TST Welcomes Two Dynamic New Board Members: RJ Wayne and Daphne Jones
Towne Street Theatre proudly announces the appointment of two new Board of Directors members, RJ Wayne and Daphne Jones. Both bring a wealth of talent, experience, and dedication to the arts, education, and community advocacy—values that are at the heart of Towne Street Theatre’s mission.
“We are honored to welcome Daphne and RJ to our board,” said Veronica McClelland, chief executive officer of TST. “Their combined experience, passion, and dedication to artistic excellence and community empowerment will undoubtedly enrich our organization and help us continue to uplift underrepresented voices in theatre.”
Daphne Jones
A longtime TST member and passionate supporter of the performing arts, Daphne has had a vibrant career in entertainment, spanning nearly four decades as a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. From early beginnings in commercials, theatre, television, and film, Daphne has continually committed herself to telling powerful stories on stage and screen. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she is a staunch advocate for youth empowerment, having mentored and led young people for over 20 years. With more than 15 years of experience in higher education, she brings deep insight into nurturing talent and community engagement. Daphne also serves on the board of Core Contributors Group, a nonprofit organization focused on education, wellness, and addressing homelessness. Her passion for entertainment now includes a growing interest in casting, and she remains steadfast in her commitment to the Towne Street Theatre community.
RJ Wayne
RJ Wayne is a multifaceted artist, educator, and thought leader in Hip Hop Theatre. A six-year member of TST, he brings a dynamic blend of performance, music, and pedagogy to the board. AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and Dramatist Guild member, RJ is also a BMI artist with past distribution through Sony BMG and Universal Music Group. His collaborations with Hip Hop icons such as Rakim, KRS-ONE, Snoop Dogg, and members of the Wu-Tang Clan speak to his deep roots in music and culture. RJ has performed in over 35 professional theatre productions and 15 film and TV roles. As an educator, he designed and implemented modern acting and theatre curricula for Summit Public Charter Schools in the Bay Area, impacting students in San Jose, Mountain View, and Redwood City from 2014 to 2019. He is the published author of Milkcrate Monologues Vol. 1: Hip Hop Monologues for Theatre and continues to advance Hip Hop Theatre as a practitioner and instructor.