Meet our dedicated board members

Discover the passionate individuals guiding The V-Academy Inc. Our board is committed to nurturing young talent in theater, arts, and film, providing hands-on experience and expert mentorship for a brighter future.

D. Venson: Founder, CEO, director, and producer

D. Venson, the visionary founder, CEO, director, and producer, leads Venson & Associates, LLC. With a wealth of experience, D. Venson is the driving force behind The V-Academy Inc, dedicating efforts to educate, empower, and encourage youth through the performing arts. This leadership ensures our programs deliver professional and impactful experiences.

Judge Verda M. Colvin: Georgia Supreme Court Justice

We are honored to have Judge Verda M. Colvin, a distinguished Georgia Supreme Court Justice, on our board. Her expertise and commitment to community enrichment provide invaluable guidance for The V-Academy Inc. Judge Colvin's involvement underscores our dedication to providing a strong foundation for youth development and creative expression.

Dr. Eddie Bradley: Playwright and chairman of Spelman College Theatre Department

Dr. Eddie Bradley, an accomplished playwright and Chairman of the Spelman College Theatre Department, brings profound theatrical knowledge to our board. His guidance helps shape our curriculum, ensuring young participants receive top-tier instruction in dramatic works and performance, fostering creativity and a deep understanding of the craft.

Professor Paul Thomason: Stagecraft specialist from Spelman College

Professor Paul Thomason, a respected stagecraft specialist from Spelman College, enriches our board with his technical expertise. He ensures our youth gain comprehensive knowledge in all aspects of production, from set design to lighting. Professor Thomason’s dedication helps equip students with practical skills vital for a career in the entertainment industry.

Michelle Douglass: CEO of The Conservatory of Dance & Fine Arts

Michelle Douglass, CEO of The Conservatory of Dance & Fine Arts, brings a wealth of artistic vision to our board. Her leadership ensures our programs integrate high-quality dance and fine arts education, nurturing well-rounded performers. Michelle’s commitment helps inspire young artists to reach their full potential.

Mr. Edward Lawrence: Dance instructor at DeKalb County School System

Mr. Edward Lawrence, a dedicated dance instructor from the DeKalb County School System, is a valued member of our board. His passion for movement and education guides our creative movement programs, providing students with dynamic and engaging dance experiences. Mr. Lawrence helps foster confidence and expression in every participant.

Denise Heard-Latimer and Lynise Heard: Dance Makers of Atlanta

Denise Heard-Latimer and Lynise Heard from Dance Makers of Atlanta contribute their exceptional dance expertise to our board. Their experience in professional dance instruction enhances our programs, offering youth unparalleled opportunities to develop their vocal expressions and creative movement skills. They are instrumental in shaping future performers.

Dr. Maisha Akbar: Department of Theatre at Fort Valley State University

Dr. Maisha Akbar from the Department of Theatre at Fort Valley State University brings academic rigor and theatrical insight to our board. Her guidance helps ensure our dramatic works and theatrical development programs are both educational and inspiring, providing youth with a solid foundation in the performing arts.

Bishop J.D. Fowler: Multimedia Network

Bishop J.D. Fowler, representing Multimedia Network, contributes extensive experience in media and production to our board. His expertise helps integrate cutting-edge multimedia elements into our programs, providing youth with practical skills in areas like sound/lights design & technology and production design. Bishop Fowler is key to enhancing our technical production offerings.

JD Daniluk: Sound Design & Technology - MMI North

JD Daniluk from MMI North, specializing in sound design & technology, is an essential part of our board. His technical acumen ensures our students receive hands-on training in the latest sound and light design techniques, crucial for professional theatrical and musical productions. JD's involvement guarantees our programs stay at the forefront of industry standards.

Bob Ficklin: Bibb County’s Rhythm & Jazz Foundation

Bob Ficklin from Bibb County’s Rhythm & Jazz Foundation brings a rich musical heritage to our board. His passion for music enriches our curriculum, offering youth opportunities to explore music design & technology. Bob's dedication helps inspire a new generation of musicians and sound technicians within the performing arts.

Carlo Rodriquez: Music Technology & Design - Clayton County School System

Carlo Rodriquez, an expert in music technology & design from the Clayton County School System, is a valuable asset to our board. He ensures our programs incorporate innovative approaches to music production and design, empowering youth with essential skills for the modern entertainment industry. Carlo's involvement guarantees our students are well-prepared for technological advancements.

Casme’ Barnes: National Recording Artist

Casme’ Barnes, a nationally recognized recording artist, lends her immense talent and industry insight to our board. Her presence inspires young vocalists and performers, providing firsthand knowledge of the music industry. Casme’s mentorship enriches our programs with real-world experience, helping aspiring artists hone their craft and pursue their dreams.

Khalia Preyer: Founder/CEO - KPS Theatre Foundation, Inc.

Khalia Preyer, Founder/CEO of KPS Theatre Foundation, Inc., brings a dedicated focus on theatrical development to our board. Her experience in establishing and leading a theater foundation provides invaluable strategic direction, ensuring our programs cultivate strong foundational skills and creative growth for all participants. Khalia is passionate about fostering a love for theater in youth.

Kenny Dozier: Dramaturge - The Kennie Playhouse Theatre

Kenny Dozier, a distinguished dramaturge from The Kennie Playhouse Theatre, brings a critical understanding of play development and theatrical production to our board. His expertise helps refine our dramatic works programs, ensuring youth engage with high-quality scripts and narratives. Kenny's guidance is vital for fostering thoughtful and impactful performances.

Ms. Emily K. James: Life Stage Production, Inc.

Ms. Emily K. James from Life Stage Production, Inc. contributes extensive production and stage management expertise to our board. Her practical knowledge is crucial for guiding our technical production and stagecraft design programs, ensuring youth gain hands-on experience in every aspect of bringing a performance to life. Emily's commitment ensures professional standards.

Amber Jackson: "So You Think You Can Dance" Top Ten

Amber Jackson, a "So You Think You Can Dance" Top Ten finalist, brings dynamic performance experience to our board. Her insights into creative movement and vocal expressions inspire our young dancers and performers. Amber's firsthand journey in the performing arts provides invaluable motivation and expertise to our students.

Freddie Hen: Experienced musician and performer

Freddie Hen, an experienced musician and performer, enriches our board with his artistic talents and stage presence. His involvement supports our music design and vocal expression programs, providing students with guidance from a seasoned professional. Freddie's passion helps cultivate a vibrant musical environment for young artists.

"The V-Academy Inc's board members are a testament to dedication and commitment, truly empowering the next generation of artists."

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