatre, History Theatre, Children's Theatre Company, Cricket Theatre and Eye of the Storm. Select design credits at Penumbra include REDSHIRTS, Get Ready, Blue, Black Nativity - A Celebration of Family, A Celebration for the Soul... Testify! and Grandchildren of the Buffalo Soldiers.

DEIDREA WHITLOCK (Costume Design) received her B.F.A. from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design.  She has designed costumes for several Penumbra Theatre productions including the 1986 production of Ain't Misbehavin’, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Tracers, Black Nativity, A Raisin in the Sun, Fences, Charlie Parker’s Celebrated Colored Minstrel Show, African American Company Presents Richard III, Waiting in Vain, and Talking Bones. Other design projects include T. Mychael Rambo’s “A Christmas With Love,” Laurie Carlos’ Marion’s Terrible Times of Joy, and AGAPE Praise & Worship Dance Ensemble. She has also worked with the Guthrie Theater, History Theatre, Illusion Theater, Walker Art Center, and the Minneapolis and St. Paul Public schools.  In addition, she designs couture and ready to wear fashions for various artists and clients.