Cast & Crew
Michael Houston as Liam
Michael Houston is an award-winning actor, comedian, director, and writer from Brooklyn, New York. After training at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, he moved to Los Angeles, where his career quickly accelerated with roles in film, commercials, and stage productions. An active member of the L.A. theater community, Michael performs with BEER & BEDTIME STORIES and serves as Vice President of A TRIBE CALLED MELANIN. His stage credits include work with the SF Bay Area Theatre Company, Custom Made Theatre, Exit Theatre Co., The Loft Ensemble, and Towne Street Theatre. In 2022, he wrote, directed, and starred in his one-man show Bacon Egg and Cheese on a California Bagel at The Complex Theater, and in 2024 directed his first play, Mr. Dilber’s A Christmas Carol, which opened to rave reviews. Most recently, he played Larry in the Pulitzer Prize–winning Fat Ham at the acclaimed Dezart Performs. On the comedy circuit, Michael has taken top honors at both The Comedy Chateau’s 4C Competition and The Moth Story Slam Competition. His film and TV credits include GUMBO (ALLBLK), WHEELS OF BEAUTY (Lifetime), and the indie feature CROSSROADS, where he won Best Actor at the NXT UP Film Festival. He’s also appeared in major national commercials for Carl’s Jr., Robinhood, WhatsApp, Geico, and more. Michael is truly thankful for the chance to portray Liam and for the amazing cast and crew of Segregated Society.
Nakita Toliver as Zara
Nakita Toliver is an actress, writer, and community activist. She has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and Off-Broadway theater productions. Nakita refined her skills at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, while also studying under Susan Grace Cohen and Tony Greco. Theatre credits include In the Blood (Off-Broadway) Welfare Lady; Cover (Off-Broadway); DIANE (Off-Broadway); Natasha (Off-Broadway) News Reporter. Screen credits include And Just Like That, Never Heard, Behaving Badly, Dodge City and a number of short films. She is a proud mother to Darin and an animal enthusiast. Nakita expresses heartfelt gratitude to the cast and crew for their amazing support and dedication to this project. Theater has always been her greatest passion, and collaborating with such talented actors is truly an honor. For future projects, follow her on IG @nakita.toli.
Marty Austin Lamar as Dr. Newton
Marty Austin Lamar is an accomplished actor, singer, musician and writer. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Theatre at California State University, at Fullerton. Prior to relocating to Los Angeles, Marty served as coordinator of the BFA Musical Theare program at Howard University. Off Broadway Credits: Miss Evers Boys(Hofmann); Selected Regional Credits: Choir Boy (Headmaster), Paradise Blue (Corn), Ain’t Misbehavin (Ken), Ragtime (Coalhouse), SPUNK (Folkman 2), Dreamgirls (James “Thunder” Early), Hamlet (King's Ghost), “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope (Preacher/Ensemble), La Traviata (Barone); A Funny Thing…Forum (Miles Gloriosus), Five Guys Named Moe (Big Moe), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II; Helen Hayes Award Nomination); Television: Law and Order SVU; Film: The Corner, The Silent Dove, Fruit of Light; Director Credits: To The Hands (Newport Beach Film Festival Official Selection, San Pedro Film Festival Official Selection, LA Independent Film Festival Honorable Mention), A Chorus Line, Annie, Handel’s Messiah; Musical Director Credits: RENT, As You Like It, Merrily We Roll Along, The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson Musical, Black Nativity, Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage presents: To Serve This Present Age, Urinetown, Handel’s Messiah.
Sierra Nicolette Smith as Angie
Sierra Nicolette Smith is a Meisner-technique trained actor, born and raised in the Bronx, New York, and a proud graduate of Rutgers University. She began her career in international film publicity before making the leap into acting, with notable theatre credits including Jordan E. Cooper's critically acclaimed play, Ain’t No Mo,’ produced by Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre, along with For Colored Girls and12 Angry Jurors. On screen, Sierra recurs in the highly anticipated Season 3 of P-Valley (STARZ), and has also appeared in Snowfall (FX) and Station 19 (ABC). To follow Sierra's adventures learning to tap dance, traveling or honing her craft, checkout her Instagram: @SierraNicoletteSmith.
Starla Parrish as Mrs. Parker
Starla Parrish is a passionate and dedicated actor who recently made an exciting transition from a thriving career in Finance to fully embrace her lifelong love for acting. Starla is honored to return to the theatre to help illuminate community issues and the amazing power of community in Segregated Society. Previous theatrical roles include Millie Allen of Right Man/Wrong Time at the Complex Theater and Donna Kendricks of My Child, My Child at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Theater. She began training with The Black Actor’s Network in 1988 and is currently training with The Actor’s Edge (Chris Gilmore, CSA). She studied at Keep It Real Acting Studio (Judy Kain), Zak Barnett Studios, Hey I Saw Your Commercial (Mike Pointer), Kalmenson & Kalmenson, and Terry Berland, CSA. She also holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Redlands. Her credits include commercials for Blue Buffalo, Fisher Investments, Dove Soap, Disney, Teleflora and several others, as well as various Student Films and Short Films. Starla is thankful for the love and continual support she’s received from her husband, Jerry, and her son and daughter, Jalen and Bria. She is thrilled to be doing what she loves, sharing her talents, and continuously growing as an artist.
Marck Chinnery as Mr. Harding
Mark Chinnery is an Australian actor & stunt performer whose career began unexpectedly while between finance jobs - more than 25 years later, he is still captivating audiences. With an extensive list of screen & stage credits, Mark continues to bring energy & dedication to every role, always seeking new challenges. After early work in the Australian entertainment industry, Mark took up the challenge in Japan before bringing his talents to Hollywood in 2020, just prior to the pandemic. His international career reflects both versatility & perseverance across cultures and mediums. Most notably his role in God of Carnage, where he commanded the stage for nearly the entire performance and Mother, which enjoyed many successful seasons.
Jamar D. Gant as Marco
Jamar D. Gant is a talented actor whose love for genuine storytelling and commitment to his art are evident in his performances, whether on stage or on screen. His credits include Big Brother Trouble (2000), Days of Our Lives, LA Cougars (2016), and the short film Playing Dirty (2025). He also appeared as a dancer in Michael Jackson’s music video You Rock My World (2001). Whether taking on small roles or leading entire projects, Jamar brings integrity and heart to every character, delving deeply into the emotional truth behind the lines. Grounded in collaboration and authenticity, he views acting as a means of connection—between himself and the character, and between the story and its audience. He loves taking on challenging roles and uses his craft to inspire and engage audiences around the globe.
Shanequa Reed, Stage Manager