In a career spanning fifty-five years, André De Shields, at age 78, has distinguished himself as an unparalleled actor, activist, educator and philanthropist.  

As  Actor, Mr. De Shields’ mission is to fill intimate spaces with enormous beauty. He defines intimate spaces as the hearts of humanity. As Activist, he endeavors to restore majesty, elegance and literacy to the Black Thespian toolbox. His legendary career has resulted in a treasure trove of accolades, among them Doctor of Fine Arts honoris causa from his Alma Mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where–in an attempt to foster greater equity and pluralism among the performing arts–he has founded THE ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS FUND. 

His other marks of esteem include having been the triple crown winner of the 2019 awards season, garnering Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Grammy Awards for his universally acclaimed role as Hermes, messenger to the gods, in Hadestown. Perennially known for his idiosyncratic, show-stopping performances in four legendary Broadway production–The Wiz (Title role) Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Emmy Award), Play On! (Tony nom.) and The Full Monty (Tony nom.)—Mr. De Shields  has achieved the status of “Broadway Deity.” www.andredeshields.com

Michel has performed in film, television, Off-B’dway, B’dway and all around the country in regional theaters for almost 40 years.
B’way: A Man For All Seasons (w/ Frank Langella) Off-B’way: Speaking in Tongues (Roundabout) A Winter’s Tale (CSC w/ David Strathairn) Naked (CSC) Othello (N.Y. Shakespeare Fest. w/ Christopher Walken and Raul Julia) Lincoln Portrait (Joyce Theatre) Da Caravvaggio (MCC) Coyote Ugly (New York Theatre Workshop) REGIONAL: Over 30 plays in leading roles: Yale Rep., Long Wharf, Berkshire Theatre Festival, The Folger, The Old Globe, The Huntington, Portland Stage, The Alley, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Pittsburgh Public Theatre. FILM: Patient 001 (2020) Ideal, To Forget Palermo, Protocol. TV: The Dropout, The Gilded Age, House of Cards, Mr. Robot, Ray Donovan, The Get Down, Chicago Med, God Friended Me, Who Killed JonBenet, Person of Interest, The Good Wife, Law and Order CI, L.A. Law, Guiding Light, All My Children.
Michel is a graduate of the Juilliard Drama School, Group XIV, and resides in the Berkshires with his wife and fellow actor Jayne Atkinson.

Jayne Atkinson has enjoyed a long and varied career as an actress, director, and producer. A graduate of Northwestern University and Yale Drama School, she has appeared in regional theatre, Off-Broadway and Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in a revival production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. Other Broadway credits include The Rainmaker opposite Woody Harrelson (Tony nomination), Our Town with Paul Newman, Enchanted April (Tony nomination, Drama Desk nomination; Outer Critics Circle Award) and Blithe Spirit with the wonderful Angela Lansbury . She most recently appeared with Tim Daly in STILL by Lia Romeo at the DR2 theatre in New York.
Jayne’s feature film credits include Free Willy 1&2, The Village, Syriana and most recently Baby Ruby with Kit Harrington. On television she has recurred on the mega hit series 24, Criminal Minds, and House of Cards. In 2019 Jayne was a series regular on the NBC series Bluff City Law and has since recurred on the CBS drama Clarice. She can be seen on Hulu in Death and Other Details opposite Mandy Patinkin. Jayne resides in the Berkshires with her husband and fellow actor Michel Gill.

Fifteen-year-old pianist Anwen Deng, hailing from Brisbane, Australia, embarked on her musical journey at the age of three. Recognized for her talent, she was accepted into the Juilliard School pre-college program at six, under the tutelage of Dr. Yoheved Kaplinsky.

Anwen has received top prizes in numerous piano competitions, including first prize at the 26th Chopin International Piano Competition for Children and Youth, the Grand Prize at the 9th Chopin International Piano Competition, first prize at the 2018 Steinway & Sons Piano Competition, and first prize at the 2022 Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Young Artists’ Competition. At the age of eight, Anwen made her debut performance as a soloist with the Brisbane Symphony Orchestra. Since then, she has been invited to perform with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Little Orchestra Society of New York, and the Aspen Chamber Symphony, working with esteemed conductors such as Arie Vardi, David Alan Miller, Salvador Brotons, and Antoni Bonetti.

Beyond her virtuosity as a pianist, Anwen’s passion for music extends to composition. With over fifty original pieces to her credit, she continues to push the boundaries of musical expression, showcasing her creativity and versatility as a musician.