RWS Entertainment Group welcomes two creative leaders to the team. Jason A. Sparks joins as Senior Director, Theatrical Creative Content, and Damien Gray joins as Director, Immersive Creative Content. Sparks, recently Associate Director for the anticipated Broadway revival of Take Me Out, will add a layer of expertise to creative direction, direction and choreography for RWS theatrical productions. Gray, an expert in creating immersive experiences, brings a rich portfolio of international projects.
An award-winning creative director, director and choreographer, Sparks has worked in a wide range of mediums, from Broadway musicals and independent short films to award shows and concert dance. He has served as the associate to Warren Carlyle on multiple Tony Award-winning Broadway productions, including Hello, Dolly! with Bette Midler; Kiss Me, Kate; She Loves Me; and After Midnight, as well as choreographing productions for New York City Ballet and the Tony Awards.
Gray is known for his work for top companies worldwide, including Universal Studios Japan, Universal Beijing Resort and the soon-to-open Ocean Flower Island Resort and theme park in Hainan, China. For Universal Studios and Illumination Entertainment, Gray created the concert spectacular, SING ON TOUR, based on the animated film SING, which is now playing at the Illumination Theaters in Osaka and Beijing. He also created both Steps in Time, at Disney California Adventure and the long-running Animagique, for Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. He will infuse RWS experiences with his knowledge of leading-edge technology and pop culture.
“The level of natural talent and boundary-pushing creativity that Jason and Damien bring to our team is invigorating,” said Craig Laurie, Executive Vice President, Creative. “Both are uniquely qualified to bring a vibrant perspective to our productions. With more than thirty years of combined skill, creativity and insight into live and immersive experiences, our clients and their guests will be thrilled with the results.”
RWS also welcomes Greg Brown, Vice President, Talent Casting & Recruitment; Ericka Womack, Senior Casting Manager, Performer Casting & Guest Entertainers; and Kendra Lucas, Manager, Performer Casting & Guest Entertainers.
- Greg Brown, Vice President, Talent Casting & Recruitment: Previously with Royal Caribbean Group as Manager, Talent Casting, Brown has more than 20 years in the entertainment industry and brings his unique creative output as director, music director, orchestrator, arranger, professor and casting professional. His body of work includes casting for Broadway, concert and performance venues across the globe. With a passion for guiding and training young artists, Brown continues to make an impact on the next generation of arts professionals through his active teaching career and professorship.
- Ericka Womack, Senior Casting Manager, Performer Casting & Guest Entertainers: Previously with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Womack brings experience in all aspects of entertainment performance, choreography, show creation and management. She is dedicated to working side by side with front-line performers, management and executives.
- Kendra Lucas, Manager, Performer Casting & Guest Entertainers: Previously a performer for RWS, Lucas now uses her knowledge and experience to help guide RWS productions as part of the casting team. She began her casting career in NYC assisting at various casting offices working on projects including national tours, regional theater productions and musicals on major cruise lines. Lucas has a passion for casting and is committed to making entertainment more equitable, inclusive and diverse.