The Lost Shepherd played by Michael Kelly
This will be Michael’s 11th season in the lead character role of The Lost Shepherd. He is no stranger to the stage. Growing up as a “Pastor’s Kid,” he’s been on the platform almost his entire life. Throughout the years he’s performed lead roles in countless skits, plays, productions, and spoken word performances. He has had a strong musical background as a worship leader for over twenty years. In addition, he traveled for several years with an award winning Christian Country Band and a Southern Gospel Quartet.
Jesus played by Brandon S. Johnson
Brandon accepted the challenge of fulfilling the most prominent character role an actor could ever fill. This is his third season with The Lost Shepherd. Brandon is highly trained and experienced in the arts. He received his BFA at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro and his Master of Fine Arts at The Actors Studio Drama School/Pace University in New York City. Brandon received the Robie Award, Best Male Actor in a Leading Role for his work in Plaza Suite at North Carolina A&T. Other works in Film and Theatre to his credit are Dray Day, Hot Like Fire, Victim of Circumstance, Sweeper Cell, Busted, Black Nativity, Sand Mountain Matchmaking, Purple Haze, Watch Out God’’s Watching Your Mouth, and St. Lucy’’s Eyes.
Evil Presence played by Ivory Watson
Ivory has become an audience favorite in his challenging role of the Evil Presence. He is so professional in performing the role that he brings dignity to the complex character that he plays. This is Ivory’s fifth season with The Lost Shepherd Production. No stranger to the stage, Ivory began singing in church at the age of five. While in the U.S. Navy, Ivory served a tour in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.
Demoniac & Warrior Angel played by David Hawk
This is David’s second season with The Lost Shepherd. He first danced on the CTC Auditorium stage during the 2011 Transformed Youth Conference. David is the founder of the Hip Hop Out the Box workshop. Dancing since the 4th grade, he has traveled and ministered around the world using his many creative gifts. He has led numerous dance ministries and was the Hip Hop dance leader for the dance group Excaliber of Eddie James Ministries. He is the founder of the creative ministry, Breaking Point and currently teaches hip hop at Triple Threat Dance Center in Winston-Salem. He also teaches ballroom dancing as part of an international program called Dancing Classrooms. David has served as worship leader and loves to sing and play the guitar.
Carlene Kelly – Writer & Director
Carlene is a teacher, writer and public speaker. She spent over ten years traveling extensively across the US and abroad in evangelistic itinerant ministry with her husband, Leroy. They have served as pastors in four churches located in Texas, Louisiana and presently in Winston-Salem, NC. Her first published work, “Leadership Empowerment,” has been read by thousands and was developed into a seminar for individuals that desired to be empowered through focused prayer. In 1993 through divine inspiration and her love for theatre, Carlene wrote the fictional four-act musical drama, The Lost Shepherd. In addition, she has been the writer and co-writer of a number of songs and countless mini acts and plays. One of her songs is performed in The Lost Shepherd production, “Living Water,” Carlene has a passion for design and is a certified interior decorator. Until recently, she could be seen weekly on the television program, New Day which aired on several local area stations. However, she feels her greatest accomplishment is her three adult children. Michael, Shannon and Kendra are all serving in full-time ministry in Winston-Salem and Dallas, Texas. Her greatest love is her grandchildren, Hannah, Corbin and Jaden Aleece Dean.
Michael Kelly – Director & Lighting Designer
Michael has over twenty years of experience working as a Dramatic Arts Director, Theatrical Lighting Designer and Sound Engineer, as well as, Television Ministry Director and Editor. Not only does he act in The Lost Shepherd, but Michael designs the lighting and special effects and co-directs the musical production with his mother, Carlene. His genius creative abilities have refined The Lost Shepherd into the spectacular live theatre production that it is today. Michael’s ministry has served three churches in Louisiana and Texas. Currently, he is a full-time pastor in Winston-Salem and until recently he could be seen weekly on several local television networks in the program entitled, New Day. Not only was Michael the host for the television program, but he also directed and edited the program to get it “TV” ready. He has written and co-written several songs including two that are performed in The Lost Shepherd, “So Called King of the Jews” and “Living Water.” Michael also designs and installs theatrical lighting, sound systems and video systems for facilities and churches through the company, LightingMinistries.com. Because of his expertise in lighting design, Michael was requested and submitted an article for the April 2011 issue of Worship AVL Asia. Michael met his wife, Annette, while attending McNeese State University in Louisiana and they married in 1994. They have two children, Hannah Mikelle and Corbin Shane.
Leroy Kelly – Producer
Music has been a part of Leroy’s entire life. Not only does he have a beautiful voice, but he is a natural talent in several instruments. His mother made sure that those talents were enhanced through structured lessons which were very burdensome, especially when the neighborhood boys were playing ball. He has directed numerous conference and camp choirs for all ages through the years. He has sung on hundreds of stages covering a variety of events and affairs. For several years, Leroy was the lead singer for a Southern Gospel Quartet that traveled across the U.S. He is known for and has repetitive requests for his vocal renditions of “O, Holy Night,” “The Anchor Holds,” and “Amazing Grace.” However, Leroy’s first love is ministry. He has served in the position of pastor for four churches in Texas, Louisiana and presently in Winston-Salem. He has traveled in evangelistic itinerant ministry extensively within the United States, as well as Pakistan, Kenya Africa, Mexico and the Philippines. He is an avid supporter of his wife’s dream, The Lost Shepherd, and his voice takes the production to a higher level of excellence. Leroy is the founder and president of Kelly New Day Ministries, Inc./Lost Shepherd Productions. He was an inspiration to thousands on the weekly broadcast of New Day which was seen on several local Triad television stations. Leroy and his wife, Carlene, married in 1969 and have three adult children, Michael, Shannon and Kendra.
Annette Kelly – Assistant Director
Annette has been on the Creative Team of The Lost Shepherd for eleven seasons. In addition to directing, she oversees the coordination of the make-up artists to keep the cast looking “Broadway” ready. Annette has been on the stage throughout her entire life appearing in her first pageant at only six months old. She has held countless pageant titles including a National Rodeo Queen title. In addition, she has over twelve years of formal dance, has been a spokes model and has worked in the dramatic arts for over 20 years. Annette’s years of Rodeo barrel racing and roping has given her the “no fear” fortitude to be the “flying angel” in The Lost Shepherd. She has served as pastor with her husband in Texas and currently in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Annette could be seen each week alongside her husband, Michael, on the TV program, New Day. Annette is presently home schooling their two children, Hannah Mikelle and Corbin Shane.
LaWanda Lash – Dance Director & Choreographer
This is Lawanda’s seventh season with The Lost Shepherd. Recently awarded the Forsyth County Entertainment Award of The 2013 Female Interpretive Dancer of the Year, LaWanda is a seasoned performer with credits including My First Love, House-The Revolution and It’s Not About Us, It’s About Jesus. One of her featured events is the Maya Angelou’s 80th Birthday Celebration. She is also the chapter Chairperson for the NC Division of the Liturgical Dance Network of New York City.
Shannon Kelly – Audio Design & Engineer
A recent nominee for a 2012 National Academy of Television Arts & Science Emmy and the recipient of a 2011 Texas Lone Star Emmy, Shannon has been behind the sound board for The Lost Shepherd since its inception in 1993. Audio is his passion and he works alongside his mother, Carlene, and his brother, Michael, as The Lost Shepherd Audio Engineer. For 23 years, Shannon has been an Audio Engineer and for the past 9 for the International Christian Network, Daystar, based in Dallas, Texas. He has assisted in designing numerous mobile production units for the network and has traveled extensively within the United States and abroad with the Daystar founders, President Marcus and Joni Lamb. His work at Daystar includes audio for their original live program, Celebration, the recorded program, Check the Sound, and the national award winning recorded program, The Joni Show. In addition to his credits at Daystar, Shannon also worked on the “Behind the Scenes” for the Shaquille O’Neal’s Comedy Tour in Dallas, Texas. He has designed and installed sound systems for facilities and churches across the U.S. and in Israel through his company, Audio Techniques & Design and with LightingMinistries.com. Shannon has studied Commercial Art and has a degree in Inner Electronics.
James & Connie Branham – Stage Design
The Branham’s bring over 17 years of experience to The Lost Shepherd. They are a unique team and their passion is for set design. Together, they have created sets for several major productions and plays in North Carolina. Returning audience members will readily recognize the Branham’s additions to The Lost Shepherd stage. Jim & Connie are artistically blessed with the talent and ability to bring the Director’s vision to life.
Natalie McMasters – Stage Manager
Natalie joined The Lost Shepherd Creative Team six seasons ago. Staging sets has been her passion for many years. She started as a teen volunteer at the Little Theatre in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Her creative skills were put to use in a different and rewarding way while serving in the U.S. Military. As a Combat Medic, she applied make-up to soldiers for Mass Casualty exercises. She is truly a director’s best friend, because she relieves the director from ever having to worry if the set and props will be where they should be.
Felicia Eley – Costumes & Wardrobe Coordinator
Felicia has been the Costumes/Wardrobe Coordinator for The Lost Shepherd for the past six seasons. She has a keen eye for colors and patterns and a knack for placing the right costume on the right person. She and her team of seamstresses and assistants keep the cast of The Lost Shepherd looking as genuine as possible in depicting characters in early Bible times. However, Felicia’’s greatest assets may be her attention to detail and her strong organizational skills. Both come in handy when maintaining nearly 200 costumes. In addition, Felicia is the owner of ADoor Decor Designs, Inc. based out of Winston Salem, NC. She creates handmade wreaths, flower and decor arrangements for every season.
Michelle Dennis – Sales & Marketing Manager
This is Michelle’s fith season with The Lost Shepherd. She brings over 18 years of experience in sales and marketing to the team. As a licensed Real Estate Broker since 1997 she has successfully marketed various projects generating tens of millions in revenues. Michelle has been named Sales Agent of the year multiple times by Builders and the Real Estate Companys she represented. At The Lost Shepherd she has spearheaded the sales team resulting in consecutive sold out performances and tri-state recognition. Michelle assisted with designing & painting the original set for the production and also helped design “Shad”, the camel, who is seen trotting down the aisles with the King’s Entourage. Michelle is also a TV Host for the Christian Network WLXI an affiliate of TCT where she can be seen interviewing leaders throughout the Carolinas and she’s an Administrator at Central Triad Church.
Josh Tek – Assistant Director/Music Production
With his diverse experience, Josh is a great addition to the directorial staff of The Lost Shepherd. Only in his 2nd season and first season as an Assistant Director, Josh has a fresh new “eye” and perspective to the whole “Lost Shepherd experience.” In addition, his vocal and musical talents make you want to come just to hear him! Josh graduated with a B.A. in theology and an A.A. in Christian Music from Christian Life College in California. He has served as Executive Producer on several recording projects as well as lending his vocal and musical talents toward many musical projects.
Artrivia Brock – Video Engineer
As The Lost Shepherd Video Engineer for the past 6 seasons, Artrivia’s experience in photography and video has added another dimension to the production with the use of the video screens. No matter where you sit in the audience, this technology gives you the ability to feel up close and personal as the characters perform on the stage. Artrivia studied Graphic Arts and Animation at WSSU and has a passion for Photography and Video. With the whole family in the cast for the past 5 seasons, The Lost Shepherd has been a “family affair” for Artrivia, her husband, James and their 3 children, Kayelin, Cameron and James Brock III.
Thom Buchanan – Sound Engineer
Thom is a worship leader at New Day Church at High Point and co-founder of the School of Worshiping Arts. He is a New York native but has now made his home in High Point, NC with his wife Caroline and their children. Thom started playing the guitar at the age of 12, and has been honored to back-up artists such as Phil Driscoll, Darlene Zschech, Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff, Kent Henry, legendary-guitarist Mike Deasy, Georgian Banov, JoAnn McFatter and Roy Fields, to name a few. He is the founder of the bands SonsUVthundr and the Thom Buchanan Band. In 2013, The Lost Shepherd team was divinely united with Thom to produce a music sound track for its production at his state-of-the-art, full-service music production studio in High Point. It didn’t take long to recognize Thom’s innate ability to reach into the heavenlies and pull out ethereal chord-progressions and melodies, while spontaneously releasing divinely-inspired poetic lyrics. What emerged from the union, was The Lost Shepherd’s first all original music sound track and music cd including the following songs written by Thom: “Miracle”, “Arise & Shine” and “I Am.”
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