INTERIM MANAGING DIRECTOR, MARKETING & PATRON SERVICES DIRECTOR
Mark H. Andrews (he/him) is a co-founder of Azuka Theatre. Originally from Michigan, Mark moved to Philadelphia in 1997 to take part in the Arden Theatre Company's Professional Apprentice program (class 5). From 1999 to 2006 Mark worked for Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) as their Prop Master and Lightboard Operator having worked on over 25 productions including the Philadelphia premiere of The Last Five Years and the world premieres of Jeffrey Hatcher's A Picasso and Christopher Durang and Peter Melnick's Adrift in Macao. From 2006 to 2017 Mark was the Technical Director for the Mandell Theater at Drexel University. As a freelancer, Mark has worked with Avista Custom Theatrical, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Wilma Theater, Arden Theatre Company, Pig Iron Theater Company, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater, Enchantment Theater, Lantern Theater Company and Plays & Players Theater.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - NEW PLAY PRODUCTION
Rebecca May Flowers (she/her) is a producer, director, and choreographer. As a director and choreographer, Rebecca has worked at schools, universities, and regional theaters across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. Recent credits include: Galilee by Christine Evans (Azuka Theatre), White Christmas (Candlelight Theatre), The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe and Fefu and Her Friends by Maria Irene Fornes (Temple University), Matilda the Musical (Steel River Playhouse), and New Voices Festival (Philadelphia Young Playwrights). Before coming to Azuka, Rebecca was the Associate Artistic Director at Theatre Horizon where she produced the multiple award-winning production of The Color Purple in 2018. Rebecca recently served as the Producing Consultant for the Center Theatre in Norristown, which had its grand reopening in 2023. A Florida native, Rebecca earned her B.A. in Theater from Florida State University and her M.A. in Theater from University of Central Florida. rebeccamayflowers.com
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT
Reva Stover (she/they) is a director, playwright, actress and teaching artist from Orlando, FL with a BFA in acting from the University of Central Florida. Reva has been a teaching artist for over five years. Most recently, she was the Artistic Associate and Education Coordinator for the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company. Her acting credits include several original roles such as Jump (Fay) in association with the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Best Foot Forward (Lil G) at the Creede Repertory Theatre, Front Page News (Diana) in association with the Cumberland County Playhouse, and Mannequin (Betty). They’ve written works such as Running (Wings of Paper Theatre), Hungry for Paint (Little Yellow House Studio), a series of pieces inspired by Shakespearean sonnets (Revolution Shakespeare), Reasons (Art and Vine Entertainment), and Moments (PWTF). Reva has directed shows such as Tuck Everlasting, A Hit Dog Will Holler, This is a Low, A Complicated Hope, MASC, and Man of La Manchin. They’ve assistant directed at The Arden, The Lantern, Weston Theatre Company, and Orlando Repertory Theatre. Reva's work combines Afro-surrealism with 4-Dimensional world building to examine the socioeconomic and sociopolitical issues that affect our society. They are particularly interested in new, underserved, and reimagined works which amplify the stories of marginalized communities. Their goal is to activate artists and audiences alike to join the fight against oppression. Through collaborative play, explorative movement, dramaturgical analysis, and thoughtful conversation, they aim to tell meaningful and entertaining stories that enrich communities and leave audiences thinking. revastover.com
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Ryir began his performing career at the tender age of 6 year old. Ryir is classically trained in voice and ballet alike while also specializing in modern dance and musical theatre. Ryir has worked with Delaware Theater Company, Eastern University Walnut Street Theater, Philadelphia Dance Theater, Gwen Bye Dance, Providence Creek Dance, and many more! Ryir has spent the last 6 years as an arts educator in and around the city of Philadelphia. In addition to being a part of the Azuka team, Ryir is currently engaged in uplifting Philadelphia communities and allocating resources for underrepresented demographics.
RESIDENT DRAMATURG
Autumn Storm Blalock, MA (she/her), is an arts administrator and Theater for Health researcher originally from PG County, MD. An acclaimed scholar with a focus on Afro-American phenomenology, Blalock focuses her artistry around embracing the wholeness of humanity – its good and its bad. She is a published researcher, poet, and essayist. This experience, coupled with her background in the field of health psychology, creates a unique dramaturgical process that enhances the work of a playwright and production team. Some of her credits include working in administrative roles with Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival, Tiny Dynamite, and the Philly Education in Arts Partnership. She has also served in artistic capacities as a dramaturg or stage manager with PlayPenn, Philadelphia Artists Collective, and Eagle Theatre.
MARKETING ASSISTANT
Cheyenne Parks (she/her) is an actor and director originally from the DMV area. She is based in Philadelphia and graduated from Temple University (Acting Concentration’ 22). Her acting credits include: The Ways of White Folks (EgoPo Classic Theater) School Girls; Or, African Mean Girls (Arden). Nominations: Best Performer In A Play and Best Direction Of A Play (BroadwayWorld Reginal Awards 2022). Cheyenne has been fortunate to have directed Dugout Daisies (The Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival), sweet bread peaches and Prophets (Azuka Theatre Rising Writers Play Readings), and Reasons (Art and Vine Entertainment). She has also assistant directed Tuck Everlasting (Centre Theater), The Ways of White Folks (EgoPo Classic Theater) and 24 Hour Plays Philadelphia (InterAct Theatre Company). In addition to her work in the theatre industry Cheyenne also managed numerous social media accounts for companies in the Philadelphia area.