About Us
CSN Productions impacts the community with experiences in the performing arts through professional artist training in music, dance, and drama and the creation of original works and productions.
Founder / Artistic Director
Carolyn Sims-Nesmith
Carolyn Sims Nesmith has an extensive history in the arts, which includes the founder/director of the historic Freedom Choir of Philadelphia (FCOP). The choir was formed to represent the Philadelphia Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), (an organization whose leader was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). FCOP also participated in marches and demonstrations, eventually leading to the inclusion of minority students at Girard College in Philadelphia. Other community and civic involvement included performances at Youth Study Center, Graterford Prison, and Coatesville Treatment Center where the group also contributed clothes and toiletries; and our Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive which fed families in need throughout the Philadelphia area. A highlight for the group was singing for the late President Nelson Mandela, when he was invited to Philadelphia to receive the Liberty Bell Medal. Read More
Twana Thomas (Managing Director)
Previously, Twana worked at the global corporate headquarters for the second largest multinational food processing corporation in the area of administration and project coordination. Prior, she worked for over twenty years in the areas of corporate human resources (staffing/recruiting) and office management. She graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. Communications (Broadcast Management) degree from Clark College known today as Clark/Atlanta University. Read More
Allen Green, Talent Coordinator
As talent coordinator for CSN Productions Allen is responsible for finding and securing various wide ranging musical talent for all upcoming musical presentations. This includes all genres of music.Allen Green holds a degree in Human Resource Management from the Philadelphia University, He is retired from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he utilized his Executive and Administrative skills in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Allen is also a playwright, songwriter, and musician. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Gospel Music Preservation Alliance, Inc. (GMPA) as Public Relations Coordinator, Board Secretary at Quality Community Health Care, Inc., and Talent Coordinator for CSN Productions. Allen is also author of his own book titled, “OOPS” (Observations, Opinions, Poems and Songs)
Lee Evans (Facility Manager, Lighting & Technical Director)
Lee earned a degree in music-business from the Philadelphia Art Institute and is an accomplished musician and songwriter. Currently, Lee provides lighting, sound and staging services to several companies including: The Barnes Foundation, Synergetic, J&S Audio Visual along with event design and community-based organizations. Lee’s career as a Lighting Designer and Sound Engineer has run the gamut from theater productions, to concert productions, to television and movies. He has worked with numerous accomplished artists including Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, Run DMC, Gerald Levert, Ramsey Lewis, Kevin Eubanks and Marsha Ambrosius to name a few. Read More
Crystal Miller (Executive Administrator)
Crystal has served as an administrator for a large body of artists and tech people with the Drama Ministry. Crystal Miller has served as an administrator for a large body of artists and tech people with the Drama Ministry of the Calvary Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Additionally, she is an experienced actress with lead and supporting roles in productions at CSN Studio and Venice Island Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia. She also had the opportunity to perform in various venues such as the Historic Belmont Mansion, Festivals and churches in Philadelphia, Delaware and New Jersey as a member of the Historic Freedom Choir of Philadelphia. Currently she will be appearing in the up and coming original play by Toni Terry, “Behind the Mask (They called Us Crazy)”. Read More
Dorothy Sims, (Business Writer & Editor)
Dorothy E Sims serves as Business Writer and Editor for CSN Artist Collab. She earned a Master’s degree in Arts and Cultural Management ...Dorothy E Sims serves as Business Writer and Editor for CSN Artist Collab. She earned a Master’s degree in Arts and Cultural Management and provides Public Relations services for Sharon Baptist Church (SBC) via the Public Relations Ministry. Her tasks vary including; create and assist with editing SBC’s Press Releases; make successful contacts with Newspapers, TV and Radio Media which results in public awareness of events, special occasions, and opportunities at SBC. Read More
Richard Murray (House Manager)
Richard Murray has worked in all facets of theater and has acquired skills that have equipped him to not only understand the requirements of the industry, but also teach and mentor. In 2005 he began teaching children drama theatre at Fresh Visions Youth Theatre in Germantown in Philadelphia. His experience includes, but is not limited to playwright, stage manager, tour manager, and director. He also authored a children’s book and has two published poetry books. Read More
Dr. Rihki Kennebrew (Music Composer)
Dr. Rihki Kennebrew serves as music and video composer for our Summer Youth Program. He is an Award-Winning Film composer and English Language Art Educator at Imhotep Institute Charter High School, Dr. Kennebrew has created an exciting educational aspect of film and music for 7th – 12th grade students and adults. Utilizing the Nearpod education application, he has crafted skill-based learning activities aligned with interactive lesson plans that create discussion, in which students can draw from real-life events like global warming, the blood moon, and current events. Dr. Rihki Kennebrew earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Fielding University in 2020, defying the challenges posed by the pandemic. Prior to this, he obtained his master's degree in early child education from Lincoln University in 2017, followed by a second master's degree and teacher certification in Secondary English from Goddard College in 2022. Driven by a commitment to enriching young minds, Dr. Kennebrew is the creator of VIVIFY TV and a co-partner in the education nutrition theatrical production company EAT KOOL.
“Can’t believe I’m just learning about CSN Productions.
They are a family of outstanding artists and…
Our Safety Plan outlines how CSN Productions will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while adhering to the guidelines…
