CATCO is Kids in conjunction with CATCO is thrilled to present a series of four short plays for multi-generational audiences, designed to spark conversations about race in America, and to serve as a catalyst for action.
These works are free of charge to our community in collaboration with Idris Goodwin, TYA/USA and the the HeART of Protest Initiative, in partnership with the King Arts Complex.
CATCO is Kids in conjunction with CATCO is thrilled to present a series of four short plays for multi-generational audiences, designed to spark conversations about race in America, and to serve as a catalyst for action.
These works are free of charge to our community in collaboration with Idris Goodwin, TYA/USA and the the HeART of Protest Initiative, in partnership with the King Arts Complex.
THE PLAYS
How do you explain to a child why a water gun isn’t simply a toy?
AGES: 6+
CAST & CREW:
Kaitlyn Speakman
“I can not speak to the tone of every piece in this project, as the majority of my time has been spent on The Water Gun Song, but I’ve definitely enjoyed the feeling of openness this work inspires. Being able to talk about real life issues with children is not always easy, but I’m glad to see that people like Idris Goodwin and the people at CATCO are not only willing, but eager to open those topics up to today’s kids.
I’m so glad that not only is CATCO back and producing work again, but that the first show I get to work with them on this season covers such a relevant and important topic. It has been easy to get bogged down with all that’s happened this year, but getting to work with other artists and have discussions about racism in a constructive manner has been such a welcome change from my current day to day conversations. I hope that CATCO’s audience will also enjoy the open way these shows talk about racism, and how it continues a conversation long overdue.”
Kaitlyn Speakman on her involvement in Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow
Kaitlyn is a young professional stage manager, who is excited to join CATCO is Kids for their 2020-2021 season. This will be her fourth production with CATCO, having worked on CATCO is Theatre’s “Home,” “Application Pending,” and “Moonlight and Magnolias” in the 2019-2020 season.
Kaitlyn Speakman
Stage ManagerSimone Dean
“I like the plays because each one gives me an opportunity to feel another person’s experience.”
Simone Dean
Simone Dean is thrilled to have the privilege of playing Sam in The Water Gun Song. Simone has performed in CATCO is Kids productions of Annie Jr., (Tessie), Alice in Wonderland Jr., (March Hare), and Madagascar Jr., (Zookeeper Zelda). She attends Columbus School for Girls, loves dancing at BalletMet and singing with the Columbus Children’s Choir. Simone also enjoys creative writing, drawing, playing the piano & French horn, and spending time with her Havapoo dog, Anya.
Simone Dean
SamChristopher Austin
Christopher majored in Theatre at Otterbein University and has worked in voice over, film, and stage productions. He has received awards for his stage performances of Othello and The Whipping Man. Christopher has worked with local artists this year to raise anti-racism awareness with virtual performances of Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or The Bullet” and also as the character Shylock from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. He is very excited to tell the story of The Water Gun Song to create an anti-racist tomorrow.
Christopher Austin
JulesShanelle Marie
“During this time of social uprisings, it’s even more important for art to be relevant and timely. That’s what we’re getting with these Idris Goodwin’s plays. And right now I’m especially interested in doing work that shows the beauty of Black joy in every day life. That’s what drew me to The Water Gun Song. It’s exciting that people from across our community, country, around the world, will be able to access this production in ways that theatre has not traditionally allowed. It’s also exciting to see new and diverse talent being featured through CATCO from actors, directors, and crew. While these pieces are geared to families to spark conversations about how combat racism, I believe people from all ages and walks of life will be able to enjoy them and engage in discussion. The conversations are a first step. It’s up to each of us to decide how we’re going to take action.”
Shanelle Marie
Shanelle Marie is thrilled to be working again with CATCO after performing in Home. She credits her first acting teacher as her beloved grandmother, who would bring Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s poetry to life. Previously, she was the assistant director of The Color Purple with State of the Arts Productions. As a board member and collaborator with the Maroon Arts Group, she helps to create performance arts to nurture local talent and enrich the community. Her favorite moments on stage include performing for Ruby Dee, “Ruth” in A Raisin in the Sun, “Marrell” in This with Available Light Theatre, and as a Tedx Columbus Women.
Shanelle Marie
DirectorThree kids wrestle with the definition of freedom.
AGES: 9+
CAST & CREW:
Micah Carnes
Micah Carnes has always been quite the little ham! He started taking an interest in the arts around the age of 4. Along with various church productions and elementary school performances, he has enjoyed the experience of being cast in Winnie the Pooh with the Vandalia Youth Theatre (Vandalia, Ohio), Hair Spray with the Muse Machine (Dayton, Ohio), a summer theatre program with Brave Young Voices (Westerville, Ohio), playing a lead character “Young Scrooge” in the outdoor holiday production of Uptown Scrooge with Good Medicine Theatre (Westerville, Ohio) and most recently received a scholarship to participate in the CATCO is Kids Virtual Camp – All The World’s A Stage (Columbus, Ohio)!! Micah is currently learning to play the Cello in his school orchestra, while he also enjoys utilizing his artistic gifts in the 7th grade School Choir and Art Club!! Micah loves to draw, but most of all sing around the house to the high heavens!!! He literally sings all the time and everywhere he goes. He desires to pursue a future in the performing arts and journalism.
Micah Carnes
Kid 3Lynnix Price
I am excited to be a part of this production because it portrays an important time in our history. I can’t imagine what it feel like to get the news that they were free.”
Lynnix Price on her involvement in Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow
Lynnix Price (Kid 2) is very excited to be a part of the collaboration between the Heart of Protest initiative and CATCO is Kids! She has previously been seen in CATCO is KIDS Babe and State of the Arts Productions The Hundred Dresses, and Annie. Lynnix sends a BIG THANK YOU to her family & friends for their support!
Lynnix Price
Kid 2Carter Minor
Carter Minor is proud join the CATCO series Plays Toward and Antiracist Tomorrow. Since moving to New Albany, OH he has been the featured soloist for the New Albany Black History celebrations and several other musical performances. He most recently played LeFou in the NAHS production of Beauty and the Beast and was featured in the NAMS production of Singing In the Rain, Jr. as Cosmo Brown. Carter, who moved here from NJ last fall, jumped into Eagles Talent as Papa Ge in Once on This Island, Jr. A 10th grader, Carter loves music, art, script writing and classic sitcoms- ask him, and he can quote The Office dialogue like Shakespeare. Carter remains a working actor- reprising his role as Jonas in the Reunion special of the Peabody Award-winning podcast drama, Mars Patel. Carter studied acting and dance in NY/NJ, and is delighted to find such a vibrant theater community in New Albany (though he’s still taking recommendations on ‘best pizza slice’). He would like to thank his parents, Miss Patty, Ms. Gould, Mr. Hooper, and Ms. Trybus, and his brother (sometimes) for supporting him.
Carter Minor
Kid 1Hannah Pohlman
“In times like this, these plays are incredibly important. What we all need now more than anything is a lesson and a reminder of empathy. We all need to be mindful of what others are going through, especially of those in the BIPOC community.
I am excited to be a part of this process because we get to drive those meanings home through a media that is similar, but different than what we as theatre artists are used to. During this global crisis, it’s incredibly important that we all find ways to be creative and share our important messages to the world. ”
Hannah Pohlman
Hannah holds a B.F.A. in Theatre Design/Technology from Otterbein University. She is excited to be back in the world of theatre in the Zoom format. Hannah is a stage manager, costumer, and small online business owner. Previously, Hannah has worked with Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, Columbus Children’s Theatre, Short North Stage, and Available Light Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, and Saugatuck Center for the Arts in Michigan.
Hannah Pohlman
Stage ManagerPatricia Wallace-Winbush
I always thought 20/20 meant that you had perfect vision, when it really only indicates visual clarity. It is my hope that these beautiful plays, in the year 2020, will help people see the world and the Black experience more clearly.
Patricia Wallace-Winbush
Patty is a highly respected actress and director on the Columbus theatre scene. She has performed with several local theatre companies most notably Players Theatre, Gallery Players, Red Herring Theatre Ensemble, Short North Stage and CATCO. Her directing credits include several productions with PAST Productions Columbus where she is also co-founder and co-producer. Patty has been twice nominated for Excellence in Directing by the Central Ohio Theatre Roundtable. She is currently a proud member of Good Medicine Productions as Doctor Funzi, a healthcare clown. A graduate of Wright State University with a BFA in Acting, Patty recently performed her one-woman show entitled THANK GOD I LOOK GOOD IN PINK, which chronicled her journey as a breast cancer survivor. She would like to thank her family for supporting her dreams, especially her husband Truman Winbush Jr.
Patricia Wallace-Winbush
DirectorA child and a parent try to complete a rap for a school presentation.
AGES: 9+
CAST & CREW:
Preston Hudson
“Playing the role of Pete was a great opportunity. I feel honored and humbled to be a part of something that shines a light on a struggle we have been dealing with for generations.”
Preston on his involvement with Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow
My name is Preston Hudson and I am honored to play “Pete” in the short play, Nothing Rhymes with Juneteenth. I have been involved with theatre for the past eight years. Most recently I have played “Spiky Turtle” in the musical, Press Start and “Michael” in the musical ELF Jr, both which were through CATCO Kids. I am in the 8th grade and attend Ridgeview Junior High. When I am not in a show, I enjoy baking, running Cross Country, playing tennis, singing and dancing.
Preston Hudson
PeteVivica McCrary
“These stories by Idris Goodwin, Nothing Rhymes With Juneteenth in particular,are extremely significant especially in these times. An event that specifically surrounds the liberation of Black people has been systematically buried and silenced through the telling of American history. I know when I was Pete’s age I was never taught about Juneteenth in school. There were no history lessons about how it took two years after the signing of The Emancipation Proclamation to notify enslaved people that they were actually free! Can you imagine! To this day many people don’t know this fact. To see the portrayal of a young person’s passion and excitement about Juneteenth. To get this missed piece of history out of a forgotten place and into the hands and hearts of his peers, is extremely powerful and even hopeful!”
Vivica McCrary on her involvement in Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow
Vivica is absolutely thrilled to be a part of CATCO’s very first virtual season! She has been an admirer of CATCO and CAPA is Kids ever since participating in their summer programs as a child. Vivica is a stage manager, director, marketing lead and talented voice over artist. Vivica has stage managed and directed several shows over the years such as State of The Arts Productions’ The Color Purple and The Hundred Dresses. It is truly her privilege to present to you these works which are on a subject that is very personal and dear to her heart. #BlackLivesMatter
Vivica McCrary
Stage ManagerSharon Udoh
During this time, it’s important for America to embrace “the new” and “the different”. We have to re-examine different ways to approach the subject of race in America, and even how we approach the new approaches themselves. One way that change can happen is through thought-provoking, intergenerational conversation—and art can help with that. That’s why I wanted to be involved with this play!
Sharon Udoh
Sharon Udoh is a first-generation Nigerian-American composer, pianist, educator, actor, and cultural critic. Her work focuses on how humans change over time, the necessity of personal revolution and connection, and emotional curiosity. Her performances are magnetic, dangerous, and kind; they embody the richness of complexity, absurdity, empathy, chaos, and the struggle and freedom of Black and brown individuals in America and worldwide.
Sharon Udoh
JeanKenneth Brown
“As the director of one of these incredible short plays, I feel a great responsibility to give a representative view of what an anti-racist future looks like. A future where having conversations about race, culture, and the complete history and present of our country are as natural as conversations about sports and homework. These plays can act as an entryway point for a broad range of ages and cultures to broach these, traditionally, difficult subjects and normalize the conversations around them. Any role I can have in that process is one I’m excited, honored, and humbled to play.”
Kenneth Brown on his involvement in Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow
Kenneth Brown is a Columbus-based renaissance artist with acting, singing, dancing, writing, choreography, and directing credits. He has recently had the opportunity to be involved locally in many aspects of performance art including as an actor, singer, dancer, assistant choreographer for “Renaissance Magic”, actor, singer, dancer and choreographer in several productions with Thiossance West African Dance Institute, a dancer for Onyx Productions’ “The Colored Section”, and a Theatre Roundtable “Excellence In Choreography” award-winning turn as choreographer for State of The Arts Productions’ “The Color Purple.” While he has always had a passion for art that speaks to the injustices in our political, ethnic, and socioeconomic climate, during the current pandemic and time of civil unrest he has become dedicated to anti-racist artistic endeavors including a collaboration with New Vision Dance Company, “Forward”, his own filmed spoken word piece “Round 1”, and three short plays with Theater For All People for the HeART of Protest.
Kenneth Brown
DirectorFormer high school friends debate matters of life and race.
AGES: 14+
CAST & CREW:
Lori Lindsey
Lori A Lindsey, a native of Columbus, developed a love for performing at an early age. She is known for her natural ability to engage audiences by defining emotions, characters and artistic visions through dance. As she broadens her talent and skills into acting, she has appeared in several productions as an actress including Judah Performing Arts ‘Africa To America’, Onyx Production ‘The Colored Section’, The Lincoln Theatre’s Harlem Renaissance Gala, and The Maroon Artist Group ‘Inside The Riot’. She is always grateful for the opportunity to use art to evoke change, inspire action, encourage faith and increase social awareness.
Lori Lindsey
KimPhilip Hickman
Philip J. Hickman is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BA in English focusing on Early Modern English Literature. He was co-founder of Bison Players and has worked for Actors’ Theatre of Columbus since 2010. After serving as Associate Artistic Director beginning in 2013, he was named Artistic Director in 2015. Hickman has performed in works by Shakespeare and other classic authors for more than 20 years. His favorite roles in Shakespeare’s plays are Cassius in Julius Caesar and Caliban in The Tempest. He appeared last as Le Vicomte de Valmont in Christopher Hampton’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Doctor Bartolo in Pierre Beaumarchais’ The Barber of Seville, and as King Edward IV in Richard III. Philip Hickman is also a playwright, adapting the legend Robin Hood and Alexandre Dumas’ Le Comte de Monte-Cristo to the stage. Both plays were named to the Columbus Dispatch “Best Plays” lists for their respective years (2012, 2016). Most recently, Hickman directed the world premiere of Beowulf (and the Bard) and co-directed Les Liaisons Dangereuses for the 2019 Actors’ Theatre season. He also directed 2018’s Macbeth and Puss in Boots, and 2015’s world premiere of Vidas Barzdukas’ Captain Blood (an adaptation of the Raphael Sabatini novel), which was named “Best Play of 2015” by the Columbus Dispatch. Hickman also teaches playwriting; he taught with Bison Players, The Graham School, and with private students.
Philip Hickman
ColeHannah Pohlman
“In times like this, these plays are incredibly important. What we all need now more than anything is a lesson and a reminder of empathy. We all need to be mindful of what others are going through, especially of those in the BIPOC community.
I am excited to be a part of this process because we get to drive those meanings home through a media that is similar, but different than what we as theatre artists are used to. During this global crisis, it’s incredibly important that we all find ways to be creative and share our important messages to the world. ”
Hannah Pohlman
Hannah holds a B.F.A. in Theatre Design/Technology from Otterbein University. She is excited to be back in the world of theatre in the Zoom format. Hannah is a stage manager, costumer, and small online business owner. Previously, Hannah has worked with Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, Columbus Children’s Theatre, Short North Stage, and Available Light Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, and Saugatuck Center for the Arts in Michigan.
Hannah Pohlman
Stage ManagerDavid Harewood
“The plays in this series are important because we’ve been struggling as adults to talk in any meaningful ways about the issues that have lead us up to this point, and I view being a part of a series like this to be no less than the duty of the artist to the world we live in. While some take to the streets and others lobby their legislatures, others give money quietly, set up legal services for the wrongfully incarcerated to do their part, others tell stories to help move us forward.
These pieces all represent parts we need to play, and I hope they help.”
David. S. Harewood
DAVID S. HAREWOOD has spent the last twenty years exploring the intersection of art and social justice movements, sometimes working as a community and political organizer or as dramaturge for CATCO’s EUBIE! In ‘18, director of The Colored Section (Onyx, ‘16), Abraham Lincoln. . .( Evolution, ‘16), The Tempest (Actors’, ‘17,) The Color Purple, (SoArtsPro, ‘18,) and Home CATCO, ‘19). His post-COVID works include re-imaginings of great speeches and letters from the Civil Rights era and before, one in collaboration with the Abbey Theater of Dublin and a series that can be found on the Theatre for All People Facebook page.
David Harewood
DirectorTHANK YOU TO OUR #MATTER PARTNERS:
Editing:
Sam Nahem, President | Nic White, Editor
Music: #saymyname by Carole Walker
THE PLAYS
How do you explain to a child why a water gun isn’t simply a toy?
AGES: 6+
CAST & CREW:
Kaitlyn Speakman
“I can not speak to the tone of every piece in this project, as the majority of my time has been spent on The Water Gun Song, but I’ve definitely enjoyed the feeling of openness this work inspires. Being able to talk about real life issues with children is not always easy, but I’m glad to see that people like Idris Goodwin and the people at CATCO are not only willing, but eager to open those topics up to today’s kids.
I’m so glad that not only is CATCO back and producing work again, but that the first show I get to work with them on this season covers such a relevant and important topic. It has been easy to get bogged down with all that’s happened this year, but getting to work with other artists and have discussions about racism in a constructive manner has been such a welcome change from my current day to day conversations. I hope that CATCO’s audience will also enjoy the open way these shows talk about racism, and how it continues a conversation long overdue.”
Kaitlyn Speakman on her involvement in Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow
Kaitlyn is a young professional stage manager, who is excited to join CATCO is Kids for their 2020-2021 season. This will be her fourth production with CATCO, having worked on CATCO is Theatre’s “Home,” “Application Pending,” and “Moonlight and Magnolias” in the 2019-2020 season.
Kaitlyn Speakman
Stage ManagerSimone Dean
“I like the plays because each one gives me an opportunity to feel another person’s experience.”
Simone Dean
Simone Dean is thrilled to have the privilege of playing Sam in The Water Gun Song. Simone has performed in CATCO is Kids productions of Annie Jr., (Tessie), Alice in Wonderland Jr., (March Hare), and Madagascar Jr., (Zookeeper Zelda). She attends Columbus School for Girls, loves dancing at BalletMet and singing with the Columbus Children’s Choir. Simone also enjoys creative writing, drawing, playing the piano & French horn, and spending time with her Havapoo dog, Anya.
Simone Dean
SamChristopher Austin
Christopher majored in Theatre at Otterbein University and has worked in voice over, film, and stage productions. He has received awards for his stage performances of Othello and The Whipping Man. Christopher has worked with local artists this year to raise anti-racism awareness with virtual performances of Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or The Bullet” and also as the character Shylock from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. He is very excited to tell the story of The Water Gun Song to create an anti-racist tomorrow.
Christopher Austin
JulesShanelle Marie
“During this time of social uprisings, it’s even more important for art to be relevant and timely. That’s what we’re getting with these Idris Goodwin’s plays. And right now I’m especially interested in doing work that shows the beauty of Black joy in every day life. That’s what drew me to The Water Gun Song. It’s exciting that people from across our community, country, around the world, will be able to access this production in ways that theatre has not traditionally allowed. It’s also exciting to see new and diverse talent being featured through CATCO from actors, directors, and crew. While these pieces are geared to families to spark conversations about how combat racism, I believe people from all ages and walks of life will be able to enjoy them and engage in discussion. The conversations are a first step. It’s up to each of us to decide how we’re going to take action.”
Shanelle Marie
Shanelle Marie is thrilled to be working again with CATCO after performing in Home. She credits her first acting teacher as her beloved grandmother, who would bring Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s poetry to life. Previously, she was the assistant director of The Color Purple with State of the Arts Productions. As a board member and collaborator with the Maroon Arts Group, she helps to create performance arts to nurture local talent and enrich the community. Her favorite moments on stage include performing for Ruby Dee, “Ruth” in A Raisin in the Sun, “Marrell” in This with Available Light Theatre, and as a Tedx Columbus Women.
Shanelle Marie
DirectorThree kids wrestle with the definition of freedom.
AGES: 9+
CAST & CREW:
Micah Carnes
Micah Carnes has always been quite the little ham! He started taking an interest in the arts around the age of 4. Along with various church productions and elementary school performances, he has enjoyed the experience of being cast in Winnie the Pooh with the Vandalia Youth Theatre (Vandalia, Ohio), Hair Spray with the Muse Machine (Dayton, Ohio), a summer theatre program with Brave Young Voices (Westerville, Ohio), playing a lead character “Young Scrooge” in the outdoor holiday production of Uptown Scrooge with Good Medicine Theatre (Westerville, Ohio) and most recently received a scholarship to participate in the CATCO is Kids Virtual Camp – All The World’s A Stage (Columbus, Ohio)!! Micah is currently learning to play the Cello in his school orchestra, while he also enjoys utilizing his artistic gifts in the 7th grade School Choir and Art Club!! Micah loves to draw, but most of all sing around the house to the high heavens!!! He literally sings all the time and everywhere he goes. He desires to pursue a future in the performing arts and journalism.
Micah Carnes
Kid 3Lynnix Price
I am excited to be a part of this production because it portrays an important time in our history. I can’t imagine what it feel like to get the news that they were free.”
Lynnix Price on her involvement in Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow
Lynnix Price (Kid 2) is very excited to be a part of the collaboration between the Heart of Protest initiative and CATCO is Kids! She has previously been seen in CATCO is KIDS Babe and State of the Arts Productions The Hundred Dresses, and Annie. Lynnix sends a BIG THANK YOU to her family & friends for their support!
Lynnix Price
Kid 2Carter Minor
Carter Minor is proud join the CATCO series Plays Toward and Antiracist Tomorrow. Since moving to New Albany, OH he has been the featured soloist for the New Albany Black History celebrations and several other musical performances. He most recently played LeFou in the NAHS production of Beauty and the Beast and was featured in the NAMS production of Singing In the Rain, Jr. as Cosmo Brown. Carter, who moved here from NJ last fall, jumped into Eagles Talent as Papa Ge in Once on This Island, Jr. A 10th grader, Carter loves music, art, script writing and classic sitcoms- ask him, and he can quote The Office dialogue like Shakespeare. Carter remains a working actor- reprising his role as Jonas in the Reunion special of the Peabody Award-winning podcast drama, Mars Patel. Carter studied acting and dance in NY/NJ, and is delighted to find such a vibrant theater community in New Albany (though he’s still taking recommendations on ‘best pizza slice’). He would like to thank his parents, Miss Patty, Ms. Gould, Mr. Hooper, and Ms. Trybus, and his brother (sometimes) for supporting him.
Carter Minor
Kid 1Hannah Pohlman
“In times like this, these plays are incredibly important. What we all need now more than anything is a lesson and a reminder of empathy. We all need to be mindful of what others are going through, especially of those in the BIPOC community.
I am excited to be a part of this process because we get to drive those meanings home through a media that is similar, but different than what we as theatre artists are used to. During this global crisis, it’s incredibly important that we all find ways to be creative and share our important messages to the world. ”
Hannah Pohlman
Hannah holds a B.F.A. in Theatre Design/Technology from Otterbein University. She is excited to be back in the world of theatre in the Zoom format. Hannah is a stage manager, costumer, and small online business owner. Previously, Hannah has worked with Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, Columbus Children’s Theatre, Short North Stage, and Available Light Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, and Saugatuck Center for the Arts in Michigan.
Hannah Pohlman
Stage ManagerPatricia Wallace-Winbush
I always thought 20/20 meant that you had perfect vision, when it really only indicates visual clarity. It is my hope that these beautiful plays, in the year 2020, will help people see the world and the Black experience more clearly.
Patricia Wallace-Winbush
Patty is a highly respected actress and director on the Columbus theatre scene. She has performed with several local theatre companies most notably Players Theatre, Gallery Players, Red Herring Theatre Ensemble, Short North Stage and CATCO. Her directing credits include several productions with PAST Productions Columbus where she is also co-founder and co-producer. Patty has been twice nominated for Excellence in Directing by the Central Ohio Theatre Roundtable. She is currently a proud member of Good Medicine Productions as Doctor Funzi, a healthcare clown. A graduate of Wright State University with a BFA in Acting, Patty recently performed her one-woman show entitled THANK GOD I LOOK GOOD IN PINK, which chronicled her journey as a breast cancer survivor. She would like to thank her family for supporting her dreams, especially her husband Truman Winbush Jr.
Patricia Wallace-Winbush
DirectorA child and a parent try to complete a rap for a school presentation.
AGES: 9+
CAST & CREW:
Preston Hudson
“Playing the role of Pete was a great opportunity. I feel honored and humbled to be a part of something that shines a light on a struggle we have been dealing with for generations.”
Preston on his involvement with Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow
My name is Preston Hudson and I am honored to play “Pete” in the short play, Nothing Rhymes with Juneteenth. I have been involved with theatre for the past eight years. Most recently I have played “Spiky Turtle” in the musical, Press Start and “Michael” in the musical ELF Jr, both which were through CATCO Kids. I am in the 8th grade and attend Ridgeview Junior High. When I am not in a show, I enjoy baking, running Cross Country, playing tennis, singing and dancing.
Preston Hudson
PeteVivica McCrary
“These stories by Idris Goodwin, Nothing Rhymes With Juneteenth in particular,are extremely significant especially in these times. An event that specifically surrounds the liberation of Black people has been systematically buried and silenced through the telling of American history. I know when I was Pete’s age I was never taught about Juneteenth in school. There were no history lessons about how it took two years after the signing of The Emancipation Proclamation to notify enslaved people that they were actually free! Can you imagine! To this day many people don’t know this fact. To see the portrayal of a young person’s passion and excitement about Juneteenth. To get this missed piece of history out of a forgotten place and into the hands and hearts of his peers, is extremely powerful and even hopeful!”
Vivica McCrary on her involvement in Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow
Vivica is absolutely thrilled to be a part of CATCO’s very first virtual season! She has been an admirer of CATCO and CAPA is Kids ever since participating in their summer programs as a child. Vivica is a stage manager, director, marketing lead and talented voice over artist. Vivica has stage managed and directed several shows over the years such as State of The Arts Productions’ The Color Purple and The Hundred Dresses. It is truly her privilege to present to you these works which are on a subject that is very personal and dear to her heart. #BlackLivesMatter
Vivica McCrary
Stage ManagerSharon Udoh
During this time, it’s important for America to embrace “the new” and “the different”. We have to re-examine different ways to approach the subject of race in America, and even how we approach the new approaches themselves. One way that change can happen is through thought-provoking, intergenerational conversation—and art can help with that. That’s why I wanted to be involved with this play!
Sharon Udoh
Sharon Udoh is a first-generation Nigerian-American composer, pianist, educator, actor, and cultural critic. Her work focuses on how humans change over time, the necessity of personal revolution and connection, and emotional curiosity. Her performances are magnetic, dangerous, and kind; they embody the richness of complexity, absurdity, empathy, chaos, and the struggle and freedom of Black and brown individuals in America and worldwide.
Sharon Udoh
JeanKenneth Brown
“As the director of one of these incredible short plays, I feel a great responsibility to give a representative view of what an anti-racist future looks like. A future where having conversations about race, culture, and the complete history and present of our country are as natural as conversations about sports and homework. These plays can act as an entryway point for a broad range of ages and cultures to broach these, traditionally, difficult subjects and normalize the conversations around them. Any role I can have in that process is one I’m excited, honored, and humbled to play.”
Kenneth Brown on his involvement in Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow
Kenneth Brown is a Columbus-based renaissance artist with acting, singing, dancing, writing, choreography, and directing credits. He has recently had the opportunity to be involved locally in many aspects of performance art including as an actor, singer, dancer, assistant choreographer for “Renaissance Magic”, actor, singer, dancer and choreographer in several productions with Thiossance West African Dance Institute, a dancer for Onyx Productions’ “The Colored Section”, and a Theatre Roundtable “Excellence In Choreography” award-winning turn as choreographer for State of The Arts Productions’ “The Color Purple.” While he has always had a passion for art that speaks to the injustices in our political, ethnic, and socioeconomic climate, during the current pandemic and time of civil unrest he has become dedicated to anti-racist artistic endeavors including a collaboration with New Vision Dance Company, “Forward”, his own filmed spoken word piece “Round 1”, and three short plays with Theater For All People for the HeART of Protest.
Kenneth Brown
DirectorFormer high school friends debate matters of life and race.
AGES: 14+
CAST & CREW:
Lori Lindsey
Lori A Lindsey, a native of Columbus, developed a love for performing at an early age. She is known for her natural ability to engage audiences by defining emotions, characters and artistic visions through dance. As she broadens her talent and skills into acting, she has appeared in several productions as an actress including Judah Performing Arts ‘Africa To America’, Onyx Production ‘The Colored Section’, The Lincoln Theatre’s Harlem Renaissance Gala, and The Maroon Artist Group ‘Inside The Riot’. She is always grateful for the opportunity to use art to evoke change, inspire action, encourage faith and increase social awareness.
Lori Lindsey
KimPhilip Hickman
Philip J. Hickman is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BA in English focusing on Early Modern English Literature. He was co-founder of Bison Players and has worked for Actors’ Theatre of Columbus since 2010. After serving as Associate Artistic Director beginning in 2013, he was named Artistic Director in 2015. Hickman has performed in works by Shakespeare and other classic authors for more than 20 years. His favorite roles in Shakespeare’s plays are Cassius in Julius Caesar and Caliban in The Tempest. He appeared last as Le Vicomte de Valmont in Christopher Hampton’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Doctor Bartolo in Pierre Beaumarchais’ The Barber of Seville, and as King Edward IV in Richard III. Philip Hickman is also a playwright, adapting the legend Robin Hood and Alexandre Dumas’ Le Comte de Monte-Cristo to the stage. Both plays were named to the Columbus Dispatch “Best Plays” lists for their respective years (2012, 2016). Most recently, Hickman directed the world premiere of Beowulf (and the Bard) and co-directed Les Liaisons Dangereuses for the 2019 Actors’ Theatre season. He also directed 2018’s Macbeth and Puss in Boots, and 2015’s world premiere of Vidas Barzdukas’ Captain Blood (an adaptation of the Raphael Sabatini novel), which was named “Best Play of 2015” by the Columbus Dispatch. Hickman also teaches playwriting; he taught with Bison Players, The Graham School, and with private students.
Philip Hickman
ColeHannah Pohlman
“In times like this, these plays are incredibly important. What we all need now more than anything is a lesson and a reminder of empathy. We all need to be mindful of what others are going through, especially of those in the BIPOC community.
I am excited to be a part of this process because we get to drive those meanings home through a media that is similar, but different than what we as theatre artists are used to. During this global crisis, it’s incredibly important that we all find ways to be creative and share our important messages to the world. ”
Hannah Pohlman
Hannah holds a B.F.A. in Theatre Design/Technology from Otterbein University. She is excited to be back in the world of theatre in the Zoom format. Hannah is a stage manager, costumer, and small online business owner. Previously, Hannah has worked with Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, Columbus Children’s Theatre, Short North Stage, and Available Light Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, and Saugatuck Center for the Arts in Michigan.
Hannah Pohlman
Stage ManagerDavid Harewood
“The plays in this series are important because we’ve been struggling as adults to talk in any meaningful ways about the issues that have lead us up to this point, and I view being a part of a series like this to be no less than the duty of the artist to the world we live in. While some take to the streets and others lobby their legislatures, others give money quietly, set up legal services for the wrongfully incarcerated to do their part, others tell stories to help move us forward.
These pieces all represent parts we need to play, and I hope they help.”
David. S. Harewood
DAVID S. HAREWOOD has spent the last twenty years exploring the intersection of art and social justice movements, sometimes working as a community and political organizer or as dramaturge for CATCO’s EUBIE! In ‘18, director of The Colored Section (Onyx, ‘16), Abraham Lincoln. . .( Evolution, ‘16), The Tempest (Actors’, ‘17,) The Color Purple, (SoArtsPro, ‘18,) and Home CATCO, ‘19). His post-COVID works include re-imaginings of great speeches and letters from the Civil Rights era and before, one in collaboration with the Abbey Theater of Dublin and a series that can be found on the Theatre for All People Facebook page.
David Harewood
DirectorTHANK YOU TO OUR #MATTER PARTNERS:
Editing:
Sam Nahem, President | Nic White, Editor
Music: #saymyname by Carole Walker
TIMELINE // HOW IT WORKS
TIMELINE // HOW IT WORKS
Celebrate–Converse–Connect
Join us for a full afternoon of programming on Saturday, October 24 as we premiere CATCO’s productions of Idris Goodwin’s Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow! We’ll premiere the short plays at 3 pm, 3:30 pm, 4 pm, and 5:30 pm. Join us as you are able during our livestream for the plays, followed by brief talkbacks with the artists. Also included: a panel discussion at 4:30 pm centered around how to talk to your children about race. Finally, please reconnect with us for a toast at 6 p.m. to celebrate the opening of our first-ever virtual season!
Individual plays will be available to watch immediately following their premiere.
3 pm: Premiere of The Water Gun Song, followed by a talkback with the artists.
3:30 pm: Premiere of ACT FREE, followed by a talkback with the artists.
4 pm: Premiere of Nothing Rhymes with Juneteenth, followed by a talkback with the artists.
4:30 pm: Panel Discussion: Talking to Kids About Race
5:30 pm: Premiere of #Matter, followed by a talkback with the artists.
6 pm: Opening Celebration
PANEL CONVERSATION:
TALKING WITH KIDS ABOUT RACE
PANELISTS:
Brad Richey
Construction Executive, Turner Construction
Tommie Lewis
President & CEO of Make it Plain Consulting
Vanessa Jester
Community Affairs Coordinator, Turner Construction
MODERATOR:
Leda Hoffmann
CATCO Artistic Director
PANEL SPONSOR:

PANEL CONVERSATION:
TALKING WITH KIDS ABOUT RACE
PANELISTS:
Brad Richey
Construction Executive, Turner Construction
Tommie Lewis
President & CEO of Make it Plain Consulting
Vanessa Jester
Community Affairs Coordinator, Turner Construction
MODERATOR:
Leda Hoffmann
CATCO Artistic Director
PANEL SPONSOR:

Celebrate–Converse–Connect
Join us for a full afternoon of programming on Saturday, October 24 as we premiere CATCO’s productions of Idris Goodwin’s Short Plays Toward an Antiracist Tomorrow! We’ll premiere the short plays at 3 pm, 3:30 pm, 4 pm, and 5:30 pm. Join us as you are able during our livestream for the plays, followed by brief talkbacks with the artists. Also included: a panel discussion at 4:30 pm centered around how to talk to your children about race. Finally, please reconnect with us for a toast at 6 p.m. to celebrate the opening of our first-ever virtual season!
Individual plays will be available to watch immediately following their premiere.
3 pm: Premiere of The Water Gun Song, followed by a talkback with the artists.
3:30 pm: Premiere of ACT FREE, followed by a talkback with the artists.
4 pm: Premiere of Nothing Rhymes with Juneteenth, followed by a talkback with the artists.
4:30 pm: Panel Discussion: Talking to Kids About Race
5:30 pm: Premiere of #Matter, followed by a talkback with the artists.
6 pm: Opening Celebration

ABOUT IDRIS GOODWIN
Across two decades Idris Goodwin has forged a multi-faceted career as an award-winning playwright, Break Beat poet, director, educator, and organizer. Idris is the newly appointed Director of The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. A catalyst for culture, Goodwin uses his full creative powers to galvanize people to the community square. He is a creative voice for change, impassioned by art for social good.

ABOUT IDRIS GOODWIN
Across two decades Idris Goodwin has forged a multi-faceted career as an award-winning playwright, Break Beat poet, director, educator, and organizer. Idris is the newly appointed Director of The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College. A catalyst for culture, Goodwin uses his full creative powers to galvanize people to the community square. He is a creative voice for change, impassioned by art for social good.
These works are free of charge to our community as part of the HeART of Protest Initiative, in partnership with the King Arts Complex.

These works are free of charge to our community as part of the HeART of Protest Initiative, in partnership with the King Arts Complex.

RESOURCES
EXPLORE
Watch Leda’s exclusive interview with playwright Idris Goodwin.
Explore the King Arts Complex HeART of Protest Initiative
Kids and Teens Recommended Book List
CNN/Sesame Street Racism Town Hall – How to Explain Racism to Kids
CATCO Connections – Leda Explores her First CATCO Production
ENGAGE
Help Get Out the Vote – Organize a Vote Fest!
Talking About Race from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Honoring & Celebrating Juneteenth – New Victory Arts Break
RESOURCES
EXPLORE
Watch Leda’s exclusive interview with playwright Idris Goodwin.
Explore the King Arts Complex HeART of Protest Initiative
Kids and Teens Recommended Book List
CNN/Sesame Street Racism Town Hall – How to Explain Racism to Kids
CATCO Connections – Leda Explores her First CATCO Production
ENGAGE
Help Get Out the Vote – Organize a Vote Fest!
Talking About Race from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Honoring & Celebrating Juneteenth – New Victory Arts Break