OUR COMPANY
MYESHA-TIARA
Artistic Director
Hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and now resides in South Shore, Chicago. She is an actress, director and content creator. Myesha developed the idea of Perceptions Theatre in undergrad when she saw the lack of support that minority theatre students were receiving in her department and she decided she wanted to become the change she wanted to see. In 2019 she made Perceptions Theatre into an official business then covid hit. She didn't allow that to stop her dreams and passion for creating a safe space for African American artists and a training ground for them and other artists of color. Some of her Chicago credits include: Court Theatre (For Colored Girls...), The Gift (Hamlet), Theatre at the Center (Steel Magnolias), MPACCT (Swamp Baby) B-Side Productions (Broke AF & Rap Mom), Artemisia (Every Waiting Heart, & What About The Children?), and The Artistic Home (The Wedding Band), she has also been featured in the Academy Award winning film 12 Years A Slave. She is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent, Inc.
JERLUANE 'JAY' JENKINS
Executive Director
Jerluane (Jay) Jenkins is a playwright and actor in Chicago and recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. While pursuing her Bachelor's in Theatre and Performance it became clear that opportunities in theatre were scarce for students of color. With this information and years of living in Chicago in mind Jerluane makes a conscious effort tell the stories of people who are often unheard. Her goal is to build up her community from the inside.
TAMARUS HARVELL
Production Manager
Tamarus Harvell is a professional actor based in Chicago, IL. He is a graduate from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in theatre with a concentration in acting. He has worked with several theatre companies in Chicago and has been a part of several short films that have been selected for multiple festivals throughout the country. He has a continuous passion for highlighting and working with artists of color.
KENNETH BELL
Literary Manager
Kenneth Bell is a Chicago native and graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana with a degree in Political Science. He is also a local Chicago slam poet and musician and some of his work can be seen and heard on several social media platforms.
JAMISE WRIGHT
Casting Director
Chicago native Jamise “Slim” Wright has appeared in film, theater, and television. More recently in Her Story Theater’s SIDE SHOWS as the bereaved mother in HSTs MONGER, where she received rave reviews. She has been seen in Chicago Fire’s winter finale episode, “The One Hundred”, “Windy City” an indie film directed by Gunjan Badjatya, “Dearly You Come To Me”, “Illumination” and the theater production of Just RANTing The Blues where she played the role of death. Jamise has showcased her improvisational skills with the Second City Workshop and is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago. She is currently represented by The Stewart Talent Agency.
ANTWON FUNCHES
Resident Graphic Designer
Antwon Funches is a Chicago based theatre, music, and visual artist who centers Black, urban narratives and experiences. Antwon Funches entertains and educates from a humanistic, Nichiren Buddhist perspective.
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JABARU KHALIQ
Resident Headshot Photographer
Since receiving his BFA in Acting in 2019, Chicago-based actor, photographer, and filmmaker Jabari Khaliq has made his career goal to provide a voice for those who feel underrepresented--including artists themselves. While acting has always been his passion, he went into college wanting a new creative way to capture how he saw the world. Since beginning Khaliq Photography in 2014, Jabari has grown a portfolio that proudly represents artists--especially young, black artists. He hopes to give full autonomy to all young creators as they embark on their journeys.