Molly is a second year at Hampshire College. She is studying methods of incorporating social action with theatre! She has been actively involved in Amnesty International and feels that helping out is important in any way!

Likes: Music, people in general, THEATRE, oddities, hair-dye, piercings, sushi, art, and happiness!

Dislikes: Meanies, bad smells and tastes, ciggs, boring people, ignorance, injustices, and crappy music.

When I think of Shaha I think of it as a way to express injustices on a level people can connect with. It's entertaining and fun, but also very serious and people can often relate to the issues discussed. Shaha

Feyla is currently a junior at Umass, working towards her BA in Social Thought and Political Economy and a certificate in Native American Studies. She wants to minor in... something, but isn't quite sure what just yet. She's from Connecticut, but has no desire to go back, so she has made Amherst her new home. Her career goal has something to do with world travel and making people smile in a life-changing way.

Likes: Adventures of the mind and body, my cat Emiko, keeping busy, huge bookstores, telling her stories, learning new things, making self-exploratory and political art, experiencing my own or other's "ah-ha!" moments, being crafty with beads and yarn, hearing other people's stories, learning languages, baking, performing, educating, and causing the right kind of trouble.

Dislikes: the capital letter F- unless it looks like a European seven, stickiness/being sticky, messy kitchens, blatantly offensive people- especially when the person/people are aware that what they're saying is offensive, the noise silverware makes when it's put in the sink, small spaces, closed minds, general education requirements, and causing the wrong kind of trouble.

When I think of Shaha, I, like Jamila, think of herding cats first and foremost. Then I think of the first theater troupe I've ever been a member of-and I wonder why I didn't start doing this sooner. I think of how simply wonderful it is to be able to actually "show" social justice- to perform it. I also think of the family I have in the members of Shaha, and how special that is. It's truly amazing when you can get a group of people together that just mesh so well. Shaha makes me think of some sort of delicious social justice soup. And it is fabulous.

Adam is a sophomore at UMass and is majoring in Theater with a minor in Education and is a member of the film certificate program as well. Adam currently performs with IWA, a long-form improvisational comedy troupe on campus, and his career goal in life is to become a professional Shakespearean actor.

Likes: Bass Guitar, foreign, avant-garde and just excellent films in general, friends, social revolution, anarchism, and open-mindedness.

Dislikes: The systematic oppression perpetrated by the U.S government and societal mentality, the military industrial complex, how white men own everything, and ferrets (he doesn't know why they just seem sneaky).

When I think of Shaha, I see a group of people dedicated to educating their peers. I see a group of people creatively striving to effect some change in the world and to say that they made a difference. I see a group of people out to have some fun and shake up the "norm".

McKenzie is a junior here at UMass and she is majoring in African American Studies and Communication, with a minor in Education. My career goal in life if to be an Elementary teacher, she also has a dream of being a radio personality.

Likes: Music, sleeping, friends-especially my special friend, chill/relaxation time, scary movies, trips, family, and sports.

Dislikes: Conceited people, bad attitudes, traffic and aggressive drivers,
bananas, dirty bathrooms.

When I think of Shaha, I think of the wonderful group of students that are involved and I think of how they welcomed me into the group and made me feel comfortable. I’m glad that I’ve joined Shaha because I not only met some wonderful people, that I may not have met, but also I like that I’m sending out a message that gets people thinking.

Jane is a sophomore at Smith College. She grew up in a small town in Virginia, which is rapidly become a not so small town, thanks to uncurtailed development. She took a few years off before deciding to pursue a college degree. During some of that time Jane worked with non-profit community theater named Live Arts. She has also performed with and helped to organize anti-hierarchical performance art tours around the Southeast US.

Jane likes theatre for social change, cooperative living, vegan food, bikes (the pedal kind), mountains, radical honesty, open communication, and challenging her comfort zone.

Jane dislikes injustice, the prison industrial complex, hierarchy, socialized negative behavior, and sand in her bathing suit.

When I think of Shaha, I see a group of wonderful people developing creative ways to confront people with the oppressive behavior that they experience and perpetuate with compassion and humor.

Jamila is a post-graduation continuing education student at UMass Amherst now on hir way to New York. Ze joined Shaha in Fall 2005 and is quite proud of all that Shaha has done since.
Hir major goal in life is to dismantle the gender binary system.
Likes: radical theater, drag, curry, piercings, and loving kindness towards humanity.

Dislikes: religious pseudo-political opportunists, animal product based diets, and that crud that forms at the bottom of the toothbrush holder.

When I think of Shaha, I think of herding cats, and all the wonderful social justice tangents we went on that have made our group what it is. I consider the storyteller(s) to be important to the sustainability and progress of a community, and I am thankful to have been one while at UMass.

Sandy is currently a first-year student at UMass Amherst. She’s been a part of Shaha since her first semester, and recently took an RA (resident assistant) position on the South West/South side of campus.

Sandy’s major goal in life is to support her family and allow them to be as happy as they have made her.

Likes: singing, theater, reading, and hanging out with friends.

Dislikes: smoking, judgmental people.

When I think of Shaha, I think of friendship, because along with learning, I have met an amazing group of people who have definitely changed my life for the better. To all the members of Shaha, thank you for making this experience an unforgettable one!

Hermelyn is a Senior, majoring in Theater and minoring in Political Science. Hermelyn transferred from UMass Boston. She became a part of Shaha during fall 2005 and is excited to be a part of the troupe. She hopes to be able to continue working toward social justice through theater beyond graduation.

Likes: cool people, Haitian food, dogs, sports (especially softball and the Patriots rule!), dancing and laughing.

Dislikes: closed-minded people, long lines, traffic, drama, gossip, smoking and arguments.

When I think of Shaha, I think of educating people through a friendly environment. I like being a part of Shaha because it incorporates two thinks I love, performing and engaging discourse.

Unati is a Senior and majoring in Theater. My goal in life is to win an oscar, and to own my own vineyard

Likes: acting, volleyball, drawing and painting, going out on the weekends, MUSTANGS, small dogs, and payday.

Dislikes: annoying people, cottage cheese, long lines, being awakened from my precious sleep, and people who steal parking spots.

When I think of Shaha, I think of great discussions about social issues and good times. Shaha means friendship and learning on a level that is hard to find at UMass.

Leanne: I am a first year student, majoring in Theater. I have been a part of Shaha since my first semester at UMass. My goal in life it to be happy, and to become an elemetrary teacher.

Likes: Colorguard!, acting, making people laugh, dancing with my steering wheel, musicals, RENT, children, friends and shopping

Dislikes: close-minded and judgmental people, soap operas, shallow people, and I’m afraid of dogs.

When I think of Shaha, I think of acceptance and friendships. We became such a close family that your flaws are okay, and there is no reason to be scared.

Kathy Is an instructor and graduate assistant for Community Development in Residence Life. She is currently a doctoral student in the Higher Education Program. Prior to returning to school, she worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for over seven years as the Director for Diversity Programs/Initiatives in residence life.

Likes: spending time with her partner, loves her two dogs, Mexican food (best from NM and her mom's kitchen), dark chocolate, staying with friends, movies, spring daylight savings, deep and engaging conversation, and a really good cup of coffee.

Dislikes: all the extra inserts in magazines, people who refuse to merge on the highway, people who aren't authentic, and really cold and long winters

When I think of Shaha, I think of how very lucky I am to work with a great group of committed and interesting students.

Manoucheka is a Residence Director in the John Adams Tower in SW/S and Kathy’s sidekick in the SHAHA course. She came to Umass in 2005, before which she was earning her master’s degree at the University of Florida (home of the Gators and NCAA champs). She also has a journalism degree and has worked in numerous newspapers in Florida.

Likes: little bros James & Alix, family and friends, pretty/shiny things, traveling, the truth, confidence, chocolate, shopping, blaming the media, educating others while having fun, her name in print (Manoucheka Celeste), dancing, a good challenge, nice people, thoughtfulness, naps, gifts-- anytime, thank you cards and forgiveness.

Dislikes: her name misspelled (Manoucheka Celeste), slackers, miserable people who feel the need to seek company, her own personal memory lapses, an unwillingness to learn and grow, and Cold Weather (brrrrrrrrr)

When I think of Shaha, I think of one of my favorite aspects of working at Umass-Amherst. Once a week, I get to laugh, share and hear stories and be amazed by these students. The Shaha group gives me hope and makes me smile. Finally, I think about how much I have learned about myself and what kind of educator I want to become.

Suparna (Sona) Banerjee's most favorite thing in the world is a baby's inherent smile. A smile not because the baby was brought flowers or candy…but just because. Suparna's goal in life is to teach children while they are teachable. When she thinks about Shaha, she thinks about all the knowledge everyone has obtained. But regardless of the millions of light bulb moments while doing the reading or participating in the discussions during the training class, she has learned the most from the bonds created with others in the group. To her, this experience has been evidence that there is a funny thing about the heart, the more you use it the stronger it gets.

Shaha Member: 2001 - present

Sofia Binioris is a junior at UMass in BDIC, with a concentration in Race Politics and Critical Development Economics. This is her fifth semester in Shaha. "In Shaha, I have learned the importance of stories - the importance of being confident in how relevant our own stories are as well as how much we need to learn to listen to the stories of others if we seek to make any significant change in the world. If we were only to listen, really listen, to each other for a few more moments each day, we might be astonished at the stories revealed, and maybe we would find somewhere among the words some hope to keep us going. I am grateful for the stories I have been able to listen to, and I look forward to many more."

Shaha Member: 2002-present

Andrew Bunyard is a junior, Sociology major and Women's Studies minor. "This is my first semester of what I hope to be many performing in Shaha. I would like to thank my fellow Shaha performers for making me feel right at home the minute I walked in the door. I look forward to he challenges that lie ahead, and I know that this experience will bring us all to what I think are the four pillars in life: Love, Truth, Peace, and Freedom. I look forward to making some amazing new friends, learning more about myself and others and to help others do the same. This is going to be a GREAT SEMESTER!"

Shaha Member: 2004 - present

Dennis Canty, a senior Sociology and Journalism major is pleased to return back to Shaha for his second semester after taking a semester off. When he is not performing in Shaha or his other group, the Bedtime Players, he can be found being an activist for human rights. He spends his spare time lobbying for marriage rights for same-sex couples and writing letters to his Senators and Representatives. He is a member of the Human Rights Coalition Political Activism Committee and hopes that one day the world will be free of injustice.

Shaha Member: 2002 - present

Chris Haigh is a Masters candidate in Social Justice Education. Chris is super cool. Chris is passionate about issues of Social Justice, especially areas of class and gender. Chris is excited to bring to Shaha humor and a sense of adventure when exploring and educating about these sensitive issues. Before acting with the group, Chris facilitated a team building and group dynamics training and was sucked in by the dynamic personalities and never-ending demands to participate on stage. Bonus points if you can guess Chris' gender.

Shaha Member: 2004 - present

Janet Jock joined the Shaha and Bedtime Players because she wanted to learn more about raising awareness in social justice and the importance of safe sex and healthy relationships. "I have had the chance to think deeply, act crazy, have fun, and meet a group of amazing people who I now consider to be my best friends. This will be my third semester doing Shaha and the Players and I have learned more through these groups than any other class I've taken on campus. It feels good to be able to spread knowledge to my peers on campus, and have a ton of fun doing it!"

Shaha Member: 2003 - present

Stacy Kasdin is a senior, Journalism and Sociology major. This is Stacy's fifth semester having a blast with the Shaha crew! When she's not Shahaing it up you can find her writing her Ed/Op column for the Daily Collegian or having fun with her friends. Stacy's favorite thing to do is make people laugh, and she loves that with Shaha she has a guarantee for that opportunity at least once a week. As E.E. Cummings said, "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."

Shaha Member: 2002 - present

Emily Katzman is a senior, Microbiology and Biology major and this is Emily's first semester in Shaha and she can't wait to get on stage and be a part of of this exceptional cast. (Despite her fears of falling flat on her face and forgetting her lines.) When she's not observing pathogenic bacteria or studying vertebrate anatomy, Emily can usually be found hanging out with her friends or getting lost in the Morrill Science Building. Emily also has an uncanny fascination with frogs, but try not to hold that against her.

Shaha Member: 2004 - present

Meg McKenna
"Yet I realized that the more you perform and find it progressively easier to place yourself in comical situations, the more you realize how powerful a group like this can be and you find yourself adamantly trying to get a message across to your peers. There's nothing better than meeting one person you've performed for who "gets it". While this group has been a MAJOR part of my college experience, I also am majoring in theater, and can usually also be found working in the scene shop of the fine arts center. I take part in another sketch comedy troupe on campus and enjoy being a weird character actor. And of course I spend most of my spare time dancing in my apartment, because when you have wood floors and crazy roommates, why not?"

Shaha Member: 2002-2003, 2004-present

Christine Marhafer is a senior here at UMass Amherst. She is studying Sociology and Education. Someday Christine hopes to become an elementary school teacher. Christine tries to live by the motto "Live, Love, Laugh", she does this through filling her life with happiness, fun, and good people. She has found a second family here through her Shaha friends. As one of the original members of Shaha, she has been devoted to trying to make a difference here on campus since her freshman year. When coming to UMass Amherst she was very happy to find such an accepting group or people right away. Christine admits that joining Shaha was one of the best decision that she has ever made. Shaha is a learning
experience that will last a life time. Christine would like to also thank her friends and family for their open mindedness and support over the years.

Shaha Member: 2001 - present

Sarah Caserta Maugel is a senior, Sociology major and Psychology minor. The past three years in Shaha have given me a home, best friends, "counselors", role models, an outlet for expression, brain food, laughter, countless trips to Munchies, inspiration and a continued sense of purpose and challenge. Coretta Scott King said "America needs to do some soul searching" and I feel privileged to do my own in such incredible company. Shaha kids past (we miss you) and present, thank you for allowing me to hear your stories + for listening to mine. Shaha leaders, you're the unsung heroes of this troupe. Thank you!

Shaha Member: 2001 -present

Kristina Schultz is a junior studying sociology with a concentration in social inequality and diversity and has been with Shaha for four semesters. She believes in Shaha because "there is a direction connection between education and action," and is proud of its influence on UMass' campus.

Shaha Member: 2001 - present (currently on a "Shaha sabbatical")

Herman E. Shelton III
Herman is a graduate student studying Social Justice Education. Born in Michigan during a snowstorm that some historians have called "uncanny," Herman graduated in 2002 from Elmhurst College outside of Chicago. He views acting and humor as very effective mediums in bringing attention to serious issues. He also hopes that Shaha will help him to overcome deeply rooted fears of clowns, and Right Angles.

Shaha Member: 2004 -present

Tanya O. Williams, Instructor and Director
Graduate Assistant, Center for Diversity and Development
Doctoral Student: Social Justice Education
MS, Higher Education Administration, Texas A&M University BA, English and Journalism, Texas A&M University

Likes: Smiles, laughter, spending time with friends, music, dancing, Earthfoods, theater, art, greeting cards, passionate discussions about things that really matter, and Bailey, the dog

Dislikes: Meanie pants, smart-aleks, and spending too much time in the library (which I need to learn to love!), parking tickets, people unaware of the space they take up in the world, and reality TV (except for the Amazing Race)

Derrick Gunter, Co-Director and Troupe Manager
Assistant Resident Director for Crabtree Mary Lyon & Knowlton
Master's Student: Higher Education and Administration BA Psychology, Rowan University

Likes: Music, Dancing, and the Theater

Dislikes: People who aren't open minded and afraid to try some thing new.

Anjali Singh, Community Development Director, Residence Life
M.A., College Student Development and Counseling, Appalachian State University
B.S., Special Education, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire

Likes: Travel, My Favorite People, Dogs, Dessert, Starbucks Chai, The Color Red, Toyota 4 Runners, Messages from my grandmother, happy eyes, jewelry that is "special", the beach, ocean, and summer, working out - double step, kickboxing, and walking marathons

Dislikes: listening to radio and hearing prejudice comments, cats, the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry, dehumanization on reality shows, using email to replace face to face or voice to voice conversation, the snow and winter