REVA STOVER

ABOUT REVA

Reva Stover (she/they) is a director, writer, community programmer, and experience designer excavating the intersections of ritual, community building, and experiential storytelling. 

Reva is passionate about stories that explore the importance of community, connection, and joy in the face of hardship, as well as those that excavate the gritty realities of power imbalances, trauma, and healing. Her work, inspired by Afro-Surrealism, Ritual and Environmental Theatre, often examines the ways our relationships to people and places leads to transformation, in the space, the characters, and the audience. Drawing on deep dramaturgical analysis and text informed world building, she crafts stories that feel lived-in, urgent, and unforgettable.

Reva is an Associate Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and has directed shows such as Feeding Beatrice, Gruesome Playground Injuries, Rocky Horror Show, Zombie Prom, Mr.Burns: A Post-Electric Play, Overwinter, Language of Angels, Tuck Everlasting, A Hit Dog Will Holler, Masc, and Man of La Manchin. They’ve assisted at Steppenwolf, Writer’s Theatre, The Arden, The Lantern, Weston Theatre Company, and Orlando Repertory Theatre. 

As a writer, Reva's work combines Afro-surrealism and Identity Horror, a genre she defines as stories where fear is rooted in real-world systems that target people for identities outside of their control. They use this lens across genres to generate stories that are politically charged, emotionally grounded, and community-centered.

LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

In 2021, Reva worked at the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company as the Artistic Associate and Education Co-ordinator, where they also ran accessibility and community engagement. From 2021 - 2024, Reva was the Co-Artistic Director of Azuka Theatre in Philadelphia, PA, focusing on New Play Development and Community Engagement. In leadership roles, Reva strives to bring equity, accessibility, diversity, belonging, and justice to the forefront of the entertainment industry.

ART AND VINE ENTERTAINMENT

Art and Vine Entertainment LLC is a multi-disciplinary production company created by Reva Stover in 2021. Art and Vine Entertainment (AAVE) works to promote collectivism, enrich communities, and provide generative opportunities for Black people across the African diaspora through the creation and development of creative works and experiences, community engagement, and educational opportunities. 

Reva’s Creative Manifesto

Director | Producer | Storyteller | Entrepreneur

As a multidisciplinary artist, my work is rooted in the belief that the process of creation must be as intentional, ethical, and transformative as the product itself. I am committed to practices that center care, community, and justice at every stage of development.

Ethical Creation as a Foundational Value

I believe that the conditions under which art is made are inseparable from the quality and impact of the final work. To create through harm—whether emotional, psychological, or structural—is to embed that harm in the work itself. I reject the myth that great art must come from suffering. Instead, I prioritize collaborative environments that are safe, inclusive, and empowering for all participants.

Community at the Core of Creativity

At the center of my artistic philosophy is community. Whether I am directing a play, producing a digital series, or developing new writing, I view storytelling as a collective endeavor. I am committed to fostering working environments built on transparency, trust, and mutual respect. By investing in the people behind the work, we create stronger, more resonant stories—and more sustainable creative ecosystems.

Liberatory and Culturally Specific Storytelling

My work as the founder and Executive Producer of Art and Vine Entertainment (AAVE) is driven by the mission to amplify Black voices across the African diaspora. Through our projects—from theatre to digital media—I aim to support liberatory storytelling that explores identity, reclaims narrative power, and cultivates joy. As a queer Black woman, I approach each story with a deep understanding of the political, cultural, and emotional landscapes that inform it.

Responsibility and Representation

I recognize the inherent responsibility that comes with directing and producing: the power to shape narrative, influence culture, and affect audiences. I strive to be an ethical steward of the stories I engage with, particularly when working with communities historically underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media. Intentional representation, consent-based processes, and equitable collaboration are non-negotiable elements of my practice.

Vision for the Future

I am building a future where artists are not only creatively fulfilled but also materially supported and structurally protected. Through AAVE, I am growing a multi-city creative infrastructure (anchored in Philadelphia and Chicago) that champions emerging voices, develops original content for digital and live platforms, and nurtures Black creatives. I envision a model of creation where art is a tool for liberation, not exploitation—where process and product are equally beautiful, brave, and intentional.