Byron S. Stewart (Founder). Chicago audiences have seen Mr. Stewart's work in many theatres, including Northlight, Black Ensemble, Pegasus, Court, and The Goodman. He received a Jeff Citation (Lead Actor)for Slow Dance On The Killing Ground at Touchstone Theatre. Mr. Stewart has been awarded a Black Theatre Alliance Award and an After Dark Award (Outstanding Performance) for his performance in the one man show, Conversation With A Diva, produced by A Real Read and the Bailiwick. As Artistic Director of A Real Read, he has directed and performed in most of the ensemble's local performances and national tours. Mr. Stewart's poetry and prose have been published in BLACKlines, Venus, Kick, Malebox, and other periodicals. Mr. Stewart premiered his own one man show, Manchild and Other Fierce Pieces, at San Francisco's Josie's Cabaret and Juice Joint. As Artistic Director of School Street Movement, a school-based HIV prevention performance troupe, he directs all touring shows including the "Sex Police," a hip hop dance play. He also created a program of children and adult acting classes at Joel Hall Dance Center. Mr. Stewart co-starred in the feature film How U Like Me Now, and is featured in the made-for-televison pilot, Kevin's Room. Mr. Stewart received his BFA degree from Howard University in Washington D.C.