BIO

LENORA BROWN-RODRIGUEZ(WRITER, PRODUCER & DIRECTOR) is the CEO of W.A.D.E. Productions LLC. She is the proud Mom of two adult sons, one who is aspiring to be a Sports Analyst or Sports Announcer.  Her other son is a Biomedical Engineer and in addition is awaiting a Firefighter slot as he is an EMT.    Both sons graduated from the prestigious Mt Carmel High School.

LeNora has been a working actress for over 30 years in the industry.  She is a long-time member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and AFTRA. LeNora has been in a plethora of stage plays around the Chicagoland area.  She has been in several TV commercials, industrial/feature films and radio voiceovers.  LeNora's favorite commercial project was the National Amoco Premium Lead-Free Campaign, where she played a young mom.

LeNora's other passions have been writing stage plays, screenplays, feature films and novels.  ON MY TERMS is the fifth stage play that she has written, produced and directed.  It is by far her most celebrated project to date.  LeNora's third novel VICISITUDES OF LIFE will be published soon.  Her sixth stage play DATE LIKE US will open in late 2026.  Another entrepreneurial effort will be the launch of her new food bar item in 2026.

LeNora's Vision and Joy is to continue to create, produce and direct projects annually for as long as God allows.  Her production company W.A.D.E. Productions LLC is available to assist with your writing, acting, directing and entertainment needs.

LeNora's other passion is to continue to travel the world.  In 2024, she traveled to Italy as well as a Cruise with family to Honduras.  In 2023, LeNora and her sons had the privilege of traveling to Paris, France and Montego Bay, Jamaica.  They had the time of their lives.  LeNora is also a lover of tennis, and she plans to attend the tennis Grand Slam, Wimbledon in London with both sons and their significant others in 2026!

LeNora holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Theatre from Columbia College Chicago.  She started a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition but sadly was never afforded the time to complete that Degree.

LeNora is very passionate about finding a cure for not only ovarian cancer but for all cancers, as well as putting an end to homelessness and hunger.  She hopes with all of her heart and soul that the wars around the world are eradicated soon.  There have been too many senseless deaths, and it must stop!!

LeNora's favorite acronym is F.O.C.U.S. (FOLLOW ONE COURSE UNTIL SUCCESSFUL).

 

BIO

SALLIE ANNE YOUNG (STAGE MANAGER)  is a passionate stage manager, co-director, playwright and now published author with a career that spans theatre, radio, film, and television.  She holds two Bachelor Degrees in Mass Communications from Illinois State University and has contributed to productions around the world – from New York City to Paris, Japan and South Korea.

Sallie is the playwright of VR Rehab: Mark of the Beast and the proud author of her debut novel HEAD OVER HEELS, which is now available for purchase by contacting her directly.  She recently served as stage production manager for The Circle by Blake Martin and as assistant director/stage manager for The Day After by Amy Crider.

Recognized for her skills in stage management and sound design, Sallie continues to thrive in storytelling and production.  She is also a proud member of Davette J. Franklin’s DavJasFran Entertainment media team and was feature on the front page of The Pantagraph for being a first-generation college graduate

 

BIO 

SHAKIR MCTHUNE(TRISTAN) is a Chicago-based actor, director and storyteller whose work bridges raw emotional truth with sharp theatrical craft.  A student of the SIU Theatre Program, Shakir has brought layered and magnetic performances to stages across Illinois with standout roles in The Whipping Man (Simon), 5 Women Wearing the Same Dress (Tripp Davenport), Dutchman & The Slave (Clay), and Proof (Harold Hal Dobbs), among others.

Shakir has worked extensively with spaces such as Harold Washington Theatre, Open Space Arts, and now Definition Theatre, where he currently stars as Tristan in ON MY TERMS.  Known for his grounded intensity, deep emotional presence, and natural rhythm onstage, Shaki brings a thoughtful, movement-aware approach to character work – fusing instinct, vulnerability, and control in every role.

His directing credits include assistant directing Domino Effect (original piece) by Marcus Sumrall, In Arabia We’d All Be Kings by Stephen Adly Guirgis, HurlyBurly by David Rabe, and assistant directing Light Switch by David Osmunden at Open Space Arts.

On screen, Shakir’s film work includes What I Wish I Said ( dir. Eduaro Rodriguez), Familiar Writers (dir. Dalton Allison), Apostate (dir. Ava Woo), and serving as Music Director in The Love Factor (dir. Cameron Davis).

Trained at Chicago Actors Studio and Actors Studio Chicago.  Shakir is known for his thoughtful presence, dynamic range, and commitment to telling stories that heal, provoke and connect.

 

BIO 

JACQUELYN SMITH(LONDON) is thrilled to be back on stage after a six-year hiatus. A 2019 graduate from the University of Illinois Theatre School, she holds 22 prior stage credits, various B-roll modeling credits, and one independent Sci-Fi film: The Becomers which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.  Some of her most notable credits include Eclectic Theatre’s Richard III as Queen Margaret, Intrisinc Theatre’s Now or Later as Tracy, and Inkwell Arts Center’s A Walk with Joy as Caroline Marten.  Jacquelyn recently wrapped a YouTube episode advertisement for Milwaukee Northwestern Mutual as an On-Camera Principal. 

Jacquelyn credits her three beloved mentors, Professor Sydney Daniels, Professor Kathryn Nash and Professor Rachel Iannantuoni for opening the acting doors. 

In Jacquelyn’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Boss and her cat, Simba as well as reading as many books as she possibly can!

Jacquelyn is very grateful for her husband’s ongoing support for her acting endeavors.

 

BIO 

ANDREA CONWAY-DIAZ (VIOLA) is a Jeff Award winning actress: (Best Production) August Wilson’s 7 Guitars, City Lit Theatre, in the role of Louise.

Prior to that she was seen as Sandra in the comedy Life Sentence (Gray Matters Playfest), Dreamer’s Theatre.

Andrea was cast as Bony in the world premiere staged reading of The Kings are Dead, Theatre L’ acadie.  Other favorite roles include Sen. Barbara Jordan: Voice of Good Hope (for which she was nominated for a Black Theater Alliance Award), McGeorge Bundy: Thirteen Days, Vivian Rademacher: Emma’s Child, (City Lit Theatre), Kishawn: Have You Ever? (Baer Theatre), Mrs. Alvarez: A Tale Out of Fishwater (Dreamer’s Theatre) and Lorraine: (US/Performed), Creating ARThur (Theatre Wi).

Andrea has supporting roles in several independent films including Angels in the Rye, The Good News, Land of Ghosts and Circumstances I and II.

Andrea is currently in the upcoming web series: True Deception as Vivian Carrington.

Andrea holds a Master’s Degree in Written Communication: National Louis University and a BA Degree in Communication/Theater: Loyola University.

Andrea is represented by Gill Talent and The Talent Networks.

 

BIO

 

JAMES GORDON (ROGER) is known as The Franchise, is an international award-winning author and poet, champion storyteller and an acclaimed actor. 

James has written and published over twenty books that encompass poetry, children and mysterious/suspense genres. 

James can be seen on episodes of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Kold and Windy, and the upcoming Netflix series Monster.

James has much gratitude for being able to do what he enjoys and what he is passionate about.

   

BIO

 

VALERIE BUTLER-NEWBERN (SANDY) is an actor, who loves performing whether it be in digital medium, theater or print.  Her commercial and print credits include BD PureWick, ComEd, Illuminus, United Airlines, Zillow and Lume. Valerie’s Indie film credits include Echoes of Freedom, The Mirror, Just a Cup of Coffee, In the Jungle, and Identity; a 2023 Silver Telly Award winner.  Valerie was recently cast in Sunday Evenings, a 7-episode web series airing in January 2025.

Valerie is currently studying with Glenn Morshower and James Dumont.  Valerie is a company member with Playground-Chicago, a non-profit playwright’s incubator.  Some of her Playground-Chicago credits include but are not limited to Mom in Are You Scared Of The Dark, Ida Lewis in The Sea and Its Keeper and Boomer in Stay Humble. 

Valerie’s a native Chicagoan.  Her ability to utilize her life experiences as a former corporate information technology executive, wife, widow, mother, grandmother and friend fuels her ability to bring life to the characters that she portrays. 

Valerie loves life, challenges and having fun.

 

BIO

 

CHRISTINA E. PAGE (KELLY) is excited and grateful to be joining the talented cast of ON MY TERMS.  Christina holds a Master of Education from National Louis University and a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University. 

Some of Christina’s recent Chicago credits include Orange Flower Water, The Miss Firecracker Contest,Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor, Testimony, A Soldier’s Daughter, From Slavery to the White House, Preacher’s Kids – The Untold Stories, and Have You Ever.  Christina also appeared as Betsy in Bronzeville the Musical at the Apollo Theater in New York. 

Christina would like to thank the Most High for continual blessings in her life along with her family and friends for their unwavering support.

 

BIO

 

LUIS AVILA (VITO) (he/him) is an emerging Mexican-American actor from Justice, Illinois.  He is a recent graduate from Depauw University with a Bachelor in Communication with a focus on Theate/Film. 

Luis’s past performances include the student film, Guardian Angel.  As well as a recent commercial with Magnum Insurance and Centier Bank.

Luis is very excited for you to see the new play ON MY TERMS from Wade Productions LLC.  He also looks forward and welcomes more TV, Film and Stage roles.

                                                                                                                 

BIO

 

CHAR MCALLISTER (UNDERSTUDY SANDY) is an incredibly gifted singer/songwriter and recording artist.  Her birth name, Charmaine, which she says was handpicked by the Divine, truly embodies its core meaning of “singer, song, delight.”  This resonates deeply with her Jamaican heritage and the powerful way that she uses her voice.

CHAR has been recognized for her exceptional talent, having been voted one of Pittsburgh’s Best Gospel Performers.  She has also had the incredible opportunity to open for both national and internationally renowned artists, further cementing her standing in the music industry.

CHAR’s performances have even been featured on prominent networks such as B.E.T. and the Inspiration Network.  Beyond her singing prowess, CHAR uses her platform to uplift and empower others, making her a truly inspiring artist.

 

BIO

 

PORTIA WEST (UNDERSTUDY KELLY) holds a Master of Arts Degree from Columbia College Chicago in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Northeastern Illinois University. 

Portia possesses a diverse background in TV, Film, Theater and as a Voice Over Artist.  An avid lover of music, she also has experience performing with various choirs and dance ensembles.

Portia is an award-winning professional development speaker who actively supports the arts community by volunteering with non-profit organizations that provide opportunities for youth to excel in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) careers.

 

BIO

 

CARIDA CIRA DIAZ (WARDROBE/COSTUME DESIGNER) is a Cuban creative practive.American artist based in Chicago whose current work is deeply rooted in the histories of the women in her family, particularly her grandmothers Caridad and Cira.  These two strong Cuban women were instrumental in bringing both sides of Carida’s family to the United States.  Their courage shaped the path of her life, and the legacy they left behind is one of resilience, creativity, and deep emotional strength.

Carida was named after both grandmothers and even though she was never blessed to meet either one, she has always felt a powerful connection to them.

Carida reaches for that connection through her creative practice.