IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
"A Girls Guilt Trip" Written and Directed By: Alretha Thomas - Playing At The Hudson Theatre in Hollywood, California.
October 10th - 26th 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
California Performing Arts AV’s CEO Melissa Kaye Bontempt Joins Alretha Thomas’s Stage Play "A Girl’s Guilt Trip", Alongside the Remarkable Lorinda Hawkins Smith
Los Angeles, CA –
California Performing Arts AV (CPAAV) proudly celebrates a major milestone as our Founder and CEO, Melissa Kaye Bontempt, secures another deeply meaningful project. Melissa has been cast as the understudy for Yolanda Banks in the upcoming stage play "A Girl’s Guilt Trip", written, directed, and produced by the celebrated actress, playwright, and storyteller Alretha Thomas.
Joining Melissa in this inspiring production is the incomparable Lorinda Hawkins Smith, who will be understudying the role of Roberta. Together, these two powerhouse women bring depth, resilience, and artistry to a story certain to melt hearts and inspire audiences.
Alretha Thomas is best known for her role as Anastasia Devereaux in Tyler Perry’s hit BET series Assisted Living. A graduate of USC’s journalism program, Alretha’s career spans decades, with highlights including NAACP Theatre Award nominations, roles in beloved soap operas (The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives), and memorable performances in independent films. As a writer and director, Alretha’s work blends humor, heart, and humanity—qualities at the center of A Girl’s Guilt Trip, which opens this October in Los Angeles.
Lorinda Hawkins Smith is a multi-hyphenate creative force—an actor, author, playwright, comedian, filmmaker, musician, community advocate, and violence prevention specialist. Her award-winning solo show Justice? Or… Just Me? — The Bite and her acclaimed short film The Virus have captivated audiences and festivals nationwide. Lorinda’s journey from hardship to achievement, including earning her MBA, has made her a fierce voice for resilience and empowerment. Now, stepping into "A Girl’s Guilt Trip" as understudy for Roberta, she continues her legacy of storytelling with impact.
Reflecting on this opportunity, Melissa Kaye Bontempt shares:
“It is an honor to understudy the incredible Alretha Thomas as Yolanda Banks, and to share the stage with the phenomenal Lorinda Hawkins Smith. Working on this production is more than a role—it is living my dream, learning from women I deeply admire, and bringing a story of love and healing to life.”
This achievement is a shining success for California Performing Arts AV, whose mission is to heal and uplift through the arts. Melissa’s tireless dedication to her craft—including ongoing training with Ben Guillory at The Robey Theatre—serves as a beacon of inspiration to the community and proof of the transformative power of the performing arts.
About California Performing Arts AV
California Performing Arts AV is a nonprofit dedicated to healing through the arts. Through workshops, productions, and community programming, CPAAV empowers underserved voices to heal, grow, and thrive.
About Melissa Kaye Bontempt
Actress, producer, writer, and nonprofit leader, Melissa is SAG-Eligible and represented by Aqua Talent. Her credits include the award-winning psychological thriller Fritchi Manor. She continues to refine her artistry under the mentorship of Ben Guillory at The Robey Theatre.
About Alretha Thomas
SAG-AFTRA actress, writer, and director, Alretha stars as Anastasia Devereaux in Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living. Her extensive career spans stage, film, and television, blending heart and humor with powerful storytelling.
About Lorinda Hawkins Smith
An award-winning actress, playwright, filmmaker, and advocate, Lorinda is known for her acclaimed solo show Justice? Or… Just Me? — The Bite and her short film The Virus. She continues to inspire through artistry, advocacy, and community impact.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Joy Tucker, Vice President & CFO
California Performing Arts AV
CASTING NOTICE - Non Union Locals
Please Register With Us To Receive Sides. Make sure to note the Character you wish to audition for. Please have resume and headshot.
CREW NEEDED AS WELL!
Click the link below for Character Breakdowns!
Who Cares
Come be our guest on 'Who Cares,' a raw and unfiltered podcast hosted by the dynamic Queen Joy Tucker, an actress and queen of conversations, alongside the multifaceted Melissa Kaye, an actress, writer, producer, and Real Estate Agent.
Join us as we dive deep into the tough conversations that many shy away from, tackling pressing issues like homelessness, prostitution, and incarceration.
Together, we challenge the status quo and shine a light on the realities that deserve our attention.
Click above on PODCAST to listen now!
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A Hard Story Productions is a program of California Performing Arts AV