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ART THAT AWAKENS
Magaly Colimon-Christopher President/Artistic Director
Magaly Colimon-Christopher President/Artistic Director
Magaly Colimon-Christopher President/Artistic Director
Magaly Colimon-Christopher is the Founder of Conch Shell Productions. Magaly is first-generation Haitian-American, and she established the company to create a space for the development and showcasing of new works by Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora playwrights and screenwriters who have an expanded view of reality and a passion for innov
Magaly Colimon-Christopher is the Founder of Conch Shell Productions. Magaly is first-generation Haitian-American, and she established the company to create a space for the development and showcasing of new works by Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora playwrights and screenwriters who have an expanded view of reality and a passion for innovative storytelling that inspire social change. A native New Yorker, Magaly received a B.A. from Columbia University, an MBA in Arts Administration from Binghamton University, and an MFA in Acting from Geffen School of Drama at Yale (formerly known as Yale School of Drama). Her acting career includes numerous roles in Primetime and Daytime television series as well as in Off-Broadway and Regional Theatre productions. She has been producing theater and film projects for over 25 years.Magaly is a member of SAG/AFTRA, ART/NY, The Actor’s Studio Playwright and Directors Unit, The Actor’s Center, The Dramatist Guild, and Latinx Consortium. To learn more about her go to www.magalycolimon.com
Jeffrey A. Bartos Treasurer
Magaly Colimon-Christopher President/Artistic Director
Magaly Colimon-Christopher President/Artistic Director
Jeff Bartos has been a labor lawyer for almost 30 years, representing international labor unions in cases across the U.S. Jeff serves by appointment on a committee of the DC Court of Appeals, and has had leadership roles in local and national labor law committees as well. Jeff received his BA from Columbia University, his JD from Yale
Jeff Bartos has been a labor lawyer for almost 30 years, representing international labor unions in cases across the U.S. Jeff serves by appointment on a committee of the DC Court of Appeals, and has had leadership roles in local and national labor law committees as well. Jeff received his BA from Columbia University, his JD from Yale Law School, and his LLM (Advocacy) from Georgetown University Law Center. Jeff lives in Arlington, Virginia with his family; his firm website is www.geclaw.com.
Stacey L. Holman Secretary
Magaly Colimon-Christopher President/Artistic Director
Stacey L. Holman Secretary
Stacey L. Holman is a Harlem-based filmmaker who has directed and series produced several award-winning documentaries on PBS. Her credits include GOSPEL, The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song, and Making Black America: Through the Grapevine. To learn more about Stacey, go to, https://blackbutterflyproductions.net/
Donna Rosetta Tracey Francis, OH
Donna Rosetta Tracey Francis, OH
Donna Rosetta Tracey Francis, OH
Donna Francis was born in St. John’s, Antigua on 6th of May. She attended Christ the King High School, then graduated with honors, Magna Cum Laude, from Wesley College, USA in 1994, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. She also held many prestigious positions: • President of the International Student Assoc., JCI Antigua a
Donna Francis was born in St. John’s, Antigua on 6th of May. She attended Christ the King High School, then graduated with honors, Magna Cum Laude, from Wesley College, USA in 1994, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. She also held many prestigious positions: • President of the International Student Assoc., JCI Antigua and JCI West Indies • Vice President of Alpha Chi Honor Society • JCI Vice President assigned to Dutch West Indies, Haiti, Columbia, Canada & U.S.A. • Chairman of The Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show • Co-founder of the Cancer Awareness Campaign Donna is a Financial Controller by profession, employed by Kennedy’s Group of Companies Ltd. She was a Director of State Insurance Company Ltd. and currently a Director of Antigua Brewery Ltd. and DKD Enterprises. During the Covid19 Period 2020 to 2022, Donna became a Student of HB Studio New York, in pursuit of an Acting Career.
Clark Jackson
Donna Rosetta Tracey Francis, OH
Donna Rosetta Tracey Francis, OH
Clark Jackson is an award-winning actor, writer and producer who’s appeared on Broadway and starred in numerous TV series and films, most recently in the upcoming film Eugene The Marine with Scott Glenn, Annette O’Toole and Jim Gaffigan. A graduate of Stanford University and Yale School of Drama, Clark has served thousands of NYC publi
Clark Jackson is an award-winning actor, writer and producer who’s appeared on Broadway and starred in numerous TV series and films, most recently in the upcoming film Eugene The Marine with Scott Glenn, Annette O’Toole and Jim Gaffigan. A graduate of Stanford University and Yale School of Drama, Clark has served thousands of NYC public school students as a teaching artist in the areas of theatre, movement, creative writing and improvisation. He has also taught at HB Studio, Hunter College and St. Francis College in NYC. Clark is a member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and a proud company member of The Actors Center in NYC. To learn more, visit www.clarkjacksononline.com.
JR Roache
David Yick-Koppel
David Yick-Koppel
JR Roache is Jamaican and considers himself an Observational Storyteller. Curiosity and imagination led him to studying Engineering Sciences in Ontario, Canada and an underlying love of politics and economics steered him towards his MBA from Edinburgh, Scotland. While his first love is storytelling, writing was the furthest thing from his
JR Roache is Jamaican and considers himself an Observational Storyteller. Curiosity and imagination led him to studying Engineering Sciences in Ontario, Canada and an underlying love of politics and economics steered him towards his MBA from Edinburgh, Scotland. While his first love is storytelling, writing was the furthest thing from his mind after graduating. However, through his employment, he visited many diverse places, which inspired “human” stories that he feels he has to tell. “Sweet Rind” is JR’s first published literary work. Coming up are a book of poetry, “Ok... Now Where To?”, another short, "Silver Silhouettes", and other movies.
David Yick-Koppel
David Yick-Koppel
David Yick-Koppel
David Yick-Koppel is a Bay Area native and serves as the drama director at Washington High School in his hometown of Fremont, California. Prior to his role as the drama director, David founded Arclight Repertory Theatre and the San Jose "Shakespeare on the Square Festival" in 2006. The company was dedicated to producing multicultural th
David Yick-Koppel is a Bay Area native and serves as the drama director at Washington High School in his hometown of Fremont, California. Prior to his role as the drama director, David founded Arclight Repertory Theatre and the San Jose "Shakespeare on the Square Festival" in 2006. The company was dedicated to producing multicultural themed interpretations of Shakespeare's plays as well as multicultural original play development. David also served on the artistic boards of a variety of Bay Area nonprofit theatre organizations including: Crowded Fire Theater and the Altarena Playhouse. He was a program coordinator for HMO Kaiser Permanente's HIV/STD prevention play SECRETS, which is part of their Educational Theatre Outreach Programs that tour high schools throughout Northern California. David is a member of Actor's Equity Association and has performed, directed and stage managed with a number of Bay Area and New York based theatre companies. He received his MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama in 1998 and graduated with "distinction in the acting specialist program" in 1994 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He lives in San Jose, California with his life partner, Julie Yick-Koppel, EDD (San Francisco State University, 2021) who serves as the ethnic studies coordinator and teacher at Mountain View High School.
CONCH SHELL INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST
CELEBRATION OF CARIBBEAN HERITAGE CINEMA
A platform for artists and audiences to experience inspirational and thought inspiring films, and build career enhancing relationships.
IMPACTFUL DISCOURSE
Workshops and panels led by industry experts providing experience artist and novices with tools and resources to navigate the film industry.
new works series
DEVELOPING NEW PLAYS/SCREENPLAYS
DEVELOPING NEW PLAYS/SCREENPLAYS
DEVELOPING NEW PLAYS/SCREENPLAYS
Each of our professional produced public workshop readings of new plays and films are followed by moderated audience Q&A.
SHARING NEW WORKS WITH AUDIENCES
DEVELOPING NEW PLAYS/SCREENPLAYS
DEVELOPING NEW PLAYS/SCREENPLAYS
Conch Shell Productions has presented over 56 new works since our first production in 2018.
CSP ARTIST CHAT
BRIDGE BUILDING
BRIDGE BUILDING
BRIDGE BUILDING
Hosted by founder Magaly Colimon-Christopher, CSP Artist Chat creating a space for Caribbean artists to build awareness of their talent and contributions to the arts.
INSPIRING
BRIDGE BUILDING
BRIDGE BUILDING
The untold stories of impactful Caribbean heritage artist awakens audiences to artist's creative process and inspires dreamers to actively explore their artistic potential.
Conch shell press
WE'RE NOT NEUTRAL: COLLECTED SHORT PLAYS FROM RESET SERIES
In 2021 Conch Shell Productions founded Conch Shell Press - launching our initiative to expand the awareness of news works by BIPOC writers. Our first publication, WE'RE NOT NEUTRAL includes 17 short plays from Reset Series 2020.
To learn more CLICK HERE
PAPERBACK: $9.99
E-BOOK: $3.99
CSP ARTIST COLLECTIVE
DEVELOPING NEW PLAYS/SCREENPLAYS
DEVELOPING NEW PLAYS/SCREENPLAYS
DEVELOPING NEW PLAYS/SCREENPLAYS
Conch Shell Productions new work development incubator, CSP Artist Collective (guided by co-resident dramaturges Jasmeene Francois and Marissa Joyce Stamps) is a supportive creative space for writers to share pages, receive feedback from peers, discuss the craft, take masterclasses led by industry experts, and build community.
SHARING NEW WORKS WITH AUDIENCES
DEVELOPING NEW PLAYS/SCREENPLAYS
DEVELOPING NEW PLAYS/SCREENPLAYS
Members present their work in our new work series: Bluelight Series and/or CSP New Works Fest.
We have supported the creative processes of 15 Caribbean heritage writers since the collective was founded in 2022.
MEET THE MEMBERS
Petron Brown is a playwright, performer, arts leader, and an intimacy director. He was born in The Bahamas and immigrated to the US to pursue educational and artistic endeavors. He has won several national collegiate theatre awards, including the KCACTF Meritorious Achievement in Directing, the KCACTF Special Achievement in Performance Award, and the KCACTF ASPIRE John Cauble Award. He is also a two-time KCACTF Irene Ryan Region IV Finalist. Petron’s work as a playwright explores international conversations on humanity. His most recent play, The Colour Woman, is a raw investigation into the psyche of an island child. @petron.brown
Chima Chikazunga FSU alumni. His audio play “An Icons Belief in Fallen Soldiers” was commissioned by The Classical Theatre of Harlem. “Echoes of a Lost Son” won the
2019 Public Access Television Award and in Resilience New Play Festival. Published work in Best Women’s and Men’s Monologues 2022, and Best American Short Plays 2018-2019.” NOT JUST YOU received a micro-grant from National Black Theatre to workshop. 1 Letter Shy of Coincidence ( SEMI-FINALIST 46th Annual BAPF) . FOLDING DANICA is featured in American Blues Theatre’s Ripped Festival. @Chima_Clarke
Diane De La Haye is a Jamaican-Canadian Screenwriter and Story Editor who studied at the Vancouver Film School.Over the last 10 years Diane has honed her skills in Script Development and collaborated with Directors from around the world on Feature screenplays, documentaries and TV series. She is currently Head Writer of the St Maarten-based project “The Wonderful Counsellor” as well as “Fab 4 and the Silent Retreat,” (on which she also serves as Co-Executive Producer and helped garner its 3 international Film Festival awards.) @Diane_canjam
AnJu Hyppolite is a Haitian-American, award-winning actor, writer, and educator who works at the intersection of theater arts, technology, and social equity. She has graced stages and sets on the East and West coasts. AnJu was a 2020-2021 Haiti Cultural Exchange artist-in-residence, and explored the Haitian-American identity through short stories and poetry. She is a freelance copy editor, former HuffPost contributor, and co-author of the best-selling series, 20 Beautiful Women: Volume 3. Written in 2020, her short play, Joumou, marks AnJu's playwriting debut.@anjuhyppolite
Andres Pina is an actor/writer/Solo performing artist. Credits include On The Shoulders of Giants written and performed by Andres at NYTW next door space: The Sun Always Shine for the Cool (Jacob Theater), Comedy of Errors (The Shakespeare Theater of NJ), La Puta Vida (La Tea), The Seagull (Circle in the Square Theater School), Tracks (Davenport Theater), and more. A graduate of the Columbia University M.F.A Acting Program Class of 2019. A proud member of the American Theatre Playwright's Group Play Lab. Member of the actors center.
Othello Pratt Jr., is a 2nd Generation Bahamian-American actor hailing from Harlem, NYC, earned his MFA in Acting from Columbia University in 2020. Notable performances in Classical Theatre of Harlem's 'Twelfth Night'. A multi-talented artist excelling in music, writing, directing, and igniting community spirit. @helloo_othello
Rivka Rivera is a Jew-Yo-Rican actor, playwright, and filmmaker creating work that explores the intersection of grief, capitalism, and human behavior. She is an alum of Carnegie Mellon University and LaGuardia HS. To learn more visit: www.RivkaRivera.com @therivkarivera
JR Roache is Jamaican and considers himself an Observational Storyteller. Curiosity and imagination led him to studying Engineering Sciences in Ontario, Canada and an underlying love of politics and economics steered him towards his MBA from Edinburgh, Scotland. While his first love is storytelling, writing was the furthest thing from his mind after graduating. “Sweet Rind” is JR’s first published literary work. Coming up are a book of poetry, “Ok... Now Where To?”, another short, "Silver Silhouettes", and other movies. @jrsterlingfilms
Thalia Sablon Haiti-born, Queens-raised Thalia Sablon, a NYC-based playwright, producer, and artistic administrator, earned her MFA in Playwriting from Rutgers University. Recognized with awards like the Kelly Kriedeman Memorial Award, she's worked with institutions like New York Theatre Workshop and Ensemble Studio Theatre. She's currently producing a queer horror film and editing her short film "Strung." Thalia aims to disrupt the status quo with her eclectic storytelling. Her recent fascination with dirt may influence her future stage projects. @thalilya
HONORARY MEMBERS:
CRIS ELI BLAK
MEET THE DRAMATURGS
Jasmeene Francois is a Haitian-American theatre artist, storyteller, Applied Theatre Practitioner, and dramaturg from Riverside, California. She specializes in facilitating workshops centered around oral storytelling, devising, and creative writing that address home and belonging. Jasmeene is currently an instructor with The Moth Community and Education program and an adjunct lecturer at Brooklyn College. @msscholarlady
Marissa Joyce Stamps is a Black, Haitian-American Afrosurreal artist and educator. She's part of Clubbed Thumb's 2023-2024 ECWG and EST/Youngblood. Recent: BEING UP IN HERE… (2023 Princess Grace Playwriting Award, Exponential Festival 2024), BLUE FIRE… (Exponential Festival 2022), …TWISTED JUNIPER (O’Neill NPC 2022). MFA Playwriting: Brooklyn College. marissajoycestamps.com @marissajoycestamps