Deondra Kamau Means

Deondra is a versatile performing artist, educator, and arts leader with over 30 years of experience spanning ragtime, disco, gospel, Yoruba musical traditions, jazz, and spirituals.  A gifted pianist, organist, singer, dancer, actor, storyteller, and theatre practitioner, Deondra has been the director for Cincinnati Pops productions including Ben Folds and Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs. He was a resident playwright for several Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati shows in their early years, contributing to their foundational growth prior to their expansion. As founder of The Griot Theatre and Director with the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, Deondra brings culturally rich stories to life for diverse audiences.

Featured with the acclaimed No Promises Vocal Band and as a featured singer with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s Ragtime Band, Deondra’s stage presence extends nationally and internationally. He is also an accomplished voice artist and audiobook narrator. Currently on staff at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Deondra integrates music therapy and drama therapy into his work, partnering with Catholic, charter, Cincinnati Public, and Chicago Public schools. His artistry is grounded in community engagement, cultural celebration, and empowering learners across neurodiverse and neurotypical populations through music, theatre, and storytelling.