Proud Theater – Madison Mentors

Brian Wild has been working in theater since the age of 8 and has been involved in over 100 theatrical productions since 1977. He co-founded Art & Soul Innovations, the nonprofit behind Proud Theater, and oversees all Proud Theater chapters as its Executive Director.

Wild has been a member of one of the oldest experimental theaters in the nation, Broom Street Theater, for over 24 years as an actor, playwright, and director and designer. He served on their Board of Directors as Treasurer from 2005-2010, and has staged 17 original plays for the troupe as playwright and director.

Wild also co-founded Luna Bonita, a Latino organization in Madison, Wisconsin (now known as Noches Latinas), and also co-founded El Grupo Vida/The Life Group, a bi-lingual organization designed to raise funds for local non-profits through the art of Drag performance.

Honors include the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award at Broom Street Theater for extraordinary dedication to the promotion of experimental theater, a certificate of achievement from GSAFE for his commitment to community activism and social justice in Wisconsin, and the 2008 Outreach, Inc. ‘Man of the Year’ award for his work with youth in the community. In 2012, Wild received a Madison Bartie Theater Award for best sound design for the local theatrical production of ‘The Lamentable Tragedie of Scott Walker.’

Dylin Billingsley (He/Him/His or They/Them/Theirs) is a Mentor for Proud Theater-Madison. They were a youth in Proud Theater from 2013-2017, and then mentored for Proud Theater from 2018-2019. They are currently working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Welfare from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dylin has a passion for the arts, advocacy, and their cats!

Samuel Carman (any pronouns) is a Proud Theater alum returning to mentor for Proud Theater-Madison. After performing with Proud Theater from 2010-2014, Samuel is thrilled to reconnect with the organization, and will be taking part in the multi-faceted role of adult mentor.

Currently working with 211 and the United Way of Wisconsin, Samuel brings a passion for equity work, activism, and artistic expression to the table and will be working with the youth to spread their stories throughout Madison and the surrounding communities. 

Callie Desch (she/her/hers) was in Proud Theater Madison for three years in high school and absolutely loved it! She has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently utilizing it as a nanny until she goes to graduate school to become a child and adolescent therapist. Callie has a deep passion for assisting others in their growth and healing processes through compassionate engagement while always considering where someone is in their development. She believes that through a creative lens, a student can increase their self worth, confidence, and sense of belonging, and looks forward to doing this in the Proud Theater family. She spends her free time relaxing with her three cats and playing cards and dominoes with her partner.

Celia (she/hers) joined Proud Theater-Madison as a youth member in 2011 and is thrilled to return as a Mentor. She’s participated in many aspects of community theater production over the years and is excited to facilitate the youth’s exploration of storytelling and social justice through this medium. She spends most of her time reading, making art, and going for little nature walks (you can probably find her in Mother Fool’s or the Arboretum).

My name’s Cassius, my first Proud Theater show was during my junior in high school. This group meant so much to me as a creative and as a young person exploring my identity. This year I get the wonderful privilege to be on the other side of this experience as a mentor.