Zulaikaha Farmer (National Anthem vocalist) is from Laurinburg, NC and no stranger to the stage and film. Some of her most recent credits include a film entitled “Solomon” and plays, “The Wedding Supper”, “Marry Me Again”, and “Resurrection”. Not only is Zulaikaha an actress, she is a songwriter, vocalist, and teacher.
Gregory McGilberry – (Brent, young Ken Dula) This Raleigh native earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater at NCCU where he became a member of the Ivan Dixon Players. He played the lead role in the “Color Purple” and “The Whole House to Heaven”. In addition, he was featured in a short documentary film, entitled “Two Letters”, from Womble’s novel, Guns of Ava. The film is used as a teaching tool for university students. His future goal is to move to Los Angeles and pursue the arts in comedy and drama. His favorite past time is boxing.
Mark Robinson (Howard) From Jamaica Queens, New York, Mark has been actively involved in the theater for several years. He appeared in hit stage plays such as “Because My Father Said So”, “Wickham Avenue”, “Portraits Journey for Faith, and “I’m in Love with the Other Woman”. He has directed two plays “Estranged” and “What She Won’t Do for Love”. Mark works for Xerox HR Solutions as an Exxon Mobil Retirement Case Administrator.
John Farmer (DJ) was born and raised in Bronx, New York. He brings class and charm to the stage. Some of his most recent credits includes a feature, “Solomon” and stage play, “Marry Me, again”. John has worked at Kellogg’s for 21 years. He and his wife, Zulaikaha, are actively involved in the church and community. His ambitions are vast, and he enjoys challenging roles that stretch him beyond his comfort zone. John currently resides in Franklinton, NC.
Taneka Miles (Ava) is from Chapel Hill, NC. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management from Mount Olive College. She started her career at Duke University Health Systems as a Service Access Manager. She enjoys cooking with her mother, traveling, and taking vacations at the beach. “There’s something about that salty air and the wide expanse of blue that pulls me into a tranquil state.” Taneka’s debut in “Guns of Ava’ has made her eager for more opportunities in theater.
Robyn Farrington (Mrs. Dula) is a native of Chapel Hill, NC. She co-starred in the musical, “Purlie Victorious” as Gussie Mae Jenkins and performed in the hit musical, “Little Shop of Horrors”. She is a gospel recording artist with sassy vocal skills that command respect, leaving audiences spellbound. “Guns of Ava’ is personal to her, because she plays the role of her real grandmother, Mrs. Mary Dula. Robyn and her husband, Fabian, live in Greensboro with their energetic, precocious daughter Kendall.
Myah Bynum (Shelia – waitress) is a student at A & T State University with a concentration in Social Work and a minor in Spanish. She makes her first stage appearance as young waitress in “Guns of Ava”. Even though this is Myah’s first acting role, she enjoys every bit of theatrics and desires more opportunities. In her spare time, she likes knitting, crocheting, cooking and international travels.
Steffon Sharpless (Reggie) is a Speech Communication major from UNC Chapel Hill. After being cajoled by an old friend from the UNC Speech department, Steffon ended a 20-year “hiatus” from acting in 2008 to take lead roles in two plays that summer. Now eight years later, “Guns of Ava” is his second attempt to reignite his acting career. He works as a mental health care provider. Blessed with four lovely children, Steffon and his wife live in Durham, NC.
Farrington Fabian (Sgt. Quincy) started acting in the fourth grade. In middle school, he was found acting, singing, or working as a “techie” in just about every production, including “Guys and Dolls”, “Arsenic and Old Lace”, and “HelloDolly”. He also played Kenickie in “Grease”. When not on stage, he can be found eating Haribo gummy bears and having fun with his wife, Robyn (role, Mama Dula) and daughter.
Vernon Wilson (Joe) was born and raised in Asheville, NC. With an interest in theater, he became an actor, writer and director of inspirational productions for over twenty years. He accepted the lead roles in “Don’t Miss God for the World”, and “A Crazy Kind of Love”, and then later appeared in “The Life of Joseph” and “Jesus in the 90’s”. As a lover of sports, Vernon left the stage to pursue his second passion, coaching basketball and counseling youths. Now, he returns back to his the theater in “Guns of Ava”. He and his wife, Charlotte, have three children and reside in Durham, NC.
Freddrick “DeVon” Ellison (Captain Spencer), an actor and model, recently performed a role in “Halfway House of Gospel”. Aside from theater, he’s pursuing a B.A. degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling. He has recently finished his first book, a short story narrative. He spends his spare time playing all kinds of sports. He’s acted in web series such as “BrothAhood”, “Bondage”, “In the Nick of Time” and “Project Kidz”. He will soon publish his first novel entitled, On the Other Side.
Bruce dePyssler (Military Officer) is an associate professor in the NC Central University Department of Mass Communication and adviser to the campus student newspaper, the “Echo”. After earning his Ph.D, he became an avid documentarian and is the founder of the Bull City Doc Squad. In addition to the stage play, he appears as Lieutenant in the trailer of “Guns of Ava”. He enjoys photography and travels nationally and internationally providing his services for events and special occasions. Bruce recently married his wife, Kadiatu Kamara, from Sierra Leone. They both live in Carrboro, NC.
Thomas Davis (Billy) – With major in Psychology, Thomas seeks his degree at Durham Technical College, Durham, NC. His first appearance on stage in “Guns of Ava” brought him out of the shadows. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue his education in Social Psychology and travel. “I’ve always wanted to travel the world”, he says. Thomas spends most of his spare time skating, running and playing basketball. 
Iris Medina (Cho Phi), a native of Brooklyn, began her academic journey and entered Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where she studied Criminal Justice for two years. Later on, she found her niche when she landed the role of “Carla” in a family film, “There’s My Angel”. Having discovered her talent for theater, she eagerly accepted the role of Cho Phi as she pursues the challenge of a Vietnamese female character. “I encourage fighting for what you believe and putting God first”. Iris is pursuing the arts in comedy in addition to acting. She resides in Raleigh, NC with her son Jayden. 
Alvin Garner (the Mystery Man) Born in rural North Carolina, Alvin spent his childhood on a farm helping his father tending crops. He attended UNC where he met and married the love of his life, Omelia. “Guns of Ava” is Alvin’s first stage play. “I find acting intriguing. It’s a place where the actor becomes lost in this other person. I love this experience”. Alvin spends his spare time with his family and working inside the church.
Eve Craig (Trina) As CFO of the Amber Craig Insurance Agency, Eve was born in Albany, GA. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, she opened her own bakery in Charlotte, NC with a specialty in cupcakes. Recently, she landed a role in a family film, “There’s MyAngel” . She not only acted but sang the musical score.
Kenya Wallace (Choreographer) is a liturgical dancer, minister, and author. She has been a dance instructor and choreographer for over ten years. Currently, she holds a doctorate in Psychology and is the founder of Pretty Girls Praise, Incorporated, a mentoring organization for young girls and the Kingdom Academy of Dance. Among her interests are writing, reading and spending time with friends and family. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and ACHI Women Supporting Women.
Chasity Lindsey (acting role/dancer – Ella Mae Sue), an Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator, has been in the health field 12 years. She likes writing poetry, reading and has a passion for the Arts.
Alexus Jones (acting role/dancer – Fran) is a Biology major at NCCU who enjoys working with animals. Currently, she works as a dog groomer, styling and grooming dogs. Her hidden talent in drama was discovered during Omega’s summer workshops.
Tameka Ruffin (dancer) attends North Carolina Central University with a concentration in Social Work. She holds an associate degree in Applied Science. Her passion is dance and spending time with her daughter.
Willie Hodges (Technical Director), a military veteran of the United States army, has been in the TV, film and entertainment industry for over 30 years. He produced and directed performers in numerous conferences such as R&B and gospel concerts, commercials, political shows, independent films and global TV programs: TV One, BET, VHI and Comcast. He owns Meko Media Consulting firm, a company in media technology and film. In his pastime he enjoys working out and family.
Osamuede Iyi-eweka, (Sound/Special Effects), from Chicago, Illinois attended East West University where he took extensive classes in acting. Later on, he moved to Raleigh, NC and continued his love for film and theater. He worked as Production Assistant, Assistant Director and Set Designer. With a passion for film and television, he worked with a production crew on two films, “There’s My Angel” and “Restoration”. As Director of Photography, his short film was entered into a 40-hour film festival in Charlotte where it landed in the semifinals. Osamuede resides in Raleigh, NC.
Kathy Atwater (Stage/Prop Manager) is a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. During her theatrical experiences, she has worked behind the scenes in costume and props, and on stage. As an actress, she has performed in “Hidden Voices”, “A Crazy Kind of Love”, and starred in “Hinds Feet on High Places”. Kathy’s film career includes a role in “Sons of the Wicked”, and “There’s My Angel”. She’s owner of her independent drama company, Atwater International.
Jean Garner (Makeup Artist) is a native New Yorker and has been in the fashion industry for 30 years. She is Founder and CEO of Fierce Factor Academy and Mobile Beauty of Demand boutique. Her most recent project was wardrobe and makeup artist for the feature film, “There’s My Angel”, a Wake Media Production. Jean enjoys designing T-shirts and cooking.
Stephanie Freeman (Marketing Manager) is a novelist and a professional writer. As a university professor and coordinator of Arts and Humanities, she holds a doctorate degree in Theology. Having appeared in several entertainment magazines, her interests are in film/television and marketing. She loves fashions and collecting antiques.
James Freeman (House Manager) served in the United States Air force. He works for a corporate travel company and holds a staff position at Raleigh North Christian Center. He is an associate to the senior pastor and serves as a counselor at RNC. James enjoys sports, traveling, and family time.Courtney Nash (Videographer) works as a Network Analyst in Information Technology Services. He has numerous years in videography, editing and filming. He has worked on major projects within the NCCU campus and throughout the nation.