Anahkah Sims is from Illinois. She was recently included in the college production of The Bluest Eye directed by Ashley Keys. This is Anahkah’s on-stage debut in Chicago Theater.

Ti Nicole Danridge is an actress and media artist. Recent credits include Botanicals or Giving it to God (BMP Fest/ Detroit Public Theatre); The Watsons Go to Birmingham (Chicago Children's Theatre); Dandelions, Mother of the Dark Water (MPAACT); Breath, Boom (Eclipse Theatre); Paradise Blue (Timeline Theatre); A Song for Coretta (Fleetwood-Jordan Theatre); Sounds so Sweet (Black Ensemble Theatre); Fool Me Twice: Deja Vu ( u/s The Second City). TV/Film credits include: Chicago PD (NBC); Dinner Guest (Blue 11 Media); His Insecurities (701 Studio); PLOW, Blackboard Jungle, Cadence: A Love Story and Sis, Breathe (OpportuniTi Productions).

Rita Wicks (she/her) is grateful to be working with Bridge To Freedom Productions to put on the poignant Southside Chicago chronicle Some Sort of Saint! Rita is a classically trained Chicago based actress that has performed with Shattered Globe Theatre (JUMP), The Gift Theatre (TEN 24 FESTIVAL), Congo Square Theatre (WELCOME TO MATTESON) & Ghostlight Ensemble Theatre (LITTLE RED REBOOT). Her most notable credits include: IS GOD IS (A Red Orchid Theatre), PERDIDO (Directed by Muhammad Bilal), JANE:ABORTION & THE UNDERGROUND (Cats Cradle Theatre) and EURYDICE (Illinois State University). Rita has gained her theatre training from Illinois State University and then went on to receive her B.A. in Acting from Columbia College Chicago. Offstage, she loves to play with her 2 shih tzu's Prince & Coco, is the Humorous Duet Acting Speech Coach at Homewood Flossmoor High School and also works with American Immersion Theater to put on Murder Mystery improv shows. Rita is represented by Lori Lins Ltd. and is forever grateful for all who support her!

Veronda Carey: 16th Street Theatre: The Billboard. Steppenwolf Theatre Company: To Kill A Mockingbird (u/s). Chicago: Intimate Apparel (Northlight Theatre); Runaway Home, Seven Guitars, u/s (Congo Square); Spoken Word, (MPAACT); Dandelions, (Theatre On The Lake); Mourning Becomes Electra (Remy Bumppo); For Colored Girls (Fleetwood-Jourdain). Veronda would like to thank her family, friends, and members of The Collective Theatre Company for their continued support.

Willie Round is a playwright, songwriter, hip-hop artist, actor and community activist.  Born in May 20th 1991, Willie Round was raised in North Lawndale on the West Side of Chicago, a region with high rates of violence and low household incomes. Willie Round graduated bachelor’s degree in Communications/Broadcast Media from Central State University class of 2014. In 2015 Willie Round went back to Chicago to teach an elective video production class at Camelot Excel, an alternative school for at-risk youth. Willie was first introduced to theatre and the Chicago theatre scene by his long-time collaborator, playwright G. Riley Mills. At the time Willie had lost his job as a teacher due to budget cuts which resulted into him becoming homeless. Willie wrote his first play Broke Down Drone and was produced in Collaboration’s 2019 Peacbook Festival at Kennedy-King College in Englewood. Then had a sold-out run Off-Broadway at the Chain Theater in New York City in 2021 where he made his first Off-Broadway acting debut. Willie Round also wrote, created, and produced a short documentary for Collaboraction’s Peacebook festival titled, “This is North Lawndale”. A mini documentary highlighting the resilience of North Lawndale during the Corvid 19 pandemic. Mentorship and teaching are his personal passions. Willie has mentored inner-city youth as part of the College Mentoring Experience as well as part of his own youth movement called M.U.D. LIFE (Motivating the Urban to be Determined). Willie has done extensive outreach Chicago and is currently a 6-year mental health professional and behavioral aid at Chicago Therapeutic Services. The impact of art, partnered with mentorship, has transformed Willie’s life. After meeting playwright J. Nicole Brooks, Willie made his theatre acting debut in 2020 at Lookingglass Theatre Company in their acclaimed play Her Honor Jane Byrne. Willie would go on to win the Black Theatre Alliance “Most Promising Actor” Award for his performance as Kid and Tral  in Her Honor Jane Byrne. In January 2022, Willie starred in his first short film, an adaptation of his play Broke Down Drone, directed by Emmy Award-winning Director Marquis Simmons. Willie also performed in the remount of Congo Square Theatre’s Jeff Award-winning play, What To Send Up When It Goes Down. In December 2022, Willie Round won an Emmy Award for co-creating and co-producing The Lost Story of Emmett Till: Trial in the Delta for Collaboraction and NBC. 

Jonathan Daniel Boyden is excited to be in the world premier of Some Sort of Saint! He was proud to be a part of the ensemble which introduced Some Sort of Saint to the world in a staged reading at the DuSable Museum, and is grateful to be a part of the ensemble for it's first full production. His other acting credits include "The Park" (Stone Soup Theatre Project) which earned him Best Supporting Actor in the Two Roads International Film Festival, as well as a Bounce TV commercial (Weigel Broadcasting). He received his actor training at the University of Illinois at Chicago, earning a BA in Theatre. When he is not acting, he loves to write poetry that creates overlaps between healing and art.

Jordan Gail Brown is pleased to join this beautiful cast of Some Sort of Saint. She is first an actor, but also works as a stage manager, production manager, house manager and hair/make-up assistant for Chicago local theater companies. She loves theater but doesn't mind taking a step back to be a vessel for someone else’s story. She is originally from Atlanta, Georgia but In May of last year she graduated from The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Recent credits include: Spunk (directed by Shanasia Davis),  King John (directed by Kestutis Nakas), Waiting To Be Invited and THE WIZ (directed by Jade Lambert-Smith), Fire (directed by Freddie Hendricks) Running Up That Hill (directed by Daniel Stezel), Steel Magnolia (Viola Turner Theater) and The Shed (Perception theater). Jordan’s mission is to tell black and brown stories in the most authentic way possible. She is excited to see what God has in store for her. Offstage, some of her hobbies include weight lifting, braiding hair, and grocery shopping. 

Dyamone, (she/her) is an actor from the south side of Chicago and proud to be apart of this wonderful production. She is a recent graduate of the MFA Acting program at the Theatre School at DePaul University. Recent credits include Playhouse Creatures, Good Grief, Henry IV, Sweat, Detroit ’67, and Our Lady of 121st Street. She is represent by DDO Chicago.

A southside native, Stephen Wilkes is an actor, writer, comedian, and voice over artist. Acting at the age of 6 he has studied at Chicago Theater Company, Columbia College Chicago, Second City, and Dublin Institute of Technology. He is very excited to be apart of this wonderful ensemble and help tell a story that needs to be told.

Shenise is thrilled to be working with Bridge to Freedom Productions for the first time! Shenise is a proud native of Columbus Ohio, and graduate of Columbia College Chicago. Her past credits include, THE GARBOLOGISTS and INTIMATE APPAREL (Northlight Theatre) THE MASTERCOMIC(MPAACT), SPOKEN WORD(MPAACT-Jeff Award nomination), REMUS ANDTHEBLACKHISTORYMUSEUM(Black Ensemble Theater), and URBAN LOVE STORY (Black Ensemble Theater). It has been four years since her last performance, and Shenise couldn't be more excited to be a part of a cast and crew once again! You can stay connected with her on instagram @SheniseDanyèl.

Maisha R. Carter is an actor, writer, director and producer from Chicago. She is the co-founder of The Anointed Harvesters, NFP (AH), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, whose mission is to use The Arts to inspire, empower and uplift the communities of the world through mediums like creative workshops, inspirational plays, web series and films. Since 1997, she has worked as an independent playwright, director and producer of original productions, with her first full-length play, “Relations”, being produced in 2000. In 2007, AH ventured into producing films, the first being “Of Boys and Men”, a dramatic feature starring Chicago bred actor/producer Robert Townsend, Oscar winner Angela Bassett and award-winning actress Victoria Rowell. The film was released in January 2011 by Warner Brothers and continued to be distributed on television for over a decade. Since then, Maisha’s work in front of and behind the camera has appeared on major platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Starz, Peacock, BET, Hulu and Tubi. She is currently finishing her first documentary, “fairytales”, through a production company formed with her business partner/mother, SheMai Inspired Productions LLC.

Chris Taylor has been acting for under ten years earning his degree from Chicago State University in Media Arts, Communication and Theater. Over the course of his career he’s gained experience in both realms, theater and film, with the latter cementing a true place in his heart. He’s worked with theater companies such as Stage 773, Black Ensemble Theater and ETA to just name a few. He’s also worked on a number of short films, feature films and music videos. 2022 was a memorable year for Chris as he starred as lead for both a feature film titled Pretty Crazy, and as Langston Hughes in the play My Brother Langston at the Black Ensemble, which was also award nominated. When not in front of the camera Chris is typically in the gym, helping protect families with his license in both health and life insurance or spending time outdoors if the Windy City allows it.

TaRon is the CEO of GLP PRODUCTIONS, INC. Producer credits: Jeff Award recipient The Billboard (16th Street Theater), N (Greenhouse Theatre), Misty Tanner (Q&A Productions). Directing credits: The Billboard (16th Street Theater), N (Greenhouse Theatre) Saturday Night, Sunday Morning (Steppenwolf Garage Rep), Bulrusher, Nativity Tribute (Congo Square Theatre). Acting credits: Your Honor Mayor Byrne (Lookingglass Theater),Meet Vera Stark (Goodman Theater), Hot L Baltimore (Steppenwolf). Television credits: Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med.

Edward D. Richardson has over 50 years experience in the industry and his stage, film, TV and commercial credits are too numerous to list here. Ed has worked with many companies & Theater’s as an actor, designer (light and sound), stage manager, technician, production manager and Producer. "A luta continua", the struggle continues!

Kamesha Khan (Dramaturg) is a dramaturg, director, and a professor in the Communications, Media Arts and Theatre Department at Chicago State University where she also serves as the director of CSU Theatre. She is the Book Review Editor for tBTR (The Black Theatre Review). Kamesha previously served as the Education Director for Penumbra Theatre Company, and she was Resident Dramaturg for ETA Creative Arts Foundation. Recent dramaturgical credits include Margaret Mahdi’s Bronzeville: The Musical and Natalie Y. Moore’s The Billboard. Her next dramaturgical project is Court Theatre’s production of Eugene Lee’s East Texas Hot Links.

Isa Noe is delighted to work with Bridge to Freedom and GLP Productions for the first time. Recent Chicagoland design credits include Rooted (Oil Lamp Theatre), Skunk and Badger (Lifeline Theatre), and Assassins (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre). Isa received their Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University with a focus in scenic design. They would like to thank their family, mentors, and partner for their loving encouragement and unwavering support. www.ign-design.com

Alexandria Richardson is from the Southside of Chicago where she attended Kenwood Academy. She received her Bachelor's of Science from the University of Missouri in Textile and Apparel Management. Alexandria has a dual career in wardrobe and education. Aside from her costuming efforts, she also teaches high school English.

Jake Sandvik is a versatile filmmaker, musician, and sound designer hailing from Cody, Wyoming. A recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Jake has been a collaborator on the Some Sort of Saint Project for nearly two years. You can find his music on all streaming platforms under the same name.

Brenden Marble (He/Him). After studying theater design at Eastern Michigan University, the Detroit MI native moved to Chicago to start living their dream of becoming a lighting designer! Recent credits include Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea(Pegasus Theatre) Native Son(Lifeline Theatre) An Educated Guess(Definition Theatre), Liaisons(Chicago Tap Theatre),Black By Popular Demand(Second City Chicago), A Hit Dog Will Holler (Artemisia Theatre), Fairview(Definition Theater), Currents(Chicago Fringe Opera), and Dance Like There Are Black People Watching(Second City Chicago) Even though his career is just beginning, he knows this is something he wants to do for the rest of his life. Website: brendenmarble.com

Elijah Clyne is excited to make his debut with Bridge to Freedom Productions. His recent projects were Bronzeville The Musical with Mahdi Theatre Company and Nativity A Musical Tribute with GLP Productions. Elijah is an independent filmmaker that has worked with other productions and directors across the city of Chicago, like Eta Creative Arts and Arts + Public Life. He is currently a student at Columbia College Chicago where he studies Film and TV production.

Razor has worked in the world of Production for many years, in many positions.  It is a delight to work on this project. 

James is serving Bridge to Freedom by helping Dr. Mica tell this story of redemption. He graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a BFA in Acting and has been devising shows and doing performance art in Chicago for 7 years. As co-writer and co-producer he believes in telling true stories that support and bolster communities in Chicago.

Abby is an Emmy Award Winning voiceover artist, actor, educator, and arts advocate. In 2022, she received an Emmy Award for her narration of a Program Promotion Campaign for a PBS documentary series about Muhammad Ali. She is the current 2024 recipient of the League of Chicago Theatre’s Samuel G. Roberson Jr. Resident Fellowship for Artivism in partnership with Filament Theatre, where she is developing an original devised play based on true stories of youth in the foster care system. Abby has taught and facilitated theater with Steppenwolf Theatre, Filament Theatre, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Storycatchers Theatre, and Collaboraction. Abby has performed professionally with First Stage Children’s Theater, Filament Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and African American Children’s Theatre. Abby is currently part of two immersive theater ensembles, CAMP Store’s Bluey: An Immersive Adventure and Albany Park Theater Project: Port of Entry. For voiceover work, she is represented by NV Talent. Abby holds a BA in Acting with a minor in Voiceover from Columbia College Chicago. She has spoken on several arts advocacy panels, including the Education Pre-Conference for the Theatre Communications Conference 2019. In her spare time, she is found salsa or bachata dancing and traveling the world! For more of her work, visit: abbythompson.org.