Front L to R: Vernell Allen, Jade Krystal Dyer, Morgan McKay, Baxter Evans III, Paul Pelletier, Jr.
VERNELL ALLEN (Directing Associate) is a New York based producer, director, writer, and stage manager originally born in Mississippi. He’s directed and managed two touring shows, Theatre for Young Audiences, community theatre, and collegiate plays, the most recent being All American Boys by Jody Alperin and Vicky Crouch. He also served as second AD for Wes Miller’s A Day to Die starring Bruce Willis and Dallas Jackson’s The System starring Tyrese Gibson. Allen is an alumnus of Mississippi State University and the Mississippi School of the Arts, and remains a student of the game.
JADE KRYSTAL DYER (Acting Associate) is a graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor of arts in theatre on a performance track. Some of her performance experience includes Hair the Musical, Julius Caesar, Sweet Charity, and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. When not on stage, Dyer also enjoys taking on other roles in entertainment, such as writing, producing, and directing an original Choreopoem titled Dear, [BLANK]; Love, Anonymous as well as acting as an associate producer and production coordinator on an indie television series called Tri- County. As an actor and a person, Dyer prioritizes kindness, respect, and enjoyment for all! She is ecstatic to be a part of the New Stage team, and all of the wonderful things that are yet to come! You can find her on Instagram @jade.krystalll
BAXTER EVANS III (Acting Associate) is an actor and combatant from Clinton. Miss. where he went to Hinds Community College, and performed in shows called Water Engine and Bus Stop. Evans then moved to Hattiesburg, Miss. to study theatre at the University of Southern Mississippi, performing in the shows Once in a Lifetime, She Kills Monsters, The Addams Family, and Macbeth. While at USM, Evans received a KCATCF nomination, allowing him to travel to the KCATCF Region IV back in February 2023. He also served in Alpha Psi Omega, Harlem (a BIPOC theatre club), and Skip the Script (an improv club). Evans is excited to come back home to learn more and to work for a professional theatre company and is excited for what comes!
MORGAN McKAY (Acting Associate) is a recent graduate from Liberty University with a BFA in musical theatre, where some of her favorite roles included Harriet Smith in the musical Emma, Charlotte in Oliver!, and Rebecca Gibbs in Our Town. In 2022, she was the co-director of creative and performing arts at Sandy Hill Summer Camp, and this past summer she was an actor and improv teacher at WinShape Camps for Girls in Georgia. She is looking forward to working with such a wonderful group of artists at New Stage Theatre. She would like to thank her parents for all of their love and support, and God for His unconditional love and the gifts and passion He has given her.
PAUL PELLETIER JR (Acting Associate) is an actor, singer, playwright, and combatant. Pelletier is also a graduate of The University of Central Florida, having graduated with a BFA in acting. Over the course of his 7+ year career in the theatre, Pelletier has been a part of several fantastic productions. Ranging from spectacular musicals like RENT, Little Women the Musical, and Into The Woods, to classic pieces such as As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, and Indecent. Pelletier is also a huge advocate for new voices and pieces in the theatre, having been both a playwright and actor for companies such as Project Spotlight and The Orlando Fringe Festival, organizations that help produce first time playwrights and independent company’s works. Pelletier seeks to bring laughter to those he meets, both on stage and off it, with a quick joke and chipper outlook on life. When not on the stage, he is an avid Dungeons & Dragons player, having been in games lasting over four years. He also enjoys drawing, video games, swimming, and cooking. Pelletier is incredibly grateful to be a part of the New Stage Artist Associate program, and can’t wait to make new and exciting art with such amazing individuals! www.paulpelletierjr.com