Key People

Don Sherman

Don Sherman is the Executive Director and President of the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company (CBTC), created the Midwest Regional Black Theatre Festival in 1998, was the, 2002, 2004 Festival producer. A recipient of numerous arts awards, including the 1998 Sowell Award and along with wife Paula Sherman, the Applause Magazine’s ImageMaker for developing youth through the art world. Mr. Sherman has been a theatre producer, director, teacher and playwright regionally for over 30 years.

Jackie Jackson

Jackie Jackson is the CBTC Acting Board Chair, Board Chair of The Alpha & Omega Project Contemporary Religious Arts, President/CEO of Jackim Group of Companies, an Artist Management company. Mr. Jackson is also the Pastor and Founder of Come As You Are Reach-Out Ministries. He is a native of Cincinnati, has graced the performing arts and music industry since the tender age of eight years old. He has performed in and directed numerous productions. Mr. Jackson has performed nationally with Grammy Award Winner, Peabo Bryson and provided choreography for Motown Recording Artist, DeBarge. Mr. Jackson is a Community Advisory Committee member for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Valerie Williams

Valerie Williams is a theater arts volunteer and has served as CBTC’s Company Manager for over 10 years. She graduated with a Bachelors in Communications from John Carroll University and is experienced in arts administration, social services and communications. Ms. Williams has been a production assistant for CBTC, as well as for films such as “The Movement” and “Open the Sky”. She coordinates public relations efforts, as well as handling CBTC’s administrative responsibilities.

Brian Richardson

Brian Richardson has a BA in Education and experience in Banking and School Administration, and Training and Development. He is CBTC’s Development Director and primary grant writer, as well as working on program design and development. Brian has performed onstage for CBTC and numerous other theatre companies throughout Greater Cincinnati.

Tara Hammonds

Tara Hammonds is our Dance Instructor and resident Choreographer. Ms. Hammonds has performed at the Kennedy Center, Wolftrap Performing Center, Tokyo Disneyland, and the Palace Theatre in London. She is also on the Cincinnati Public Schools gifted assessment team for dance. Ms. Hammonds has a degree in Engineering.

Avery Hammonds

Avery Hammonds has a Masters of Fine Arts in Vocal Music, Dance and Theatre from Ohio University-Athens. He is a CBTC voice and instrumental music instructor, and is CBTC’s resident composer/arranger (Hot Chocolates, Other Cinderella, and additional music for Black Nativity). Mr. Hammonds directed, co-wrote and performed in An African American Opera, which debuted at CBTC’s 2002 Midwest Regional Black Theatre Festival.