We Value COLLABORATION!
The ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP TEAM
In 2020 Night Fall’s Artistic Collaboration was born, a collective of local choreographers, composers, makers, actors, comedians, designers, and writers who come from many backgrounds, histories, cultures, and communities. We share a deep love for Hartford! Through our collaborative process, we open the door to new ideas, new forms of artistic expression, and new connections among artists, costume designers, puppeteers, and designers.
The Artistic Leadership team, a subgroup of the Artistic Collaboration, serve as the core producers of Night Fall’s annual show. They lead the creation of an original script, maintain internal agreements for decision-making, and work directly with the Board of Directors to make Night Fall a unique and sustainable community model of engagement.
Claire Sickinger (she/her) artist, dance, performing artist, choreographer, environmentalist
Cherokee Cowherd (she/they) interdisciplinary artist, fashion designer, educator, Hartford resident, performing artist, event organizer, singer, makeup enthusiast, videographer/photographer, content creator, gamer, music nerd
Matt Horowitz (he/him) Actor, Puppeteer, Creator and Youth Mentor
Greg Ludovici (he/him) writer, director, performer
Jeanika Browne-Springer (she/her) arts administrator, educator, mentor, organizer of creative communities, Board of Directors
Julia Pistell (she/her) writer, improvisor, director
Loren Denise (she/her) educator, choreographer, dancer, event organizer, and Night Fall enthusiast
Mellissa Craig (she/her) artist, dancer, stiltwalker, Hartford resident, puppeteer, instructor, choreographer, educator, activist, mother, daughter, human, Board of Directors
THE CREATIVE TEAM & PARTNERS
As of 2024, a Creative Team of local choreographers, composers, makers, actors, comedians, and designers, was formed to create more original music and dances and mystical elements for Night Fall performances. As direct partners of the Artistic Leadership Team, these creatives are charged with the task of making magical dreams come true!
Jason Ramos (he/him) dancer, performing artist, community organizer, Board of Directors
Dejé Bennett (she/her) actor, choreographer, dancer, writer, director
Deve-Ann Bennett (she/her) choreographer, artistic director of Dejavé Dance Co, dancer
Chantal Edwards Matthews (she/her) educator, choreographer
Ari Espada-Hernandez (he/him) is a local artist with an interest in costume/puppet fabrication and painting
Bryan Swormstedt (he/him) educator, puppet maker, filmaker, director, Board of Directors
Ym Myla Neaj (she/they) musical composer/arranger/sound designer/foley artist, performing artist, vocalist, photographer/videographer
Special Thanks to Former Collaborators that helped to build the foundation for what we do now!
Keila Myles, Jus Hughes, Jakar Hankerson, Casey Grambo, Devonte Kunzika, Kyle Grimm, Kalob Martinez