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OUR HISTORY

Ultimus Veneficus: Last of the Sorcerers

March 1990

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Written in 1990, Fred Taylor's "Ultimus Venificus" made its stage debut in December 1998 at the Cleveland Play House. This production marked a pivotal moment in Fred Taylor’s artistic journey, bringing his visionary storytelling to a wider audience.

The Creation of "Memorial"

July 1990

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Originally conceived as a collection of poems written by Fred Taylor at the age of 19, Memorial (East 79th Street) evolved into a powerful stage production. The play was completed in 1998, with vital production support from George Sledge, who also collaborated on The Seventh Example. Memorial premiered at the Cleveland Play House in 1999 and returned to the stage in 2002, 2003, and again in 2021—each performance deepening its legacy as a raw and resonant exploration of life, loss, and community.

The Seventh Example: The Birth and the Boom

April 1992

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Fred Taylor—owner, playwright, and director at Fam Fest USA—originally wrote the play in 1992. It gained momentum and was later produced by Cuyahoga Community College in 1994.

GANGSTER-TOWN: Revival of a Gritty Original

September 1994

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Developed over three years and completed in 1994, Fred Taylor's, "Gangster-Town" was revived in 2003 with a dynamic performance at the Cleveland Playhouse. Featuring an original music score by Ernie Kribda, the production brought new energy to this gritty, stylized tale.

Life Lanes

February 1995

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In 1993, Fred Taylor brought "Life Lanes" to life, serving as writer, director, and performer alongside a talented cast from Lutheran East High School. The play’s impact quickly grew, and in 1995, it was produced by the Cleveland Board of Education. That same year, "Life Lanes" was performed at South High School, marking a major milestone in its early journey.

THE VAGABOND: From Creation to Iconic Stages

August 2000

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Originally created in 2000, Fred Taylors, "The Vagabond," took the stage in 2010 with a standout performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The following year, it continued its momentum with a powerful showing at the Cleveland Play House, cementing its place as a bold and resonant production.

Ultimus Veneficus hosts Isabela Merced & Georgia O’Hara

October 2010

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The 2010's production of "Ultimus Venificus" featured rising talents Isabela Merced and Georgia O’Hara. Isabela, who would go on to star in major films such as Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Instant Family, brought a dynamic energy to the stage. Georgia O’Hara, known for her compelling performances in both regional theatre and independent film, also delivered a standout role—helping cement this era of the play as one of its most memorable.

LYNCH: A Powerful Work Evolving Across Stages

January 2013

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First conceived in 2013, Lynch began its stage journey in 2014 at the Cultivation Center. It continued to develop with a 2017 performance at the East Cleveland Library and reached new audiences in 2018 with a compelling presentation at Front Stage.

Stars of Memorial 2021: Hawthorne James & Brianna Marie Bell

May 2021

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In the 2021 production "Memorial", Hawthorne James, a seasoned actor known for his impactful roles in film and television, starred alongside Brianna Marie Bell, an emerging talent recognized for her versatility and strong performances in Broadway. Together, they brought depth and emotion to the project.

Fam Fest: Founded and Established

November 2022

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Officially launched on November 7th, 2022, FAM FEST emerged as a vibrant platform dedicated to uplifting local talent, fostering community engagement, and celebrating creative expression across generations.

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