Company Profiles

Laurence Holder

Mr. Holder is noted for writing historical, biographical plays such as Zora Neale Hurston at The American Place Theatre in 1998, and When The Chickens Came Home To Roost at The New Federal Theatre (New York City) in 1981.

Maxine Kern

Freelance dramaturg and a Resident Dramaturg for The Negro Ensemble Theater & Diversecity Theater (DCT). Her dramaturgy most recently includes Savannah Black and Blue by Raymond Jones @ The Negro Ensemble Theater Company, the Book of Lambert by Leslie Lee @ La MaMa

Leslie Lee

Playwright Leslie Lee is Executive Director of the NEC and a founding artist of La MaMa e.t.c. His plays have been produced both on and off Broadway, and he has also written for film and television.

Sophia Romma

Playwright/Poet/Screenwriter/Director, Ms. Romma is the author of three plays, "Love, In The Eyes Of Hope, Dies Last", "Coyote, Take Me There!" and "Defenses Of Prague", directed by Leslie Lee and produced at La MaMa E.T.C.

Charles Weldon

Charles Weldon, a veteran actor known for the memorable roles he created for the stage, film and television, was designated to serve as Artistic Director of the Negro Ensemble Company in September 2004.

Kim Weston-Moran

An award winning veteran actress with a strong passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge of the craft. Ms. Weston-Moran has worked regionally, internationally, in Film & Television; and is known for her character work.

Jo Heck

Jo Heck, C.F.O., joined the staff of N.E.C. in the early 2000’s. Jo received an M.B.A. in Finance at Xavier University in 1986.  She was Peter Jenning’s personal accountant for 15 years.  Always interested in theater, she has appeared in productions since h.s. and was the Treasurer of the City Island Theater Group for several years.  

Cate Ryan

Cate Ryan was born on Long Island, New York. She published her first short story in High School a murder mystery. After graduating from college, Cate landed a job as an “assistant” in television. She worked with an agent for a short period who pushed her into the small screen business.