Meet the Cast of Dearly Departed

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Rhonda (Raynelle) has graced local stages, from White Christmas to Sister Act. Chicago-born, she’s a passionate performer and director, dedicated to inspiring audiences and supporting the arts community.

Gainesville's Jacoby Jenkins brings his talent to the stage, from 'The Wiz' to directing 'Change It Up.' A dedicated theatre scholar making his debut in a leading role.

Atlanta’s Q Parker Jr., a spirited theatre student, shines in roles from 'Thoughts of a Colored Man' to 'Good Times.' Passionate about authentic storytelling and theatrical excellence.

Ileana Rendon, a West Florida graduate, joins ETA with vibrant performances and tours. She’s thrilled to showcase her musical talent and gratitude to her loved ones.

West Palm Beach's Kyndal Jones excels on stage and behind the scenes. A Theatre major deeply involved in productions and leadership, she embodies passion and dedication.

Tallahassee’s talented Delilah Sills has been performing since age six. A dedicated young star balancing school and stage, she shines in musical and theatrical roles.

Keith Wesley, a talented FAMU student from Atlanta, excels in diverse roles and advocacy. He actively shapes the future of theater with his storytelling and activism.

Delilah (Delightful) is a Tallahassee native who has been performing since the age of six. She has had roles in several plays, including Addaperle in The Wiz (ATMSA), Mrs. Gloop in Willy Wonka (ATMSA), Paulette in Legally Blonde (RAA), and Jennyanydots in Cats (Theatre Tallahassee). Never to be considered an underachiever, Delilah is also an academic star. In the fall, Delilah will be an 8th grader at Augusta RAA Middle School, where she maintains a 4.0 GPA.

Martha (Veda) is thrilled to return to MOH. She’s played diverse roles like Fiona Starkweather and Ethel Thayer, and appeared in many plays and films. She dedicates this performance to caregivers.

Jim (Norval) has 40+ years in theatre, performing across Tallahassee. An active actor and board member, he’s dedicated to the arts community.

Vonzel (Reverend Hooker) returns for his second ETA performance. He’s performed on various stages and is excited to reunite with ETA.

Talishay was born in St. Petersburg and now resides in Tallahassee. She started performing as a child and is passionate about theatre.

D'Nai, a senior at Saint Leo University, has been performing since 6th grade. She thanks her family and friends for their support.

Leon is an experienced actor and director with many theatre credits, including award-winning roles in Tallahassee.

Valerie is a Florida A&M University graduate who has performed in various productions and is passionate about theatre.

Radio Announcer DJ Dap brings energy to our stage, sharing his passion for music and community.

Bryan F. Mitchell (he/him) hails from Miami, FL, where he attended Miami Northwestern Senior High School and was a part of the world-renowned Performing and Visual Arts Center (PAVAC) Drama Department. He is a distinguished theatre artist, educator, and community leader. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance with a minor in Education from Florida A&M University, where he performed in productions like Black Nativity, Tartuffe, Dearly Departed, My Emperor's New Clothes, The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf, Ain't Misbehavin', Change it Up, The Wiz, and The Color Purple. From 2004 to 2008, Bryan was also a featured performer in the FAMU Connection and is a founder of the Essential Theatre Union (ETU), a student theatre organization. 

In Tallahassee, Bryan has built an impressive portfolio, performing in productions at Theatre Tallahassee (Once on this Island, The Producers, Guys and Dolls, City of Angels, Dueling Divas [Male Edition], Sister Act, Little Shop of Horrors), Quincy Music Theatre (Parade, A Christmas Carol, A Chorus Line, Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Memphis), and notable productions like Annie at Center Stage, Dearly Departed at the Southside Arts Complex, Fences with Canopy Roads Theatre Company, Aida with Tallahassee Triple Threat, and Laughing Stock: A Politically Twisted Cabaret. Bryan also guest-starred in Grease with the Godby Players at Godby High School. 

Bryan's directing experience is extensive, spanning multiple venues and age groups, with credits that include The Spongebob Squarepants Musical at Theatre Tallahassee, Once on this Island at Quincy Music Theatre, and Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery at FAMU Essential Theatre, as well as Home and Purlie Victorious at Thomasville On Stage and Company. He also directed Amen Corner, Dearly Departed, and Ain't Misbehavin' for the Essential Theatrical Associates (ETA) in partnership with Monticello Opera House. 

In education, Bryan has dedicated thirteen years to the Leon County School System, teaching drama and inspiring young performers. At Leon High School, he directed And Then There Were None, Harvey, Dearly Departed, Impromptu, and the world premiere of Prospect High. He also directed The Lion King Jr. at Augusta Raa Middle School. Currently, he teaches Theatre at Apalachee Tapestry Magnet School of the Arts, where he has directed productions like Aladdin Jr., The Addams Family young@part, Moana Jr., Willy Wonka Jr., The Wiz Jr., and Shrek Jr. His students regularly have the honor of performing at the State Capitol for Children’s Day, and his high school and middle school students have received Superior, Excellent, Critic’s Choice, and Best in Show at Thespians festivals.  Bryan’s extensive performance, directing, and education background exemplifies his commitment to theatre and youth arts, making him an invaluable contributor to the Tallahassee arts community.

Beyond teaching and directing, Bryan serves as the Summer Camp Director at Theatre Tallahassee and as the Assistant Director of Theatre for the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. He is on the Board of Directors for Quincy Music Theatre and has served as an adjudicator for Making Light Productions, the Florida District One Thespians Festival, and Florida Junior Thespians, supporting and mentoring the next generation of performers.

Bryan is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Florida Association of Theatre Educators, the Leon Classroom Teachers Association, and the Florida Education Association. His dedication has earned him the Glenn-Howell Distinguished Educator of the Year Award for 2023-2024 and the FAMU Essential Theatre Alumni Service Award in both 2009 and 2023. Bryan’s multifaceted contributions as an artist, educator, and leader underscore his deep commitment to theatre and his community. His dedication to theatre and education continues to shape and inspire the next generation of performers.