Cast

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The Encounter: Akron features a regional cast of professional, pre-professional, and non-professional performers.
 

• Melissa Ajayi, 37 (Shaker Heights, OH), is a recreation therapist, mother of two children, loves to be outdoors, and is learning to garden. 

• Neema Bal, 26 (Akron, OH), is co-artistic director of Gum-Dip Theatre, was born and raised in a refugee camp, and has a passion for theatre and a strong dedication to uplifting and advocating for refugee children.

• Katie Beck, 31 (Akron, OH), also co-artistic director of Gum-Dip Theatre, is a theatre maker, creative community builder, and social entrepreneur who loves her house plants, two cats, and the North Hill neighborhood.

• Kobe Calain, 20 (Newton Falls, OH), loves to move, dance, perform, and make people smile.

• Kay DePew, 28 (Akron, OH), former Miss Akron, is an experimental artist and business student. 

• Julia Dillard, 37 (Cleveland, OH), loves swimming in the ocean, making plum tortes, chasing her toddler, and being in nature. 

• Josy Jones, (Akron, OH), is from a theatre background and tends to ask a lot of questions that she answers with research and movement; dinosaurs are her favorite animal. 

• Elyse Morckel, 31 (Akron, OH), is Associate Director of The Movement Project and enjoys snuggling with her cat David, baking macarons, supporting her local library, and hiking the many trails a part of the Summit Metro Parks. 

• Britt Oliver, 39 (Akron, OH), enjoys yoga, travel, museums, painting, and any activity that sparks creativity.

• J2 Shepherd, 11 (Akron, OH), loves music, dancing, and singing. He also enjoys learning to play new instruments, playing video games, and joking around with his friends. His happy place is at home surrounded by his family. 

• Larry White Jr, 21 (Akron, OH), has a passion for baking sweets, obscure fashion looks, and rarely is seen without a smile.