DuShon Brown: Acting

DuShon is a FieldCrest artist-in-residence as well as a working actress who is registered with SAG, AFTRA, and AEA. Her television roles include Chicago Fire, Empire, Shameless, E.R. and Prison Break. Her film roles include The Dilemma, One Small Hitch, "Wedding Bell Blues", "Rock Bottom", and "Following Maria". DuShon's dialects include conversational Spanish, West Indies and southern American which have landed her voice-over work with Coca-Cola, Jewels Osco, McDonalds, and Kraft just to name a few.

Trevon Lawrence: Dance

Born in Chicago Illinois, Trevon studied dance at Lorraine Gray Dance Studio and at Deartra-Fry Dance Studio (founder/ owner of Turning Point Dance Studio). Deartra-Fry took Trevon under her wing and nurtured her stage presents while Nick Gonzalez (founder/ owner of NRG dance convention) sparked Trevon's love for hip-hop. In 2001 Trevon went to CMDC (Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center) to study classical ballet with her mentor Mr. Homer Bryant at the age of 8. Under his personal training and guidance, she was selected to attend Dance Theater of Harlem for a summer intensive in New York City in 2007. While at CMDC Trevon also studied under mentors: Mr.William Gill for Modern/ Horton, Mama Niambi for African, Ms.Leniece Dandridge for jazz, and Ms. Nina Wardanian for Contempoary all of whom contributed to Trevon technical training. She continued studying all genres of dance throughout her high school years at Chiarts (Chicago High School for the Arts), with instructors: Mr. Reginald Harris, Ms. Sarah Ford, Mr. Eddie Ocampo, Ms. Lizzie McKenzie, Ms. Kim Sagami, Ms. Susan Lopez and Mr. Ricardo Garcia. Attending both ChiArts and CMDC Trevon has had the opportunity to work with a few major companies like River North, Gus Giordano Dance Company and Joel Hall. She has made several appearances on channel 9, channel 7 and Fox News performing various pieces with CMDC and Joel Hall. A few more of her performances include Cirque Du Soliel fundraiser, Universoul Circus, African Festival, and the part one-season finale episode of "Empire”. 

Nicole Ker: Dance

Dance has been an important part of Nicole's life since she was young. She took her first ballet class when she was three, and went on in life to continue learning new types of dance including different styles of Jazz, Modern, and Hip-hop. She enjoys Improvisation when given the chance, and choreographing is her passion. She graduated from Lincoln College in 2014 with a Bachelor in Jazz Studies, a music degree which she hopes to take into game music design eventually. She enjoys working with individual students, classes, and theater productions. 

Brian Cann: Acting

Theater has been a part of Brian's life since he was very young. Brian has worked on many shows, both on and off stage throughout his school years. Brian attended Columbia College right out of High School. Deciding college wasn't right at the time; Brian packed his bags and moved to Florida.

Having lived in Florida for ten years, Brian worked various roles in the entertainment department at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. 

Brian is currently back at Columbia College where he  hopes to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in 2018. Brian is very excited to join the FieldCrest family and the opportunities that lie ahead!

Lauretta Redwine: Dance

Lauretta Redwine is a product of FieldCrest and began taking classes at the age of 6. From an early age, Lauretta just seem to have the rhythm, personality and skills to become an entertainer. While attending FieldCrest, her enthusiasm and dedication was demonstrated by placing first in numerous regional and national competitions as well as FieldCrest productions.  Lauretta continued her interest in dance by becoming a member of the NOIR Dance troupe while attending Illinois State University where she graduated with a BS degree in Medical Laboratory Science.  Lauretta brings to FieldCrest her love for dance and instills in her students the dedicated “work ethic” she received while a student at FieldCrest

Ashley Jackson: Dance

Ashley Jackson is a product of FieldCrest, and at the age of fifteen was given a chance to student teach. A devoted Fieldcrest student, Ashley has won regional and national competitions and participated in countless Fieldcrest productions. Skilled in all types of dance, this is Ashley’s fourth year as the Hip Hop instructor. Currently, Ashley attends National Louis University where she is finishing her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. In the future, she plans to work as an educator for the Chicago Public Schools and sponsor after-school programs highlighting the Arts.

LaShanda Slay: Director

At the age of three La Shanda’s parents noticed her passion for dance, so they decided to enroll her at Fieldcrest School of Performing Arts. There her love and passion for the art of dance continued to grow. At the age of twelve she became a teacher’s assistant and by the age of sixteen a teacher. La Shanda has trained and prepared students for national dance competitions, Disney World performances and ballroom exhibitions. In addition, she has been able to utilize her skills with Chicago Public School students by preparing annual talent shows for students with special needs and coordinating productions for various charity events. As the Dance Director and Production Supervisor she is able to motivate all Fieldcrest students in a positive way. In most recent years La Shanda has joined the modeling department where she continues to instill confidence in Fieldcrest students.

Kevin Davenport: General Manager

Kevin is a product of FieldCrest. While attending high school Kevin worked the FieldCrest snack bar, and the front desk. During his college years he became FieldCrest’s Director of Musical Summer Camp. He played 3 years of Collegiate Soccer, and freshman year he was ranked 15th Striker in the nation. In his junior year his team made 3rd in the nation.

While attending college, Kevin became a personal trainer by appointment only, and CEO of Red Tie Events, a promotional company. He brings his knowledge of sportsmanship and discipline to his many endeavors. Kevin graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from Lewis University in December, 2011. Kevin is now the President and CEO of KP Enterprise, publicist for politician Wendell Mosby, program facilitator for the Southland’s Men of Tomorrow Mentorship Program, and FieldCrest's new General Manager.

Keli Wells: Vice President of Marketing

Keli is a product of FieldCrest. She received a B.S. from Illinois State University and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University. As a winner of many dance competitions over the years, Keli has choreographed several national competition winning performances. As a teen she competed in "The National Tour of the Tap Dance Kid" where she placed as the first runner up behind her tap teacher Bril Barrett. Keli is the daughter of Donna Davenport, serves as President of " The Children Dance Theater Chicago, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Donna Davenport: Founder

For over thirty-five years, Donna Davenport has devoted her time and energy to educating children through the fine arts. In 1977 Ms. Davenport founded FieldCrest. Class offerings were limited and total student enrollment was ten. In 2010 over 200 students enrolled in a wide variety of classes including dance, etiquette, modeling, and acting. Possessing a B.A. in Education, Ms. Davenport has remained active with a variety of organizations including the Illinois Arts Council, Southland Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Arts Alliance, and the Arts and Business Council. Ms. Davenport is also the founder of "The Children Dance Theater Chicago".