Backstage at Jubilee Theatre

This week, we're having a little girl talk. 💜 Jubilee Theatre's Operations Coordinator, Donna Mance , and Junior Associate Producer, Nyla Henderson , sit down with the women of Sassy Mamas — Deon Sanders, Crystal Williams, and Pattra Smith — for an honest conversation about sisterhood, womanhood, and the bonds that help us navigate life's challenges. From behind-the-scenes insights ab...

In this episode of Backstage at Jubilee, Wambui and Kenja sit down with Davian Jackson, Director of "Sassy Mamas" in his directorial debut, and Kayla Marshall, Assistant Director of "Sassy Mamas," for a candid conversation about women, power, and who gets to own the story. Together, they unpack the show’s taboo themes surrounding older women pursuing younger men, discuss what it means for a man to...

In this episode, we kick off North Texas Gives to the Arts (April 16–30, 2026) by exploring the power and impact of giving—especially here at Jubilee Theatre . We dive into how your support directly fuels our productions, uplifts artists, and strengthens the cultural heartbeat of our community. From the stage to the stories we tell, every contribution helps us continue amplifying voices and creati...

In this episode of Backstage at Jubilee, Wambui and Kenja sit down with actor and singer Kyle B. Spears ("Test to Testimony") and director, actor, and singer Davian Jackson for a candid conversation about growing up as pastors’ kids. They dive into the pressures, expectations, and personal journeys that shaped their faith—and how they ultimately found it for themselves. Plus, Kyle shares...

In this episode of Backstage at Jubilee, host D. Wambui Richardson and Jubilee Theatre Managing Director Kenja Brown sit down with Steven A. Taylor, the musical director of Jubilee’s upcoming world-premiere gospel musical, Test to Testimony. Steven shares his artistic journey, his approach to shaping the musical landscape of this powerful new work, and what it means to collaborate on a production...

In this episode of Backstage at Jubilee, host D. Wambui Richardson sits down with Chris Murdaugh, rapper, actor, and rap consultant for "Hype Man."Together, they dive into the heart of the show, discuss the power of hip hop in today's culture, and Chris's background in hip-hop. 🎭 Hype Man is now on stage at Jubilee Theatre. 🎟️ Get tickets at jubileetheatre.org Don’t forget to li...

n this episode of Backstage at Jubilee, host D. Wambui Richardson sits down with actor Dylan Todd, who plays Pinnacle in our current production of Hype Man. Together, they dive into the heart of the show — exploring hip hop culture, identity, and the powerful conversation around the line between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. Dylan shares insights into his process, what it means...

On this special staff-takeover episode of Backstage at Jubilee, Operations Coordinator Donna Mance and Marketing Coordinator Kyra McGhee sit down with our very own Junior Associate Producer, Nyla Henderson. Together, we shine a spotlight on Nyla’s journey at Jubilee—her many hats, her growth, and her recent transition into the Junior Associate Producer role. We also open up about our own paths to...

In this episode, we welcome board member SaJade Miller to discuss the power, responsibility, and impact of board leadership at Jubilee Theatre. From building financial stability to navigating a year of growth and transparency, SaJade shares insight into the work you don’t see on stage but that makes all the difference. Tune in as we spotlight the partnership between board and staff and how that co...

🎙️ Wambui sits down with Donnita Hathaway, youngest daughter of legendary soul artist Donny Hathaway and founder of the Donny Hathaway Legacy Project. They discuss the foundation’s mission, the importance of mental health, and the enduring legacy of Donny Hathaway’s music. Tune in for a heartfelt, inspiring conversation that celebrates legacy, healing, and the power of music.🎭 “The Voices of Donn...

In this episode of Backstage at Jubilee Theatre, Wambui and Kenja sit down with Robert King Jr., the talented playwright behind "The Voices of Donny Hathaway." Together, they dive into the creative process behind the show, Robert’s inspiration, and his incredible journey to bringing this moving story to Jubilee Theatre’s main stage. Discover how "The Voices of Donny Hathaway" c...

In this episode, we sit down with Rickie Jones, the star of "The Voices of Donny Hathaway," as he steps into the role of the legendary soul artist Donny Hathaway. Rickie shares how Donny’s music has shaped generations, why his story still resonates today, and how he’s preparing to bring that powerful legacy to life on stage."The Voices of Donny Hathaway" will be at Jubilee Thea...

In this episode of Backstage at Jubilee, we sit down with playwright James E. Carter to discuss the inspiration and creative process behind his original work, I Got The Last Laugh. 🎭James shares how the play celebrates the strength, humor, and spirit of the Black experience — and why bringing this story to Jubilee Theatre means so much. Even though the show has already opened, this conversation o...

In this special staff takeover episode, Marketing Coordinator Kyra McGhee and Operations Coordinator Donna Mance sit down for an honest conversation about what it means to be young professionals in the arts. Whether you’re just starting your professional journey, working in the arts, or curious about the people who make Jubilee Theatre thrive, this episode offers insight, laughs, and real talk fro...

In this episode of Backstage at Jubilee Theatre, hosts D. Wambui Richardson (Executive Artistic Director) and Kenja Brown (Box Office Coordinator) sit down with Donna Mance, Jubilee’s Operations Coordinator, for an inside look at how the theatre runs behind the scenes. Donna shares her journey to Jubilee, what “operations” really means day-to-day, and the surprising tasks audiences never see but a...

In Episode 3 of Backstage at Jubilee Theatre, Executive Artistic Director D. Wambui Richardson and Box Office Coordinator Kenja Brown sit down with Marketing Coordinator Kyra McGhee to talk about her journey to Jubilee Theatre — and what it’s really like to market live theatre. From the challenges to the creative wins, Kyra shares her insights on connecting audiences to Jubilee’s mission and bring...

In this episode of Backstage at Jubilee, we sit down with Charles Jackson Jr., director of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, and Shaundra Norwood Gabriel, who brought Cedella Marley to life on stage. Together, they share insights on the production, the power and impact of live theatre, and their personal journeys bringing Marley’s music and story to Fort Worth. We’ll also talk about North Texas Giv...

Welcome to Jubilee Theatre’s official podcast! In our very first episode, hosts D. Wambui Richardson (Executive Artistic Director) and Kenja Brown (Box Office Coordinator) sit down to share what makes Jubilee Theatre Built to Thrive. This is just the beginning of the conversation — we’re thrilled to bring you behind the curtain as we celebrate our past, embrace the present, and build the future of...

In this episode of the Jubilee Theatre Podcast, Board President Anita Heiskell and board member Misha Sturns take us inside the boardroom to discuss nonprofit governance, strategic planning, and how Jubilee Theatre is preparing for the upcoming season. From leadership roles to long-term vision, this conversation highlights the behind-the-scenes work that supports the art onstage. Purchase your tic...