Assorted Arts

NIK NARAIN | Playwright, Director

Nik Narain (he/they) is a writer, comedian, science communicator, musician, drag artist, and visual artist based in Durham, NC. A recent graduate of Duke University with degrees in Physics and Visual Media Studies, Nik is dedicated to writing engaging science stories for the stage, page, and screen. Nik has performed his sharp-witted, introspective, and heartfelt stand-up comedy around the world, debuting his first one-hour stand-up special “Rusk” at the 2025 Edinburgh, NYC, ​Raleigh, and the 2026 Asheville and Central Virginia Fringe Festivals.

​Nik’s screenplays have been shortlisted for two Sundance programs and have been produced as staged productions in NC, LA, Chicago, and Tampa. Nik also performs as a singer-songwriter and drag artist around NC, creating musical works that explore themes of identity, belonging, and growth rooted in scientific concepts and imagery. He is currently working on his first album.

UDAYA VAKATI | Actor

Udaya Vakati (she/her) is a Southeast-based actress and producer. Born and raised in Chennai, India, she began her career in software engineering while pursuing acting through part-time performance work. After moving to the United States in 2019, she discovered the breadth of opportunities in American theatre and performed in regional theatres across Chicago and the Bay Area. She later earned her MFA in Acting from the Guildford School of Acting in England, further refining her craft. Her stage roles range from Gabriella in Boeing-Boeing to Ben Gunn in Treasure Island (directed by Karen Tomlin). On screen, she portrayed Linda Joseph in the feature film Jee Vee Sohneya Jee (Amazon Prime), earning widespread acclaim. Udaya is committed to representing her community’s voice and challenging stereotypes surrounding South Asian culture. Offstage, she enjoys birdwatching and whipping up gourmet meals for her little one, who maintains Michelin‑level expectations.

JAYE BULLOCK | Actor

Jaye Bullock is happy to be a part of the staged reading of Emergent Properties and the first Durham Fringe Festival! He is no stranger to this particular form of theater, having participated in Social Animal’s The American Revolution (Alexander Hamilton/Ensemble) and RLT’s Second Stage reading of Exit, Pursued By a Bear (Stage Directions). You may have also seen him in Theatre in the Park’s production of The Book of Will as Marcus (and various others). Thanks to Nik Narain for trusting me with his work, and as always, thanks to his parents, Joan and David.

EUGENE ZTH | Actor

Eugene ZTH is a Richmond-based comic. He writes for the Coalition Theater’s late night show, Better Late, and hosts Fredericksburg’s favorite comedy open mic at the Curitiba Art Cafe.

Naveed Moeed | Actor