Thembile Tshuma - ACTYA Productions Manager

Yuck Miranda - ACTYA Co-Chair Person

Jerry Adesewo - ACTYA Co-Chair Person

Sandra Nadege - ACTYA Secretary

John Namai - ACTYA Finance & Fundraising Manager

Thembile Tshuma is an Applied Drama; Theatre BA Honours graduate from Drama for Life (University of the Witwatersrand), percussionist, TV and stage actor, writer, puppeteer, dancer, choreographer, musician, Theatre Director, Cultural Leadership Mentor and Arts Administrator. His artistic background dates back to 1997, and he has been involved with numerous Theatre Companies across the SADC region. He was the main coordinator of the BABEL project at the 2023 Cradle of Creativity Festival where he fostered successful engagement with African delegates. Currently, Thembile holds two posts at ASSITEJ South Africa: Gauteng Theatre4Youth Provincial Coordinator and Education Officer. He is the Productions Manager of the African Children and Youth Theatre Arena's African Network (ACTYA).

Yuck Miranda (he/they, b. 1993) is a Mozambican actor and performer with work spanning film and TV acting, theatre, music and vocal work, movement, dance, choreographing, directing, and teaching. Uniting their versatility and experiences in documentary direction, performances centered in the body and its expression through movement, sound and pacing, and facilitation of complex dialogues, they create works that focus on advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and children's rights. They've gathered extensive technical and practical experiences through internationally renowned events and work with major theatre and dance companies in South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Portugal, France, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, and Japan, while maintaining investment in Mozambique's performance arts community. Yuck is the current Co-Chairperson of ACTYA.

Jerry Adesewo is a Nigerian theatre producer, director, and writer, widely recognised for his contributions to sustaining theatre culture in Nigeria. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Arojah Royal Theatre, producers of the Abuja International Theatre Festival and Awards, and the Abuja Children's Festival. His work extends beyond Nigeria, representing the country at international festivals including the SAND Festival in Norway and SWEDSTAGE in Sweden. Jerry holds several international positions, serving as the Nigeria/West African Coordinator for the UK-based INDRA Congress and as a board member/co-chair of the International Inclusive Arts Network (IIAN). His dedication to promoting theatre as a tool for social change and cultural expression has made him a respected figure both locally and internationally.

Nadege Sandra Uwayezu (Sandra Nadege) is a multi-faceted writer, editor, and communication enthusiast with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to authentic, empathetic communication, she's dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. Sandra has three years of experience as an accomplished author, literary editor, and ghostwriter with several published works, including a memoir, Light in the Dark, and two poetry collections, First Creation and Sense and Sensation. She has explored various forms of artistic expression, including poetry performances, singing, and theater. With a strong foundation in authenticity, integrity, and balance, Sandra's mission is to continue using her communication prowess and artistic expression to foster understanding and encourage thought and dialogue.

John Mukeni Namai is a seasoned Kenyan storyteller, performer, and cultural leader with over two decades of experience in the arts sector. His expertise lies in using storytelling as a tool for education, cultural preservation, and social change. John holds a PCERT LAMDA certificate in Drama Teaching (2006-2011) and a Certificate in Creative Entrepreneurship from the GoDown Arts Centre (2017). Additionally, he completed training in Practical Play Therapy Applications of Polyvagal Theory in 2020, equipping him with a unique understanding of how storytelling can support mental and emotional well-being. Through his work, he continues to foster connections between storytelling, education, and cultural development, both locally and internationally, and remains committed to using storytelling as a powerful medium for national and global impact.