ABOUT US | Next Exit Productions

OPENING CREATIVE HIGHWAYS FOR NEW WORKS

Founded in 2023, Next Exit develops original works to bridge connections between storytellers and audiences searching for new experiences. We're passionate about the power of storytellers to preserve our memories and experiences, transform our cultural landscape, and inspire us to see and feel what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes.

Our VALUES

Collaborative: Working as an inter-generational team and community to achieve shared goals.

Resourceful: Maximizing impact with ingenuity and care.

Explorative: Embracing the journey of developing new works with curiosity and innovation.

Authentic: Staying true to our mission and empowering diverse voices.

Tenacious: Committing to growth, excellence, and resilience.

Engaging: Cultivating meaningful relationships among artists, audiences, and communities.

OUR PRODUCTION TEAM

Holly Morse-Ellington, Executive Producer

Holly produced Chattanooga's first Fringe Festival at Barking Legs Theater in 2024 and is the Executive Producer of the annual Chattanooga Fringe Fest. She has over 15 years of experience producing literary and performing arts events in multiple states, including directing Chattanooga's Muse of Fire Project.

As a writer and playwright, she's published over 100 articles in national and regional media, including American Theatre Magazine, Baltimore Style and The Washington Times. Her plays include, Free To Go (premiered at Manhattan Repertory Theatre), Exiting A Man's Cave (published in The Furious Gazelle), 50 Miles Away (winner of One Acts Fest) and Let Em Play. She received an Individual Artist Award in Playwriting from the Maryland State Arts Council.

Holly's been a storyteller for The Stoop Storytelling Series (Baltimore’s Center Stage) and Deep Roots: Oklahoma Authors Oral History Project.

As Next Exit's Executive Producer, Holly manages production logistics, marketing and public relations, and nonprofit fundraising to ensure continued, quality programming.

Kashun Parks, Executive Director

Kashun Parks is a dynamic theatre artist and successful businesswoman with a passion for storytelling. She has brought to life memorable roles, including originating the roles of Nia in InterseXtions (Peggy Douglas, Next Exit Productions) and Doris in Soar Spot (Allison Fradkin, Next Exit Productions). Kashun has also performed as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (Scenic City Shakespeare), Goneril in Lear (Obvious Dad), Celia in As You Like It (Scenic City Shakespeare), and Siobhan in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga).

As a director, Kashun’s credits include Doubt and Daughters of the Moon at Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, three plays for the “Love Bites” 10-Minute Play Festival with Next Exit Productions, and an independently produced and directed staging of The Vagina Monologues at Barking Legs Theater (featured in The Chattanooga Pulse).

Kashun holds a BS in Theatre from the University of Indianapolis, an MBA in Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix, and a certification in Organizational Development.

This blend of artistic talent and business expertise has shaped her success as both a creative force and a business professional. She served as the Vice President of the Board of Obvious Dad and is currently a member of the Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute.

Kashun supports Next Exit Productions’ strategic growth with her career experience in nonprofit management and event development. She is instrumental in creating short- and long-term goals that align with Next Exit Productions’ mission and values.

Jason Tinney, Artistic Director

Jason founded Cast Iron Storytelling and has performed in over 50 stage plays throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. As a writer, he won the International Regional Magazine Association’s Award of Merit in the category of Culture Feature for his article “The March,” was awarded Honorable Mention for the Barnett Prize for Local Distinguished Author by the Southern Lit Alliance, and was awarded Honorable Mention in The Pulse Short Story Contest for his short story, Metropolis, Illinois.

Taylor Boyd, Technical Director

With over 15 years of experience in technical lighting, sound and set design, Taylor brings their innovative skills to Next Exit's development of new works.

Whether it is lighting, sound, set construction, or stage management, Taylor has loved getting to do technical theater all around Chattanooga, including technical design for the Chattanooga Fringe Festival.

When not working a show, Taylor can be found doing photography, writing, or woodworking. They also love playing video games and having a great cup of tea with their spouse, Dylan.

Greg Garrison, Director of Development

Greg Garrison is a writer and producer from Savannah, GA who has been happy to call Chattanooga his home since 2021. He has recently premiered two new original radio dramas through A Theatre in the Dark, A Matter of Red Herrings (2023, Writer) and Bio-Dad (2024, Director) available for download through atheatreinthedark.com.

He met Next Exit when his play, Love is a Bitter Brew, was selected for a staged production in Next Exit's Play Fest.

As the Creative Manager, Greg leads the script selection and editing process and organizes thematic cohesion among plays in our new works festivals.

Our Mission

Next Exit Productions offers emerging artists and aspiring storytellers the gift of engaging our community through new works and diverse perspectives. We are committed to bridging cultural and generational divides with passionate stories as vibrant and complex as the voices we empower.

THE NEXT GENERATION

Of PERFORMING ARTS IS NOW