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.
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!
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 25'-26'
Acting
Desiree Oliver
Acting
She/Her
Desiree Oliver (she/her) is an Actor and Choreographer born and raised in Bradenton, FL and is a recent graduate from Muhlenberg College where she received her BA in Theatre. She is so excited to be embarking on this journey at AE. Some of her favorite credits include Fuse 2025: and it’s the end of the world (Co-Choreographer and Co-Director), (&medea) (Medea), A Feeling of Feeling For (Collaborator) and Labyrinth of Desire (Laura). Instagram:@thedesireeoliver
Mac Chambers
Acting
He/Him
Mac Chambers (he/him) recently graduated from Georgia College and State University with a BA in Theatre. Though his focus is acting, he enjoys other aspects of the theatre process like costuming and prop crafting. He enjoys making puppets, doing drag, and occasionally combining those art forms. Mac would like to thank his friends, family, and mentors for consistently encouraging and supporting him. He would also like to thank Actors Express for the opportunity to take this next step towards his career.
Arden Adams
Acting
She/They
Arden Adams (she/they) is a recent graduate of Point Park University, receiving a BFA in Theatre Arts and a minor in Musical Theatre. A few of their personal favorite theatre credits include playing Theseus and Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, being the head dramaturg for Intimate Apparel at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, writing and directing her original one act Be Nice To Me, and playing Helen in Fun Home for Bridges Theatre Company. They are thrilled and honored to embark on this next journey: being a member of the AE AppCo ’25-’26.
Eileen Moyo
Acting
She/Her
Eileen Moyo (she/her) is elated to serve as an acting apprentice this season. She attended Kennesaw State University for Theatre and Performance Studies, and just recently moved to Atlanta (so if you have any food recommendations, let her know!) In her free time, she enjoys song/playwriting, gardening, and pickleball. She’s can’t wait to dive into a year with AE, as this theatre has provided years of inspiration to herself and her community. if you’d like to keep up with her, her instagram is @eileenmoyo
Austin Richardson
Acting
He/Him
Austin Richardson (he/him) is a young actor from Atlanta with experience in theater, film, and music. He’s performed in Off-Broadway productions and independent films, bringing range and authenticity to every role. Passionate about storytelling, Austin continues to refine his craft through diverse acting opportunities on stage and screen.
Directing and Stage Management
Harris Singer
Directing
He/Him
Harris Singer (he/him) is a director, playwright, performer, and illustrator. He co-founded and artistic directs The Fool Volk, a performance collective that combines classical rigor with experimental play and embraces silliness as a catalyst for change. His work, imbued with a queer absurdist lens, explores artistic forms, mediums, and structures, and bursts with whimsy. Harris advocates for a theater that maximizes the medium’s potential, utilizing audience participation, scent, the body, tasks, and time. His upcoming play, Take Me To Dollywood, will premiere in La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club’s 2026 season. Education: BFA, Theatre, New York University. www.harrissinger.com
Nyla "La'sianna" McKoy
Directing
She/Her
Nyla “La’sianna” McKoy (she/her) is a 2025 graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She’s passionate about creating stories that educate, entertain, challenge, and spark conversation, the kind that leave audiences with their jaws on the floor for days.
A natural creative since childhood, Nyla’s love for theatre began in elementary school and grew through years of experience in acting, directing, playwriting, and production. Beyond the stage, she co-owns 4 Eternal Vision Productions, specializing in TV, film, and digital content, where she continues to explore her passion for creating stories.
Ellie Hicks
Stage Management
She/Her
Ellie is a stage manager from Kennesaw, Georgia, and a recent graduate of Lee University with a B.A. in Theatre. Her favorite stage management credits include Tuck Everlasting, Godspell, and The Sound of Music. She has also directed A Rock Sails By and selected scenes from Almost, Maine. Outside of the theatre, Ellie is an avid reader, animal lover, and sweet potato enthusiast who thrives on debrief sessions and a well-planned schedule.
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!
