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Art that awakens the senses and inspires creativity.
art that awakens by Caribbean heritage Writers
we are...Conch Shell Productions
OUR MISSION
Conch Shell Productions Inc is a New York City–based nonprofit arts organization that develops, presents, and produces new theatre and film works by Caribbean-heritage artists—amplifying underrepresented voices, inspiring social change, and celebrating the shared and unique identities of all Caribbean nations and the global community through the transformative power of storytelling.
Our initiatives include our new works development incubator CSP Artist Collective, new works presentations and productions (Bluelight Series, Conch Shell New Works Fest), artist workshops, our CSP Artist Chat monthly talk show, and our Conch Shell International Film Fest.
Ever since our first production, THE HUNTING SEASON in 2018, Conch Shell Productions has inspired social change by sharing unique Caribbean heritage stories in theatre & film. Since our founding year, we have championed the work of over 120 Caribbean heritage film and theatre artists and reached over 15,000 audience members (in person and online), redefining perspectives about Caribbean heritage communities, and building bridges between our artists and audiences.
Our programs are made possible thanks to the generous support of individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsorships.
about the featured playwrights
Jessica Betty
Jessica Betty is a Jamaican Actor, Playwright, Director, Filmmaker, and Sound Designer. At only 17 years old she moved from her home country to New York City to pursue her dreams in storytelling. She is currently a BFA candidate at The New School, College of Performing Arts, where she studies Drama and Film. You may have seen Jessica at the Latea Theatre in the Off-Off Broadway production "Minstrel". Jessica was also seen embodying the title character, “Gloria”, and Nan in a student production of the play written by Pulitzer prize winning artist, Brendan Jacob-Jenkins. Outside of her work as an actor, Jessica has been seen working on dozens of film sets. Working in sound, sound design, lighting and as a production assistant. Jessica was recently the Director on "Single Suckaz", a parody dating tv show that she devised with her fellow batch-mates. Upcoming projects include: The Artistic Director for “Dreamers Airlines - A Short Play Festival”. She will oversee the entire festival as well as Directing and Sound Designing her ten minute play, "The Game." This will go up at 55W 13Th St, November 8th & 9th. Writing and Directing her thesis short, “Petagonia.” Big up. jessicabettyre@gmail.com || @jessicaabetty
Petron Dee Brown
Petron Dee Brown is a Bahamian-born playwright. He is a Dramatists Guild Foundation National Playwriting Fellow and a Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Awardee at the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival. He received an MFA from the University of Southern Mississippi where he was inducted into the Graduate Student Hall of Fame. He has also received a Distinguished Achievement for the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, runner-up for the David Shelton Playwriting Award, and the KCACTF/LORT ASPIRE John Cauble Award, and is a 2025 Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference Semi-finalist. Petron was recognized as the Live Arts: WATERWORKS x The Bridge Artist for his work. He holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Theatre from the University of the Ozarks where he recently returned to direct the world premiere of his play, Tingum in Da Bush Ean Get No Name. His work has also been developed at Nancy Manocherien’s the cell theatre and Conch Shell Productions. He is currently the Artistic Administrative Assoiciate at New Federal Theatre.
Arthur W. French III
Arthur W. French III has been writing Plays since a Teenager. His First Play “Teens Today” was produced at Maxwell Glanville’s American Community Theatre. The Play was a Winner in The Annual young playwright’s festival. Mr French’s Play “Circuit Breakers” was a Winner in the Annual Samuel French Play festival, and his play “Bitter Apples” was a Winner in the Strawberry One Act Festival Annual play Competition. Both plays were Published. Mr. French participated in the 31 plays in 31 Days Play Festival for Five straight year. Mr. French is working on a Trilogy of Plays set in Los Angeles. Mr French is a Founding member of The Fusion Gumbo Writer’s Workshop, and does bi-Weekly Community nights for playwrights.skills, and our performances provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents.
Tyla Harris
Tyla Harris is an Afro-Carribean Latina born, raised, and creatively crafted in Atlanta, GA. Tyla is a multi-hyphenate, whose artistry spans over film, television, and theatre acting, improvisation, and coaching; classical, modern, and majorette dancing; poetry, creative writing, and song; and producing film. The Christian creative is most-notably recognized for her decade of work as an actress onscreen in commercial, television, and film, starring in various projects such as “For Life” (ABC), “Six” (History), “Tales” (BET), “Fantasy Football” (Nickelodeon), “Coins for Christmas” (BET), and more. With a Bachelors in Political Science (concentration in International Affairs), Tyla focuses her artistry on community-driven projects, producing, writing, and directing entertainment aimed at uplifting society while pushing the conversation on sociopolitical implications. TylaHarris.com
Joshua W. Josey
Joshua W. Josey is a proud Miami native and the first in his family to earn a degree beyond high school. He is a law school graduate, having served with multiple public defender offices in New York and Miami-Dade.
Mr. Josey holds a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) specialized in investigations, inspections, and policy analysis, having served as vice-president of the M.P.A. Student Association, where he collaborated with program directors and professors to support curricular development and provide workshops aimed at building the competencies of graduate students entering the oversight profession.
Before pursuing law, Mr. Josey earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Florida’s New World School of the Arts. He has extensive stage experience, performing with numerous theatre companies throughout Florida and New York and touring nationally in educational productions for children. He has also taught theater to young performers in Queen, New York, and Miami, Florida. With a background that bridges the arts, public service, and legal advocacy, Mr. Josey brings creativity, insight, and versatility to every endeavor.
csp new works fest PRODUCTION TEAM MEMBERS
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING AD
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING AD
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING AD
Magaly produced the first CSP New Works Fest in 2019 and has grown it each year into a joyful celebration of Caribbean-heritage storytellers. As Founding Artistic Director of Conch Shell Productions, she uplifts diverse voices that inspire empathy, connection, and social change.
KEVIN CHENG - ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING AD
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING AD
Kevin Cheng is a Taiwanese actor, playwright, and theater producer based in New York City.
He received his training at the Neighborhood Playhouse and HB Studio. Kevin has previously produced his own plays at the Chain Theatre, The Players Theatre, East Village Basement, Gene Frankel Theatre, Secret Theatre, and The Flea. Kevin has a passio
Kevin Cheng is a Taiwanese actor, playwright, and theater producer based in New York City.
He received his training at the Neighborhood Playhouse and HB Studio. Kevin has previously produced his own plays at the Chain Theatre, The Players Theatre, East Village Basement, Gene Frankel Theatre, Secret Theatre, and The Flea. Kevin has a passion for producing new works that highlight human connections and explore how people grope their way toward a sense of equanimity in face of unexpected life events. He is currently the New
Works Development Chair of Purple Light Productions and the associate producer for Murmuration Theatre Company.
CAMILLAH KHAN - TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
MAGALY COLIMON-CHRISTOPHER - PRODUCING AD
CAMILLAH KHAN - TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Camillah Khan is an aspiring stage manager with a passion for accesibility in the arts. She is currently in the final year of her Bachelor's degree in Entertainment Technology at New York City College of Technology and is excited to collaborate with Conch Shell Productions.
HORACIO ROJAS - VIDEOGRAPHER
BRANDON MANTUANO - PHOTOGRAPHER
CAMILLAH KHAN - TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Horacio Rojas is a multidisciplinary visual artist and filmmaker whose work spans fashion, documentary photography, and cinema. Through image-making, he preserves memory, explores human
experience, and bridges personal and collective histories across global communities.
IG: horaciorojasr
BRANDON MANTUANO - PHOTOGRAPHER
BRANDON MANTUANO - PHOTOGRAPHER
BRANDON MANTUANO - PHOTOGRAPHER
Brandon Mantuano, is an Ecuadorian graduate of Hunter College in Documentary and TV Production. He is passionate about live media, storytelling, and creating work that sparks meaningful conversations.experience, and bridges personal and collective histories across global communities.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our upcoming events, or opportunities to support our mission, feel free to email us.
CONCH SHELL PRODUCTIONS INC
Queens, New York, New York 11367, United States
2025 FUNDERS
2025 AFFILIATIONS
