Melissa Crum (Director)
Melissa Crum (she/her) is a Cleveland-based director, writer, performer, educator and meaning maker. Focused on humor, heart, and vulnerable truth-telling, she creates with a messy sort of whimsy that explores the crevices, complexities, and contradictions of our shared human-ness. Melissa received the 2016/2017 Nord Family Foundation Playwright Fellowship through Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT), where she and co-writer & composer Caitlin Lewins developed Everything is Okay (and other helpful lies), a dark musical comedy. Everything is Okay (and other helpful lies) received a reading at the New York Musical Festival (NYMF) in the summer of 2019. Through this work, Crum and Lewins were finalists for the 2019 Mitten Lab. Melissa completed the 2013/2014 Joan Yellen Horvitz Director Fellowship at Cleveland Public Theatre, where she directed The Drowning Girls. Melissa has directed locally at Dobama Theatre, Talespinner Children’s Theatre, and Cleveland Public Theatre. Melissa served as a Staff Teaching Artist with Playhouse Square, worked as an Actor-Teacher with Great Lakes Theater, and has been a Teaching Artist with The Cleveland Play House, The Musical Theater Project, Dobama Theatre, and is a member of the National Teaching Artist Guild. Melissa is proud to serve on staff at Cleveland Public Theatre as the Artistic and Education Associate.
Christian Mintah (Teaching Artist)
Christian Mintah (he/him) is a graduate of the dance department at Case Western Reserve University with an MFA in Contemporary Dance and was the first Ghanaian in the graduate program. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Studies and Dance Studies from the University of Ghana. He is a recipient of the Naomi Wolin Award for Excellence in New Collaborations or directions in dance.
Christian trained in traditional Ghanaian , African contemporary, and Afrobeat dance. He is the founder of 4lines Dance Crew, a dance crew focused on fusing traditional Ghanaian, African contemporary and, Afrobeat dance to create new aesthetics. He has performed in many dance productions and music videos such as Katso, Asem yi dika, wogb3j3k3, Tanka Fanka, Dum Drum, and Use your head. He also choreographed for singer/celebrity Lil shaker and Kojo Que of BBnZ Live in Ghana’s official dance video for the song titled “Mamayie.” He choreographed a couple times for singer/celebrity Adina in Ghana. He has had opportunities to work with modern/contemporary artists/choreographers/companies such as Gary Galbraith, Pam Tanowitz, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, Blakk Jakk Dance Collective. and Inlet Dance Theater Company. He has also collaborated with AfroBeats dance artists like Incredible Izzy, _adancingquuenofafrica, Kanukai, and bossu_fy. Heaspires to be a world-renowned choreographer, dance professor, and performer.
Zavi Odetta (Teaching Artist)
Zavi Odetta (they/she) is a local theatre artist, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Zavi is a senior at Wright State University majoring in Acting and will be receiving their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the spring of 2023. This being their first year as a teaching artist with Cleveland Public Theatre, they are super excited to bring their skills as a singer, songwriter, playwright, and director, amongst other things to STEP this year. In their spare time, you can find Zavi, being a freelance lighting designer during the school year, and archery instructor usually in the summer. Previous stage and film credits include Sweat (Cynthia), American Son (Kendra), Under the Sun (Tabia), and Roxanne in Wonderland (Allie). Zavi is so proud of the work this group has produced, and they hope you enjoy the show!
Cyril Amanfo (Teaching Artist)
Cyril Amanfo (he/him) is a local actor, playwright, director, choreographer, and artist. He is excited to serve as a Teaching Artist for this year’s STEP Ensemble, as well as an instrumentalist in the performance of The Myth of Me. Cyril is a recent graduate of Oberlin College, where he received a degree with the Highest Honors in Theaterand a Neuroscience degree. He hails originally from Lowell, Massachusetts, and is committed to telling important stories highlighting BIPOC creators. He hopes that you enjoy the show and what these creative youth have to offer.
Garrett Markgraf-Grimes (Tech Team Leader)
Garrett Markgraf-Grimes (he/him) is a theatre artist – born and raised in Michigan. Garrett received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance from Oakland University. Upon moving to New York City following graduation, he decided to pursue a career in technical theatre. For three years, Garrett was able to work as a freelance stage manager, electrician, & scenic carpenter at theaters and schools throughout NYC – most notably, Columbia University, The Juilliard School, and Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School. During this time, Garrett met, fell in love with, and married his best friend in the world, Gregory. During the pandemic, they relocated to the Cleveland area to be closer to family. Garrett is incredibly grateful & proud to be a member of CPT’s staff!
Janya Robinson (Tech Team Assistant)
Janya Robinson has been a blooming theatre artist in Cleveland, Ohio, for several years. She has worked in a variety of community and international theatre projects. Over a number of disciplines, she has had a diverse career in multiple theatrical departments. With her experience and flexibility, she has been able to help theaters and artists manifest their creative visions. She strives to work in small communities to bring accessible art to all consumers. Currently, she works as a Production Assistant at Cleveland Public Theatre. Janya is completing a Bachelor in Theatre: Acting and Directing at Baldwin Wallace University.
Inda Blatch-Geib (Costume Designer)
Inda Blatch-Geib’s work as a costume and production designer for over 1,000 theatrical, commercial, and film releases has spanned 35 years and crossed 4 continents. Production and Costume Design has included commercials for Footlocker, The West Virginia Lottery’s national award-winning campaigns, The Ohio Lottery, Mictrosoft, Under Armor, McDonalds, TroyBuilt, and The Original Mattress Factory as well as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 1970’s and 1980’s themed videos, national spots for the team, and design for on court half-time shows including their mascot shield design and pyrotechnic sword. Live performance and festival design include Machine Gun Kelly’s US and European Tours as well as ESTFEST and Wolstein Arena productions. Specialty projects include microphone stand designs for MGK and Bear. Print designs have included set styling for Harper’s Bazaar UK Scarlett Johansson cover and spread as well as catalogue set styling for Foundations and Kilgore Trout. Additionally, Ms. Blatch-Geib’s designs have been showcased in exhibits at The Smithsonian Institute with film projects including Ohio Art Direction of The Signal staring Laurence Fishburne and Production and Costume Design of the soon to be released The Con. Theatrical Design includes Production & Costume Design for the special off- Broadway Production of Kris Kringle, The Musical, Costume Design for the Cleveland Play House production of Native Gardens, as well as multiple productions for the Colombian National Opera. Music Video Production and Costume Design includes Machine Gun Kelly’s Alpha Omega and Let You Go releases. Locally, Inda is the 2021/2022 Resident Designer for Karamu House, Cleveland Public Theatre, Magical Theatre Company, and Cleveland Institute of Music.
Dred Geib (Assistant Designer and Crafts Person)
Dred Geib (He/Him) is a production designer for IBG Designs and specializes in properties, costumes, and sets. He lives and Works in the Northeast Ohio area and focuses mainly in theater, film and art installation. Dred has been a part of STEP productions for the last 10 years. He enjoys being part of the process and watching the evolution of the productions each year.
Ensemble Bios:
Kayla Ponyard (Fate 1) is a 15-year-old actress from Richmond Height, OH. She attends Cornerstone Christian Academy in Willoughby. Her passion for the arts started at age five, after watching Annie for the first time. In the past, she has been involved in Cleveland Play House’s Playmakers Pre-Performing Arts Program, Karamu House, August Wilson Cultural Center Play Writer’s Camp, and School of Rock. She enjoys singing, volleyball, and basketball. Her biggest goal is to become a multi-instrumentalist while enhancing her skills in dancing, writing and, acting.
Ja’Miyah Youngs (Fate 2) is an actress and dancer from Cleveland, OH. She is a sophomore, at Cleveland School of the Arts, where she majors in theatre and is currently the co-captain of the majorette team. This is her first year as a member of STEP, and she is filled with excitement to share “The Myth of Me”! She has enjoyed scene work along with getting a chance to connect with her peers! She would like to thank her parent, family, and friends for their support and for encouraging her to continue using her many talents in new ways!
Elisa Lovelace (Fate 3) is a singer and actress from Cleveland, OH. She currently attends Cleveland School of the Arts as a Vocal Major. This is her first year as a member of STEP at Cleveland Public Theatre. Her favorite part about being in the acting ensemble, is the rehearsal process. She would like to thank her grandfather for teaching her about music, and would also like to thank Miss Melissa and the other STEP 2022 leaders.
Samantha Gallo (Pandora) is an actress from Cleveland, OH. She is a sophomore at Garret Morgan High School. This is her first year in STEP, and it will not be her last. She is so excited to share “The Myth of Me” with everyone! Her favorite part of the process is the connection between the actors and directors, and the connections that she and her castmates have. She would like to thank her dad for always supporting her, and her fellow cast members for helping her get through some tough days inside and outside of the rehearsal space. She doesn’t want this show to end, but she’s really happy to share it. WOOT WOOT!
Zion Benson (Nyx) is a singer and actor from Cleveland, OH. He is a sophomore theatre major at Cleveland School of the Arts. He is extremely joyful to share his first play with STEP and Cleveland Public Theatre with the community. His favorite part of this rehearsal process, is vocal warmups and scene work. He’d like to thank his family, friends and teachers at CSA for pushing him, and believing in him. The STEP ensemble cast of 2022 has been the best experience yet!
Alija Toles (Icarus) is an actor, writer and singer from Bedford Heights, OH. This is his third and last summer in the STEP Ensemble at Cleveland Public Theatre. He is excited to take part in the beautiful things happening at CPT and to share “The Myth of Me” with you, and rest of the Cleveland community! He feels a deep sense of community and love within the walls of CPT and hopes you find yourselves with the same feeling after watching the show. He appreciates the commitment of his director, teaching artists, and would like to thank his fellow ensemble members for the growth they have instilled in him over the past few weeks. Enjoy the show!
Jaylen King (Lyca) is an actor, singer and dancer from Lakewood, OH. He is a sophomore at Brooklyn High School. This is his first year with the STEP Program, and he is really excited to share the work we have done. His theatrical journey began in the fifth grade, when he auditioned for Annie, and was cast as Daddy Warbucks. Since then, he spent his time at CAN Academy through Cleveland Public Theatre. He dreams to expanding his artistry past the stage and into the film industry. Jaylen would like to thank his mom for supporting him in his career, and for pushing him to be the best he can be!
Yousif Elberri (Mayor Midas) is an actor from Cleveland, OH. He is a Junior at Saint Ignatius High School. This is his second year being a part of the STEP Ensemble at Cleveland Public Theatre. He is excited to share “The Myth of Me” with the Cleveland community! His favorite part about being in the acting ensemble, is getting a chance to be a part of the writing process, and playing the role of Midas to represent modern day inequalities.
Samia Keeton (Coal) is an actress from Cleveland, Ohio. She is a Junior at Cleveland School of the Arts, where she is a member of the theatre department. Anyone who knows Samia can agree that she’s very humorous, and that this role suits her well. Samia would like to give a very special thank-you to her family for always believing in her. This is her first summer as a member of the STEP Ensemble at Cleveland Public Theatre, and she definitely recommends joining, if you are a performer.
Jaiyah Pryor (Shaneese) is an actress from Newburg Heights. She is a sophomore at Cleveland School of the Arts, where she is a part of the All City Choir. This is her second summer with the STEP Ensemble at Cleveland Public Theatre, and she is so excited to share this show with the Cleveland community. Her favorite part about being in the acting ensemble is getting to make new friends and connecting with her teaching artists. She would like to thank Zavi, Missy, Cyril and Christian for pushing her and enhancing her acting experience.
Avieana Faulks-Williams (Willow) is an actress and singer from Cleveland, OH. This is her first year with STEP, and this will be her debut as an actress! She has had a wonderful summer with STEP, so far, and hopes to come back for another year!
Isaiah Young (Pine) is a young artist from Cleveland, Ohio, joining us for his first year in the STEP Program. He has always had a passion for acting, so he thought auditioning for the program would be a great idea. Isaiah began acting at a young age. He saw acting as an opportunity to start a new chapter in his life, and find a community of like-minded individuals. Apart from acting, he enjoys singing, dancing, writing, and playing instruments. He is happy to bring these skills to “The Myth of Me” and hopes you enjoy the show!
Tatyanna Rojas-Hibbit (Geoffrey) is an actress who loves to be on stage! Currently, a senior at Maple Heights High School, they hope to expand their education in the Performing Arts, after graduation. This is their first year as a member of the STEP Ensemble, and they are honored to have this opportunity to grow as an artist and as a person alongside their fellow cast members. The thing they appreciate the most about being a part of the acting ensemble is the collaboration of ideas as creators and as regular human beings. They are excited to share this amazing story, that was worth the sweat, determination, and dedication from every team member. Enjoy the show!
Nicole Capellan (Guila) is so excited to be performing her role as Guila in “The Myth of Me”. Nicole is a sophomore at Cleveland School of the Arts, where she is a proud member of the theatre department. Nicole is very grateful that Cleveland Public Theatre’s STEP Program has accepted her into this summer ensemble. She is enjoying every minute of it, and is thankful that she gets to do what she loves with a great support system.
Lauryn Stewart (Ricky) is an actress and singer from Mobile, Alabama, but moved to Cleveland when she was six years old. Lauryn is currently a freshman at Cleveland School of the Arts. Lauryn’s first show was at The Music Settlement, where she had her first solo “How Far I’ll Go”. She continued her journey in 2019 starring in Showagon. In 2021, she continued her theatrical journey at Cleveland Act Now (CAN). Now she is very excited to be a part of the STEP Ensemble in Summer 2022!