Cara Mantella and Cristian Gonzalez in Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train (2023). Photo by Greg Mooney.
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.
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.
The original 1992 production of The Harvey Milk Show starring Founder and Artistic Director Chris Coleman.
Season 38 (2026)
Season 37 (2025)
Season 36 (2024)
Season 35 (2023)
- Urinetown
- Oh, To Be Pure Again
- Prayer for the French Republic
- Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train
- Hedwig and the Angry Inch
- Cullud Wattah
Season 34 (2021-2022)
Season 33 (2020-2021)
- Neat
- Virtual Downstage Monologue Series
- A Christmas Carol
Season 32 (2019-2020)
Season 31 (2018-2019)
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)
Season 28 (2015-2016)
Season 27 (2014-2015)
Season 26 (2013-2014)
Season 25 (2012-2013)
Season 24 (2011-2012)
Season 23 (2010-2011)
Season 22 (2009-2010)
Season 21 (2008-2009)
Season 20 (2007-2008)
Season 19 (2006-2007)
Season 18 (2005-2006)
Season 17 (2004-2005)
Season 16 (2003-2004)
Season 15 (2002-2003)
Season 14 (2001-2002)
Season 13 (2000-2001)
Season 12 (1999-2000)
Season 11 (1998-1999)
Season 10 (1997-1998)
Season 9 (1996-1997)
Season 8 (1995-1996)
Season 7 (1994-1995)
Season 6 (1993-1994)
Season 5 (1992-1993)
Season 4 (1991-1992)
Season 3 (1990-1991)
Season 2 (1989-1990)
Season 1 (1988-1989)
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.
- Staff
- Board
- Apprentices
ARTISTIC
Freddie Ashley
Artistic Director
He/Him/His
Freddie Ashley has been Artistic Director of Actor’s Express since 2007. He has directed around 50 AE productions, including Doubt, Fun Home, The Crucible and Prayer for the French Republic…. more
Amanda Washington
Associate Artistic Director
She/Her/Hers
Amanda Washington currently serves as the Associate Artistic Director at Actor’s Express. She joined Actor’s Express as the National New Play Network Producer in Residence form 2020 to 2022. Her AE directing credits include, Crossroads, Sunset Baby, cullud wattah, and Blues for an Alabama Sky..more
Sheila Oliver
Artistic Liason
She/Her/Hers
Actor’s Express: Sheila has been involved with Actor’s Express off and on since 1992 serving as Casting Director, Assistant Director, Props, Stage Manager, House Manager, Dramaturg and Fund Raising… more
Justin Kalin
Casting Director
He/Him/His
PRODUCTION
Kevin Dyson
Production Manager
He/Him/His
Atlanta: Alliance Theatre, Center for Puppetry Arts, OnStage Atlanta, Red Phoenix Theatre Company, School Street Playhouse. Regional: Argyle Theatre, John W. Engeman Theatre, HERE Arts Center, CM Performing Arts Center, College Light Opera Company. Education: BFA in Musical Theatre and BA in Technical Theatre, Manhattanville University…more
Ramey Ward
Technical Director
She/Her/Hers
Ramey Ward currently serves as the Technical Director at Actor’s Express. Her recent technical direction credits include A Third Way and Topdog/Underdog. Additionally, Ramey was a Scenic Apprentice during the 2023-2024 season, contributing to the productions of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Mercury, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Cabaret (Asst. Scenic Designer), and The Cycle Breakers (Scenic Designer)…more
Nick Battaglia
Resident Props Designer
He/Him/His
(Resident Props Designer/ Set Decorator) Actor’s Express: Sunset Baby, Desire Under the Elms, Lizzie, Bootycandy, Intimate Apparel, Heathers the Musical, Fun Home, Head Over Heels ...more
Ash Bingham
Resident Scenic Charge Artist She/Her/Hers
Actors Express: Cabaret, Blues For An Alabama Sky, Mercury, Everybody’s Talking About Jaimie and Cullud Wattah. Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium, Center of Puppetry, Jennie T. Anderson, Theatrical Outfit, Aurora Theatre, Horizon Theatre, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company. Other: Scenic Charge for Legacy Theatre and Kennesaw State University. She would like to thank her friends and family for their consistent support! Website: ashbingham.com IG: @ashbingham
Mace Gallagher
Lead Carpenter
They/Him
Mace is a Georgia born and raised theatre artist with a passion for daring and unconventional theatre. In 2024, Mace graduated from Kennesaw State University where they studied scenic design, carpentry, prop making, technical direction, and a variety of other production skills. At Actors Express, they participated in the production processes of “Cabaret,” “Mercury,” and “Topdog/Underdog.”…more
Paris Aguilar
Lead Electrician
She/Her/Hers
Paris Aguilar (Production Electrician) Actor’s Express: A Third Way, Season 37. Atlanta: Act3 Productions, Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre, Horizon Theatre Company, FoCAL Center, Gainesville Ballet Company, Out Front Theatre Co., Players Guild at Sugar Hill, Six Flags over Georgia, Synchronicity Theatre, Theatrical Outfit. Regional: Unto These Hills (Mountainside Theatre), 2022 Season at Opera Theatre St. Louis…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…more
Sarah Velasco
Senior Director of Marketing and Revenue
She/Her/Hers
Sarah was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area and received her BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in Theatre Arts. She previously served in the development department for Convergence Theatre in Washington D.C. Sarah was most recently a 22-23 Actor’s Express acting apprentice. Actor’s Express holds a very special place in her heart and she feels truly privileged to be here.
Emma Jean Scott
Digital Communications Manager
She/They
Emma Jean Scott is a recent graduate of Oglethorpe University, where she studied Theatre and Film. It is also where she made first contact with Actor’s Express through our co-production program! Emma Jean has also served as the Administrative Director of the Suzi Bass Awards, a freelance casting director for local films, and in the literary department at the Alliance Theatre. Actor’s Express will always hold a special place in her heart, and she is thrilled each day she gets to spend here.
Ebony Jerry
Director of Patrons and Events
She/Her/Hers
Ebony 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 at Horizon Theater, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare at The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, and the world premiere of Oh, to be Pure Again here at Actor’s Express. She is very excited to be at her home theater of Actor’s Express, where it all began.
Anna Becknell
Development Associate
She/Her/Hers
Anna Becknell (ah-nah) is a South Carolina native who recently graduated from Oglethorpe University with a B.A. in Theatre and Business. She has been involved in theatre, both onstage and off, her whole life, including performing Shakespeare in Alaska! Her main focuses are acting, writing, and administrative work, and she hopes to one day open her own theatre company. After interning at Actor’s Express during her senior year, she is grateful to officially be a part of the team!
Shannon Dempsey
Development Manager
She/Her/Hers
Shannon Dempsey holds an MFA in Performing Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a BA in Communications from California Lutheran University. She is thrilled to join the team at Actor’s Express, where she combines her background in non-profit advertising with a lifelong passion for theatre!
Emma Jean Scott
Marketing Coordinator
She/They
Emma Jean Scott is a recent graduate of Oglethorpe University, where she studied Theatre and Film. It is also where she made first contact with Actor’s Express through our co-production program! Emma Jean has also served as the Administrative Director of the Suzi Bass Awards, a freelance casting director for local films, and in the literary department at the Alliance Theatre. Actor’s Express will always hold a special place in her heart, and she is thrilled each day she gets to spend here.
Ebony Jerry
Patron Services Manager
She/Her/Hers
Ebony 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 at Horizon Theater, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare at The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, and the world premiere of Oh, to be Pure Again here at Actor’s Express. She is very excited to be at her home theater of Actor’s Express, where it all began.
Claire Quinn
Website Administrator
She/Her/Hers
Claire has been acting as long as she can remember and has carried a lifelong love for the theatre! She graduated from CCPA at Roosevelt with a BFA in Acting and an MA from Emerson College in Business of Creative Enterprises. Her recent Atlanta credits include BLKS at Out Front Theatre, Rooted at Horizon Theatre, Flame and Filament at the Atlanta Fringe Festival. She is thrilled to be back on the Actor’s Express team!
FRONT OF HOUSE
Angelica James
Front of House
Chentel Terrell
Front of House
Khatelin White
Front of House
Sydney Warren
Front of House
Tori Thompson
Front of House
Makallen Kelley
Front of House
COMMISSIONED PLAYWRIGHTS
Angelica James
Front of House
Chentel Terrell
Front of House
Kira Rockwell
Commissioned Playwright
Suehyla E. Young
Commissioned Playwright
Tori Thompson
Front of House
Makallen Kelley
Front of House
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 at [email protected].
- Jennifer Campbell, Coca-Cola
- Thandiwe DeShazor, Counter Narrative Project
- Kevin Dew, Community Volunteer
- Jennifer Gelder, Budget Rent-a-Car
- Anne Hayden, Community Volunteer
- Kevin Harry, Actor
- Amy Hollibaugh, Treasurer, Community Volunteer
- Andrea Ivory, UPS
- Kevin Kalinsky, MD, Director, Glenn Family Breast Center, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University; Emory University School of Medicine
- Melissa Moore, Vice Chair, Partners in Health
- Jennie Saliers, Secretary, Community Volunteer
- David Schoenberg, Law Office of David P. Schoenberg
- Chris Schneider, Chair, Parker, Hudson, Rainer, & Dobbs LLP
- Aaron Watson, Attache Public Affairs
- Angie Weiss, Humana
- Ambrose Elijah Tabb (Eli), American Sign Language Interpreter
- Corey Wright, Wright Home Team
- Seth Pearson, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
- Michael Parks, Community Volunteer
The Apprentice Company 26'-27'
Acting
Isabella Mederos Rohrer
Acting
She/They
Celine Vo
Acting
Celine is a Vietnamese-American performer with a deep passion for all things storytelling. She’s beyond excited to be joining AE as an Acting Apprentice after completing her BFA in Acting with double minors in Film/TV & Casting at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta. Her past experience includes The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Snug/Peaseblossom), and a recurring guest star role on chefATL (now on PBS!) Beyond the stage and screen, Celine is a skilled flutist, photographer, and graphic designer with an array of credits: Community Engagement Fellow at Synchronicity Theatre, photographer for the SCAD Atlanta Casting Office, and current AE AppCo Instagram manager (please look forward to our silly reels)! Outside her four jobs, she can be spotted trying new foods, attending art galleries and plays/musicals, and touching grass at a park.
Austin Sharpe
Acting
He/Him
Austin Sharpe (he/him) has recently graduated from the University of West Georgia with his B.F.A. with a concentration in Acting. He is so excited to be working with Actor’s Express and though he is primarily an actor, he has some experience in playwriting and stage managing. Some of his favorite shows he has acted in include Clown 1 in The 39 Steps, The Creature in Frankenstein, and Millet in Fuddy Meers.
Brandon Bogle
Acting
He/Him
Brandon Bogle (he/him) recently graduated from Kennesaw State University, receiving a BA in Theatre & Performance Studies. His senior year consisted of him playing Woodcutter/Young Man in Blood Wedding, and Sagot in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. With his free time, he enjoys listening to music, going on walks, and anything football. Brandon wants to give a big shoutout to God, his family, and friends for everything that they do. He’s forever thankful for this opportunity at Actors Express and is excited for what’s ahead! Instagram: @brandoncanaann
Nitzan Sol
Acting
She/Her
Nitzan Sol is a multicultural artist who is passionate about using storytelling to explore the complexities of human connection, identity, and the ways we come to understand one another. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, she is excited for the opportunity to continue to grow within Actors Express’s bold, creative ecosystem. Having lived, trained, and
worked internationally, Nitzan’s multicultural background and international experiences have
shaped her belief that the most meaningful connections happen when people approach one another with curiosity and a genuine desire to understand different perspectives. These
experiences continue to inform both her artistic work and her approach to life. When not in the theatre, you can find Nitzan continuing to travel (22 countries and counting), trying to keep her numerous plants alive, or nose-deep in a book.
Instagram: @nitzan.sol
Directing and Stage Management
I’Yahna Thomas
Directing
She/Her
I’Yahna Thomas (she/her) is a South Georgian born artist on a mission to bring
unforgettable stories to life as an actor, director, and playwright. Her love for the
craft was sparked the moment she saw her first stage play, Big Fish by John August. It ignited a passion that carried her through high school into college, where she earned her BFA in Performance Theatre from Valdosta State University. There she built an onstage resume with credits in The Country Wife, The Wolves, Love’s Labour’s Lost, and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. A positive however, during senior year of college, I’Yahna discovered a new calling, off the stage. She stepped into the director’s chair with two pieces, a warm comedy scene from Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias and an intense dramatic scene from Christopher Demos-Brown’s American Son. Captivated by the process, she began writing and directing her own original work. Now, she’s thrilled to join AE’s Apprentice Company to hone her craft even further, driven by a desire to create bold and intentional theatre that leave audiences in a stand still of raw emotions and inquisitive thoughts. When she isn’t in the theatre, you’ll usually find her with her nose buried in a good book, typing away creating at her computer, or catching the latest Marvel movie at the movie theatre. She’s highly grateful and thanks her family, friends, professors, and future mentors for the overwhelming support, love, and guidance on her journey.
IG: @I’Yahna Thomas
Youtube: @call_me_yana
Irene K. Nash
Directing
She/Her
Irene K. Nash (she/her) is a Puerto Rican-American director, actor, and playwright from Garner, North Carolina. She is a graduate of UNC Charlotte, where she received her B.A. in Theatre with concentrations in directing, dramaturgy, dramatic writing, and performance. She’s also an avid reader so any and all book recommendations are welcome! Recent directing credits include Twelfth Night with Pumphouse Players and The Cloud by S.J. Roth with Vidalia Theatre Company’s Summer Harvest 2026. Irene’s work is deeply inspired by her faith and family, and she strives to create theatre that advocates for disability representation, challenges audiences, and encourages connection. She is excited to join the AE’s Apprentice Company and can’t wait to continue learning, creating, and collaborating in Atlanta. www.ireneknash.com @ireneknash
Leah Shankman
Stage Management
She/Her
Leah Shankman (she/her) is an emerging theatre professional and stage manager based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a recent graduate of Clark University, where she earned her degree in English with a minor in Theatre and focused her studies and experience on stage management and production. During her time at Clark, Leah stage managed a variety of productions ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary musicals.
Before joining Actor’s Express, Leah worked with Transcendence Theatre Company in Sonoma, California, where she gained professional experience as a stage management apprentice. She is excited to continue growing as a stage manager and to be part of Atlanta’s vibrant theatre community. Leah is thrilled to be joining Actor’s Express and looks forward to contributing to the company’s productions and creative community.
When she’s not in the theatre, Leah enjoys spending time with her cats and gecko, watching TV, and getting lost in a good book.
ellie.hicks02 | elliehicks.my.canva.site
Technical
Jordan Nicholson
Sound/Lighting
She/.Her
Jordan Nicholson (She/Her) Actor’s Express: 2025-26 Actor’s Express Apprentice Company.
Regional: Previously worked as the Audio Technician at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina in Hilton Head Island, SC, and as a General Technician for Interlochen Center of the Arts in Interlochen, MI. Educational:(Sound Designer) John Proctor is the Villain, Stupid F***ing Bird; (Lighting Designer) Trouble in Mind, Stop Kiss. Education: Graduated from Columbus State University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in Sound and Lighting Design
Tyler Pellegrino
Lighting/Sound
He/Him
Tyler Pellegrino (he/him) is a theatrical technician from Southeast GA. He recently graduated from Piedmont University with a BA in Technical Theatre & Design, focusing on his passion in theatrical lighting. Recent credits include Steel Magnolias (Costume Designer), 9 to 5 The Musical (Lighting Designer), and The Laramie Project (Andy Paris). Tyler is thrilled to be part of the AE family this season to continue growing as an artist while gaining valuable experience. He wants to thank his family, friends, and Piedmont professors for supporting him as he continues to pursue his theatrical career. YES, YOU CAN!!!!!!! tylerpellegrino.com | @tylerpellegrino
Anna Buckroth
Scenic
She/Her
Anna Buckroth (She/Her) is originally from Warner Robins, GA. She is a recent graduate from Columbus State University with her BFA in Theatre Design and Technology. Her favorite credits include Unnecessary Farce, Macbeth, and Giraffe’s Can’t Dance as Scenic Designer at CSU. She is so excited to have joined the AE team and can’t wait to see all of the productions come to life this season!
Katelyn Adams
Scenic
She/.Her
Katelyn Adams (she/her) is excited to be a part of the Actor’s Express scenic apprenticeship. She has been scenic painting since she was around ten years old, and has recently begun learning scenic carpentry in the last four years. Katelyn has her B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technology from the University of West Georgia. Katelyn would like to thank her friends and family for their continued love and support!
Tyler Pellegrino
Lighting/Sound
He/Him
Tyler Pellegrino (he/him) is a theatrical technician from Southeast GA. He recently graduated from Piedmont University with a BA in Technical Theatre & Design, focusing on his passion in theatrical lighting. Recent credits include Steel Magnolias (Costume Designer), 9 to 5 The Musical (Lighting Designer), and The Laramie Project (Andy Paris). Tyler is thrilled to be part of the AE family this season to continue growing as an artist while gaining valuable experience. He wants to thank his family, friends, and Piedmont professors for supporting him as he continues to pursue his theatrical career. YES, YOU CAN!!!!!!! tylerpellegrino.com | @tylerpellegrino
Anna Buckroth
Scenic
She/Her
Anna Buckroth (She/Her) is originally from Warner Robins, GA. She is a recent graduate from Columbus State University with her BFA in Theatre Design and Technology. Her favorite credits include Unnecessary Farce, Macbeth, and Giraffe’s Can’t Dance as Scenic Designer at CSU. She is so excited to have joined the AE team and can’t wait to see all of the productions come to life this season!
