Jonathan Horne and Shelli Delgado in The Crucible (2017). image by Casey Gardner Ford Photography.

Actor’s Express inspires people to question themselves, their communities and the world by creating live theatre in an inclusive space designed to challenge conventional thinking and reflect contemporary human experiences.

Through eclectic programming, a bold approach to production and a robust commitment to social accountability, AE encourages audiences and artists to share a journey of adventure, becoming brave change-makers in a world that is spinning into a new era.

Actor’s Express leans into its commitment to the future of our field by nurturing the next generation of artists through rigorous training, and by developing and producing new work.

Values

COURAGE

We create brave and gutsy theatre that challenges and entertains at the same time.

GROWTH THROUGH ARTISTIC ADVENTURE

We produce theatre that encourages audiences, artists and everyone involved to explore new ideas, experiences and views of the world.

Inclusion

We believe every person matters and we create inclusive space to hold the perspectives, ideas, differences and commonalities of diverse people.

CREATION WITH EXCELLENCE

We hold ourselves to a high standard to create excellence with a consistency that audiences can trust.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

Every day, we collaborate, make meaningful connections and build trust with the guiding principle that our work plays a vital role in the civic life of our community.

CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

We foster a culture of innovation, risk-taking, and boundary-pushing to create something new and unique that adds value to our community.

PASSIONATE COLLABORATION

We believe that with shared passion and collaboration, we can do almost anything.

READ OUR ANTI-RACISM AND ANTI-BIAS ACTION PLAN HERE

Actor’s Express was founded in 1988 by Chris Coleman and Harold M. Leaver. Originally located in a church basement on Clairmont Road, the Express soon moved to a location in Inman Park where it remained until 1994. Since that time, AE has been in West Midtown’s King Plow Arts Center, a sprawling complex converted from a former plow factory.

Founder Chris Coleman led the theatre until 2000. He was succeeded by Wier Harmon, who served as Artistic Director until 2003. Upon Herman’s departure, Jasson Minadakis took the reins and served until 2006. Since July 2007, Freddie Ashley has been serving as the theater’s Artistic Director.

For 35 years, AE has been considered one of the most daring, provocative and high-caliber theatres in Atlanta. Our work continues to appear on local best-of lists and has garnered dozens of awards.

 

PRODUCTION HISTORY

The original 1992 production of The Harvey Milk Show starring Founder and Artistic Director Chris Coleman.

Season 33 (2020-2021)

  • Neat
  • Hometown Boy
  • Virtual Downstage Monologue Series
  • A Christmas Carol

Season 32 (2019-2020)

  • Skintight
  • Downstairs
  • Fun Home
  • The Brothers Size
  • Desire Under the Elms

Season 31 (2018-2019)

  • A Doll’s House, Part 2
  • Reykjavík
  • An Octoroon
  • Falsettos
  • Jump
  • Head Over Heels

Season 30 (2017-2018)

  • The Christians
  • Cardboard Piano
  • Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches
  • Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika
  • The Flower Room
  • The Color Purple

Season 29 (2016-2017)

  • Company
  • Appropriate
  • The Crucible
  • The Legend of Georgia McBride
  • Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3)
  • Little Shop of Horrors

Season 28 (2015-2016)

  • Stupid Fucking Bird
  • The Thrush & the Woodpecker
  • Blackberry Winter
  • Sweeney Todd
  • Serial Black Face
  • Significant Other

Season 27 (2014-2015)

  • Les Liaisons Dangereuses
  • Murder Ballad
  • Bad Jews
  • Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet
  • The Whale
  • Rent

Season 26 (2013-2014)

  • Venus in Fur
  • Pluto
  • Six Degrees of Separation
  • Maple and Vine
  • End of the Rainbow
  • The Rocky Horror Show

Season 25 (2012-2013)

  • Kiss of the Spider Woman
  • Wolves
  • Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
  • Equus
  • Seminar

Season 24 (2011-2012)

  • Spring Awakening
  • Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them
  • Next Fall
  • The Motherf**ker with the Hat
  • Xanadu

Season 23 (2010-2011)

  • Becky Shaw
  • Albatross
  • Every Christmas Story Ever Told
  • Broadsword
  • See What I Wanna See
  • The Judas Kiss

Season 22 (2009-2010)

  • Grey Gardens
  • Fair Use
  • Good Boys & True
  • 100 Saints You Should Know
  • Slasher

Season 21 (2008-2009)

  • Finn in the Underworld
  • The New Century
  • Mauritius
  • Suddenly Last Summer
  • Zanna, Don’t!
  • Libby’s at the Express

Season 20 (2007-2008)

  • Dark Play or Stories for Boys
  • The Last Five Years
  • Octopus
  • Some Men
  • When Something Wonderful Ends
  • Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Season 19 (2006-2007)

  • The Great American Trailer Park Musical
  • Thom Pain ( Based on Nothing )
  • I Am My Own Wife
  • Based on a TotallyTrue Story
  • The Pillowman
Close Production History

It takes a stage.
And a village.

From our dedicated staff to our audaciously talented artists, everyone plays a key role in the making of our productions. Learn more about us below.

ARTISTIC

Freddie Ashley

Artistic Director

He/Him/His

Freddie Ashley was appointed Artistic Director of Actor’s Express in July 2007. He has directed AE productions of Stupid Fucking Bird, Rent (Suzi nomination), Bad Jews, Murder Ballad, The Rocky Horror Show…read more

Amanda Washington

NNPN Producer in Residence

She/Her/Hers

Amanda Washington is an Atlanta-based freelance director, a National New Play Network Producer in Residency in conjunction with Actor’s Express, and Assistant Faculty at Theatrical…read more

Seamus M. Bourne

Production Manager

He/Him/His

Seamus M. Bourne was a Production Manager and Technical Director at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. He has designed scenery at AE for Company, Wolves, Next Fall and Spring Awakening….read more

Sheila Oliver

Casting Director

She/Her/Hers

Actor’s Express: Sheila has been involved with Actor’s Express off and on since 1992 serving as Casting Assistant, Assistant Director, Props, Stage Manager, House Manager, Dramaturg and Fund Raising…read more

Justin Kalin

Casting Director

He/Him/His

Actor’s Express: 2016-2017 Intern Company. Stage Manager: Blackpool and Parrish (Out of Box Theatre). Director: Shadow Cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Next Fall (Georgia College)…read more

ADMINISTRATIVE

Alex Scollon

Managing Director

He/Him/His

Alex Scollon received his BFA from the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama with a concentration in Production and Technical Management, and in 2005 received his Master of Arts Management degree…read more

Natalie Holly-Purviance

Development Director

She/Her/Hers

Natalie Holly-Purviance studied Sociology and Anthropology and received a Masters in Fine Arts from Pace University.  A proud New York City native, she now calls Atlanta home where she lives ...read more

Ali White

Marketing Director

She/Her/Hers

Ali White received her BA in Theatre from the University of Central Florida and is currently finishing her Arts Leadership and Cultural Management graduate program at the University of Connecticut…read more

Ebony Jerry

Audience Services Manager

She/Her/Hers

Ebony L. Jerry is a former 2017-2018 Actor’s Express Intern. She received her BFA in Performing Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design. Her credits include Suzi Award Winning for Best Ensemble The Wolves…read more

Marysa Sutton

Finance Director

She/Her/Hers

Marysa Sutton joined Actor’s Express in July of 2021. She has previously worked in the world of campaign finance and public service. Her theatre credits begin and end with Switzer Elementary…read more

The Actor’s Express Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from across Atlanta. The Board advises the staff, creates long range plans and represents the organization in the community. If you are interested in joining this elite group of supporters please contact Managing Director Alex Scollon.

 

  • Patrice Brown, Warner Media
  • Stephen Brown, Cookerly PR
  • Jennifer Gelder, Budget Rent a Car
  • Arlene Glaser, Chair, The Coca-Cola Company
  • Deirdra Glover, Conserte Consulting
  • Kevin Harry, Randstad
  • Terry Hildebrand, Hildebrand & Associates 
  • Amy Hollibaugh, Nora Wealth
  • Brent Huff, Community Volunteer
  • Stacey Kalberman, DeKalb County Government
  • Melissa Moore, Momentum Consulting LLC
  • Ada Pittman-Delancey, RedefinED atlanta
  • Jesse Peel, MD, Community Volunteer
  • Jennie Saliers, Community Volunteer
  • David Schoenberg, Law Office of David P. Schoenberg
  • Chris Schneider, Vice Chair, Thompson Hine
  • Carlos Toledo, Centers for Disease Control *
  • Mary Anne Walser, Keller Williams
  • Aaron Watson, Thompson Hine
  • Angie Weiss, InterContinental Hotels Group
  • Ashley Williams, Secretary, ImagineX Consulting
  • Mark Williamson, Alston & Bird LLP

* This director is serving in a personal capacity and is not fulfilling official CDC duties

The Apprentice Company

 

Acting Apprentices

Corey J. Finley – Austin Peay State University 
Abbey Kincheloe – Virginia Commonwealth University
Aliya Kraar – Florida State University
Greg Lloyd – The University of Georgia
Whitney Nelson – University of West Georgia
Jesse Smith – Brenau University 

Directing Apprentice

Tyshawn Gooden – University of West Georgia

Stage Management Apprentices

Maya Hodges – American University, with a dual focus in Performance

Scenic Apprentices

Devin Fourqurean – LaGrange College

PARTNERS

Actor’s Express Theatre, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity and is a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and a member of the Atlanta Coalition of the Performing Arts (ACPA), The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC), the National New Play Network (NNPN) and the Atlanta Intown Theatre Partnership (AITP). Actor’s Express operates under the Small Professional Theatre guidelines set by Actors’ Equity Association.

 

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