STAGE WRITE

College Prep & Workforce Readiness Program

Semester 1 "Empathy": Featuring students from Thomas Jefferson, Open and Richmond Community High Schools

Semester 2: Featuring students from select Creative Writing classes at Huguenot, Franklin Military Academy and George Wythe

Monique Davis

Monique Davis (she/her) is a transplant to Richmond from Paterson, New Jersey. She is a 1987 graduate of Paterson’s Eastside High School — home of the Ghosts and known for its former principal Joe Clark, the subject of the 1989 film Lean on Me. Monique double majored in Journalism and Theatre Arts at Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey, where she was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1994. As an actor, she has appeared on New York Undercover and on Law and Order. Monique has also taught English in California and private acting classes in New Jersey. Monique’s affiliation with Cadence began as a student in Rusty Wilson’s adult acting classes in October of 2017. She looks forward to working with Cadence from the production side to support Cadence’s creative mission.

Michael Duni

Michael Duni (he/him) is a director and filmmaker who has worked on projects for Netflix, PBS, AMC, Amazon and others. At 28, Michael directed his first feature film, The King of Crimes, and is currently in pre-production on his second. Outside of features, Michael’s short films, casting work, and cinematography have received international acclaim at festivals and mainstream theaters alike. Michael has also directed two stage plays, and has been tasked by distributors to re-imagine how plays are filmed for broadcast. He hopes his unique understanding of both film and theatre can help create storytelling experiences that elevate and combine both art forms. Michael is extremely excited to be a new addition to the STAGE WRITE team.

Heather Falks

Heather Falks (she/her) is a civic-minded theatre artist and educator that is proud to be a part of Cadence Theatre Company’s STAGE WRITE faculty. Heather received her MFA in theatre pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BFA in directing from Texas State University. Heather has worked in the Richmond community as a director, actor and teaching artist for over thirteen years. In addition to her teaching responsibilities with STAGE WRITE, Heather is an adjunct professor for the Winning Presentations course at VCU in the School of Business and the Program Director for SPARC’s New Voices for the Theatre.

Brendan Kennedy

Brendan Kennedy (he/him) is a Richmond native and a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory, where he earned his BFA in Musical Theatre. Brendan spent the last 10 years at SPARC teaching classes, directing productions and camps, and helping manage and create programming throughout the organization. Brendan sees the arts as more than just a career or a hobby, but rather a way of life. Connection, truth, and vulnerability are not only characteristics of compelling storytelling, but also of great humans. He looks forward to helping youth continue to tell their most authentic story. 

Shalandis Wheeler Smith

Shalandis Wheeler Smith (she/her) is a native of Petersburg, VA and currently resides in Richmond, VA. She received her BA in Psychology and English with emphasis in Theatre from Norfolk State University. Shalandis has previous experience as a Mental Health and Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor. Currently, Shalandis is a local actress and a Production Manager for The Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company. Her joy for acting has led to her to being cast in many local commercials, films and various theatre's around Richmond. Shalandis loves spending time with her family and friends as well as supporting the arts.