Upward & Onward
Productions
UPWARD & ONWARD PRODUCTIONS
MEET THE TEAM
Managing Partners
Divine Order
Success is only an arm's length away
Darren Lorenzo is a veteran performer, hailing straight from Atlanta, Georgia. Lorenzo has appeared in numerous productions both nationally and internationally. He received his B.A. in Mass Communications at Clark Atlanta University and further trained with Broadway Theatre Project at the University of South Florida, and with Theatre Emory of Emory University. He has wowed audiences with roles on Cruise Ships; in Vegas; multiple regional, off Broadway, Broadway, national, and international touring productions of After Midnight, Vegas the Show, Legally Blonde, Saturday Night Fever, Madagascar, Smokey Joes Cafe, No Strings, Fosse, Hair, Tony and Tina's Wedding, Once on This Island, What The World Needs Now, and several gospel tours throughout Europe. In addition to acting and singing, he also works as a writer, producer, teacher, director and performs with various club date and corporate Top 40, R&B/Soul and Jazz bands.
Co-Founder
Darren Lorenzo
Director of Artist Development/Relations
The biggest adventure you could ever take is to live the life of your dreams
Dare to be a great leader
From Broadway to the high seas JD has proven himself to be a visionary, motivator and creator of performance art that inspires audiences and performers alike. His performing career has taken him to Broadway, Cruise Ships, Vegas, and Theme Parks both locally and internationally. He has had the pleasure of working for Celine Dion, Usher, Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, Phill Collins, and Lionel Richie. In addition to performing, he is an award-winning choreographer/director, the DJ who keeps the party thumping and creates inspired digital media campaigns that wows his clients.
JD Aubrey SmitH
Team Member
Director of Media/Relations
Aspire to inspire before you expire
people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but
people will never forget how you made them feel
Jardé is a classically trained pianist from St. Lucia. After gracing many stages on the island of St Lucia, he took his talents overseas performing all over the world in countries such as Australia, Egypt, France, Italy and Spain in Europe, as well as South America. He’s also performed with cruise ship companies such as Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Jardé is always looking for new avenues to advance his career. In addition to performing, Jardé also works in production. From sound engineering to videography and photography, he records, mixes and edits as well. If you’re looking for amazing music that wows and touches your soul both on the stage and in production, he knows exactly what a performer needs. Jardé is the ideal guy.
Jarde pierre
Team Member
Director of Music Relations/Video Editor
Big results require big ambitions
There is nothing permanent except change
George Anthony Papas was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. George has had the opportunity to sing, dance and act all around the world in National Tours, Cruise Ships and Industrials. He's had the opportunity to sing in such venues as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and as a backup singer for Sir Elton John at Radio City Music Hall. George is also a Singer/Songwriter/ Piano player. He has enjoyed many stints gigging around the world with performing artists. Now a proud husband to his beautiful wife Meaghan, and 2 wonderful sons, Michael and Ryan, George currently works at The New York Film Academy where he assists with the Admissions Department, which includes adjudicating auditions and working with young artists all over the United States.
Co-Founder
George Papas
What are you, new?!
Bruno Joel Diaz - was born in South America, but was raised and lives in New Jersey. Bruno has been in the entertainment industry for about 20 years, as a Technician and Sound Designer/ Audio Engineer. He has been lucky to work on Cruise Ships and travel around the world. His career has not only been at sea but he has worked live sound, doing Musical Theatre, Concerts and Studio recordings in New York and Jersey. Bruno is also a Number 1 fan of the brand Jack Daniels Old Number 7, the smoothest sippin Whiskey.
Bruno Joel diaz
Team Member
Sound Designer/Audio Engineer