Divas! returns to RLT’s Sutton Theatre for its 19th anniversary in 2025! Who will be crowned our 2025 Diva? To find out, save the date for an evening of glitz, glam, and giving on April 12.

Saturday, April 12, 2025
Pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m.
Show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Alison Lawrence
Music Director: Jeff Whicker
Event Chair: Suzanne Ruggles

All ticket holders are invited to join us for a pre-show reception an hour before the show begins! Mingle with fellow attendees and current and past Divas, browse our silent auction items in-person, and enjoy refreshments and light bites.

Special guest host: Clay Aiken!

We’re excited to welcome accomplished performer, devoted advocate, and RLT alumnus Clay Aiken as this year’s MC!

How does Divas! work?

Leading up to and throughout the evening, support your favorite Diva with your dollars! This can be done by making donations on BidPal, our website, or in person via check or credit card on the night of the event (more links coming soon). You can also bid on amazing silent and live auction items and decide which Diva your bid will support! Every dollar raised is one vote for your chosen Diva. The Diva with the highest fundraising total by the end of the night wins the coveted crown (and bragging rights)!

Meet our Divas!

We’re excited to announce our 2025 competing Divas! Click each Diva’s name below to head straight to their BidPal page! You can also vote for your favorite Diva by donating on our website. Thanks for voting and supporting RLT and your 2025 Divas!

Arushi Majumdar

Arushi is excited to make her RLT debut with this year’s Divas! Performing has been an integral part of her life since elementary school, from musicals and music lessons to a cappella at UNC Chapel Hill. Although her theatre credits are limited, she is excited to share the stage with all these wonderful divas, and share her love of the stage with you!

Watch Arushi’s campaign video!

Autumn Clark

Vote Autumn Clark! Autumn is a soon-to-be graduate of Meredith College with a degree in Theatre and a concentration in Musical Theatre. She’s seen shows at RLT, but she hasn’t worked with them until now. In a time of budget changes and spending wisely, Autumn would love for you to contribute some of your spending to Raleigh Little Theatre. Aside from being a fundraiser, she is also a cat mom, a girlfriend, a daughter, and a performer of flair. Thank you to all and enjoy the show!

Watch Autumn’s campaign video!

DaNiesha Carr

DaNiesha is thrilled to make her RLT debut! This diva has dazzled audiences nationwide, leaving a trail of standing ovations. Her résumé sparkles with leading roles and unforgettable performances, each more fabulous than the last. With a passion for storytelling, she brings her experience and energy to this new stage, hoping to make RLT her creative home. She’s grateful for the opportunity and, in true diva fashion, offers a warm “You’re welcome!”—before the show even begins.

Watch DaNiesha’s campaign video!

Devin Lackey

Devin is thrilled to be a part of this year’s RLT Divas! Devin has performed with multiple theaters in the triangle, but this is his first production with RLT! Devin says that he is thankful for the theater community in the triangle and hopes to be a contributor to its growth and success. Devin would also like to thank his parents, his partner Olivia, his brothers Drew and Christian, and the rest of his family for all of their support!

Watch Devin’s campaign video!

Dustin Bowles

Dustin Bowles has been volunteering at RLT since 2018 and it has become his second home. Since stepping through the shop door for the first time roughly 7 years ago, he has built and painted many set pieces; he has been a part of countless deck, sound, and lighting crews; he has provided lighting and sound design assistance for multiple shows; and this past December he was cast in his very first on-stage role as Ensemble in Cinderella 40. While at RLT, he has also received two volunteer awards including the Ed Bodell Rookie of the Year Award and most recently the Glenn Amos Miller Technical Service Award. He is now stepping from behind the spotlight to center stage and is competing to help raise as much money as possible for the theatre that is so near and dear to him. He hopes that you will consider donating or becoming a sponsor to support him and the theatre that he loves!

Watch Dustin’s campaign video!

Ian Do

Hello, I’m Ian Do. I play a range of different instruments, although I wouldn’t say I’m very good at any. Growing up, I was a huge fan of Disney musicals but I didn’t accept my fate of being a theater kid until recently. I previously lived in California my whole life and wanted to try being somewhere new. So I took a job here in Raleigh and have really loved the city, especially after finding Raleigh Little Theatre. I’m very excited that my first theater performance experience will be here at RLT among many talented people. My first goal is to raise $1000 so please help me reach that any way you can. Thank you!

Watch Ian’s campaign video!

River Mann

River Mann is an emerging actor and performer from the Raleigh area, he is extremely passionate about theatre and the arts, Raleigh Little Theatre is very important to him, his connection to RLT includes portraying Prince Charming I in RLT’s 40th production of Cinderella in 2024, as well as volunteering as a teaching assistant in one of the youth classes here. he has also appeared in other local productions such as Meredith College’s production of Much Ado About Nothing, as Claudio, and will be appearing in the upcoming production of Parade at NRACT. He is very excited to be part of Divas! this year, and is ever so grateful for our amazing director, Alison Lawrence, and everyone else involved.

Watch River’s campaign video!

Saphfire Cook

Attending one event at Raleigh Little Theatre literally changed my life. I was in a season where I was very isolated when I decided to attend their theatre announcements. That event led me on a whirlwind of classes, workshops, new friends, and fantastic connections. I’ve received so much encouragement from everyone I’ve interacted with, and I want that experience to be open to any and all that walk through RLT’s doors. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will go toward programs that can help someone else build a life they love. Thanks for reading and for you donation!

Watch Saphfire’s campaign video!

Taneka Craig

I am honored to participate as a Diva in Raleigh Little Theatre’s (RLT) 2025 fundraising cabaret, Divas! As someone new to theater and to Raleigh Little Theatre, RLT is more than just a stage—it’s a gateway to a whole new world of creativity, expression, and community. It represents the excitement of stepping into something unfamiliar yet thrilling, a place where I get to explore storytelling in a way I never have before and boy has it been a BLAST! RLT is not just a theater; it’s a welcoming space where newcomers like me are embraced, encouraged, and given the chance to grow. It’s a place where you can find your voice as an actor, learn from those with more experience, and discover the magic of live performance. Whether it’s the camaraderie backstage, the challenge of rehearsals, or the rush of stepping in front of an audience, RLT is shaping your journey in theater from the very first moment. Although I am a late bloomer, I am no stranger to the stage and connecting with people through music. RLT is helping me cultivate NEW way to connect to audiences AND build new community with fellow artists. Being new to theater can be daunting, but RLT makes it feel like home—a place where passion and dedication bring people together. Every rehearsal, every performance, and every shared moment with fellow cast and crew members builds a sense of belonging, making RLT a significant part of my personal and artistic journey. Participating in Divas! 2025 is my way of giving back to a community that has given the world so much. This event not only celebrates local talent but also serves as RLT’s most successful fundraiser, ensuring the continuation of its diverse productions and educational programs. I invite you to join me in supporting RLT by donating in MY name Taneka “Divine” for Divas! 2025. Your presence and contributions will help sustain the vibrant arts community that RLT fosters. Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting Raleigh Little Theatre, enabling them to continue to be a light in our communities.

Watch Taneka’s campaign video!

Thanks to our sponsors!

Divas! 2025 is presented by Coastal Credit Union.

DIAMOND SPONSOR ($1,000 LEVEL)

Alec & Georgia Donaldson
David & Elaine Petrone
Dee Penven-Crew
Rebecca Johnston
Steve & Lisa Zaytoun
Victoria Wheeler

GOLD SPONSOR ($500 LEVEL)

Cindy & Ken Denison
Debbie & Larry Robbins
Kopp Management
Leland Little Auctions
Leslie Ann Jackson & Chris Locascio
Medlin-Davis Cleaners
Natasha Gore & D.A. Oldis
Pam Swanstrom
Poyner Spruill LLP

SILVER SPONSOR ($250 LEVEL)

Andrea Nixon & Brian Friedenberg
Baker Roofing Company
Betsy & Warren Ludwig
Charles & Emily Phaneuf
Chris Inhulsen
Dawson Consulting
Gangoy Consulting Group
Judy & Kent Dove
Rudra Dutta & Amrapali Bose
Suzanne Ruggles & Rod Abernethy