The Drama Club
Team is a Family.
We’re a mix of former theater kids,
formerly incarcerated kids, activists, teachers, and artists.
Executive Team
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Executive Director
Ashley@dramaclub.org
803-293-6176Originally 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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Deputy Director
Bryn@dramaclub.orgBryn 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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Director of Development and Communications
William@dramaclub.org
917-570-0564William 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.
Founder
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Founder
Josie is the founder 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.
Program Staff
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Programs Coordinator
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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Program Manager: Education and Outreach
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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Teaching Artist
Emma is a Canadian raised, New York based interdisciplinary artist/actor and teaching artist who enjoys devising, creative writing, painting, zine-making, singing, and roller skating. They have worked with youth through to seniors and believe in the power of intergenerational community building, healing through art-making and everyone’s right to experience and create art. Emma enjoys exploring whimsical, and out-of-the-box theater experiences with her students. She has had the joy to teach with Eryc Taylor Dance Outreach, Irondale Theatre Education, Stella Adler’s Arts Justice program, and Drama Club.
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Teaching Artist
Faith Soncourt is a New York-based teaching artist, holding a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch and currently pursuing an Expressive Arts Therapy Graduate Certificate at the Maine College of Art + Design. A dedicated zine-maker and educator, Faith focuses on self-narrative, playwriting, and creative expression through writing and theatre making, guiding young people to explore their stories and voices through the arts.
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Teaching Artist
Caleb Grandoit is an actor, published writer and teaching artist. As a teaching artist he works in an after school theater program for students attending New York City’s most under-served public schools. He works with middle school students and the young people of New York City’s Alternative School District, D79, facilitating workshops on improvisation, acting technique, and writing exercises to help kids and teens unleash their creativity, and develop leadership and problem-solving skills. He also works with Drama Club. Drama Club is a nonprofit that brings theater and improv to young people impacted by the juvenile justice system. They run programs at Rikers Island, Horizon, and Crossroads juvenile detention centers, as well as alternative-to-detention and post incarceration programs.
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Program 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.
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Teaching Artist
Aaron LaRoche is a comedian based in NY. Aaron has performed all over including UCB as a member of Tiptoe, internationally with his indie troupe Branded Silk and at Second City NY where he also teaches Improvisation. Aaron is a believer in the power of play to transform lived realities. He is excited to be a part of Drama Club.
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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(She/Her)
BronxKitty joined Drama Club at 17 and jumped right in—figuring it out as she goes. For her, being an apprentice is about connection and teamwork, learning that the real magic happens when you make your scene partner look brilliant.
If her life were a movie, it’d be called Moment Between the Lines—full of surprises and quiet depth. She describes herself with and sees her dream role as someone who constantly surprises people.
Her approach to improv is simple: make the other person shine. She’d tell her younger self, “Stop rushing your growth—everything you’re meant to be is already unfolding.” To Kitty, Yes, And means accepting what comes your way and building on it with positivity.
If she were a snack, she’d be popcorn—chill but lively. Her shoes would say, “We’ve been everywhere—and you never slow down.” She’d win the “Laughing” award without question.
Kitty wants people to understand that incarceration is only part of someone’s story—not the whole thing. Right now, she’s proud of becoming the best version of herself—and being a great mother.
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(She/Her)
ManhattanVictoria joined Drama Club at 16 through the Apprentice program, and it’s become a space where she can open up, connect with others, and find moments of joy and distraction in a positive way.
If her life were a movie, it’d be called Unpredictable—full of twists, strong эмоtions, and real growth. She describes herself with and dreams of becoming a comedian, bringing laughter and honesty to every stage she steps on. Her improv rule? Speak when spoken to.
Victoria would win the “Awareness” award, and her shoes would say, “I lead you with lessons.” If she were a snack, she’d be gum—because people are always “popping it” about her, but she keeps it moving.
She’d tell her younger self, “Don’t let it bother you.” To her, Yes, And depends on the moment and the conversation—but it’s about knowing how to respond and stay present.
Victoria wants people to understand that there’s always more to the story when it comes to young people who’ve been through the system. Right now, she’s proud of her growth, her accomplishments, and the changes she’s made.
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(She/Her)
BronxJasmin joined Drama Club at 20 through The Door, and it’s given her something powerful—a sense of community that isn’t confined by labels. For her, being an apprentice means expanding her knowledge through connection and shared experience.
If her life were a movie, it’d be called Garden Armstrong—layered, thoughtful, and full of meaning. She describes herself with and dreams of taking on a role like Hamlet, bringing depth and intensity to the stage.
Jasmin wouldn’t change a thing about the improv rules—they’re solid as they are. Her philosophy? Make it work. She’d tell her younger self, “Listen to your father. You have family everywhere.”
If she were a snack, she’d be a jalapeño—full of flavor with a little kick. Her shoes might complain, “She doesn’t take good care of us,” but they’ve clearly been on a journey.
Jasmin would win the award for “Most Hairstyles Changed in Six Months,” and she wants people to understand this truth: young people who’ve been incarcerated didn’t fail—they were failed.
Right now, she’s most proud of one thing: her resilience.
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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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(He/Him)
BrooklynJehmel joined Drama Club at 17 after looking for acting classes and a chance to get outside more. He found The Door—and then Drama Club—and now he’s surrounded by kids his age, focusing on what’s always been his passion: acting.
If his life were a movie, it’d be called Finding Your True Identity—the journey of figuring out who you really are. He’d love to star in a live-action anime adaptation or superhero movie, living out big screen adventures. His dream improv rule? Be your true self.
Jehmel describes himself with and would definitely win Best Anime Shirts. He says he’s a Chex Mix kind of snack—lots of different pieces, all in one. His shoes would probably complain: “I’m tired of you wearing me every day—switch it up!”
He’d tell his younger self, “Don’t be ashamed. Be proud of who you are—you don’t have to be like anyone else to fit in.”Yes, And means opening up and trying new experiences, even if they feel scary.
Jehmel wants people to know that court-involved youth are just kids who’ve been through things no kid should have to—and they deserve grace, compassion, and the chance to grow. Right now, he’s proud of waking up, trying his best, and taking life one step at a time.
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(He/Him)
Brooklyn
Timothy was just 15 when his brother introduced him to Drama Club—and he’s been smiling ever since. For him, being an apprentice is all about happiness and the fun that comes with the work.
If his life were a movie, it would be called The Life of the Infamous Tim—a mix of humor and heart. He’d proudly win the Good Music Taste award (his shoes agree—they’ve been worn out chasing the perfect vibe). Timothy dreams of landing that role just under the lead, the kind of part that often steals the show.
He says he’s a Cheez-It—his childhood favorite snack, still a classic. His advice to his younger self? “Going into high school, focus on yourself.” To Timothy, Yes, And… means following along, understanding, and building on what’s given.
He wants people to know that youth who’ve been incarcerated can change—and shouldn’t be judged by their past. Right now, the thing he’s most proud of is simple and big: Life.
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(He/Him)
BronxShawn joined Drama Club at 19 after being introduced while incarcerated, and it’s opened the door to new experiences and real connections. For him, being an apprentice means staying committed to growth and being open to feedback—even when it’s not easy.
If his life were a movie, it’d be called Just Getting Started, a story about moving forward and figuring things out as you go. He describes himself with and keeps it real about where he’s at.
His dream improv rule? Build, don’t block—always add to the moment instead of shutting it down. His shoes might complain, “Stop messing me up,” but they’ve clearly been through a lot with him.
Shawn would tell his younger self, “Don’t fall in love,” and keeps things simple when it comes to life advice—still figuring some of it out. But what he does know is that being part of Drama Club means showing up and putting in the work.
He wants people to understand that everyone’s path is different—and right now, he’s proud of one powerful thing: being free.
Board of Directors
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Interim Chair
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
Annie J. Howell is a screenwriter and film director. Her most recent credit is for YELLOW ROSE, starring Tony-nominee Eva Noblezada (“Hadestown”), which she wrote with director Diane Paragas. That film is the recipient of eight Grand Jury Prizes for Best Narrative Feature as well as two Audience Awards. YELLOW ROSE is distributed by Sony Pictures Worldwide. Howell also wrote the screenplay for LITTLE BOXES, starring Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”) and the late Nelsan Ellis (“True Blood”), which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, sold to Netflix, and is now streaming everywhere via Tribeca Films. Howell has co-written and co-directed two features with Lisa Robinson: SMALL, BEAUTIFULLY MOVING PARTS starring Anna Margaret Hollyman (WHITE REINDEER), Broadway legend Mary Beth Peil (“Dawson’s Creek”) and André Holland (MOONLIGHT), and CLAIRE IN MOTION starring Betsy Brandt (“Breaking Bad”). Each film premiered at SXSW and played festivals, select theaters, and streamers. She is the recipient of the Sloan Feature Film Prize, an IFP Emerging Narrative Award for Best Feature, a Nantucket Screenwriters Colony residency, and a San Francisco Film Society/Rainin Foundation grant, amongst other awards. She has taught at Duke University, The New School, Ohio University (tenured), NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Vermont College of Fine Arts and The City College of New York. Howell grew up in the Arizona desert and is an alum of Whitman College and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She is a life-long theater-goer and is writing her first stage musical.
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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
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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Martin R. Feinman, Esq., was the Juvenile Justice Coordinator and Trainer for the Juvenile Rights Practice of the Legal Aid Society in New York City. In addition to training staff at the Legal Aid Society, Mr. Feinman has provided trainings for other organizations in New York State, as well as for the National Juvenile Defender Center and the National Association of Counsel for Children.
During his tenure with the Legal Aid Society, Mr. Feinman has also served as the Attorney in Charge of the Brooklyn office of the Juvenile Rights Practice, where he managed a multi-disciplinary staff of approximately 100 professionals representing children in Child Welfare and Juvenile Delinquency proceedings. Prior to that, Mr. Feinman also served as a Staff Attorney for the Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Division.
Mr. Feinman received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University and he spent several years, first as a therapist doing individual, group and family therapy, and then as the Program Director of the adolescent unit at a large psychiatric facility in Syracuse, New York. Mr. Feinman obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Syracuse University School of Law.
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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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Secretary
Amy Aisha Webb has always been passionate about supporting children and teens. She served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Las Vegas, working with Communities in Schools of Southern Nevada as a Community Outreach Coordinator, bringing vital resources to over 40 schools in the area.
Amy holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and currently serves as president of the university’s New York alumni chapter, overseeing alumni engagement across the Tri-State area. She was introduced to Drama Club through the New York Junior League, where she remains an active and engaged member.
Her volunteer work also includes the USO, Girl Scouts, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, her local youth recreation center, and the Emerging Leaders Council for Learn Fresh. Amy comes from a bicultural family and holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Jordan. A former ballet student at Joffrey Ballet School, she enjoys dance, travel, and music in her free time.
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Director
Amy is a strategy and organization design consultant who works closely with leaders to bring structure and focus to critical decisions. Amy helps purpose-driven teams prioritize what matters most - and build the systems to make it happen. Amy has over 25 years of expertise in for-profit and nonprofit K-12 education, and her areas of expertise include strategic planning, equitable and evidence-based instruction, operational design, and Board development. She is an accomplished senior leader and former strategy consultant who has worked at national organizations including Student Achievement Partners, Kaplan K-12 and College Prep, The Grow Network/McGraw-Hill, and Bain & Company. Amy earned her AB magna cum laude from Harvard University and her MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She makes her home in Brooklyn with her husband and three unruly children.
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Interim Treasurer
Misha serves as Treasurer of Drama Club and is passionate about supporting the organization’s mission of expanding access to theater arts for all communities. As a finance professional with extensive experience in accounting and nonprofit auditing, she brings expertise in financial oversight, budgeting, and governance to the Board.Misha is committed to ensuring the organization’s resources are managed responsibly and transparently, helping to strengthen Drama Club’s ability to serve students, artists, and communities for years to come. She believes that strong financial stewardship plays a vital role in creating opportunities for creativity, education, and artistic expression.
When not serving on the Board, Misha enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and supporting community-focused initiatives that promote education and the arts.