Chayla Simpson (Nina) is a director, producer, and actress from Richmond, VA. She graduated from Henrico High Schools’ Center for the Arts theater studies program, the illustrious Howard University with a B.A in Film Production and Theater Arts, and a Masters in Education from Virginia State university. Chayla is currently teaching Theater with Richmond Public Schools and Richmond Parks and Recreation. Chayla’s most recently played as Dogberry in Richmond Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, and Stevie in How to Bruise Gracefully. She was the assistant director for Richmond Triangle Players’ production of How Black Mothers’ Say I Love You, and the understudy for the role of Valerie. She also played in Hypocritethe Musical as Paula, Agnes in Say My Name; the winner of the 2018 Watermelon Festival in Maryland, Nikki in the Regulars at the 2017 DC Capital Fringe Festival, Nikki in Simply Lace, and Evie in Prison Plumbline. I would like to give thanks to Kevin and my family for always supporting me, and a special shoutout to my daughter, Chyann, for being my reason why. 

Dee D Miller (Direction) - Dorothy “Dee-D.” Miller is thrilled to be directing her very first professional show "Sunset Baby", and grateful to the production team for offering such a wonderful and rewarding opportunity. Dee D's recent works include "BRKLYN the Musical" " Hairspray" as Motormouth Maybelle, multiple film and stage projects, including award-winning performances with RTP - “How Black Mothers Say I Love You” (individual Artsy winner for Best Supporting Performance in a Play and cast winner for Best Ensemble Acting, 2022-23 season) and “Sugar in our Wounds” (Artsy winner for Best Play, 2021-22) - and several other on-stage performances in the Tri-Cities area. Dee D. began performing personal pieces at local poetry clubs and gatherings throughout RVA in 2010 and began acting in 2013. She is also a contemporary artist, and in her spare time, she writes, paints, and sculpts.

Tariq Karriem (Scenic and Props Design) - Tariq Karriem is the Artistic Director of the Blk Virginia Theatre Alliance and is thrilled to be working on Sunset Baby. An art advocate and activist, Tariq focuses on creating theatrical worlds that tell underrepresented stories rooted in liberation, challenging and helping the theatrical art form dismantle systems of elitism and white supremacy. He is delighted to serve as the scenic, props, and lighting designer for this powerful show! Some of Tariq's previous credits include 5th Wall Theatre’s Hitler's Tasters, Sanctuary City, Virginia Repertory Theatre's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Misery.

Griffin Hardy (Lighting Design) - Griffin Hardy is a Richmond-based lighting designer and electrician and is excited to be making his BVTA designer debut. Past Lightning Design credits include She Kills Monsters, Urinetown (SPARC), and Coming of Age (K Dance). Assistant LD credits include Rhinoceros (TheatreVCU), Water by the Spoonful (Firehouse) and 9 to 5: The Musical and (VA Rep). He would like to thank his assistant Zeke for his hard work on this production.

Zeke Brooks (Assistant Lighting Design/Master Electrician) - Zeke is so excited to help bring Dominique’s work onto the stage With BVTA! This is his Richmond professional debut, and he cannot wait to grow more within the community. Next fall he will be the lighting designer for the New Works Festival with VCU. He would like to thank his LD Griffin Hardy for reaching out and offering him this ALD and Head Electrician role.

Jonathan Pratt (Sound Design) (he/him) - Jonathan is thrilled to work with BVTA on this important and timely production. He is the A/V Supervisor at Virginia Rep where some of his recent designs include Dial M for Murder, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Ken Ludwig's Moriarty, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Satchmo at the Waldorf, On Air, and 9 to 5: The Musical, the latter two winning the RTCC Award for Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical. At the Rep Family Theatre, Jonathan’s favorite shows designed include The Santa Clues and Grace for President. Previously, he was the resident sound and projection designer for Camelot Theatre in Talent, Oregon where he designed over 40 shows. In addition to design, Jonathan directed Catch Me If You Can and wrote and directed tribute shows to Stephen Sondheim and Motown.

Elijah Brown (Costume Design) (they/them) - Also known as Eli, is a multidisciplinary art director dedicated to executing visions of the future and past through the experience and perspective of the African American queer diaspora. Eli currently serves as Creative Producer and Director of Costumes for BVTA and is honored to serve as the Costume Designer for the Virginia Premiere of Sunset Baby. They are thankful to the support of their partner, friends, and family and send their best wishes to the cast and crew. Enjoy the show! “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” ― Audre Lorde

Jasmine Bates (Dramaturgy) - Rooted in a family of educators, Richmond, Virginia native Jasmine Bates has cultivated a 19-year career in education, serving in diverse roles including teaching, counseling, and administration across Virginia and North Carolina. Holding degrees from Virginia Union University and Virginia State University, she is currently an Educational Specialist with Henrico County Public Schools while pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Justice at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her doctoral research critically examines the impact of racial trauma on Black high school students, framing their experiences through a lens of inherent strength and resilience. Beyond her academic pursuits, Jasmine is a dedicated genealogist, community-engaged advocate, and a proud board member for Work of Art RVA, a nonprofit empowering young girls. Above all, she cherishes her role as a loving mother to her five-year-old son, D.J.