Meet Our Team

The talented individuals behind TheatreSouth’s inspiring productions, dedicated to bringing stories of justice, equality, and hope to life on stage.

LEADERSHIP

Artistic Director

Herman LeVern Jones

Herman LeVern Jones, MFA

Executive Producer, Artistic Director, Director & Founder

Herman LeVern Jones has been a driving force in American theatre for over five decades...

53 Years

of theatrical excellence

200+

Productions directed

250+

Productions produced

14 Years

Leader of National Black Theatre Festival

OUR TEAM

Production Team

Christopher Cumberbatch

Christopher Cumberbatch

Set Designer

Christopher Cumberbatch is an acclaimed scenic artist and designer whose career spans over 30 years. A graduate of Art and Design High School and Parsons School of Design, Christopher has been an active member of the Local 829 Scenic Artist Union for over three decades and developed a thriving decorative paint company. His impressive film credits include serving as Charge Scenic Painter for iconic titles such as Spike Lee's Malcolm X, Crooklyn, Robert De Niro's A Bronx Tale, and recent features like The TV Glows and The Best Man: The Final Chapters. His television work includes Saturday Night Live, Michael Che's Comedy Show, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, Netflix's The Crew, and Fox's Prodigal Son.

Lynette Yvonne Ewell

Lynette Yvonne Ewell

Associate Producer

Lynette Yvonne Ewell is the dynamic CEO and Founder of Ewell Investments, LLC, and a multi-talented creative force with a passion for community empowerment. A native of Tallulah, Louisiana, Lynette brings a diverse range of experience as an author, actress, playwright, songwriter, and pastor to her ventures. She is a 1982 graduate of McCall Senior High School and a 1983 graduate of Massey Business College. A visionary in the performing arts, Lynette is the Creator and Executive Producer of several impactful platforms, including the gospel stage play 'From the Heart and Soul of a Woman,' which she wrote and produced. Her portfolio also includes the empowerment-focused series 'The VOICE Speaks Volume,' the community-honoring 'The VOICE and Man-Up Awards Gala,' and 'Treating the Trauma,' a platform dedicated to fostering healing through creative arts. In March 2025, Lynette released her inspirational book, Game Changer!, in which she candidly shares her personal journey of overcoming life's challenges. The book is a motivational guide, offering seven essential rules for rewriting one's life story through courage, faith, and tenacity. As a spiritual leader and mentor, Lynette is dedicated to guiding and equipping individuals with the tools they need to live a life of purpose and abundance.

James L. Johnson, III

James L. Johnson, III

Website Developer & Associate Producer

James develops and maintains TheatreSouth’s digital platforms while also contributing to production logistics and creative development.

Bianca LaVerne Jones, MA

Bianca LaVerne Jones, MA

Education Director

Bianca LaVerne Jones, MA is an accomplished actress, director, and educator who brings passion and expertise to TheatreSouth's educational initiatives. A 2025 AUDELCO Award Winner for Outstanding Ensemble Performance in 'The Wash' (alongside Rebecca Haden, Margaret Odette, Alicia Pilgrim, Kerry Warren, and Eunice Woods), Bianca has distinguished herself in theater and arts education. She leads TheatreSouth's educational outreach programs, nurturing young talent and bringing transformative arts education to schools and community organizations throughout the region. Her dedication to empowering the next generation of performers and artists reflects her commitment to making theater accessible and impactful for all.

Carolyn Williams Jones, MA

Carolyn Williams Jones, MA

Education Director

Bianca and Carolyn lead TheatreSouth's educational outreach, nurturing young talent and bringing arts education to schools and community organizations across the region.

Yonnick LeVern Jones, IMBA

Yonnick LeVern Jones, IMBA

Social Media Coordinator

As an international entrepreneur, Yonnick's dream is to creatively collaborate and form business partnerships around the world, helping other business owners reach their dreams. Over 10 years now, Yonnick has had the opportunity to experience the dynamic business environment in both Europe and North America, working with numerous companies to date. His expertise stems in the following: People Management, Corporate Finance, Strategic Planning, and Marketing & Sales. Yonnick is also conversational in English, French and Italian.

Dr. Gregory Allen McPherson

Dr. Gregory Allen McPherson

Musical Director

Dr. Gregory Allen McPherson is the Choir Director at Delaware State University and has distinguished himself as a major figure in entertainment, being one of the most sought-after composers, arrangers, performers, conductors, and producers involved in modern music. His illustrious career includes working with legendary artists such as Lionel Hampton, Sarah Vaughn, James Brown, and Boyz II Men, and he has produced for major labels including CBS, RCA, and Warner Brothers. Dr. McPherson brings unparalleled musical expertise to TheatreSouth, overseeing all musical arrangements and ensuring each production delivers powerful soundscapes that enhance every performance.

Brielle Scott

Brielle Scott

Associate Producer, Website Designer & Stage Manager

Brielle blends her creative design skills with hands-on stage management, coordinating both online and onstage experiences that reflect TheatreSouth’s mission and vision.

Vincent Williams

Vincent Williams

Crew Member

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Special Guests & Acknowledgments

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

Special Guest & Collaborator

Michael Eric Dyson is a Distinguished Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies, Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Society, and the Centennial Chair in African American and Diaspora Studies at Vanderbilt. His multifaceted career as an author, ordained minister and radio host adds depth to his perspectives on race, history and contemporary issues.

Betty Ward-Cooper

Betty Ward-Cooper

Community Leader & Education Advocate

Betty Ward-Cooper is a distinguished education leader and mayoral candidate for Monroe, Louisiana. A Monroe City School Board member since 2008, she was re-elected unopposed in 2022 and served as board president in 2020. Throughout her tenure, Betty has chaired and served on the board's Curriculum, Policy, and Finance committees, demonstrating unwavering commitment to educational excellence. In 2021, she earned the distinction as a Certified School Board Member by the Louisiana School Board Association. Her dedication to community empowerment and youth development has made her an invaluable supporter of TheatreSouth's mission to bring transformative arts education to the region.

Patricia "Pat" Moore

Patricia "Pat" Moore

State Representative, District 17

Patricia "Pat" Moore is a dedicated public servant representing District 17 in the Louisiana House of Representatives since 2019. A native of Monroe, Louisiana, she earned a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Business at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and retired from State Farm after a distinguished career. Before her legislative service, Pat served on the Ouachita Parish Police Jury representing District F from 2007 to 2019. Currently, she serves on the Health and Welfare Committee, Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee, Medicaid Oversight Committee, Administration of Criminal Justice Committee, Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs Committee, and the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus. Her commitment to community development and social justice aligns perfectly with TheatreSouth's mission.

Latoya Forman

Latoya Forman

Special Thanks

TheatreSouth extends heartfelt gratitude to our longtime supporters and collaborators, including Pat Moore, Betty Ward-Cooper, Latoya Forman, and many others whose dedication continues to strengthen our mission.

Samantha Davis

Samantha Davis

Special Thanks

TheatreSouth extends heartfelt gratitude to our longtime supporters and collaborators, including Pat Moore, Betty Ward-Cooper, Latoya Forman, and many others whose dedication continues to strengthen our mission.