John Stoltenberg and Sherrita Wilkins

John Stoltenberg Among the hats John Stoltenberg wears are novelist and author, creative director and communications strategist, and avid theatergoer. Decades ago, in college, he began writing, producing, directing, and acting in plays. He continued through grad school—earning an M.F.A. in theater arts from Columbia University School of the Arts—then lucked into a job as writer-in-residence and administrative director with the influential experimental theater company The Open Theatre, whose legendary artistic director was Joseph Chaikin. Meanwhile, Stoltenberg’s own plays were produced off-off-Broadway, and he won a New York State Arts Council grant to write plays. Then his life changed course: He turned to writing nonfiction and what became a distinguished career as a magazine editor. But he kept going to the theater, the art form that for him has always been the most transcendent and transporting and best illuminates the acts and ethics that connect us. He tweets at @JohnStoltenberg. Sherrita Wilkins Sherrita Wilkins is a writer, storyteller, encourager, and joy-seeker. Since 2012, she’s been an active force in the DC arts scene through musical and long-form improv, dance and theater. Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Sherrita received a B.A. in Political Science with concentrations in International Relations, Spanish, and Philosophy from Nazareth College. She worked for six years in international development before founding Journey Bound, LLC where she serves as Chief Creativity Officer. Sherrita is also a licensed Realtor in Maryland and enjoys playing tennis.