Andi Cheney,
Stage Manager
Andi Cheney is a recent graduate of Macalester College's illustrious Theatre and Dance department (as is Maren Ward, but Andi swears that's not how she got the job).  Having been the catch-all/be-all/end-all (current and future interns excluded) intern last winter, she's caught the zAmya bug and she don't want a cure.  You may find Andi acting, dancing, singing, writing, costuming, designing, or poking buttons on light and sound boards whenever and wherever she can.  While so occupied, she tries her best to appreciate all the little things that make the world a better place, like sloths and sweaters and sweet potatoes and smiles.

Tina Harrison,
Writer
Along with members of the artistic team, Tina collaborates on script writing, publicity, and website maintenance.   She’s a 70 year old woman trapped in the body of a college student and loves endless pots of tea, musty-smelling books, and wearing tacky sweaters.  She spends most of her free time wandering around Minneapolis city streets and pretending that she actually lives in France.

Lecia Grossman,
Program Director and Founder
Lecia is an organizational development consultant and coach and is passionate about creating dialog to better our community, companies and relationships. She deems zAmya's work as a key force in who she is and looks forward to creating innovative new ways to stimulate dialog in our community.

Ed Mandell,
Actor
Ed attended Stillwater Senior High.  He is a veteran Twin Cities radio announcer, as well as a musician and singer.  He works as both a local and national broadcasting stringer/producer, and does freelance voice work.

Marvin Howard,
Actor
This is Marvin’s second year with zAmya. He was born and raised in Chicago and now lives in Minneapolis.  He is a stand-up comedian and a member of Verbally and Vicious Comedy group.  Having recently tied the knot, he’s officially “off the market.”

Ryan Schmidt,
Actor
Ryan is a 23 year old stand-up comedian with a passion for Oreo flavored ice cream and a debilitating fear of snakes and spiders.  His theatre expertise comes from acting in his fifth-grade play.  Ryan is a web-designing, bass-playing, bacon-loving actor who considers himself officially "on the market."

Angela Thomas,
Actor
Angelia loves bacon and butter pecan flavored ice cream.  She’s never been in a play and is looking forward to telling her story. 

Richard Brinda,
Actor
One rain-soaked night in October, Rich stumbled into the basement of St. Stephen’s thinking he was going to see a play.  Instead, he crash-landed in the bizarre and invigorating world that is a typical night of rehearsal at zAmya.  Guided by his faith in God, Rick joined the cast without reservation.  It’s been an amazing adventure since then, and Rick has spent many nights after rehearsals wide awake and full of anticipation both for the show and for his newly discovered dream to pursue film-making.

Shawna Geshick,
Actor
Shawna has lived in South Minneapolis her entire life.  She is interested in developing her skill as an actor and artist.  She is an Ojibwa Native and loves her culture.   Her goals are to be reunited with her children, to get her GED, and to attend cosmetology school.

Melisa Pertille,
Actor
Melisa is a mother of four who lives in Minneapolis.  She is currently looking for acting jobs.

Marcya Copher,
Actor
Marcya was an actor in zAmya’s 2007 production 10 You Win 10 You Lose.  She loves acting and singing and hopes to pursue these interests further.

Darrell Coles,
Actor
Darrell is from Minneapolis.  He’s glad to have an opportunity to be an actor, and he hopes that his art will inspire others to reach for their goals.  He believes that theater is a powerful medium for change and he’s happy to have the chance to affect change for the better.

Greg Tromiczak,
Actor
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Greg’s previous stage experience includes Seward Community Theater, Theater Zero, The Fringe Festival and Ten Minute Play Festivals.   He’s also worked with Ben Kreilcamp (The Bard of Seward).  Although he doesn’t consider himself an actor, he does enjoy acting out.  He wants to thank many people for the opportunity to work with zAmya for a second year but says he’s holding Roxanne personally responsible.

George Thomas,
Actor
George is from Memphis, TN.   He is inspired by his belief and God and by the desire to do all things for Him.  He hopes to one day own his own place. 

Lynn Tiger,
Actor
Lynn doesn’t have theater experience, but she does have life experience—which by zAmya standards is much better!  She loves to cook and eat, and is a Lakota Native who believes in her traditional ways.

Caroline Mannheimer,
Actor
Caroline got her start as a ballet dancer. Today, she’a self-taught tattoo artist from New York City, and is a self-employed portrait artist and mural designer.  She’s also a bass player and a song writer and as well as an aspiring anthropologist.

Lindsay Hensel,
Actor
Lindsay is originally from the Milwaukee area. She moved to Winona, Minnesota to attend Winona State. She graduated with a Fine Arts degree and a minor in Philosophy—which is why she’s a 30 year-old bartender and an aspiring comic.

Chloe Mannheimer,,
Actor
Chloe is five years old and beginning her artistic career at a performing arts magnet school where she just started kindergarten. Chloe does line dancing and cheerleading.

Herb Brown,
Actor
Herb performs stand up comedy in the Twin Cities. He produces an online show called The Green Room where he interviews other comedians. This is his first on-stage theater experience.