BIOS
COLTON BERRY (Emcee) is thrilled to don the lederhosen, reprising one of his favorite roles! He is an East Coast native, but has called Houston home for over a decade. He has been working professionally in theater since childhood and has since performed in hundreds of plays and musicals. As a vocalist, Colton appeared in SHOWTIME! AT THE APOLLO, toured France with the FRENCH-AMERICAN GOSPEL MUSIC WORKSHOP EXCHANGE, sang alongside Thelma Houston and The Temptations, and was a Top 24 Finalist in the Seventh Season of AMERICAN IDOL. In Houston, he has been seen on many stages, including performances with TUTS and The Music Box Theatre. In addition to performing, Colton is an accomplished producer and director and is the Founding Artistic Director of Art Factory Houston. Art Factory credits include FRANKENSTEIN (Felix), SHREK THE MUSICAL (Pinocchio), ROCKY (Dr. Frank’n’Furter), LITTLE WOMEN (Laurie / Rodrigo), RENT (Roger), GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! (Bud), SWEET CHARITY (Oscar, Vittorio, and others), THE WILD PARTY (Burrs), TRIASSIC PARQ (The Velociraptor of Faith), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (George), MURDER BALLAD (Tom), RUTHLESS (Sylvia St. Croix), STRANGER SINGS: A PARODY MUSICAL (Jonathan Byers / Steve Harrington), INTO THE WOODS (The Baker), REEFER MADNESS (Revival: The Lecturer), 9 TO 5 (Mr. Hart), HAIR (Claude), METAMORPHOSES (Midas and others), PIPPIN (Pippin), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Beast), XANADU (Sonny Malone), IT'S BRITNEY, B*TCH! (Britney), SWEENEY TODD (Anthony), CABARET (Emcee), COMPANY (Robert), MONSTER (Lady Gaga), GATSBY (Nick / Composer), PIPPIN (Pippin), [TITLE OF SHOW] (Hunter), URINETOWN (Bobby Strong), THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Jamie), WIZARD OF OZ (Lion), GREASE (Doody/Teen Angel), TUCK EVERLASTING (Miles Tuck), HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Hedwig), FUNNY GIRL (Nick Arnstein), HEATHERS (J.D.), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (William Barfeé), THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Quasimodo), A NEW BRAIN (Gordon), BROOKLYN (Taylor), JEKYLL & HYDE (Jekyll/Hyde), REEFER MADNESS (Ralph/Jesus), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Seymour), and SPRING AWAKENING (Moritz). Other favorite credits include JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Judas), SOUTH PACIFIC (Lieutenant Cable), THE WEDDING SINGER (Robbie), CHICAGO (Mary Sunshine), AIDA (Radames), BIG RIVER (Huckleberry Finn), and BAT BOY (Bat Boy). IG: @colberry
ELIZABETH CHRISMAN SHURTZ (Sally Bowles) works as a music and choral director, choreographer, director, performer, and vocal coach in Houston. Favorite performing experiences include INTO THE WOODS (Witch); RUTHLESS! (Judy Denmark); SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (Milly u/s); STRANGER SINGS!: THE PARODY MUSICAL (Joyce / Will); SWEET CHARITY (Ponytail Girl); HAIRSPRAY (Velma Von Tussle); JOSH GROBAN ALL THAT ECHOES WORLD TOUR (Alto soloist) Houston, TX; Aaron Copeland’s IN THE BEGINNING (Mezzo Soprano Soloist) with the Houston Symphony Chamber Singers for Bachfest Leipzig; and in the premiere of Son of Man with the Houston Chamber Choir. Favorite music direction credits include: HAIR, STRANGER SINGS!: THE PARODY MUSICAL, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, SHREK. Shurtz holds a Master of Music Education in choral music education from University of North Texas, Bachelor of Music in choral music education from University of Houston, and Associate of Arts in music from Lone Star College-Montgomery. She is grateful to God for the gift of art, allowing all people to express our feelings, exchange ideas, and preserve our stories. She thanks her best friend and husband, Matt, for his steadfast support, and the Art Factory community for the privilege of collaborating to contribute to Houston’s rich artistic legacy.
LUKE J. HAMILTON (Clifford Bradshaw) is the Founding Executive Director of Art Factory. Behind the scenes, he also is the Director for many productions at Art Factory, as well as the Resident Choreographer. Luke has appeared across many Houston stages at the Alley Theatre, TUTS, Houston Grand Opera, Masquerade Theatre, The House of Blues, The Landing Theatre Company, Stages Repertory Theatre, and several other local theaters. Recent Art Factory selected credits include FRANKENSTEIN (Victor Frankenstein), SHREK THE MUSICAL (Captain of the Guard), ROCKY HORROR (Rocky), LITTLE WOMEN (Professor Bhaer), HAIRSPRAY (Link Larkin), GUTENBERG THE MUSICAL (Doug), SWEET CHARITY (Oscar), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Brad), THE WILD PARTY (Oscar D'Armano), TRIASSIC PARQ (The Velociraptor of Innocence), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Franz), MURDER BALLAD (Michael), STRANGER SINGS (Mike), INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella's Prince), THE GLASS MENAGERIE (Tom), DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS (Jonathan Harker), HAIR (Berger / Director), 9 TO 5 (Joe), METAMORPHOSES (Vertumnus and others), PIPPIN (Lewis / Director/ Choreographer), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Gaston), XANADU (Terpsichore and others), HEAD OVER HEELS (Musidorous), A NEW BRAIN (Roger), SWEENEY TODD (Beadle Bamford), CABARET (Cliff Bradshaw), COMPANY (Peter), MONSTER, GATSBY (Gatsby / Lyricist), PIPPIN (Director / Choreographer), [TITLE OF SHOW] (Jeff), URINETOWN (Hot Blades Harry), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Rocky), GREASE (Eugene / Director), JASPER IN DEADLAND (Loki), TUCK EVERLASTING (Hugo), I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT NOW CHANGE, MURDER BALLAD, HEATHERS (Kurt Kelly), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Leaf Coneybear), THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Clopin), JEKYLL AND HYDE (Simon Stride), REEFER MADNESS (Jimmy Harper), and SPRING AWAKENING (Hanschen). Regional Theatre Credits; Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) credits include ALL SHOOK UP (Featured Soloist / Dancer), OLIVER (Assistant Choreographer / Featured Dancer), A CHRISTMAS STORY, and THE MUSIC MAN. Alley Theatre Credits include four years of their annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Apparition / The Ghost of Christmas Future), HUCK FINN (Tom Sawyer), and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. Other favorite credits include TRIASSIC PARQ (Velociraptor of Innocence), NEXT FALL (Luke), OKLAHOMA (Will Parker), THE FANTASTICKS (Matt), GUYS AND DOLLS (Sky Masterson), TARZAN (Tarzan), DOGFIGHT (Boland), METAMORPHOSES, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Simon Zealotes), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Dentist), and THE WILD PARTY (Jackie). Luke attended the BFA Musical Theatre program at Texas State University. He is thrilled to see Art Factory closing out its ninth Season, and could not be more proud of the growth this company has made and all of the wonderful, talented, and passionate people involved. Follow him on IG: @lukejhamilton
CARYN FULDA (Fraulein Schneider) is fulfilling a career-long dream performing in CABARET. Caryn made her professional acting debut in New Orleans, and went on to study voice at LSU, where she performed at Swine Palace Theatre under the direction of Barry Kyle of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Recent credits include the world premiere of FRANKENSTEIN (Madame DeLacey/featured soloist), RICHARD O’BRIEN’S THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Usherette/The Narrator) LITTLE WOMEN (Aunt March), A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (Domina), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Old Lady/Blair), THE GLASS MENAGERIE (Amanda) at Art Factory, the world premiere of IO: A NEW MYTH (Dolores) at Pronoia Theatre, and THE LARAMIE PROJECT (Zubaida Ula, Catherine Connelly and eight others) at Theatre Suburbia. Among her favorite past productions are INTO THE WOODS (Witch), 42nd STREET (Maggie), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Mary) and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Beatrice). She also recently workshopped the comic rock opera CHEATERS IN LOVE with Kevin McDonald (KIDS IN THE HALL). Voice acting credits include the animated series NEON LIGHTS (AI), dozens of audio plays, and a billion commercials. Caryn is also a composer/writer/producer/director, and co-founder of the sketch and musical comedy troupe, The 80s Kids. She thanks husband David and their spoiled Rottie, Liberty Biberty, for their patience, love and support. youtube.com/@carynfulda
RON JONES (Herr Schultz) is celebrating 55 years in theatre as an actor, director, producer, and educator. He was Artistic Director for New Heights Theatre, Celebration Theatre, and On the Verge Theatre. He has directed over 100 plays at such theatres as Theatre LaB Houston, Stages, Main Street Theatre, The Ensemble, Mildred’s Umbrella, Queensbury Theatre, Dirt Dog’s Theatre, Stageworks and Unity Theatre. Favorite directing works include THE WOMEN, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, INTIMATE APPAREL, COMPLEAT FEMALE STAGE BEAUTY, CASSEROLE, DIVA, THE KATHY AND MO SHOW, CROWNS, DREAMGIRLS, HAIRSPRAY, CONSTANT STAR, CLYBOURNE PARK, AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY, and ELTON JOHN’S AIDA. He has appeared in over 100 productions in the venues above and others, such as Theatre Under the Stars and The Houston Shakespeare Festival. His favorite roles include Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Greta in BENT, Sir Evelyn in ANYTHING GOES, and Montano in OTHELLO. He was a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association for 35 years. Ron has an MFA in Theatre and taught theatre for 38 years on the high school (HISD) and college (Lone Star) levels. He is the new artistic director of Cypress Stage! Ron is delighted to work with The Art Factory for the first time!
JOE CARL WHITE (Ernst Ludwig) is delighted to join the Art Factory for this all-too-timely production of CABARET. Joe’s performing credits range from choral (Bach Society Houston, Cantare Houston, Houston Masterworks Chorus, Houston Symphony Chorus) to acting (Country Playhouse, Main Street Theater) to opera (Austin Lyric Opera, Beaumont Civic Opera, Hot Springs Music Festival, Houston Grand Opera, International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival, Opera in the Heights) to musical theater (Eastend Theater Company, Fort Bend Theatre, HITS at Miller Theater, Lone Star Lyric Theater, Masquerade Theatre). He had his music directing debut at Country Playhouse (now Queensbury Theatre) with THE MUSIC MAN, stage directed LE NOZZE DI FIGARO for Lone Star College, and did multiple shows as both director and producer for the Rice Light Opera Society. Joe was Executive Director of Opera Vista, the Houston Press Mastermind Award-winning company for whom he staged several world premiers, including Somtow Sucharitkul’s THE SILENT PRINCE at the the Hobby Center, and directed Amy Beach’s CABILDO in the actual Cabildo in New Orleans. He has been a staff singer, cantor, and section leader for numerous churches (and one synagogue) around town, and is currently a bass section lead at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Joe’s greatest performing love is with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston, the city’s oldest opera company, with whom he first appeared in 1990 and currently serves as president. A graduate of Rice University with majors in economics, managerial studies, and religious studies, Joe is also a freelance computer and networking consultant who has helped clients around the world, but his greatest and most rewarding roles are as husband to Anne and father to Kate. joewhite.com
LAURA H. R. NEWMAN (Fritzie/Frauline Kost) is thrilled to be back on the Art Factory stage reprising her role in Cabaret alongside this stellar cast! She was last seen as Justine Moritz in FRANKENSTEIN. Originally from Jackson, MS, Laura has been a proud Houstonian for over a decade! She has been singing since the age of two, when she also recorded her first album of children’s songs, but it was a limited release for family only. She made her stage debut at age 3 and has been performing for audiences ever since! Laura is a vocal performance/theatre graduate of Millsaps College and was a member of New Stage Theatre’s Professional Actor Training Program. She has proudly worked with many theatre companies across the southeast including New Stage Theatre, Carey Dinner Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, Orlando Repertory Theatre, and Stageworks Theatre here in Houston. Laura made her Art Factory debut in the world premiere of GATSBY (Mrs. Michaelis). Other Art Factory credits include A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (Pseudolus), ROCKY HORROR (Magenta), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Mrs./Harriet), 9 TO 5 (Violet Newstead), REEFER MADNESS (Mae), INTO THE WOODS (Jack’s Mother), COMPANY (Joanne), CABARET (Fritzie/Fraulein Kost) 2022), SWEENEY TODD (Ensemble), HEAD OVER HEELS (Gynecia), and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Madame). Other favorite credits include THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Drowsy), BEEHIVE (Laura), NUNSENSE (Sr. Amnesia), SPELLING BEE (Rona Lisa Peretti), 1776 (Martha Jefferson), ROCKY HORROR (Janet), FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS (Georgeanne), NOISES OFF (Poppy), DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER (Suzette), and ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE… (Mother). When not on stage, Laura works as Customer Relationship Manager for All In Food (www.all in food.com), a delicious snack food company that gives back to help end food insecurity. Special thanks to Gill, J & L, her family, and her amazing friends for all their love and support. IG: @ladylalabeth
ZACHARY TODD (Hans/Max) is proud to be returning to Art Factory this season! Zachary has sung at Carnegie Hall, the National Opera Center in Manhattan, and with multiple featured ensembles at the TMEA Conference in San Antonio. They have served as Music Director and assistant for several productions at Amarillo Little Theatre and their alma mater, West Texas A&M University, where they received a BFA in Musical Theatre and the Branding Iron Theatre Award for Best Supporting Performer. Recent performance credits at Art Factory include FRANKENSTEIN (Henry Clerval), SHREK THE MUSICAL (Shrek), HAIRSPRAY (Sketch/Link Larkin understudy), GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL (Foley Sounds/Percussion), and CINDERELLA (Prince Christopher). Other previous credits include RENT (Ensemble), INTO THE WOODS (Baker), SWEENEY TODD (Beadle Bamford), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Chip Tolentino / Jesus Christ), BRIGHT STAR (Jimmy Ray Dobbs), MONSTERSONGS (Paul / The Werewolf), HAIRSPRAY (Wilbur Turnblad), and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Monsieur D'Arque / Ensemble). Opera credits include COSI FAN TUTTE (Chorus), DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE (Sarastro), POSTCARD FROM MOROCCO (2nd Puppet), GALLANTRY: A SOAP OPERA OPERA (Dr. Gregg), and H.M.S. PINAFORE (Chorus). Zachary is also an award winning composer and arranger. Their acapella vocal arrangements have been performed at ICHSA semifinals, and their renditions of songs for Shakespeare's AS YOU LIKE IT have been performed at several theaters. They are currently a member of the creative teams for multiple upcoming original works that they hope to bring to Houston audiences soon. Zachary is grateful for another opportunity to share their gifts with audiences and their cast mates, and hopes you enjoy the show!
HALLI IMAN (Rosie) is thrilled to return to the stage in CABARET as Rosie, marking her fourth production with Art Factory. She is grateful to continue growing with such a vibrant and creative community. Previous credits include FRANKENSTEIN (Elizabeth), HAIRSPRAY (Lorraine/Dynamite), ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Phantom), SHREK (Dragon), ALL SHOOK UP (Lorraine), SISTER ACT (Ensemble), and THE CRUCIBLE (Tituba). Louisiana born and Texas raised, Halli proudly considers herself a “Cajun Cowgirl,” blending Southern charm with a bold, spirited personality. She has been passionate about music and theatre since her teenage years, finding joy in storytelling and bringing characters to life on stage. For Halli, performing is not only an art form but a way to connect, inspire, and celebrate creativity. Outside of the theatre, Halli has a deep love for travel and adventure. She enjoys exploring new cultures, meeting new people, and finding inspiration in the world around her, experiences that continue to shape her as both an artist and individual. She would like to thank her friends, family, and the Art Factory team for their ongoing support and encouragement. IG: @thehalliiman
SETHE NGUYEN (Lulu) is excited to return to Art Factory for this production of Cabaret. Sethe was previously seen here in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Columbia) and THE WILD PARTY (Ensemble/Nadine US). Around Houston, they have worked on multiple productions at Main Street Theatre, including THE COAST STARLIGHT (Jane), KIM's CONVENIENCE (Janet), ELEPHANT & PIGGIE (Squirelle), BEST SCHOOL YEAR EVER (Swing); as well as with Brave Little Company on PAPER OFFERINGS (Tuyet) and their collaboration with Stages, WINTER OF THE SNOW QUEEN (Bao/Gerda).
ADORA TEBOH (Frenchie) is excited to be back with her Art Factory family for a well-timed production of CABARET. Her previous credits include roles in RENT as Joanne Jefferson, HAIRSPRAY! as Cindy Watkins, The Rocky Horror Show and more. As a passionate vocalist and young music educator, Adora explores a wide range of vocal styles while pursuing her degree in Music Education at Sam Houston State. When she's not singing, she's reading, gaming, teaching... and singing some more.
CHLOE RIDOLFO (Texas) is originally from Los Angeles but recently moved to Houston 2 years ago after receiving her Masters in Vocal Performance and Bachelors in Musical Theatre at West Texas A&M University. Chloe has been training in dance, acting, and singing since the age of 3, and performing for just as long. Some of her favorite performance credits include SHREK (Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy), SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD (Woman 2), and SWEENEY TODD (Pirelli). Opera credits include HMS PINAFORE (Buttercup), SUOR ANGELICA (La Badessa), COSI FAN TUTTE (Dorabella), THE GONDOLIERS (The Duchess), DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE (Second Lady), and LA NAVARRAISE (Anita). In addition to performing, Chloe also served as the Adjunct Professor of Voice at WTAMU and has music directed many shows, including THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE and SHE LOVES ME. She recently made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2023, performing arias, trios, and ensemble pieces from across the opera canon. This is Chloe's second season with Art Factory and she is so excited to be back on the stage with her new theater family. Chloe would like to thank Colton and Luke for giving her this opportunity, as well as her husband for their love and support.
JULIA NOBLE (Helga) is a proud Savannah, GA native, having gotten her start performing across the city’s beautiful historic stages, with over a dozen theatre companies, traveling troupes, and vocal ensembles. Upon graduating from Savannah Arts Academy, Julia moved to New York, pursuing training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. After nearly a decade in NY, she found herself in Houston on a whim. Ready to dip her toes into performing again, she spent a season with Houston Choral Showcase before diving head first into a wild production of REEFER MADNESS at EaDo Playhouse. Most recently seen on this stage in FRANKENSTEIN (Agatha De Lacey) and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Janet Weiss), Favorite AF credits include THE GLASS MENAGERIE (Laura), REEFER MADNESS (Mary Lane), URINETOWN (Little Sally), DRACULA (Mina), HAIR (Jeanie), METAMORPHOSES (Myrrha / Hunger), PIPPIN (Catherine), GATSBY The World Premiere Musical (Daisy Buchanan), COMPANY (Susan), NINE (Necrophorus / Claudia alt.), GREASE (Patty Simcox), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Olive Ostrovsky), and the EaDo Playhouse production of LIZZIE (Alice Russel). Other Art Factory credits include: RUTHLESS (Eve), MURDER BALLAD [2018 and 2024] (Sara U/S), NINE TO FIVE (Margaret / Doralee U/S), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Babette), XANADU (Erato), A NEW BRAIN [2018] (Waitress / Nancy D.) [2022] (Rhoda), WIZARD OF OZ (Aunt Em / Glinda), ROCKY HORROR SHOW [2019] (Eddie / Dr. Scott) [2018] (Phantom), JASPER IN DEADLAND (Hel), I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE (Woman 1), FUNNY GIRL (Mrs. Strakosh), DISENCHANTED! (Rapunzel); the AFonline production of MISS FIGGY PUDDING’S HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA (Carol), and the EaDo Playhouse productions of BROOKLYN (Female Narrator), JEKYLL AND HYDE (Nellie / General Glossop / Emma U/S), and SWEET CHARITY (Rosie) - plus over 30 AF concerts! Select previous credits include THE FANTASTICKS (Luisa), SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL (Gertrude McFuzz), INTO THE WOODS (Little Red), THE OUTSIDERS (Cherry Valence), and THE DIARY OF ADAM AND EVE (Eve). Julia would like to express her immense gratitude towards the AF Company, Crew and Creative Team for every single amazing opportunity they have given her, for their dedication to presenting some of the most stunning theatre in the city, and for continually re-imagining and re-defining what that looks like! She would also like to thank her English Bulldog, Hattie Pearl, for being the best friend a girl could ever ask for. Follow her on IG: @jewelpop to see her biennial posts.
DWAIN TRAVIS (Bobby) is a Houston native and began training at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington DC at age 12. His professional career began with BAHBT in South Houston, where he spent four years as Principal and Artist in Residence under Luis Fuente and Lynette Mason Gregg. Other credits include: Houston Ballet, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, the Joffrey Ballet's JKO School, the Harid Conservatory, and Nunamaana Immersive Dance Theatre. In 2017, Dwain joined Houston Met Dance, where he performed works from Mario Zambrano, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, and Dominic Walsh among others. In 2018, he co-founded and directed Juxtapose Arts Collective in South Houston. His first piece of choreography, Dearly Departed, was selected for the RDA/SW Dance Festival and the 2010 Craft of Choreography Conference, and further awarded the RDA Choreography Connection Grant. His second piece, Pulse, was chosen for the 2012 RDA National Festival in Montreal, Canada. Other choreographic credits include: Barnstorm Dance Fest (2016), Austin Dance Project (2016 & 2017), blank/SLATE (2018 & 2019), and Houston Choreographers X6 (2019). Currently Dwain is a proud company member of HOUSTON CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY as well as a guest artist with Prokop_Theory Dance. As a founding member of HCDC (2019), Dwain has worked with choreographers like Peter Chu, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Norbert De Le Cruz III, and Yin Yue - among others - and has had the opportunity to tour to the Red Rock Dance Festival, St Louis Contemporary Dance Festival, and Austin Dance Festival. He is excited to be entering his 7th season with the company! @dwizzlestick
RYAN PEREZ (Victor) is so excited to be stepping into the Kit Kat Club. This role blends so much of what I love about theater into one show, From the dance style to the accents, and the pure drama. As a native Houstonian, they have had the pleasure of working with the Art Factory for a couple of years. Prior to their time with the Factory, they spent nearly a decade in Orlando living as a professional dancer for the Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Drapinski Dance Company. As well as dabbling in a few productions. They have had the pleasure of performing in THE WIZ (Ensemble), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Ensemble), CINDERELLA (Ensemble), REEFER MADNESS (Ensemble), INTO THE WOODS (Steward), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Solider/Billy Webster), THE WILD PARTY (Jackie), CINDERELLA (Ensemble), SWEENEY TODD (Adolfo Pirelli), and most recently HAIRSPRAY (Fender).
DUNIA BARUANI (Herman 04/24 - 04/26) - Mr. Baruani was born in Burundi, Central Africa and began his dance training at the age of 9 at the Bujumbura Cultural Dance Centre. In 2016, he relocated to Houston, TX and started dancing at the Marshall Middle School Academy of Fine Arts. He received additional training from City Dance and the Institute of Contemporary Dance. Mr. Baruani was a member of the prestigious pre professional company, HC2. During his time with HC2, he had the opportunity to work with Marlana Doyle, Genene Wallis-McGrath, Jade Devault , Terrill Mitchell and Dwain Travis among others. Mr. Baruani has also performed at the Austin Dance Festival, Miller Outdoor Theater and the Hobby Center with Urban Souls Dance Company. Mr. Baruani is currently a student at the University of Saint Thomas majoring in business and healthcare administrations.
RAMAJ JAMAR (Herman) is honored to be part of this production. A Houston native, Ramaj is a dynamic actor and vocalist whose work spans musical theatre, drama, and devised performance. Recent credits include FRANKENSTEIN (The Creature), HAIRSPRAY (Duane), RENT (Angel), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Rocky), and THE WILD PARTY (Mr. Black), all with The Art Factory. Additional performance credits include THE COLOR PURPLE (Ol’ Mister/Harpo u/s) at The Garden Theatre, TAKE THE SOUL TRAIN TO CHRISTMAS (Narrator) and A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS (Smokey Robinson/Melvin Franklin) with The Ensemble Theatre, and THE FLOW with Fade to Black. Other favorite roles include THE COLORED MUSEUM (Miss Roj/Junie Robinson), MACBETH (Macduff), MARCUS; OR THE SECRET OF SWEET (Shua), DREAMGIRLS (Wayne/Curtis u/s), MEDEA (Jason), A RAISIN IN THE SUN (George Murchison), and WHERE WERE YOU IN ‘65 (Bobby). His performance career began at a young age, with early roles including WINGS, CREATURE CREEPS, and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Ramaj is known for his versatility as both a leading man and character actor, with a vocal range spanning tenor and baritone. He continues to build a career rooted in bold storytelling, musicality, and transformative character work, with aspirations toward Broadway and beyond. Instagram: Ramaj_Jamar Website: RamajJamar.com
