STAGE WRITE

College Prep & Workforce Readiness Program

Semester 1 "Empathy": Featuring students from Thomas Jefferson, Open and Richmond Community High Schools

Semester 2: Featuring students from select Creative Writing classes at Huguenot, Franklin Military Academy and George Wythe

Michael Duni
Director/Filmmaker

Michael Duni (he/him) is a director and filmmaker who has worked on projects for Netflix, PBS, AMC, Amazon and others. At 28, Michael directed his first feature film, The King of Crimes, and is currently in pre-production on his second. Outside of features, Michael’s short films, casting work, and cinematography have received international acclaim at festivals and mainstream theaters alike. Michael has also directed two stage plays, and has been tasked by distributors to re-imagine how plays are filmed for broadcast. He hopes his unique understanding of both film and theatre can help create storytelling experiences that elevate and combine both art forms. Michael is extremely excited to be a new addition to the STAGE WRITE team.

Ruby Joy Garcia
Instructor

Ruby Joy (they/them) is a proud biracial Boricua born in England. Growing up primarily in California, they are now thriving in the RVA. Their background is mainly in mental health and crisis intervention, holding a BSW from Humboldt State University. They currently work as a suicide prevention counselor for LGBTQIA+ youth and have been recognized for their contributions to non-carceral street-based crisis intervention and advocacy. Ruby Joy developed a love for acting and theatre at a young age but didn’t have the opportunity to explore it until last year, when they joined Cadence's spectacular Unstaged adult acting class. While they have many hobbies and interests, you can find Ruby Joy spending time with their beloved fur children and spouse, helping out on their mum’s alpaca farm, and supporting their Ile in ceremony.

Brendan Kennedy
Instructor

Brendan Kennedy (he/him) is a Richmond native and a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory, where he earned his BFA in Musical Theatre. Brendan spent the last 10 years at SPARC teaching classes, directing productions and camps, and helping manage and create programming throughout the organization. Brendan sees the arts as more than just a career or a hobby, but rather a way of life. Connection, truth, and vulnerability are not only characteristics of compelling storytelling, but also of great humans. He looks forward to helping youth continue to tell their most authentic story. 

Yolanda Macias-Cottrell
Instructor

Yolanda Macias-Cottrell (she/her) moved to the Richmond area in 2023 after she and her husband retired from the U.S. State Department. As a spouse of a U.S. diplomat, she lived in Venezuela, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa and Canada. During her time overseas, she was involved in numerous volunteer activities. Yolanda was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and has a certificate in Management of Tourism Enterprises. Yolanda loves to travel and enjoys going to the theater, ballet and movies. Most of all she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Shalandis Wheeler Smith
Instructor

Shalandis Wheeler Smith (she/her) is a native of Petersburg, VA and currently resides in Richmond, VA. She received her BA in Psychology and English with emphasis in Theatre from Norfolk State University. Shalandis has previous experience as a Mental Health and Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor. Currently, Shalandis is a local actress and a Production Manager for The Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company. Her joy for acting has led to her to being cast in many local commercials, films and various theatre's around Richmond. Shalandis loves spending time with her family and friends as well as supporting the arts.