Tina Pulley

Saundra

Tina Pulley brings a strong poetic streak to the cast of Gettin' Grown. Her acting experience includes "The Colored Museum" and "The Color Girls" with Andre Lee Ellis & Company. She was also part of the production of "The Sound That Will Not Be Televised."

This poet and facilitator of the support group "Spirit of my Sista" can be spotted working with young girls throughout the Milwaukee area using poetry as tool to inspire and encourage. Tina has released her first CD under her stage name, Jazzi, called "A Few More Minutes," a volume of her reciting her poetry. She is currently in the studio recording with Music Mind recording artist, "REN."

When not writing, this mother of three is home enjoying her children. She is employed as a medical assistant (CMA).

Gettin' Grown reflects on the changes and choices we face while growing up. When asked what was her favorite coming of age story, Tina said, "The Lion King. It taught courage."

Richard Thomas

Dee

Richard Thomas is an accomplished actor in the eleventh grade at Milwaukee High School of the Arts. He has acted with the Hansberry Sands Theatre Co., Majeska Theatre Co., Andre Lee Ellis & Co., Ancore Productions as well as productions at Milwaukee High School of the Arts.

Richard won first place in the Milwaukee chapter NAACP ACT-SO competition for dramatics. When he is not pursuing acting, Richard enjoys model making, poetry and athletics.

Gettin' Grown is a coming of age story, one that captures the changing responsibilities and decisions demanded of young men in particular. When asked about his favorite coming of age story, Richard chose the movie He Got Game. "It is a story about a black man coming out of hard times constantly being hacked at but still coming out strong."

Casey Braxton

car driver

Casey Braxton has been acting for five years; Gettin' Grown is his second film project. A student at Virginia Tech, Casey is majoring in theatre arts and film. He is looking forward to this opportunity to hone his craft. As he put it, "I've been crawling for a while, it's about time to start walking."

When he is not studying or acting, Casey is employed in the time-honored profession of actors—waiting tables. But perfecting his performance and acting skills are the most important concerns in his life.

When asked what being part of the cast of Gettin' Grown meant to him, Casey said, "Being a part of this movie means everything to me. This is my second film and the fact that my career is new and fresh motivates me to push hard. There is nothing better than working on a tight team on a mutual goal."

Joseph Dixon

Jo Jo

Joseph Dixon is a seventh grader at Grand Avenue Middle School in Milwaukee. He has appeared in several school plays, and it looking forward to the new challenges of a role on film.

A fun-loving young man, Joseph enjoys running track. He is excited by this chance to act. When asked what joining the cast of Gettin' Grown means to him, Joseph replied, "Being a part of this movie and part of this cast means a lot to me because I will meet new people and I think I will have fun doing this."

Damien Matthews

Lavar

Damien Matthews's acting experience started in middle school at Roosevelt School of the Arts in Milwaukee. Since that time, Damien has been interested in plays and films. He is currently at work on two screenplays, one of which he hopes to shoot in Milwaukee.

Damien is employed in construction. He has too many hobbies to name them all, but writing, lifting weights and playing ball top the list. Rapping is another talent; he has a cameo role rapping in Jay-Z's Back Stage. He is motivated to join the entertainment industry both behind and in front of the camera.

The coming-of-age story in Gettin' Grown brought back memories for Damien. He remembers, "My first adult task came before I was even an adult. At 17, I was told by my mother, 'Anything you want to use in this house from now on, you have to buy it!'"

Robert Pickens Jr.

Malcolm

Robert Pickens Jr. is familiar with the camera, both in front of it and in production behind the scenes. A college freshman at MATC, Robert is studying graphic design. His creativity extends to acting. He has been impersonating characters from television for as long as he can remember.

For the past two years, Robert has been on camera. The majority of his time has been reporting, but his experience includes commercials and modeling. This is in addition to being employed in television production, creating promotional or special event videos for corporations on a freelance basis.

But Robert doesn't live his life on camera. He is a dependable young man who still finds time for fun and enjoying life. When asked about his first adult tasks and coming of age, Robert recalled, "playing the man of the house." He helped his family make important family/house decisions that his father was not always up to. But Robert maintains his easy going personality through it all.

Glenda Cole

Officer Cole

Glenda Cole continues her independent film streak with her role in Gettin' Grown. Although she continues to do commercial and print work, her main focus is film acting. She appeared in an independent film shot in Milwaukee in Summer 2002 called Virginia Jack in which she played Virgina Jack. She is currently shooting an independent film in Milwaukee called Scare Me.

Glenda Cole has appeared in several local commercials including ads for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Fleet Farm, and a Wisconsin Tobacco Board anti-smoking commercial starring Ahman Green. She has also appeared in promotional print materials for local companies such as Johnson Controls and GE Medical. Other than her passion for acting, Glenda also enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and Starbucks® Mochas.

When asked what being part of the Gettin' Grown cast and community means to her, Glenda said, "The other film projects I've been cast for have been primarily one race or ethnicity. I'm very excited about being a part of this cast because I enjoy all people regardless of any differences. I think diversity makes for more fun and interesting times. I predict this project will be a great success."

Frederick Johnson

Officer Johnson

Frederick Johnson has been a performer for most of his life. At eleven he was break dancing in local area community centers and dance shows. Recently, this Racine native and Marquette University graduate decided to pursue acting professionally. After a year of being a professional actor, Fred has worked in regional, industrial and community theatre as well as done voice-overs for a Chicago-based children's theatre group.

Fred has appeared in productions from the New American Theatre, KidFu Theatre, and John Bryant Productions. He has worked in television and print commercials. His experience includes voiceovers, radio guest appearances, singing in the church choir and serving as the master of ceremonies for special events. Gettin' Grown is his first film role.

Fred has trained with the Second City – The Acting Program, Player’s Workshop, New American Theatre, and the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts. He brings interesting talents to his role in Gettin' Grown — experience in kickboxing, tae-kwon-do, Iaido (art of the sword), and guns.

Fred is an information technology professional by day. He also fills his non-acting hours with rock climbing, steppin’ in Fraternity Dance Shows, swimming, conversational Japanese & Spanish and computers & technology.

When asked what joining the community effort behind Gettin' Grown, Fred said, it is "a great opportunity to do something good for Milwaukee, while advancing my acting career." Fred's ultimate goal is directed toward films & television, which is why he is very exited about being cast in Gettin' Grown.

For more information about Fred, visit his website:
http://www.frederickkeithjohnson.com

Timothy Cole

Preston,
a pawnbroker

Timothy Cole is a successful actor with film, theatre and commercial experience. An all-around athlete, Timothy doubled for Wesley Snipes in the motion picture Major League. He has also played semi-pro football, has served as a personal trainer and plays basketball and golf.

Pursuing a career as a professional actor, Timothy has appeared in many commercials for organizations such as Kohl's Department Store, Mills Fleet Farm, Grand Geneva Resort, Covenant Healthcare and more. In his theatre experience, he has worked with A Dream Production and CFFC Drama, playing roles as diverse as a lawyer and Satan. He has also spent time on camera in films and videos. His credits include: Major League, Rhythm in the Streets, Chain Reaction, Family of Cops and The Children's Trust Fund.

Acting may be Timothy's passion, but he is also capitalizing on his ten years in the fashion industry. He formed Cole's Foot Palette, an online shoe store a year ago. He has twin goals of working full-time as an actor and running his own business.

Coming-of-age stories exist across cultures and time. The lessons and emotions from those tales help us grow and flourish. Timothy sees his true adult responsibility beginning "when my daughter was born; I had to start to become a father fast." When asked about what his favorite coming of age story, Timothy said, "My favorite movie is Godfather I, II, and III. My favorite book is the Bible, which has the answers to all of my questions."

Don Lewis

a Pharmacist

Don Lewis is an award-winning trumpeter who performs nationally and locally. He is branching out creatively by acting in this role in Gettin' Grown.

A graduate of Grambling State University in Louisiana, Don is an accomplished composer and has produced 3 CDs. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States as a studio session man and backup musician to such notables as Aretha Frankiln, Billy Paul, Tavares, Syl Johnson, Luthor Ingram, Tyrone Davis, O.V. Wright, ZZ Hill. He has also worked with several Milwaukee musical groups including Big Band, The Sounds Unlimited and the Lee Foster Jazz Quartet. Don has performed at Yankee Stadium, Texas Stadium, Shea Stadium, the Houston Astrodome, and the Super Dome.

A dedicated family man, Don has reserved time to begin the establishment of a Jazz Foundation in the Milwaukee area. He serves as the Director of the respected Music Department for Milwaukee Public Schools.

When asked what being a part of Gettin' Grown meant to him, Don replied, acting in the film "allows me to grow in another phase of the arts."

To find out more about Don Lewis, please visit his website: http://www.ltownproductions.com

Sandra Adell

a Pharmacist

Sandra Adell is an actor and commercial print model. She has appeared in numerous plays in Madison, Wisconsin, and is regularly seen in national cable and regional network television commercials. In addition to her performance activities, Sandra is a professor of literature in the Department of Afro-American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Aaron Bagley

a Police Officer

Aaron Bagley is a Milwaukee- born actor, successful entrepreneur and loving father of three. He has a growing interest in acting in both the theater and film.

When not acting, Aaron's hobbies include boating, singing and fishing. He is employed in the mortgage loan business as a Vice President of Loan Origination. He has been blessed with a wonderful wife and family.

When asked what being part of the Gettin' Grown cast means to him, Aaron said, it is "a chance to appear in a movie that is educational and hopefully helps younger children with their decisions. A chance to give a little more of myself to the community."

Lena Cole

a Police Officer

Lena Cole is an experienced actress who has worked in independent films.

Frank James IV

a Police Officer

An experienced television professional, Frank James is also an author, with a book due out in August 2003. Titled No Sell-Out, it is an in-depth look at a young college student's struggles with attending college and staying, in his terms, "Black." The book also covers his battles with alcoholism.

Frank has worked in behind-the-scenes production for WISN Channel 12 in Milwaukee. He was the production manager for a teen television show called Teen Forum. He has also produced television segments and written several commercials.

Gettin' Grown is a tale of changing responsibilities and growing up. When asked what his first adult responsibility was, Frank said, "I've always been a mature individual. I've had a key to let myself into [my mother's] house since I was 4 years old."

Patrick McCormack

a Police Officer

Patrick McCormack came to Gettin' Grown and his role quite naturally. In a previous life he was a Milwaukee Police Officer and as a teenager he worked in a drugstore. He started acting not long ago, performing with the Waukesha Rep in "Carnival." Despite having no previous experience, Patrick acted, sang and danced his way through. Presently employed as a full-time physical therapist, he works with acute patients.

When asked about joining the cast of this film, Patrick said, "Being part of Gettin' Grown means the continuation of a creative journey. I wish to explore all phases of performance and join the acting community."

Dontelle Carr

A boy on bike

Dontelle Car is in the fifth grade at Atonement Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. He has been in two school plays: The Wizard of Oz and The Big Bad Wolf. An athlete at heart, Dontelle likes basketball, football and skating the most. He is also a collector of cars and shoes.

Dontelle's creativity extends outside of acting; he likes to draw. He is also in the junior choir and practices hand bells. He likes to read and is on the basketball team. He is excited to join the cast of Gettin' Grown. When asked what it means to him, Dontelle said, "I live it. I think it's a big opportunity and I'm glad to be a part of it. It's a chance to make new friends and meet new people who I can learn from."

Janine Hawthorne

Woman in Pharmacy

Janine Hawthorne brings a positive attitude to the cast of Gettin' Grown. A student of the theatre, Janine is also a teacher of the humanities. Her most recent theatre experience was with the Midwest Rock Opera's production of Prince's Purple Rain; Janine worked on the choreography of the play. A multitalented actress, she has appeared in film, theatre, commercials and print ads. She has worked with Uptown Productions, the Acacia Theatre, Hansberry Sands Theatre Company, and the Off the Wall Theatre, all in Milwaukee.

Janine is excited to join the cast of Gettin' Grown. Her formal educational was in Human Services; she loves working with people. Her motto is to "love yourself and always be surrounded by positive people." Janine also said, "I feel in my heart and believe this movie will blow up!!!" when asked how she felt about being part of Gettin' Grown.

To find out more about Janine, visit her website:
http://ninaross3.tripod.com

Nebraska Howard

Incense Seller

Nebraska Howard is an up-and-coming actor in Milwaukee. He has worked with many theatre companies in the city including: Acacia, Off the Wall, Midwest Rock Opera, and Hansberry-Sands. This is Nebraska's first film and he is looking forward to the challenges and learning experiences. He is employed as a full-time chef at the historic Pfister Hotel.

Gettin' Grown is a community project with a mission to give the actors and crew a chance to act in a quality film. And at the same time, the film will give back to the actors, crew and production staff with experience, knowledge, and more. When asked what joining the cast of Gettin' Grown meant to him, Nebraska replied, "It is a good opportunity. [I] thank Aaron [the writer/director] for the wonderful chance...and respect Aaron's vision for the film."

Tyshan Simmons-Whitley

A boy on bike

Tyshan Simmons-Whitley is on the seventh grade at Agape School in Milwaukee. He has trained with the African America Children's Theatre in Milwaukee and participated in "Holidays Around the World." Tyshan is a busy young man. He is also captain of his school's debate team and a member of the step team. On Saturdays he attends classes at the Milwaukee Institure of Art and Design.

Gettin' Grown is a story of coming of age, about taking on new responsibilities and understanding choices. When asked about his first adult responsibilities, Tyshan said, "The first adult task I had was to look after my sisters, which I do on a regular basis."

Kent B. Smith

Junior's Buddy

Kent B. Smith is an old hand at theatre. He got his start acting in a school play called "Dope" at Washington High School in Milwaukee. He studied theatre at the College of the Desert in Palm Springs, California where he appeared in a production of Fiddler on the Roof. He was also part of the technical team at Palm Spring Theatre for multiple productions including Pirates of Penzance, Taming of the Shrew, Marcel Marceau, and The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

In addition to theatre, Kent has appeared in television commercials, a cable television movie and motion picture movies. He had roles in Brewster's Millions starring Richard Pryor, Body Rock, and Dark Seduction.

Kent is currently continuing his education at MATC. He is employed as an account manager for Gareth Stevens Publishing.

When asked what being part of Gettin' Grown means to him, Kent said, "It means a lot. My ambition is to act and be good at it. I have dreams to be in movies and one stage."

Anita Taylor

A neighbor

Anita Taylor is in the eleventh grade at South Division High School in Milwaukee. She is interested in persuing a career in performing. She acts, sings and dances. In addition to acting, Anita enjoys basketball, cheerleading and talking on the phone with friends.

Credit goes to Anita's mother for encouraging Anita to join the cast of Gettin' Grown. Anita said, "She always tells me I can do anything if I put my mind to it." She is pleased to work on this project, saying, "Being part of Gettin' Grown means to me a start to my career. I have always wanted to be an actor/singer/dancer."

Jurcemeo Triplett

A boy on bike

Jurcemeo Triplett is in the seventh grade at Grand Avenue Middle School. He has appeared in plays at his church. He is also part of his school's news crew. A talented guy, Jurcemeo plays baseball, drums and guitar. He is also a useful person to have around — he likes to fix things around the house for his mother.

Joining the cast of Gettin Grown is important to Jurcemeo. When asked what it means to him, Jurcemeo said, "I would like to have fun. I will enjoy what I do."

Theresa Williamson

A neighbor

Theresa Williamson knows her way around a camera. She is employed as Television Production Technician I at City Channel 25 for the City of Milwaukee. Theresa works for a government cable channel that covers city meetings and she also produces two local programs that air monthly. She operates the camera and master control as well as does editing and mentoring of new employees.

A student of the theatre, Theresa acted in college while she pursued her Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts and Drama at Cardinal Stritch University. She is now continuing her education. She will graduate in July 2003 with her Masters in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch.

Theresa serves as the host of the City of Milwaukee's employee orientation video and she has done various voice-overs for the city. She is currently working on a demonstration CD.

When asked what joining the cast of Gettin' Grown means to her, Theresa said, "Being part of the Gettin' Grown cast means a lot to me. This opportunity has given me a chance to show my abilities in front of the camera and stretch my range of talents. I'll take on the perspective of the actor and look at things through the eyes of talent instead of crew member. This new perspective will help me hone my vision as a future director."

Monte Eady

a ballplayer

Monte Eady has been acting since seventh grade. He is currently a junior at Riverside University High School in Milwaukee. He has been in two productions of Grease as well as Cinderella, God's Favorite and The Pirates of Penzance.

When not acting or studying, Monte works at the Holton Youth center YMCA as a recreation and sports assistant.

Justine Farmer

a ballplayer

Justine Farmer is in the seventh grade at Frank Lloyd Wright Middle School in Milwaukee. A natural athlete, Justine will fit right in to her role as a ballplayer in Gettin' Grown. She plays on the Wisconsin Lady Scholars basketball team and she lists basketball as one of her favorite activities. She also likes skating.

Gettin' Grown is a coming of age story that reflects on maturity, friends and choices. When asked about her favorite coming of age story, Justine said, "My favorite movie is Love and Basketball because I like the way the two main characters grew up together, stayed friends and finally got married."

Will Garland

a ballplayer

An outstanding student at Rufas King High School in Milwaukee, Will Garland maintains a 3.7 grade point average. He is a ninth grade student in the International Baccalaureate program. Will aspires to become a successful professional actor and hopes to parlay his experience in Gettin' Grown into more opportunities.

Will participated in a school play. He is also attending acting classes. Gettin' Grown is his first film. A sports enthusiast, he plays basketball year round.

When asked what being part of the cast of Gettin' Grown means to him, Will said,"To me this movie means a lot. I have never been in a movie production before and I have always wanted to. This could be an opening for more."

Otis Jones

A ballplayer

Otis Jones is in the tenth grade at Messmer High School in Milwaukee. His role in Gettin' Grown is his first acting experience. He is interested in doing more acting. He also likes to have fun and looks forward to an enjoyable time on the set.

Gettin Grown explores the themes of growing up and coming of age. When asked about his favorite story that reflected these themes, Otis said, "My favorite coming of age movie is Drumline. I like it becasue it is good, and I can relate to it."

Marco A. Thomas

a ballplayer

In his final year of high school at Juneau Business High School in Milwaukee, Marco A. Thomas is excited to be part of Gettin' Grown. This is his first acting job in a formal project. He practices acting at home in addition to his hobbies of fitness, basketball and just having fun.
Echoing the story of Gettin' Grown, Marco remembers one of his first adult responsibilities was running an errand for his mother, to pick up a prescription at the store. He also has a favorite book that chronicles the emotions and choices made in growing up. Marco said, "My favorite book is called The Outsiders. I chose this book because it takes you into the lives of a street gang and shows that they have emotions just like anyone else."

Gettin' Grown is a community project. The actors get an opportunity to act in a quality film as well as be part of a project that will help everyone grow in their skills and experience. When asked what joining the cast means to him, he said, "It means that I am part of the community and makes me feel like I am beginning my career."

Tristain Thomas

a ballplayer

Tristain Thomas is passionate about acting. He has written a number of plays and acted in those productions. Gettin' Grown is his first film role. He hopes it is the beginning of a long and successful movie career.

A student at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Tristain is studying mass communications. He is employed as a grocery store stocker. When Tristain was asked about his first adult responsibility, he said, "The first adult task I had to do was be the man of the house. My mom had been in the hospital for a while. She took care of everything when she was at home. Now she wasn't there. So I had to step up for my family. I paid bills, cooked, cleaned, everything. Now it's second nature to me. I take pride in what I am able to do for my family."