STAFF
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
curtis@ujimacoinc.org
Curtis Lovell, son of esteemed Lorna C. Hill, is a multifaceted artist who has left a significant mark on Buffalo, NY’s cultural scene. Born and raised in Buffalo, Curtis is known for his versatility as a director, actor, scenic designer, and teaching artist. His impressive career has earned him multiple ARTIE Awards and praise from Buffalo Spree.
Curtis’s directorial work includes notable productions such as “Stew,” “Toni Stone,” “Hair on Fire,” and “Choir Boy.” These works showcase his ability to bring complex stories to life with a unique creative vision. His music has also gained national attention, with features on "This American Life," highlighting his diverse artistic talents.
Beyond his individual achievements, Curtis plays a vital role as Artistic Director at Ujima Company. In this capacity, he helps shape the company’s future, supports emerging talent, and strengthens its presence in the arts community. Curtis’s ongoing contributions continue to inspire and elevate Buffalo's cultural landscape, solidifying his status as a key figure in local theatre and beyond.
Curtis
Lovell
MANAGING DIRECTOR
brian@ujimacoinc.org
Brian Brown is the Managing Director of Ujima Company. He has been a part of the Ujima family for 15 years, initially as a stage hand and has grown to take on the roles of stage manager, assistant director, marketing, and newly trained (under Margaret Smith) managing director. He is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia where he received a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Music Business. It was during his time as a student at Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Perf. Arts (BAVPA) training under Lorna C. Hill, that he found his purpose and passion for performance and Theatre. As an actor/singer, Brian has starred in the past Ujima productions of "Spunk", "Passing Strange", "El Hajj Malik" and social justice favorite "Free Fred Brown!". Since the passing of our founder, Brian has been committed to the continuation of Lorna's legacy and the vision of artistic excellence, love, and justice for the beloved community.
Brian
Brown
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
maria@ujimacoinc.org
Maria Ta is a multi-faceted artist and accomplished arts administrator. Her experience as an executive leader has spanned across several non-profit organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns, Journey’s End Refugee Services, Buffalo String Works, and the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center. Maria began her time at Ujima Company as the Company Manager and quickly moved into the role of Program Director where she co-led the organization with Founder and Artistic Director, Lorna C. Hill until 2022. In 2022, Maria launched her own consultancy business, The Ta Collective, where she flourished as an operations specialist and Interim Executive Director. Her theater credits include roles at Ujima Company, Bellissima Productions, Road Less Traveled Productions, and Theatre of Youth. She is also a featured voice actor in the nationally syndicated audio series, The Long Way Around. She holds a Political Science and International Relations bachelor's degree from Canisius University.
Maria
Ta
Rachael
Jamison
Operations Manager
rachael@ujimacoinc.org
Rachael Jamison, our Operations Manager, is an actor, director, props master, and Company Member with Ujima Theater Company. Rachael studied acting under company founder Lorna C. Hill, attending the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts for middle and high school, and began working with Ujima as a stagehand when she was 16 years old. She continued to study theater at Buffalo State College before returning to Ujima as costumer for our first show in our current home, Passing Strange. Rachael has been on our creative team consistently in various roles since 2019, and returned to the stage for her artie-nominated performance as Sarah Whitmore in Church & State. She teaches acting for our Dunbar Youth program, and teaches Theater to incarcerated individuals through Rehabilitation Through the Arts. She has recently worked as Director on Ujima's production of Big Butt Girls... and this season's The Thanksgiving Play.
Tioga
Simpson
Production Manager
tioga@ujimacoinc.org
Tioga Simpson began their journey in theater at a young age in Olean, NY, where they were actively involved with Olean Community Theater and the Olean Theater Workshop. They pursued their passion at SUNY Buffalo, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theater in 2023. During their college years, Tioga directed multiple pieces as part of the Student Directed Series, further honing their skills and vision.
Joining Ujima Company Inc. in 2023, Tioga has stage managed productions like "Toni Stone," "Cullud Wattah," and "The African Company Presents Richard III." They also directed "Yalla Bitch" for the Irish Classical Theatre Company and was Assistant Director for "Once on This Island" and "The Color Purple." Tioga is currently the Production Manager at Ujima Company Inc., overseeing and coordinating productions with a focus on excellence and innovation.
Facilities Manager
Bob Ball graduated in 1971 with a BFA in Theatre Arts in directing from Rosary Hill College. Worked at the African American Cultural Center in 1970-21. Danced with Eclectic Arts. Danced with Floorplay Company in his 30's. Married in 1973, father to three beautiful children. When they were old enough he needed to do something purposeful in theatre again. He saw the first production of In De Beginnin at Ujima and he found a home. He mostly did technical work and set building for the theatre along with whatever was needed on or off of the stage by the Artistic Director. His most beloved productions are In De Beginnin, And Bid Him Sing, and Spunk.