The FACES of Tennessee Williams
St. Louis
Tennessee Williams St. Louis exists because of the generosity of our community. Its impact is felt throughout the region, by the many who assist in the festival’s programming each year and the hundreds who attend the events as audience members
and participants.
Support St. Louis’ nonprofit performing arts community and help celebrate the impact of Tennessee Williams St. Louis through a tax deductible donation or by sponsoring the festival or one of its popular programs!
St. Louis has come to know TWStL for its award-winning productions of Tennessee Williams' works and its two week festival that includes mainstage, second stage and tribute performances, walking tours, scholar panels, and educational programs.
Meet some of the St. Louisans who bring the annual
Tennessee Williams Festival to life!
Julia Crump, Actor
Julia has been a part of TWStL since the beginning, performing in the pre-official-Festival production of Stairs to the Roof in 2015 and many second stage TWStL productions.
“I am amazed by the beautiful poetry of [Williams’] words and how relatable the characters are. I had only been familiar, like most people, with some of his most famous plays and movies, but it has been a privilege over the last few years to not only learn about the life and legacy of Tennessee Williams, but to be included in the festival.”
Oliver Hoven & Jeremy Price,
Front of House staff
Oliver and Jeremy, attended the TWStL Theatre Workshop at University City High School (Tennessee Williams' alma mater) in 2022. Later, they worked as ushers at the festival production of The Rose Tattoo at The Big Top.
"The workshop was very fun because it got us into our bodies figuring out how we move in the space and it gave us a closer connection to other kids in our class." -- Oliver
"I had never been an usher before. It was cool to know that I can help out at a show, and then get to see it! I'd never seen anything like The Rose Tattoo before." -- Jeremy
Dunsi Dai, Scenic Designer
Dunsi Dai has lent his impressive skill as a scenic designer to Tennessee Williams St. Louis over several years.
Dunsi grew up in China and went on to receive his BA in scene design from the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, his MA in theatre History and Stage Design from Stanford University, and his MFA in scene design from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champing.
He has designed both Off-Broadway and at regional theatres across the country. He began working with TWStL in 2017.
"It feels great to work with TWStL. Creativity and imagination are highly encouraged and supported. A designer's dream indeed."
John H. Grizzell, TWStL Board Member and Program Designer
John H. Grizzell founded the consultancy of Grizzell & Co. in 1992. His work includes campaigns, design, and branding for a multitude of organizations—locally and nationally. He holds degrees from Webster University and Western Kentucky University, attended the Kansas City Art Institute and Harvard University- studying under such designers as Massimo Vignelli and Victor Papanek.
A long-time resident of Saint Louis, he has been a patron and supporter of the Tennessee Williams Festival since its inception. Grizzell & Co. has also won several graphic design awards for the TWStL program book including the ones below.
Art by Al Hirschfeld. Image design by John Grizzell.
Image design by Carrie Houk and John Grizzell
Image Design by Carrie Houk and John Grizzell
Art by Peter Shank
Art by Carlos Zamora
Art by Peter Shank
Michele Friedman Siler,
Costume Designer
Michele Friedman Siler's costume designs have been seen all across the city, with companies like New Jewish Theatre, Upstream, St. Louis Shakespeare and The Shakespeare Festival St. Louis.
Tennessee Williams St. Louis has been thrilled to engage Michele’s skills and talents for: A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie, and The Rose Tattoo.
"I am fascinated by the culture of Tennessee Williams fandom...theatre professionals and theatre-goers alike. Tennessee Williams hits a chord in many people. One of my favorite characters is Mitch from A Streetcar Named Desire. In all of humanity, he’s the Everyman. He cares so deeply…and because of that, we care so deeply."
A Streetcar Named Desire, photos by Ride Hamilton
The Glass Menagerie, photos by ProPhotoStl
The Rose Tattoo, photos by Suzy Gorman
Elizabeth Teeter, Actor
Elizabeth is a St. Louis native with a growing list of Broadway credits. In 2021, she won a St. Louis Theatre Award for her beautiful performance as Laura in the Tennessee Williams St. Louis production of The Glass Menagerie. Since then, she has returned to Broadway, to perform in Beetlejuice, The Crucible, The Audience and Mary Poppins and Off-Broadway in The Secret Life of Bees.
In St. Louis she has graced the stages at The MUNY, the Rep, Opera Theatre St. Louis and Variety Theatre.
“Working with TWStL has been magical. Getting to speak William’s words on the very fire escape where he set The Glass Menagerie is something I’ll never forget. TWStL brings community together to experience such beautiful classics. I’m lucky to be a part of the family.”
Chauncy Thomas, Actor
Tennessee Williams St. Louis has been delighted to feature Chauncy's talents in the 2020 on-air Festival, "Something Spoken," and in the outdoor production of The Glass Menagerie in 2021.
Chauncy is a former St. Louisan, currently residing in New York City. He studied drama and psychology at Washington University St. Louis and has worked locally at St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, The Rep, St. Louis Actors Studio and New Jewish Theatre. In New York, Chauncy has worked with Lincoln Center Education, RIPT Theater Company and Bay Street Theatre and he also has credits with the Alabama and Illinois Shakespeare Festivals.
“It’s rare for a company to envision a black actor in the world of Tennessee Williams. My initial acting training focused heavily on classic works; TWSTL allows me to bring all of my truth and humanity to a body of work I truly love.”