
LISA TARRER-LACY (DIRECTOR/PLAYWRIGHT/ ACTRESS) -
Originally from Chicago, has appeared in over 40 plays, which include performances in New York City, Oakland,
San Francisco, Sacramento, on television and in film. Lisa trained professionally in New York City, at the Richard Allen Center
for Cultural & Arts (RACCA), HB Studios, Dance Theater of Harlem and Jo Jo Dance Factory. She has a BA and
Masters degree from CSU, Sacramento, and is a proud veteran of the CSU, Sacramento theater company, Sons and Ancestors Players.
Her achievements include playwriting, directing, acting, and teaching within the professional, community and educational theatre
arenas. From 2002-2006, Lisa was the director, co-writer/co-creator of California Musical Theatre’s, Martin Luther King
Jr. (MLK) Project productions “Keeping the Dream Alive” and “And the Dream Goes On.” She is also the
Executive and Artistic Director as well as one of the founders of IMAGES THEATRE COMPANY. In 2005, Lisa received the
Cornel West Distinguished Alumni Award, and in 2004, she received two Elly nominations for best director and best actress
for her portrayal of Lena in the play “Boseman and Lena” at Celebration Arts. In addition to the CMT
"DREAM" series, Lisa has written and/or co-authored the following plays: Freedom, Wings of Freedom,
Evangelize, Everyday People - A Musical Revue, LEGACY, Hallelujah City and The Homecoming, A Christmas Story. Her
performance poetry, “Belly of America” was published in Drum Voices Review. A partial list of plays
that she has directed locally include: Sacramento City College’s production of “Joe Turner's Come and
Gone, Spell #7 and A Love Song for Miss Lydia.” She was most recently seen in the role of "Ruby"
in the Celebration Arts production of "King Hedley," by August Wilson.

CHARLES COOPER (COMPOSER/LYRCIST/MUSICAL DIRECTOR) - is
director of music, pianist and Associate Pastor for Cathedral of Promise; and previous director of Samaritan Center Food Bank
and Clothes Closet. For many years, Charles has participated in the California Musical Theatre, Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK)
Theater Projects. He is the composer and musical director for 2004, 2005 and 2006 productions of "And the Dream Goes On,"
for which he was nominated for an Elly award. In 2001 and 2003, he was a soloist in the MLK Project "Keeping the Dream Alive"
and "Gospel at Colonus." Most recently, Charles starred in Magic Circle Theater's production of "Piano Men." Also, Charles
is the co-founder and musical director of IMAGES THEATRE COMPANY and has performed at Garbeau's Dinner Theatre, and credits
include "Smokey Joe's Café" and musical composer and musical director for "Wings of Freedom". Charles has performed on stage
with such notables as Donna Summer and Lou Rawls and has entertained all across this country including New York, Las Vegas
and Hawaii.

WANELL THOMAS (CHOREOGRAPHER/ACTRESS/DANCER) - attended CSU,
Sacramento where she earned a special degree in dance and theatre arts. She is an alumnus of Dr. Linda Goodrich's dance company
S/BAD (Sacramento Black Art of Dance) and currently performs with G.L.O.W. - Godly Ladies of Worship Dance Company. She also
performed for several years with S.O.L.D (Sold Out Unto the Lord) and served as co-choreographer. Additional choreographer
credits include multiple projects for California Musical Theater including "Gospel at Colonus", "Lost in the Stars" and the
2003-2005 "And the Dream Goes On" productions. She has also appeared in numerous plays including "Flying West", "Raisin",
"Piano Lessons", "Cabin in the Sky", "Colored Girls", "And the Dream Goes On" and "Lost in the Stars". Wanel's other credits
include TV commercials, voice over work, and background vocals for local bands. Wanel is the lead choreographer and movement
coach for IMAGES THEATER COMPANY.
|