Afi Ayanna Shepard-Staley comes from the east coast with a BA from SUNY Fredonia in Theatre and a minor in education. Her training includes Afro-Carribean and West African Dance, physical comedy, mask work, jazz and blues vocals, costume design , improvisation, nutritional healing and yoga.
Afi's credits include the 2001 season of San Francisco Free Shakespeare Festival Merry Wives of Windsor. The Little Prince produced at the New Conservatory Theatre in conjunction with Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Various works at Luna Sea Women's Performance Center. She is also a founding member of BANTU Mystic Family Circus.
Her focus in this project is a positive impact on the future of young adults as they branch into a world of choices. Choices that would help and heal rather than hinder communities and youth. Being part of the devising and performance ensemble is a refreshing dream in revelation. A recommitment to the fact that you can still do what you passionately love, and make a difference in the world and yourself.
Special thanks to Naomi Stein (whom she shares a fabulous b-earthday with!) for her tireless and inspiring commitment to the project: creating this employment opportunity for working artists.