We are thrilled to present the culminating event for our New Voices Program cohort in-person this year! The New Voices Program is a playwriting program for local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Help us celebrate the work that these talented writers have put together over the last several months on May 14 at 7:00 pm, live in the Gaddy-Goodwin Theatre on Raleigh Little Theatre’s campus.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
RLT’s Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre (301 Pogue St)

The Plays

Enjoy 10-minute plays from each of our participant’s plays that were developed over the course of the program. Each play will be presented at the culminating event.

Content Warning: Some of the plays contain adult themes and language. Viewer discretion is advised.

Serendipity
by Bahati Mutisya
Directed by N’Kia

Dr. Benjamin Calloway – Kelly Lumpkin
Liz Montgomery – Shelbi Hunter
Detective Danielle Sloane – Kristen Glees
Detective Edward Shaw – Quinn Jeffs

Closure
by Bahati Mutisya
Directed by Phillip Solano

Brianna – Natasha Tyson
Lorenz – Christopher Heimers
Nurse – Susan Hager

Coulro
by Deandre Sanders
Directed by Sascha Vega
Stage Manager Patrice Burkes

Larry Whitefield – Abhimanyu Kumar
Leslie Wilt King – Tim Stallmann
Duke – Vuitton Bond

Cold Feet
by Kimberly Corporan
Directed by Robby Wilkins

Sofia – Leah Flesher
Lauren – Elsa Hardy
Mom – Celeste Hinnant

Shay and Avery
by Sarah Conner
Directed by Brittany King

Shay – Gabrielle James
Avery – Natasha Tyson
Luke – River Mann

The Playwrights

Learn more about each of our playwrights below:

SARAH CONNER is an actor/writer originally from Lemoore, CA. She studied Theatre at UCLA. After school, Sarah had opportunities to participate in a few local productions, classes, and short films. In June 2019, Sarah started writing scripts for her improv group. This would be her first produced play. She thanks her family, improv and writing buddies, The New Voices Program, and audience members like you. Thank You.

KIM CORPORAN is super excited to be a part of the New Voices program! Theatre has always been an outlet for her. Recently, she has found a new outlet in writing and is happy to combine both outlets into a new creative work. She hopes you can connect with her writing and enjoy the show!

BAHATI MUTISYA is a practicing attorney and a Raleigh native. Bahati has a deep love for the performing arts. In her youth, she was a dancer, an actress, and wrote her first play during a summer camp as a rising 5th grader. While enjoying a career as a successful attorney, Bahati is excited to return to her love of the performing arts by pursuing her passion for telling stories.

DEANDRE SANDERS is an emerging playwright and artist with a passion for storytelling across multiple disciplines. Recently, Deandre participated in the 2025 Directing and Writing Workshops at Raleigh Little Theatre and has been actively involved with The Black Drama Club at the Durham Arts Council. Deandre has worked with renowned companies like North Carolina Black Repertory Company, Burning Coal Theatre, Three Bone Theater, honing their craft through various roles in theater, television, and film. A versatile creator, they are also an accomplished director, producer, and voice-over artist, with a deep commitment to exploring the intersection of art, culture, and identity. Their most recent roles includes *The Water* [Lance] at the International Black Theatre Festival, *Blues for An Alabama Sky* [Sam] with Agape Theatre Project and *Akeelah and The Bee* [Dr.Larabee] with Raleigh Little Theatre.

Sponsor

This project was supported by the Maurer Family Foundation.