STAGE WRITE
Sharing youthful stories that uplift the spirit, challenge the mind, and honor both individuality and shared humanity.
Workforce Readiness & Lifelong Skills
The STAGE WRITE College Prep & Workforce Readiness Program provides local high school students with an opportunity to practice critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and teamwork through writing and performing narratives that are directly relevant to the issues they face in their own lives. Led by professional arts educators, STAGE WRITE is based on pedagogy that demonstrates that performing arts training builds workforce readiness and lifelong skills.
Testimonials
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“My students and I have enjoyed, and benefited from, every minute of our time with you, and we feel deeply grateful that someone made it possible for us to interact creatively with such kind, talented, engaging individuals.”
— RVA Educator
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“It's great to see the progress and hard work that has been put into Cadence's STAGE WRITE program. The dedication of your team is truly inspiring. As Manager of Literacy at Richmond Public Schools, I appreciate programs like these that help our students develop their skills in writing and storytelling. Your continued support is vital to the success of these programs, and we are grateful for it.”
— Literacy Manager, Richmond Public Schools
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“It is easy to see the impact that your program is having in our schools. I am always blown away by our students.”
— RVA Educator
Past Programs
Richmond Community High School: "Societal Expectations"
2024-2025 | VIDEO BY MICHAEL DUNI
Franklin Military Academy High School: "How are you Mentally?"
2024-2025 | VIDEO BY MICHAEL DUNI
Huguenot High School: "Abuse of Power/Addiction Parts 1 & 2"
2024-2025 | VIDEO BY MICHAEL DUNI
Franklin Military Academy: ”Addiction”
2024-2025 | VIDEO BY MATT POLSON & MICHAEL DUNI
Thomas Jefferson High School:
”Multiple”
2024-2025 | VIDEO BY MATT POLSON & MICHAEL DUNI
Richmond Community High School: ”Testing”
2024-2025 | VIDEO BY MATT POLSON & MICHAEL DUNI
Fall 2023 PSAs
2023-2024 | VIDEO BY AUSTIN LEWIS & DEWEY COLLINS | EDITING BY MICHAEL DUNI
Spring 2024 PSAs
2023-2024 | VIDEO BY AUSTIN LEWIS & DEWEY COLLINS | EDITING BY MICHAEL DUNI
Semester 2 Part 2
2022-2023 | VIDEO BY MATT POLSON & MICHAEL DUNI
Semester 2 Part 1
2022-2023 | VIDEO BY MATT POLSON & MICHAEL DUNI
Semester One PSA
2022-2023 | VIDEO BY MATT POLSON & MICHAEL DUNI
Snapshots
Photos by Jason Collins Photography
STAGE WRITE Instructors
Michael Duni
Director/Filmmaker
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Michael Duni (he/him) is a director and filmmaker who has worked on projects for Netflix, PBS, AMC, Amazon and others. At 28, Michael directed his first feature film, The King of Crimes. Outside of features, Michael’s short films, casting work, and cinematography have received international acclaim at festivals and mainstream theaters alike. Michael has also directed two stage plays, and has been tasked by distributors to re-imagine how plays are filmed for broadcast. He hopes his unique understanding of both film and theatre can help create storytelling experiences that elevate and combine both art forms.
Ruby Joy Garcia
Instructor
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Ruby Joy (they/them) is a proud biracial Boricua born in England. Their background is mainly in mental health and crisis intervention, holding a BSW from Humboldt State University. They currently work as a suicide prevention counselor for LGBTQIA+ youth and have been recognized for their contributions to non-carceral street-based crisis intervention and advocacy. Ruby Joy developed a love for acting and theatre at a young age and took advantage of Cadence's adult acting class. You can usually find Ruby Joy spending time with their beloved fur children and spouse, helping out on their mum’s alpaca farm, and supporting their Ile in ceremony.
Brendan Kennedy
Instructor
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Brendan Kennedy (he/him) is a Richmond native and a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory, where he earned his BFA in Musical Theatre. Brendan spent the last 10 years at SPARC teaching classes, directing productions and camps, and helping manage and create programming throughout the organization. Brendan sees the arts as more than just a career or a hobby, but rather a way of life. Connection, truth, and vulnerability are not only characteristics of compelling storytelling, but also of great humans. He looks forward to helping youth continue to tell their most authentic story.
Yolanda Macias-Cottrell
Instructor
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Yolanda Macias-Cottrell (she/her) moved to the Richmond area in 2023 after she and her husband retired from the U.S. State Department. As a spouse of a U.S. diplomat, she lived in Venezuela, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, and Canada. During her time overseas, she was involved in numerous volunteer activities. Yolanda was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and has a certificate in Management of Tourism Enterprises. Yolanda loves to travel and enjoys going to the theater, ballet, and movies. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Shalandis Wheeler Smith
Instructor
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Shalandis Wheeler Smith (she/her) is a native of Petersburg, VA and currently resides in Richmond, VA. She received her BA in Psychology and English with emphasis in Theatre from Norfolk State University. Shalandis has previous experience as a Mental Health and Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor. Currently, Shalandis is a local actress and a Production Manager for The Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company. Her joy for acting has led to her to being cast in many local commercials, films, and various theatres around Richmond. Shalandis loves spending time with her family and friends as well as supporting the arts.
Sponsors
This program was made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors:
