The Avenue Dream Team
#Fortheculture
Though The Avenue Blackbox Theatre and Avenue Children's Theatre Project currently operates with no employees, Founder of the Dream, Reenah Golden always says, "we are fueled by love." The dedicated collaborators, mentors, and contributing artists all gems in their own right are too numerous to name but here are some familiar faces you surely have seen working to make this dream a sustainable reality! Without this team fulfilling the critical mission & vision of the Avenue would not be possible. Click to read more about their roles, work and advocacy in their own words and most importantly support! Be sure to complete the lend-a-hand form on the home page if you'd like to join us.
Anderson Allen (he/him)
Avenue Artist-in-Residence | Teaching Artist | Artist Mentor (Spoken Word) | Collaborator (Theatre Production)
At The Avenue Black Box Theatre, we always put our customers first - which means only hiring the most passionate and skilled people. Jesse Neimus is no exception, and has helped to make us what we are today.
Ari Highsmith (she/her)
Avenue Artist-in-Residence (Music) | Teaching Artists | Mentor
"I have watched The Avenue since its inception, be cultivated into a safe space for the youth of this city. I watched in awe, as a black woman (Reenah) ushered this space into a safe haven for black and brown artists such as myself. I have laughed, danced, cried, played, connected and explored aspects of myself that I never imagined I’d tap into."
Brandon Stroud (pronouns: B or Brandon)
Avenue Collaborator (Spiritual Arts & Wellness) | Yogi-in-Residence
"The Ave offers the ability for any being to transform at any moment. Personally, being able to experience theatre, contemporary art showcases, recitals and more while also being able to guide youthful minds in deep understanding of self and others is the highlight of my connection with the space."
Christopher C. Goodwin
Avenue Curator (Theatrical Drag) | Mentor | Minister-in-Residence
"The Ave has always been a place I feel at home. A place where I’ve experienced youth step into their light, community sharing their talents, and activism being recharged, healed, and ignited."
Christopher K. Coles
Avenue Collaborator (Literary Arts) | ASL Interpreter-in-residence
"The Avenue Blackbox Theatre is a place I lend my light to for no other reason than that it cultivates creativity, community, self empowerment and youth engagement. There is no other creative space that empowers an artist to give of them [full] selves, to engage in self reflection & growth in finding and honing ones creative voice."
Gary Dewitt Marshall III (he/him)
Avenue Curator | Master Artist | Director | Co-Producer (Music on the Ave)
More to come about this member
Gatekeeper Adrian Elim (they/them)
Avenue Curator (Black Pride)
More to come about this team member.
Rashad J. Cooper-Smith (he/him)
Avenue Publicist | Creative Communications Consultant
"The moment I learned of a new org popping up in the Northeast quadrant of Rochester, I knew that I would be supportive. Having been raised on the east side of the city it was very rear to see new developments. I felt the need to play my part to ensure that this new and very Black business would be a success."
Shawn Dunwoody (he/him)
Avenue Collaborator | Master Artist
More to come about this team member.
Sherice Barnes (she/her)
Avenue Artist-in-Residence | Teaching Artist | Artist Mentor (music)
"The Ave provides a safe and brave space to all walks of life, creating many opportunities for the community to learn, to strive, and to be who you they desire to be."
Tamara Leigh (she/her)
Avenue PR Consultant
"I was blessed to have been a part of the dream that was The Ave before the The Ave was the Ave. From the idea of this hood based theatre of us, by us and for us and to watch it grow into a living, breathing beacon of hope, light, art and community has been one of my greatest honors. I would sign on to help Reenah do just about anything but being a part of this beautiful safe space has been more of a gift than a service."
Taryn Highsmith (she/her)
Avenue Artist-in-Residence (Music) | Teaching Artist
More to come about this team member.
Tianna Mañon (she/her)
Avenue PR Consultant
"I got involved at The Ave just from fortunately knowing Reenah for so long. As a high school student, she came to my school so I knew firsthand her commitment to working with young people. I love that Reenah opened this space to welcome so many collaborations. "
Tokeya Graham (she/her)
Avenue Curator (Literary Arts)
More to come about this team member.
Ty Burrs (she/her)
Avenue Artist-in-Residence (Graphic & Visual Arts) | Teaching Artist | Artist Mentor (Fashion & Visual Arts | Co-Producer (Black AF)
"Since the very first time I stepped into the Avenue I could feel the energetic, embracing energy releasing from everyone and everything there. I always felt welcome at the Avenue Blackbox theater and as a creative director Reenah made sure I knew my ideas had a place to flourish right there."
Yana McCuller (she/her/they)
Avenue Artist Mentor (social justice) | Youth Program Coordinator
"I contribute my time at the Ave because the youth are the future and they must know what's going on in our city and this world. This fight doesn't end with us and they'll have to carry the torch in their own way. I'm just here to offer guidance and a pair of oven gloves so they don't get burned catching and carrying that fire."