Our Team
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 (Event Director)
With a focus on event operations, Twana leads the planning and execution of engaging events produced by CSN Productions, ensuring every event runs smoothly. Twana manages the budgets, marketing strategies, and logistics, and collaborates with décor, technical, and catering teams to ensure each event runs efficiently. She strives to recruit and manage top-tier vendors and volunteers who are vested in creating a high-quality guest experience. As the event director, Twana also serves as the primary point of contact for clients who reserve the CSN Productions venue for their own events. She handles bookings, contract negotiations, pricing, and revenue tracking & reporting, and is known for a client-first philosophy. Prior to joining CSN Productions, Twana earned a Bachelor's Degree from Clark Atlanta University and honed her expertise in recruiting & staffing, sales management, and client relations at several Fortune 100 companies. She thrives in the fast-paced world of event operations, blending logistical planning with a genuine passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences. Dedicated to excellence, Twana's goal is to ensure all guests feel welcome, valued, relaxed, and safe from the moment they arrive, leaving with a thoroughly delightful guest experience.
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 (Technical Director & Facilities Manager)
Lee oversees all technical design, planning, and production, including audio, video, lighting, and staging, to translate creative visions into reality for events produced by CSN Productions. He manages in-house equipment, including inventory and repairs; supervises technical staff/labor; ensures safety compliance; and, for clients who reserve our venue for their events, Lee collaborates with them on all logistics for lighting and sound. Lee earned a degree in music business from the Philadelphia Art Institute, is a talented musician and songwriter, and has worked alongside numerous artists, including Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, Gerald Levert, and Ramsey Lewis, to name a few. Lee delivers over 40 years of experience in lighting, audio operations, and collaborative leadership to CSN Productions.
Crystal Miller (Interior Design Leader)
As our resident Decor expert, Crystal focuses on creating a compelling ambiance that aligns with a wide range of events and enhances the overall attendee experience. With a keen eye for detail, Crystal has an extensive knowledge of design principles and stays abreast of current trends in event décor. For clients who reserve our venue for their events, Crystal meets with them personally to understand their preferences and manage design expectations. She develops mood boards, themes, and layouts tailored to their vision. As an experienced actress and singer, Crystal has performed in various venues throughout Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware, including the Historic Belmont Mansion and the Venice Island Performing Arts Center. Crystal curates, designs, and sets up beautiful aesthetic elements—floral arrangements, tablescapes, lines, props, furniture, and lighting—to transform our venue into a gorgeous event space. Crystal has worked alongside founder Carolyn Sims-Nesmith for over 12 years, providing a wide range of assistance and support.
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 (Artistic Director/Youth Program)
As the Artistic Director for our Youth Performing Arts (Summer) Program, Richard provides artistic vision and oversees theatrical productions designed for young performers at CSN Productions. Richard serves as the primary visionary, writer, producer, and creative leader for shaping the student performances. With over 35 years of experience in the performing arts, Richard is an accomplished playwright, stage manager, tour manager, and director. He’s authored a children’s book and has published poetry books, too. Richard brings a wealth of expertise and emotional intelligence to mentoring and developing youth’s artistic talents. In addition to serving as director and producer, Richard oversees the guest teaching artists and the production crew for the CSN youth arts program. Read More
Kenny Sykes (Resident Artist)
Kenneth Sykes is a locally recognized saxophone player born and raised in the Overbrook section of the city of Philadelphia. Kenneth has played the saxophone since the tender age of 8 years old and has been a vocalist since the age of 17.Kenneth has performed at numerous weddings, banquets, churches, and private affairs for State and Local officials. Kenneth has been a licensed minister since 2003. Kenneth has experience working with seniors, teens, and adults in group settings to help them heal. Kenneth has been happily married to his wife Nichet for 26 years, and they have 6 children and 4 grandchildren
Maisha Taylor-Smith (Executive Coordinator)
Maisha ensures seamless communication and administrative support across multiple lines of business, including CSN Productions, Freedom Choir of Philadelphia, and business owner, Carolyn Sims-Nesmith. Serving as the primary liaison between multiple business facets, Maisha oversees scheduling, travel logistics, meeting reports, and communications, while managing multiple complex calendars. Her previous administrative, technical, and financial experience is a tremendous asset to the growth and development of each business line.
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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…
