The New Age Village Movement “Where is the Village?”

The New Age Village Movement
“Where is the Village?”
The stage production
An Original Gena-Mae Production
In association with F.L.Y. Girlz Inc. & Unique Productions Inc.
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Table of Contents
Slogan, Mission, Vision, Goals, Production Info……………… 3
Inspiration….…………………………………………………………..4
Sponsorship letter and Information……………………………….5
Goals …………………………………………………………………….6
Cast Bios……………………………..………..……………………….7-12
Production Stills……………………………………………………….13
Producers Bios..……………………………………………………..14-17
Supporters……………………………………………………………..18
Contact Info……………………………………………………………19
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SLOGAN
“S.O.S” Speak out Or Step In! The alarm has sounded and too many teenager’s
lives have been lost as result of senseless violence. It’s time we get back to the village
community mentality and start helping one another! We can’t change the past but
we can do something about our future.
THE MISSION
To re-introduce the “village” concept to the world, through the “Where is the Village?”
production and talk back sessions. This production is a wake-up call to parents and teens
to address the issues that many teens face today, encouraging families to come together,
work together and take care of each other. The face of the village has changed from
parents to teens who have been left to fend for themselves.
THE VISION
To travel from schools and churches to raise awareness on how to help stop teen on teen
violence by empowering teens to help and support each other by Speaking out or
Stepping in. If you see someone endangering someone else, or verbally assaulting them
don’t be afraid to intervene or call for help. There is power in numbers and the more
people that take the S.O.S pledge, the more lives we can save and change a generation
filled with selfish teens to the next generation of adults who support and care for one
another.
THE GOALS
To obtain sponsors and celebrity endorsements to help raise money to support the
show and raise money for families of victims of teen on teen violence.
To get one million teens to take the Bobby Tillman Pact to end teen on teen violence.
To link high schools with community organizations and programs that support
teens.
To build relationships and open the lines of communication between teens and
adults.
THE PRODUCTION
“Where is the Village” is a gripping, poetically written ensemble play. With vivid colorful
characters sharing their stories, hoping to be the mirror that is so badly needed in our
society. Touching on teen violence, bullying, suicide, abuse, rape, homosexuality, racism
and the lack of importance many place on education. The play not only speaks to the
heart of teens but adults and parents as well. Helping them revisit their pasts and deal with
issues they may be facing because of those pasts. Encouraging them to stop running but to
Speak out Or Step in and deal with situations, together.
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THE INSPIRATION
“Where is the Village?” and the New Age Village Movement was inspired, and God given
to writer Regina Wells, during and after a conversation with her long time friend Vanna
Byrd. The two hadn’t spoken in several months. Vanna had called to ask a simple question.
While catching up, the tragic story of Bobby Tillman came up. As it turns out Vanna’s
daughter Chauncey Walker was a close friend of Bobby and was there that night Bobby
was tragically beaten to death. As the two spoke of the circumstances surrounding Bobby’s
senseless death, the subject of “Where is the Village” that it is said it takes to raise a child
in cases like Bobby’s. What provoked these young men to choose Bobby to be the subject
to take their anger and frustrations out on? Why were there so many people there during
the incident that didn’t Speak out Or Step in? Thus began the quest by the two that birth
“The New Age Village Movement.” A movement with a mission, “Where is the Village?” is
more than just a play, it is a movement. God willing it will open the eyes on millions and
save at least one life.
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UP
Unique Productions, Inc.
3926 Hancock Circle
Atlanta, GA 30340
770-490-4498
[email protected]
To: Management
From: Unique Productions, Inc. Inc. Management
EIN: 87-0747334
Re: Sponsorship
To Whom It May Concern:
Unique Productions, Inc., a 501(c)3 media arts & education organization, is
seeking sponsorship of supporters for “Where is the Village” a gripping,
poetically written ensemble play. With vivid colorful characters sharing their
stories, hoping to be the mirror that is so badly needed in our society. Touching
on teen violence, bullying, suicide, abuse, rape, homosexuality, racism and the
lack of importance many place on education. The play not only speaks to the
heart of teens but adults and parents as well. Helping them revisit their pasts and
deal with issues they may be facing because of those pasts. Encouraging them to
stop running, and to Speak out or Step in and deal with situations together.
The purpose of the play is to raise money for BFAM Inc. (Bobby’s Family’s Organization)
www.bfaminc.com and also raise awareness on how to help stop teen on teen violence by
empowering teens to help and support each other by Speaking out or Stepping in. If you
see someone endangering someone else, or verbally assaulting them don’t be afraid to
intervene or call for help. There is power in numbers and the more people that take the
Bobby Tillman Pact, and follow through, the more lives we can save.
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UP
THE GOALS
To obtain sponsors and celebrity endorsements to help raise money to support
the show and raise money for families of victims of teen on teen violence.
To compensate the cast and production team for their work with the production
as well as be able to fund travel for the shows.
To help BFAM Inc. (Bobby Tillman’s Family) obtain 1 million signatures on the
Bobby Tillman Pact to help end teen on teen violence.
To link high schools with community organizations and programs that support
teens.
Our mission is to re-introduce the “village” concept to the world, through the “Where is
the Village” Production and talk back sessions. This production is a wake-up call to parents
and teens to address the issues that many teens face today, encouraging families to come
together, work together and take care of each other. The face of the village has changed
from parents to teens that have been left to fend for themselves.
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The Cast
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Chauncey Walker
(As Charity)
Chauncey is a senior at Chapel Hill High School. She is
the senior class president, National Honor Society VicePresident, DECA President, and is involved in BETA, and
Spanish National Honor Society. She is heavily involved
in her schools drama department, and is also a part of a
performing arts company the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, where they travel around the
world and relay positive messages about society through their performances. They also give back
to the community by performing for inner city youth groups and senior citizens. Chauncey is
passionate about performing, acting, dancing, and choreographing, she wants to open her own
dance studio and start her own talent agency as well. Chauncey’s first love is the arts and she wants
to also help give back to the community. Her goal is to not be a well known super star, but to be
the best person she can be, and live her life doing the things which she is most passionate about.
Her motto is “Hard work and Humility are the keys to success.”
Shanekia Bray
(As Keisha)
Shanekia has been acting since she was barely even eight years
old. She has modeling and acting experience. Shanekia has
worked with Gena-Mae Productions most of her acting career.
She snagged the role of Porcha, in Gena-Mae’s soon to be
released film “Between Love And A Hard Place” featuring
BernNadette Stanis “Thelma” from GOOD TIMES.
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Dillin Roberts
(Patrick)
Dillin is a 2011 graduate of Chapel Hill High.
He enjoys music and reading. Dillin was a very
close friend of Bobby Tillman for whom this
production is dedicated. He feels very strongly
about its message and potential
Jessica Claire Culpepper
(Becky)
Jessica is a 2011 graduate of Chapel Hill High School.
Upon graduation Jessica plans to attend college and
major in business with a minor in theatre and art.
Jessica is passionate about music and drawing. Jessica
loves life and brings joy to everyone she meets. She
hopes for peace on earth and that all mankind will be
treated equal.
Rudolph Chism
(Antonio)
Rudolph is a 2010 graduate of Carrollton High
School. He has been acting from very young
age and is a lead member in a Christian Rap
group that is quickly gaining popularity in his
home town called, “The Holy Boyz.” Rudolph is
dedicated to showing other teens how “cool” it
is to serve God.
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Tajuanna Mack
(As Marion)
Actress Tajuanna Mack is the mother of two grown
sons and is an Army Veteran. Currently Tajuanna is
a Science Teacher in Carroll County. She has been
acting for several years and intends to make it a full
time profession upon retiring from teaching. She has
performed in many stage plays and as a
background actor in several movies. She has been
in several independent films and a touring stage play.
Currently is a leader of the Performing Arts Ministry
at A Place of Refuge Church in Carrollton GA., and
has worked on many film industry sets as Production
Assistant, Makeup, Prop Master as well as Costume
and Set Design Assistant.
Candace Mabry
(Ms. Watson)
Grew up in Nashville, TN and received a BFA in
Theatre from Western Kentucky University.
Candace feels blessed to be part of her second
production with Gena-Mae; she played Jenn in the
soon to be released film “Between Love And A
Hard Place”. She has also appeared in numerous
commercials, print ads, and independent films
such as Step Off (Lionsgate 2011). Some of her
favorite stage roles include Harper in “Angels In
America”, Lula in “Dutchman”, and Manto in
“Seneca’s Oedipus”.
Vanna Byrd
(Gloria)
Vanna Walker Byrd is owner and founder of F.L.Y
Girlz Inc. (Females Leading Young Girls) She is
devoted to cultivating the gifts and talents of young
women in the field of entertainment. She is
Production Partner and Assistant Coordinator for
“Where is the Village” and has worked with Regina
every step on the way with this and other projects as
well.
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Edward Blackmon
(Dexter)
Ed is a seasoned actor who enjoys the profession and
is constantly doing what he can to learn more and
continue to cultivate his craft. He is currently a
member of Word of Faith Church in Atlanta GA and
is married to a beautiful dancer. Edward has
participated in countless productions all geared
toward spreading the powerful message of Christ to
the masses.
Thomas Wells
(As Ricky)
Currently best known for his “Grandma
Bobby
Jean”
character
comedy,
actor/comedian Thomas K. Wells also has a
serious side. Having performed as “Walter Lee”
in A Raisin in the Sun, his dynamic and
diverse acting skills will soon be recognized by
the world. He has performed in several GenaMae as well as CMO Production. A native of
Newnan Georgia, look for great things from
Thomas.
Tywone Reese
(Tracey)
Tywone is a Child Care Professional who
enjoys acting and singing in her spare time.
She has been in several Gena-Mae
Productions among others and is devoted to
the nurture of young children.
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Charles Walker
(Roger)
Charles is a Georgia Institute
Tech Police officer, husband and
father who is devoted to
community. He operates as a
professional D.J and sound tech
in his spare time. His favorite
quote is: "Be more concerned
with your character then with
your reputation. Your character
is what you really are, while
your reputation is merely what
others think you are."
Milton Byrd
(Eddie)
Milton is new to the stage but he enjoys his
role of Eddie in the production. An
incarcerated father longing to be with his
family but he doesn’t quite know how to put
down his old street ways and be a husband
and father to his baby. Milton is a husband
himself and father of five so the issues his
character faces give him an even greater
drive to be the role model God indented for
him to be.
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Production Stills
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THE PRODUCERS
Regina D. Wells
Writer/Director
Regina has been writing and directing theatrical gospel plays since the age of 16. She has written
hundreds of short plays and five full length gospel plays two of which are musicals that contain her
own original songs. She is a mother of two, daughters and is married. She writes plays, screenplays,
poetry and songs.
“Motherhood” The making of a mother, was her first original indie film project. She has been the
writer, director and coordinator of the Performing Arts ministry at A Place of Refuge Church in
Carrollton, GA for over fifteen years. The ministry has several departments that she heads
including, three dance teams of girls ranging from ages 4 to age 17. One boys dance group ages 7
to 13, and an adult, teen and youth drama team with ages ranging from 7 to over 50 with an
approximate total of 40 members. She also uses drama and writing skills to mentor teens at the
church’s community center as well as volunteers at the local community theatre of Carrollton, GA.
She works with Unique Productions of Atlanta GA, on indie films and documentaries, and in
October of 2002 she became the founder Gena-Mae Productions. Regina also mentors upcoming
writers, performers and advices actors and assists in booking. Her first film “Between Love And A Hard
Place” will be released soon.
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Milton &Vanna Byrd
Producers/Coordinators
Milton and Vanna Byrd were married in July 2007. Together they have 4 beautiful children,
Chauncey, Mika, Millenia and Malachi. They value family and their motto is “Time equals Love”
and they are committed to each other and their children. They both have a passion for the arts
and ministry, they utilize their gifts and talents to full-fill their commission of rebuilding
communities from the inside out by reaching one family at a time. The purpose of Milton &
Vanna’s marriage is to exemplify the love of God through their union. Their prayer is that their
relationship will be an example to other men and woman and show them how to love each other
through God’s love. They believe in keeping and putting family’s together. Their goal is to
establish non-traditional restoration housing facilities. “Vanna’s House” for women who are in
transition, “Milton’s House” for men who are in transition and “Walkin-Byrd Estates” for families
in transition. The purpose of the facilities will be to restore the entire family, physically, mentally,
financially, and most of all spiritually.
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Unique Be’Ans
Associate Producer
Unique Be'Ans is owner and founder of Unique Productions, Inc., has written several film
scripts, and field produced for the Emmy Award Winning Taking Authority Productions,
under Bishop Eddie L Long.
Unique Productions Inc. is her non-profit 501(c)3 media arts organization where youth
are taught and encouraged through media to gain self-esteem, develop media literacy and
technology, learn disciplines of literacy, communication, creative and critical thinking,
storytelling and teamwork.
She has completed a Bachelors Degree in Film and Video with a minor in Management
along with a Masters degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University.
She now resides in Atlanta, Georgia conducting youth workshops, producing more
educational films, as well as running a media staffing agency, Unique Staffing Inc.
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Raymond Woods
Music Producer
Raymond became a musician at the age of 12, playing the saxophone, and later transition to what
would be his love instrument at the age of 14, the piano. He went on to serve as the youth
minister of music at True Gospel Pentecostal Church, in Dalton Georgia for seven years, and
continued serving as a minister of music at colleges he attended, like Tuskegee University, and later
University of West Georgia. Raymond continues to serves as a musician at A Place of Refugee
Church, where God inspired him with the vision of Kingdom Beats Production LLC in 2008.
Currently he is owner and founder of Kingdom Beats Production, a Gospel music production
company which produces, music for commercial, theatrical, film and television. The vision of
Kingdom Beats Production LLC is to expose the musical gifts of God, in individuals throughout the
World, and use that gift to up lift of the Kingdom of God through Christ Jesus. Actor, musician
and music composer, Raymond Woods, has been casted in several Gena-Mae Productions. He has
experienced modeling as well. A jack of all trades, Raymond also teaches and plays keyboard.
Raymond has scored a feature length film, “Between Love & A Hard Place” featuring Bernadette
Stannis from “Good Times” and also a number of short movies, commercials, plays, he composes
and records songs for individual artist. He will serve as the Music Producer for The New Age
Village Movement and the Production of “Where is the Village.”
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SUPPORTERS
CITY COUNCILMAN GERALD BYRD
Carrollton City
Monique Riverade
(Bobby Tillman’s Mother)
Proceeds from the “Where is the Village?” Performances benefit “BFAM”
((Bobby’s Family’s Organization, Founded and headed by Ms. Riverade))
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Regina Wells 678-334-5234 [email protected]
www.genamaeproductions.webs.com
Vanna Byrd 404-272-1187 [email protected]
www.butterflygirlz.com
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