STAFF
Curtis Lovell (he/they), son of Ujima Co Inc’s 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 The Brothers Size 2026, Straight White Men 2025, Goodnight Tyler 2025, and The African Company Presents: Richard III 2024. 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 Artistic Director
Maria Ta Executive Director
Maria Ta (she/her) 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.
Tioga Simpson Producing Director
Tioga Simpson (she/they) 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 and directed several productions amoung her favorites are Everybody 2025 and Yalla Bitch 2026.
Tioga is currently the Producing Director at Ujima Company Inc. and the Vice President of Ujima Theatre Company, overseeing and coordinating productions with a focus on safety, excellence, and innovation.
Kyra Jade Bogdan Technical Director
Kyra-Jade Bogdan (she/her) started her theatre journey in her senior year of high school when she joined a production for the first time. It was so memorable that she ended up participating in her college's theatre club at Canisius University for all four years. "Little Theatre" had absorbed her time and interests, and it was clear that she had found her calling: lighting. Starting as an operator, working her way up, and even taking a brief detour as a sound designer for a few years, Kyra found herself graduating and looking for a theater to call home.
She first encountered Ujima as a last-minute lighting operator for their production of "Stew" in 2022. Ujima felt different to her immediately, and she wanted to know more, but wasn't quite sure how to go about it. A year later, she was offered an operator position for their production of "Choir Boy" -- and the rest is history. Kyra became a company member of Ujima Company Inc. in 2023 and has been doing the collective work ever since. Kyra has designed lights for various previous productions, including Godspell, Everybody, & The Brothers Size. She now works as the Technical Director, facilitating all technical and operational aspects of productions, rentals, and programs at Ujima.
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.