The Drama Club
Team is a Family.
We’re a mix of former theater kids,
formerly incarcerated kids, activists, teachers, and artists.
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Founder, Executive Director
Josie is the founder and Executive Director of Drama Club. Previous work includes teaching for Rehabilitation Through the Arts at Sing Sing and Woodbourne Correctional Facilities, where she taught courses on acting, public speaking and comedy.
Before founding Drama Club, Josie developed a drop-in acting class for GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services), serving girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking.
Over the last ten years she has taught Acting, Improvisation and Text Analysis at Fordham University, New York University, Montclair State University, and Larry Singer Studios. She holds an MFA from NYU’s Graduate Acting program.
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Deputy Director
Originally from South Carolina, Ashley is a self-identified G.R.I.T.S. — Girl Raised In The South! Prior to moving to New York City, she received her MFA from Louisiana State University. Ashley's work motto is "Advocacy Is Access." She brings her empathy, compassion, and love of the arts to her work as an educator and administrator. Her mission is to provide underserved and underrepresented demographics access to the power of theater arts.
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Director of Development
William White is the newly appointed Director of Development at the Drama Club. With over 25 years in nonprofit development, William has a proven track record of enhancing fundraising efforts and expanding donor networks to support essential community programs. He has previously led major fundraising initiatives at organizations like the Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Cerebral Palsy, and Right To Play, significantly increasing annual contributions through strategic planning and robust donor engagement.
William’s innovative approaches to special events and major gift solicitation have consistently surpassed fundraising targets, channeling critical resources into programs focused on education, health, and the arts. Passionate about the power of community and the arts to effect positive change, he is dedicated to empowering youth through creative and expressive spaces. William studied Visual Communication at the University of Oregon, where he also managed two art galleries which led to an artistic cultural exchange in the former Soviet Union and curated an exhibit that travels the US for three years. He is eager to propel the Drama Club’s development efforts to new heights, ensuring sustained support for transformative programs.
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Director of Advancement and Operations
Bryn Magnus is a writer and arts administrator. He is an ensemble member emeritus of Curious Theater Branch in Chicago and his plays have been produced by Curious Theater Branch, Steppenwolf Theater (Chicago), Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago), Unanimous Cohort Theater (London), Performers Under Stress (San Francisco), the Washington Ensemble Theater (Seattle) and Virus Fest (Berlin, Dessau, Halle, Leipzig).
Bryn was the Managing Director and main writing instructor at Free Street Theater in Chicago where he helped develop plays with ensembles of teen writers, performers and producers. Those plays toured multiple times to Germany, Norway and Thailand. He has also emulated the career path of many writers by stumbling around the country working as a tree planter, apple picker, ice hauler and private eye.
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Senior Manager: Youth Development & Advocacy.
Sophie is a registered Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) originally from Wilmington, Delaware. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Cornell University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Columbia University.
Sophie is a strong supporter of the use of theater as a therapy modality. Growing up, theater gave her a place to express herself and build community. She believes everyone deserves that same opportunity. In her free time, Sophie is a competitive adult figure skater and lover of all things artsy-and-crafty.
Teaching Artists
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Tiffany was born and raised in Jackson Heights, Queens. Her journey with Drama Club started as a student and she is proud to now call herself a Teaching Artist. She is led by her passion to support, mentor and relate with all youth she comes in contact with. She loves music and theater. Tiffany is a determined and outspoken advocate for youth who have been caught in the criminal legal system. She believes every person deserves to be heard, no matter their circumstances.
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Abby Pierce has been a teaching artist for 13 years and helped begin the EPIC program in Chicago which brings theater to women who are incarcerated in Cook County Jail. She is also a writer, actor, and director for film, TV, and theater. The Jeff-nominated theater production she directed of “Hopelessly Devoted” had a workshop series and special performance in Cook County Jail.
Abby was a part of devising and publishing “Drawing Our Sky”, a children’s book created by incarcerated mothers, which is provided as a free resource for parents to use with their children during visitation hours.
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Cesar was born in the Bronx, NYC. Cesar is a founding member and Co- Artistic director of the Middle Voice Theater Company, the apprentice company to Rattlestick Playwrights Theater.
Cesar is an alumnus of the Atlantic Theater Company Conservatory and received his BFA at The Mason Gross School of the Arts, at Rutgers University. He is in the Broadway company of the upcoming play, Plaza Suite, featuring Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick.
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Terralon was born and raised in Houston, TX. After studying at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, she continued her training at Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts graduating with a BFA in Acting.
She continues her work in New York City, where she has worked on an Emmy Nominated web series and been featured in a major brand commercial.
Apprentices
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(He/Him)
BrooklynDee joined Drama Club at 15 and quickly found it to be a fun, valuable place to grow—plus, it helps him stay focused on his goals. He’s here to learn, laugh, and maybe sneak in a few random off-topic comments (because why not?).
If he could make one improv rule, it’d be simple: make sure every scene has at least one thing to make people laugh. His movie would be called I’m Not Who I Used to Be, and his dream role? Not actor—director.
Dee a Teddy Graham kind of guy—underrated, but worth a try. His emoji alter egos are: 😎🤐🧸. His advice to his younger self? “Focus on the bagggg.” And in real life, Yes, And means going with the flow and not stressing the uncontrollable.
He wants you to know that not all young people who’ve been incarcerated still carry that mindset—we’re not all bad people. Dee proud of how hard he’s trying in school... and his shoes say he might just be the chillest guy ever.
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Drama Club bio coming soon.
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(He/Him)
QueensMel—was 15 when he joined Drama Club which has been a place for him to come out of his shell and explore all kinds of thoughts, ideas, and possibilities.
If his life were a movie, it’d be called Let’s Get Off Earth, and he’d be the sharp, slightly chaotic Rick Sanchez-type. He describes himself with 😶🌫️😆😏 and would proudly win the “Most Optimistic” award.
Mel’s dream improv rule? Explore what the circumstances are—not just conflict, but any situation, positive, negative, or neutral. His shoes would say he’s mindful and has excellent taste—and if he were a snack, he’d be Purple Doritos: bold, different, and unforgettable.
To his younger self, he’d say, “Stay constructive and positive.” And to Mel, Yes, And means staying open to opportunities and being mature enough to offer your own take in the moment. He hopes people will look deeper into the mental processes of young people who’ve been incarcerated.
Right now, Mel’s especially proud of one thing: his productivity last marking period in school.
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(He/Him)
BrooklynZunnon joined Drama Club at 18 through NEON Arts and probation, and it’s given him more than just a creative outlet—it’s helped him understand how nonprofits work and connect with mentors who support his growth.
If his life had a title, it’d be Lotus Flower—a symbol of resilience. He’d add a simple improv rule: Always try to entertain the audience. He sees himself playing a villain on screen one day—“they’re the most fun.”
Zunnon describes himself with 🐝💪🏾👑, and if he were a snack? Peanut M&M’s: colorful, classic, and packed with personality. His shoes would probably beg for a break: “You need a car—we’re tired of walking.”
To his younger self, he’d say, “Have hope and believe in yourself.” For Zunnon, Yes, And means taking your current circumstances and building something better from them.
He wants people to know that many young people who’ve been incarcerated are responding to trauma they never learned how to navigate. And right now, he’s proud of how far he’s come—his growth, his wisdom, and the way he’s applied both.
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Drama Club bio coming soon…
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He/Him)
BronxRoshay joined Drama Club around age 19 or 20 after being referred—and it’s given him space to grow, learn, and collaborate with apprentices from all kinds of disciplines. For him, it’s more than just acting—it’s community.
If his life were a movie, it’d be called Beauty vs. Havoc, a reflection of balance, loss, and resilience. He’d add a unique improv rule: if an apprentice wants to stay extra hours, they can—but only if they’ve handled business, like schoolwork or deadlines.
Roshay would proudly play the lead in a Marvel movie, powers and all—flying, combat, telekinesis, and acrobatics included. He describes himself with 👛🍓👑 and says he’s a chocolate-covered fruit kind of snack: sweet, rich, and layered.
He’d tell his younger self, “You got this! Just keep swimming.” To him, Yes, And means never leaving someone hanging—always showing up to help them build. His shoes would probably beg for a break from all the walking, though.
Roshay wants people to understand that young people who’ve been incarcerated need support—and that everyone’s voice matters when advocating for change. He’s proud of holding onto his A’s, starting college, and continuing forward while mourning the loss of his beloved mom and baby boy, Lupone.
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Kaysha is one of our newest phenomenal members of the apprenticeship team.
The world may know her as Kayy Bankss, modeling , dancing, hosting and promoting parties . Drama Club has a special place in her heart as this is where she is able to express the feelings she has to hide in the field of work she is in. One word that would perfectly describe Kayy is resilient. Despite all the obstacles thrown her way from the day she was born, she has always found a way to get by . Joining Drama Club is what she believes to be her biggest blessing . The endless support and opportunities is what she one day aspires to give back to her community.
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(She/Her)
BronxYayah found Drama Club at 17 after meeting the team during her time in incarceration—and it’s meant the world to her. It’s helped her come out of her shell, opened her up to new skills, and offered a space that feels safe, real, and full of growth.
If her life were a movie, it’d be called MY WORLD, with her as the main character, of course. Her dream improv rule? TikToks allowed! She describes herself with 🥰❤️🐶 and would definitely win “Most Creative Person.”
If Yayah were a snack, she’d be chocolate—sweet and lovable, just like her favorite treat. Her shoes would probably tease her for having small feet and warn her to keep them that way. She’d tell her younger self, “Listen when you get advice, and stop being so hard-headed!”
To her, Yes, And means going with the flow—sometimes you don’t have to agree, just roll with it. Yayah wants people to understand that change is real, and things do get better if you give people the chance.
She’s proud of taking the leap to start her cake business—something she was scared to do, but is now thriving.
Board of Directors
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Director
Latasha is a strategic, solution oriented senior Human Resources Leader with over 20 years of corporate and operational experience in diverse industries ranging from publicly traded to private equity start up, globally and domestically headquartered as well as B2C and B2B business models. She has consistently delivered exceptional results focused on driving business results, cultural support and evolution as well as process optimization. Latasha is able to engage with talent at all levels of an organization demonstrating empathy and genuine desire to achieve supportive outcomes.
In addition to her professional experience, Latasha has over 10 years of experience with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. whose mission is to nurture future leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. Latasha held the position of Regional Protocol Chair for the organization’s largest region. While in this role, she dedicated countless community service hours across the country while still dedicating herself to the local chapter as Nomination Committee Chair, Local Protocol Chair, Mediation Liaison, Grievance Committee Chair and Special Events Committee Member.
Latasha is able to leverage her Human Resources experience and community service dedication to impart leadership, empathy, and strategic direction for companies as well as various non-profit organizations.
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Treasurer
Destiny is currently an Internal Audit professional at dentsu International, a multinational media and digital marketing communications company, where she aids departments in improving operations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Financial Market Regulation from the University at Albany, SUNY, and a master’s degree in Accounting from The George Washington University. Destiny’s past experience includes External Audit for Financial Services clients and Financial Planning and Analysis for a Retail organization.
Outside of work, Destiny enjoys mentoring, traveling, and experiencing the arts. As a child, Destiny took acting classes through Ifetayo cultural arts program and continued training at the Brooklyn School for Music and Theatre in the Prospect Heights Campus where she learned acting, audio production, stage combat, and set design. She performed in various productions with the Black Theatre Productions at the University at Albany. Destiny joined Drama Club’s Finance Committee in 2018, as the mission aligned with her appreciation for theater and commitment to service.
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Director
Brian is an actor based in NYC, originally from Northern Virginia. He first moved to NYC for college, earning his BFA in Acting from Marymount Manhattan College. After that, he took a year off and enjoyed the city as a non-student, then went back to school to earn his MFA in Acting from Columbia University. Since graduating in 2020, he has been in multiple regional theatre productions and other projects such as a fun commercial!
Brian found out about Drama Club and the wonderful work they do from a Google search! He had often thought about how much of a positive impact the arts had on him as a child and knows that his life would have been much different had he not been in that little play about underwater sea creatures in the 6th grade. He wanted to find an organization that provided arts education to the youth and he came across Drama Club, reached out, and spoke directly to Josie on the phone. He knew INSTANTLY that Drama Club was an organization he wanted to be involved with. Their mission is extraordinarily important and the impact they have is undeniable. Additionally, every person Brian has met through Drama Club shows, galas, open classes, etc. has been delightful, generous, and genuinely kind. Brian is grateful to be involved with the incredible people at Drama Club.
In addition to acting and his involvement with Drama Club, Brian loves to cook, explore movement through strength training, and spend time with his friends and family.
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Director
Ali's unique approach to storytelling reflects a deep appreciation for the diverse narratives of different individuals. They have a remarkable ability to weave together the threads of various people's stories to create a rich and compelling narrative, fostering empathy and understanding.
Ali's collaborative spirit is evident in their longstanding partnership with Josie on Drama Club initiatives over the years. This collaboration has not only enriched the lives of those involved but has also contributed to the organization's mission of using the arts as a tool for positive change.
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Director
Scott is part of the Investigations Team at Starbucks, where he investigates employee complaints of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Before Starbucks, Scott worked as a partner at Seyfarth Shaw in their employment group and also had previous stints as an actor and public defender in Brooklyn's Juvenile Rights Division.
Scott is proud to have been part of the Drama Club community since 2016.
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Director
Dana Rand is a licensed social worker and artist with a deep commitment to creating accessible and culturally relevant healing spaces for young men of color. She is a Dominican native New Yorker and a graduate from the Columbia University School of Social Work. As a Mitigation Specialist for The Legal Aid Society's Homicide Defense Task Force, Dana's work is focused on the connection between storytelling, legal advocacy, and trauma informed care. Through her multifaceted roles as a social worker, artist, and community advocate, she continues to create transformative spaces that empower individuals and promote collective healing.
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Director
Leah is part of the Llama team at Meta, working on narrative strategy, industry intelligence, and product. She has an MBA from Columbia, an MPhil from Cambridge, and a BA from UConn. Her past experience includes startups and venture capital.
She is a native NYer, and after a decade of living elsewhere, she returned to her childhood neighborhood of the UWS in 2020. Her parents raised her on a steady diet of Broadway shows, and despite having zero acting skills, continues to love and find joy in theater, particularly both the solace and the skills that acting impacts.