Words of encouragement to us

"Thank you, Julie, for the hard work you have put into all the productions for the festival. Thank you, especially for your direction of WHERE WINTER RESTS ON A WOUNDED HEART, and for bringing my characters to life on the stage. I was so impressed and pleased with the production. I am truly honored to have been chosen to be a part of the Columbus Black Theatre Festival's 10th anniversary. Please thank each actor for their outstanding, heartfelt, and inspiring work." Sincerely, Evonne Fields-Gould Playwright - Novelist - Quilter

"Hello Julie! Thank you so much for having me be a part of the festival this year as I have learned so much from the experience. I hope to grow as an actor and hope to see you along my acting journey and see where life takes me next! Thank you again to you and all of the cast and crew members who were patient with me in learning my lines and being able to do two plays at once! You all believed in me, and I am very thankful I got to be a part of a friendly environment. Once again thank you!" Vianey Rodriguez, Actor

“The mission of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission to promote positive human relations. We do this by investigating and mediating charges alleging discriminatory practices. We also provide education on a myriad of topics dealing with discrimination. I was intrigued by the subject matter of Casting Call. A small group of people from the Pennsylvania Human Rights Commission is coming to Columbus the first week of August. I would like to invite the cast of Casting Call to perform as part of our program. This is an opportunity for us to showcase our local talent while bringing attention to issues that affect us all. I look forward to hearing from you soon.” Angela Phelps-White, Esq. Executive Director Ohio Civil Rights Commission. (We performed at this event.)

"Hi Julie!

Oh, I hope we meet some day! I'm writing to let you know that, for now, I had to hide the link on FB to THE WONDER OF YOU. It's up for another production that has rules about accessibility. In the meanwhile, I'll share it with my colleagues at Urban Stages, here in NYC, and select colleagues. (I'm listening to it now again!) I always feel more "whole" when I share my voice. It makes me feel part of the world, instead of isolated by some of my own ... thoughts and feelings. By the way, my late husband (I can't believe he's gone 27 years!) was 16 older than me. J.D. was born in Mississippi and raised in Memphis. He went to high school with Elvis. Every fourth play that I write, I dedicate to his memory. I miss his voice. Stay cool and hydrated. "Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate." Yours, Bara Swain Playwright

" I want to say thank you so very much for putting together this wonderful festival of plays. All the plays were superb, and the direction and performances were absolutely outstanding! We really wanted you to know how delighted we were with your direction and that of your other directors, the cast and crew. Truly a magnificent job, we couldn't be happier with how our plays were produced. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you a million times. Thank you!" Peter Anthony Fields (Playwright: See, Invisible)