Artists announced for The Black Monologues
at the 5th edition of Black Beauty Festival: Joy & Magic

April 10-11, 2021

Chicago, IL– Victory Gardens Theater, in partnership with The Black Women’s Expo and Black Owned Chicago, presents the 5th Edition of the Black Beauty Festival (BBF), April 10-11, 2021. Offered virtually for the first time, Black Beauty Festival: Joy & Magic is a free two-day event that uplifts Black-owned businesses while creating conversations around beauty, health, and wellness.

This year’s theme is Joy & Magic, two words that perfectly encompass the celebratory BBF experience. BBF will include online shopping for Black-owned businesses, free performances from The Black Monologues, a jam session with up-and-coming artists, a haircut tutorial, yoga hour, paint & sip afternoon, and raffle giveaways. Each event is free, though pre-registration is required. For more information or to RSVP for an event, visit www.victorygardens.org.

The festival kicks off with a performance by The Black Monologues, created and produced by Tanikia “Nikki” Carpenter and under the direction of Deanna Reed-Foster. Festival writers include Tanikia Carpenter, Reginald Edmund, and Tiffany Oglesby. Performers include Demetra Dee, Maya Hooks, Renee Lockett, Marcus D. Moore, Jermaine Robinson Jr. and Frederick Paul Williams. Desireé Applewhite is the stage manager.

Black Beauty Festival: Joy & Magic Lineup
Saturday, April 10, 2021
The Black Monologues
2:00-3:00 p.m. CT on Zoom

In partnership with Black Owned Chicago, The Black Monologues returns to Black Beauty Festival for its annual performance. Created and produced by Tanikia “Nikki” Carpenter and under the direction of Jeff Award-winning actress Deanna Reed-Foster, The Black Monologues is a showcase of solo performances that capture the African American experience as it pertains to a specific theme. This year, performances will be a celebration of the Black experience through generations.

Haircut Tutorial
4:30-5:30 p.m. CT on Zoom

Join Headrest Barbershop’s Tim Johnson as he teaches you the fundamentals of cutting hair. This is an informational session to learn new techniques and ask questions; no need to bring anything to this workshop other than yourself!

Jam Session
7:00-8:00 p.m. CT on Zoom

Need a reason to get on your feet? Be sure to tune into this virtual mini-concert, featuring performances by up-and-coming musicians!

Sunday, April 11, 2021
Yoga Hour
1:00-2:00 p.m. CT on Zoom

Relax and unwind in this 45-minute yoga session led by Wellness Specialist Daryl Satcher. All skill levels are welcome to attend. If you don’t have a yoga mat, you can use a large towel or a carpeted floor. For the best experience, bring water and a small towel for sweat.

Paint & Sip
3:00-4:00 p.m. CT on Zoom

Sip on our special BBF cocktails, sponsored by Love Cork Screw, as you create a masterpiece from the comfort of your home with Alexie Young and Art West Chicago! No experience necessary. FREE art supply kits available for all registrants (25 people maximum).

Vendor Chat
5:00-6:00 p.m. CT on Zoom

Come get to know the business-savvy entrepreneurs featured in this year’s Black Beauty Festival! This event will be facilitated by Alex Jones, owner of Fad2Fresh vintage clothing and memorabilia.

Some of the 2021 Black Beauty Festival vendors include Dressed 2 The Tee Apparel & Accessories; Dr. Herbal’s Organic & Vegan Hair Care; Dzigns by Deb; Fad2Fresh; Gill Family Jewels; Luv That Scrub; Model Esteem; North Lawndale Employment Network – Sweet Beginnings, LLC; philosofher: The Life of•The Love of•Her; Suuri Design; and TBE Cosmetics.

For more information about Victory Gardens, visit www.victorygardens.org.  Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/victorygardens, Twitter @VictoryGardens, and Instagram @victorygardenstheater.

Richard Gallion Entertainment will be casting actors for the hit stage play 1800’s Vs 2020. We are re-casting a few roles.

ROLES:

Amy: (Caucasian, mid 20’s-30’s) She’ s 100% invested in her interracial marriage. Born with a silver spoon was a great platform for Amy. But now she’s building a platform full of Love and money is which makes it even better. She’s believes in her husband more than he believes in himself. But know that there is a thin line with pushing him to walk in his destiny and opening a gap in her marriage.

Phillip: (AA Male, 5’10 or taller, in shape, 21-35 years old, if can sing that’s a Bonus but if not it’s not a deal breaker) A man that was born into slavery and doesn’t know what freedom really looks like. When freedom isn’t your own, creating a love life with no fear cease to exist. The reality is you’re one auction away from never seeing the love of your life again.

PAYMENT:

There is pay but don’t quit your job.

HOW TO SUBMIT:

Email your resume and headshot to richardgallionent@gmail.com or reply to back to this email..

Sides will be sent to your email address. This is a video audition. We are seeking local talent only.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NORTHLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS

FREE INTERPLAY READING OF

MERCY

BY FELICIA ODUH

DIRECTED BY HARRY J. LENNIX
FEATURING SHANESIA DAVIS, DIZZIE HARRIS, SHAMS EUGENE MONTEIRO, DWAIN A. PERRY, AND KELSEY SCOTT

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents an Interplay reading of Mercy, written by Felicia Oduh and directed by Harry Lennix. The virtual reading of Mercy will be presented via livestream on Sunday, December 13 (time TBA)

Catch a glimpse of this new drama while still in the development process. The reading premiere of Mercy will be followed by a live Q&A with the playwright and director. A recording will be available for 96 hours following the premiere. This event is FREE with a suggested donation, but registration is required to receive a viewing link. To sign-up, or for additional details, please visit https://northlight.org/events/interplay-mercy/.

This benefit reading is a part of Northlight’s Interplay New Play Development program, providing customized support for new work in the critical stages of early play development.

BJ Jones comments, “We are delighted to collaborate with Harry Lennix once again, this time on Felicia Oduh’s touching play Mercy. Northlight is dedicated to developing new work and new voices and Northwestern graduate Felicia Oduh is a gifted young playwright and actress who has something to say. In the same vein as Selina Fillinger, who wrote the Jeff nominated play Faceless and who also came from Northwestern, we are excited to discover and offer opportunity to fresh voices. And Harry Lennix is a gifted actor and director whose generosity and mentorship is inspiring and selfless. We are grateful for his continued relationship with Northlight and his contribution to our work.”

When Eric was leaving for college, he thought he and his friends had the world at their fingertips—until he was convicted of a crime he did not commit. Now, after 18 years away, Eric is finally home. And his mother is throwing him a party, whether he’s ready to celebrate or not. In Felicia Oduh’s new drama, one man struggles to reclaim the life he lost, while his family attempts to heal an age-old fracture.

Mercy features Shanesia Davis (Virginia), Dizzie Harris (Regina), Shams Eugene Monteiro (Eric), Dwain A. Perry (Julian), Kelsey Scott (Ariel). Stage directions will be read by Liana Runcie.

The artistic and production team includes Felicia Oduh (Playwright), Harry J. Lennix (Director), Sophia Danielle-Grenier (Zoom Coordinator), and Leean Kim Torske (Dramaturg).

The Interplay New Play Development Program is supported in part by The Sullivan Family Foundation.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Felicia Oduh (Playwright) is a Nigerian-American, Chicago-based playwright and actor whose work focuses on Black womanhood, identity formation, and underrepresented narratives across the diaspora. Her works include Mercy and Expecting, which received workshopped readings with Vertigo Productions, and Micro, which received a staged reading with Black Lives, Black Words. As an actor, Felicia has performed in several Northwestern University mainstage productions, and she currently holds a leading role in the new comedic web series How to Love. Felicia is a recent graduate of Northwestern where she studied playwriting, acting for the screen, and majored in theatre.

Harry J. Lennix (Director) is a renowned film, television and stage actor from Chicago’s Southside. He attended Quigley Seminary high school and began his professional acting career while a scholarship student at Northwestern University. He maintained his professional career while teaching fulltime in the Chicago Public Schools.

His prolific career includes films: Man of Steel, Ray (for which he earned a SAG Award nomination), The Matrix sequels, Barbershop 2, Love and Basketball, The Human Stain and State of Play; and television: NBC’s The Blacklist, ABC’s Commander in Chief, the FOX hit series 24, as well as ER, Diagnosis Murder and Dollhouse. Harry has appeared in stage productions across the country, including Northlight Theatre’s Permanent Collection in 2005. In 2001 he was part of the first American company to be invited to the Royal Shakespeare Company, and he made his Broadway debut in 2007 as the central figure in August Wilson’s Radio Golf, which was nominated for a Tony Award.

In addition to his accomplishments as an actor, Harry works to promote social change as evidenced by his founding of Exponent Media Group (EMG), a film production company dedicated to high quality films about the African American experience. Projects include H4, a reimagination of Shakespeare’s Henry IV translated into 21st century urban Los Angeles; Troubled Waters, chronicling the journey of a stand-up comedian inspired by Richard Pryor; and the gospel concert movie Revival. He has generously lent his time and voice to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals PSA campaign and met with many Congressional leaders to advocate for Drug Courts, for which he was the recipient of a 2011 NADCP Ambassador Award. He is a frequent speaker at colleges and universities on the importance of activism and advocacy as an African American actor. A long-standing member of Northlight Theatre’s Advisory Council, Harry also holds board or advisory positions with The Goodman Theatre, Northwestern University, Congo Square Theater, and The Robey Theater (LA).

ABOUT INTERPLAY

Since its inception in 2006, Northlight’s Interplay Program has invested in provocative new works by American and international playwrights, providing customized support in the critical stages of early play development.

Through Interplay, Northlight seeks to serve the specific needs of the play and can provide playwright commissions, workshops with actors, and private or public readings. The public reading series is an instrumental part of the Interplay program, providing audiences the opportunity to participate in a part of the evolutionary process from initial idea to full theatrical production, including first-hand insight from the playwright. Also through the reading series, the playwright has the opportunity to hear audience response that is integral to shaping the play for full production.

As of 2020, Interplay has provided support for 40 new plays, 33 of which have gone on to full productions – some at Northlight and others around the country, including the Goodman Theatre, the Humana Festival, TheatreWorks, and off-Broadway. Four plays have continued on to acclaim at Ireland’s famed Galway International Arts Festival.

That staggering success rate has established Interplay as a valuable incubator for new work in the American theatre, and has helped cement Northlight’s national reputation as an important contributor to the American theatrical canon.

Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.

Founded in 1974, the organization has mounted over 220 productions, including more than 40 world premieres. Northlight has earned 208 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 36 Awards, as well as ten Edgerton Foundation for New Play Awards. As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.

Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from Allstate Insurance; the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; BMO Harris Bank; Bulley and Andrews; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; ComEd, An Exelon Company; The Davee Foundation; Evanston Arts Council; Evanston Community Foundation; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Full Circle Foundation; John R. Halligan Fund; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Illinois Humanities; Katten Muchin Roseman LLP; Kirkland & Ellis Foundation; Margaret and Paul Lurie; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Jackie Mack and More; Colonel Stanley R. McNeil Foundation; Modestus Bauer Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Niles Township; NorthShore University HealthSystems; Northwestern University; The Offield Family Foundation; The Pauls Foundation; PNC Bank; Polsinelli; Ralla Klepak Trust for the Performing Arts; Room & Board; Sanborn Family Foundation; Dr. Scholl Foundation; The Shubert Foundation, Inc.; Skokie Community Foundation; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; The Sullivan Family Foundation; and Tom Stringer Design Partners.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Court Theatre and the Experimental Performance Initiative at the University of Chicago Launch

“For You’s Artists & Elders: “A Bridge, A Gift” Project
with Online Event December 10″

Chicago, IL – Court Theatre, under the continuing leadership of Charles Newell, Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director, and Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, presents a virtual presentation, Artists & Elders: A Bridge, A Gift, on December 10, 2020 at 7pm CST to mark the culmination of their collaboration with the Experimental Performance Initiative and For You. After Court Theatre’s production of The Lady from the Sea closed due to COVID-19, Court teamed up with the Experimental Performance Initiative, Lady from the Sea choreographer Erika Chong Shuch and her colleagues from For You to connect ten artists with ten elders in Chicago. Drawing on dramaturgy from director Shana Cooper’s vision for the play, these artists looked for beacons of hope in their connections with strangers. As a form of creative mutual aid, this project offered artists and elders the chance to connect while sheltering in place, create an artistic exchange in the spirit of gift-giving and inspire new forms of distant socializing.

Thinking about this project, Artistic Director Charles Newell shares, “I’m thrilled that Court’s canceled production of Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea has found new life as the inspiration behind such a dynamic partnership. Together with For You, Hyde Park Arts Center, and the Experimental Performance Initiative, Court has been able to spark meaningful artistic experiences in the lives of others.”

For You’s Erika Chong Shuch reflects, “We are all finding new ways to make art, connection, and meaning. The many complexities of 2020 have asked us to reconsider what building community looks like, to rethink impact, and to reimagine how we might move forward with renewed purpose. We’re grateful that Court and eXp have invited For You into their respective families as we all consider how our field’s future will unfold. The artists & elders that we’ve met through this collaboration have energized and delighted us and one another. We hope this is only the beginning.”

Court’s Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre adds, “As a form of creative mutual aid, Artists & Elders: A Bridge, A Gift illustrates the power all artforms have to brighten the lives of others. For artists and neighbors alike, this virtual program offered connection and hope during a difficult year for all.”

Speakers at the online event will offer insight and stories from their time collaborating on Artists & Elders. Featured speakers and topics include Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson discussing his work expanding community engagement at Court; Sarah Curran on the Experimental Performance Initiative at University of Chicago; Ryan Tacata and Rowena Richie from For You; Shana Cooper on how artists are shifting roles to meet the current moment; and several participants reflecting on their creative process.

The works created during Artists & Elders: A Bridge, A Gift can be viewed in a digital gallery at http://www.CourtTheatre.org/ABridgeAGift

To register for the free event on December 10 at 7pm CST, visit http://www.CourtTheatre.org.

Participants in Artists & Elders: A Bridge, A Gift include Sheldon D. Brown, Brenda Butler, Melissa DuPrey, Gina Freed , Benjamin Lamar Gay, Delia Gray, Karen Hirsch, Vanissa James, Mark Jeffrey, Emily Hooper Lansana, Sarah Lauzen, Efé McWorter, Michael Pogue, Kelvin Roston Jr., Darling Shear, Kelli Simpkins, Shaila Small, Christopher “Mad Dog” Thomas, Sophia Watson, and Larry Wolf.

Court Theatre is the professional theatre of the University of Chicago, dedicated to innovation, inquiry, intellectual engagement, and community service. Court endeavors to make a lasting contribution to classic American theatre by expanding the canon of translations, adaptations, and classic texts. The theatre revives lost masterpieces; illuminates familiar texts; explores the African American theatrical canon; and discovers fresh, modern classics. Court engages and inspires its audience by providing artistically distinguished productions, audience enrichment activities, and student educational experiences. In all of this work, we are committed to recognizing, addressing, and eradicating racism, as we strive to better serve our South Side community.

For You is a dedicated practice of performance making initiated by Erika Chong Shuch, Rowena Richie, and Ryan Tacata in 2016. For You brings strangers together for shared, intimate encounters and considers performance making as gift giving. As a response to worldwide shelter-in-place ordinances due to COVID-19, and with awareness that many elders are at risk in terms of infection and the compounding hardships of isolation, For You launched Artists & Elders, a project that brings artists and elders together for creative exchange. For more information on For You and Artists & Elders, visit: http://www.foryou.productions/artistsandelders

The Experimental Performance Initiative (eXp) at the University of Chicago brings together artists and scholars from disparate disciplines to probe histories, experiment with forms, and catalyze transformative practices. eXp at UChicago supports the research, creation, and presentation of work in which exploration, experimentation and expression form part of a dynamic and unpredictable process, one that aligns with the University’s fundamental commitments to complex thought and compelling invention.



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Lookingglass Theatre Company presents the holiday stream of Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman’s The Steadfast Tin Soldier.

Experience Chicago’s beloved holiday tradition with your family this holiday season, as the production streams into your home this December! Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story about a little tin soldier who never gives up, this production is a gorgeous spectacle of music and movement that is perfect for the whole family.

An Opening Night Livestream will take place December 1, 2020 at 6:30PM Central. Opening night includes a pre-show event with live music hosted by Ensemble Member Kasey Foster, who plays the Ballerina in The Steadfast Tin Soldier. Following the show, Artistic Producer Kareem Bandealy will host a Q&A with Adaptor/Director and Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman, Co-Sound Designer, Composer and Ensemble Member Andre Pluess, and Costume Designer Ana Kuzmanic.

The cast of The Steadfast Tin Soldier features Ensemble Members Kasey Foster (Ballerina) and Anthony Irons (Goblin), with Joe Dempsey (Nursemaid), John Gregorio (Rat), and Alex Stein (Steadfast Tin Soldier).

Original music for The Steadfast Tin Soldier is composed by Ensemble Member Andre Pluess and Amanda Dehnert. Musicians include Leandro López Várady (Music Director/Piano), Greg Hirte (Violin), Juan Horie (Cello), and Constance Volk (Flutes).

The creative team includes Todd Rosenthal (scenic design), Ana Kuzmanic (costume design), TJ Gerckens (lighting design), Ensemble Member Andre Pluess and Christopher M. LaPorte (sound design), Leandro López Várady (associate arranger), Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh (choreography), Ensemble Member Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi (circus choreography), Chicago Puppet Studio (puppet design), Amanda Herrmann (properties),Rigability Inc. (rigging design), Katrina Herrmann (stage manager) and Liz Anne Larsen (assistant stage manager). The production was filmed in 2019 by HMS Media.

Direct link to RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScC_ftrs0VgKEj3YntNw65iZhmorzL1mSxaAivmYO7lBdIdtg/viewform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The League of Chicago Theatres announces
the Samuel G. Roberson Jr. Resident Fellowship,
funded by the McMullen & Kime Charitable Trust
to support the work of Black theatre artists in Chicago

Chicago (July 15, 2020)– The League of Chicago Theatres announces The Samuel G. Roberson Jr. Resident Fellowship, a grant to fund a residency for early to mid-career Black theatre artists based in Chicago for a one-year partnership with a Chicago area theatre. This fellowship is funded by the McMullen & Kime Charitable Trust and administered by the League of Chicago Theatres.

Each year, the Fellowship will be focused on a particular area of concentration in Theatre Arts—Directing, Artistic Leadership or Education, for example. The focus of the 2020 Samuel G. Roberson Jr Resident Fellowship Award is Playwriting.

The artist and host theatre recipients will work together toward a public performance of a play, performance piece, or other performance endeavor. Each year, an artist will be awarded $20,000 for participation in the program. The host theatre will be awarded $7,500 for its support of the artist.
Application and eligibility requirements can be found at http://leagueofchicagotheatres.org

The spirit of this award encourages a relationship to be developed between the artist and the theatre that benefits the development of the artist’s career. The project should be driven by the needs, artistic growth, and professional development of the artist. Host theatres are expected to support the artist through the development of the work and the end of the timeline is not expected to be the end of the relationship.

Priority will be given to host theatres that have a stated mission to produce work by Black or BIPOC artists.
Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres Deb Clapp comments, “The grant from the McMullen & Kime Charitable Trust is a generous gift to the Chicago theatre community and a fitting tribute to the late Samuel G. Roberson, Jr., a respected teacher, actor, director, Artistic Director and champion of social justice theater. Sam was a beloved collaborator and friend to the Chicago theatre, and the League of Chicago Theatres is honored to administer this Fellowship in his name to support the work of Black theatre artists.”

“The League has served an important role in helping us fine tune both the vision and the details of this grant,” said Melinda McMullen and Duncan Kime, in a joint statement. “Through our work with the League, we discovered there is a gap in funding for new and emerging Black artists, and this Fellowship is one way to begin to address that gap. While the award money is significant, this is not just about money. The goal of this award is to create an environment in which a Black artist can work in partnership with a host theater to create new work and foster a relationship that will last well beyond the year-long period of the Fellowship.”

About Samuel G. Roberson Jr.
Samuel G. Roberson Jr. was Artistic Director of Congo Square Theatre and a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre, American Theatre Company, Northlight Theatre, and 16th Street Theatre. As an actor, his Chicago stage credits include: Samuel J and K (Steppenwolf), Civil War Christmas (Northlight), The Colored Museum and Sanctified (Congo Square), Living Green and The Lost Boys of Sudan (Victory Gardens), and The Ballad of Emmett Till (Goodman Theatre). As a director, credits include The Scottsboro Boys (Porchlight Music Theatre) and Twisted Melodies (Congo Square Theatre).

Samuel founded an Education and Outreach initiative with Congo Square Theatre Company called Y-BOOM (Young Brothers Owning Our Mission), a literacy-based leadership program that provided a safe environment for adolescent African American men. As a two-time leukemia survivor he always had a passion for giving back and started a non-profit organization, called Make Me A Match Project, dedicated to saving the lives of patients in need of a bone marrow transplant. He used theatre as a means to raise awareness about leukemia, blood related diseases, and the need for more people to join the marrow donor registry. A graduate of Howard University, he began his theatre career with an apprenticeship at The Children’s Theatre of Minneapolis, where he spent three years defining his desires for acting, writing, directing, and social justice theater.

Chicago lost a beloved, brave and committed truth teller when Sam lost his life-long battle with Leukemia on May 21, 2017. We are most pleased to honor his memory in this way.

About Chicago theatre
Chicago theatre is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theatres throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theatres to the most renowned resident theatres in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Last year alone Chicago theatre companies produced more than 100 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theatres send new work to resident theatres across the country, to Broadway, and around the world.

The McMullen & Kime Charitable Trust
Melinda McMullen and Duncan Kime serve as advisers to the McMullen and Kime Charitable Trust. They have been involved in Chicago theater for two decades. McMullen has served on the boards of Congo Square and Lookingglass Theatre Company. The Trust has been particularly active in supporting the work of Black artists, including HeLa at Sideshow Theater, Thaddeus and Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure and most recently Her Honor Jane Byrne, both of which were produced at Lookingglass Theatre Company.

League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement
Theatre is essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres which leverages its collective strength to support, promote, and advocate for Chicago’s theatre industry. Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city.

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Richard Cameron’s love of the theatre began at age five, when he was kicked out of kindergarten for singing in the bathroom. From that moment on, he was destined for cattle calls!

An alumnus of the America Academy of Dramatic Arts, Richard (Cameron to his friends) performed around the globe on cruise ships & worked with Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento (Wicked, The Who’s Tommy), global & regional favorite, Director Glenn Casale (Little Mermaid, Hunchback…) & performed in Japan at Huis Ten Bosch, Disneyland’s first live show for Aladdin.

Richard Cameron is the Founder of Broadway Global, which honors Broadway Producers for their work on & off the stage, with the “Broadway Global Producer of the Year” award – the “Producer’s Puzzle” (art for creating art), designed by internationally acclaimed artist, Steve Marshall.

He also created Theatre Chat, with over 300,000 online arts supporters who share auditions & show information in over 30 city & state “Theatre Chat” groups on Facebook, including the West End, Canada & the USA.

As a performing arts writer, Richard was one of the top three at Examiner.com for six years & has interviewed many arts professionals, from Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Stewart Lane to Emmy Award-winning casting director Jeff Greenberg (“Modern Family,” “Cheers”) & countless notable actors, directors, choreographers, designers & producers.
Writing didn’t come easily for Richard, since he was born dyslexic & only learned to read in 8 th grade. He shares a quote from international director/choreographer Ron Hutchins for success, “If it comes from the heart, it will touch the heart.” Arts, theatre, dance & music are the international languages that bring nations together. We hope you enjoy & share Richard Cameron’s performing arts articles on BroadwayWorld.com.

GO BANG! Magazine: Where did you grow up and spend your childhood?

Richard Cameron: I was born and raised in Watertown, NY till eighth grade. My mother moved me and my brother to Springville, Utah from ninth grade until my senior year of high school.

GO BANG! Magazine: I understand that your love of theater began at the age of five. Please tell our readers about your childhood and when you first got “bit” by the theater bug.

Richard Cameron: My mother was cast in a local production of “The Sound of Music” in Watertown, NY. She would bring me to rehearsals and seeing the rehearsal process, back stage and the show gave me a sense of family. My mother had divorced when I was three so she worked three jobs to support me and my brother. I had never really had a sense of family until I was introduced to theatre. Theatre can become the family you never had!

GO BANG! Magazine: Not only are you an actor, you founded Broadway Global. Please explain to our readers what Broadway Global is and its purpose.

Richard Cameron: My partner is internationally acclaimed SDC director/Choreographer Ron Hutchins. He wrote a musical about Sammy Davis Jr., using the iconic songs Sammy sang during the events in his powerful lifetime. In researching investors for his musical “Once in a Lifetime from Harlem to Hollywood: the Sammy Davis Jr Musical,” I started to see that investors would join as teams to invest in plays or musicals that educates humanity and their own values. I also realized there was no award for Producers, just a Tony Award for Best Play or Best Musical. But theses producers were investing in humanity. So we will honor our 9th Broadway Global Producer of the Year for their work on and off the stage. Many donate to leukemia, HIV funding like Broadway Cares, animal programs like Broadway Barks and global humanitarian efforts. There investments on Broadway are just part of the legacy they are leaving behind.

GO BANG! Magazine: What is the Facebook group “Theatre Chat” main purpose?

Richard Cameron: We created over 30 city/state Theatre Chat groups for target areas that support arts. Artists and patrons share arts news that keep artists employed and patrons informed. We also allow the groups to share emergency post to help others in earthquakes, hurricanes, Amber alerts, and right now they have been successful during #COVID-19 for artists to share in line dance classes, shows and instruction by offering links for method of payments. We do remind all of our members, totaling over 300,000, to go to the original source for info as scammers do post fake links or even fake opportunities.

We ask for a phone and website with business address, as that prevents many scammers, but there are very clever scammers out there. You might think you are seeing American Idol auditions and put your personal info in there Google form or website info, but it could be a fake link collecting your info to send you anything from fake loans, fake debt control or maybe just trying to market classes to you! So be careful about social media post that you might see as an opportunity, they could be putting your life in danger or trying to scam you into buying fake tickets. Again, always do your homework on any opportunities. Go to the original source!

GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also described as a performing arts writer. What exactly does that job entail?

Richard Cameron: For many years I wrote for Examiner.com. I reviewed Broadway shows, regional theaters and local shows. I was usually in the top three writers for arts, and that’s not because I was a great writer. I didn’t learn to read until eighth grade. I’m very dyslexic, but the important message for writers comes from my partner Director Ron Hutchins, “If it comes from the heart, it will touch the heart!” You don’t have to be an amazing writer as long as the message you are sharing is compelling and comes from truth.

GO BANG! Magazine: As a child with dyslexia, that didn’t learn to read until eighth grade, please explain how that affected you as a person, and as an artist.

Richard Cameron: As a person, I felt I couldn’t compare to others who could read or already had the knowledge of reading for many years. As an artist, my weakness was my strength. I could remember music from memory, or memorize lines, and I could tell the story through music or script, through my past life sufferings, to portray the emotions needed for characters I was cast for.

I’ve been lucky enough to perform around the world, from the first “Aladdin” musical at Disneyland to Huis Ten Bosch Theme Park in Japan to Broadway shows on cruise ships under the direction of Wayne Cilento (“Wicked”). So your weaknesses can be strengths!

GO BANG! Magazine: Are you currently working on anything new in theater that our readers should be on the lookout for?

Richard Cameron: As theatres are closed during #COVID-19, this is the best time for artists to push their limits. It’s a time to try to perfect your craft by leaping higher, singing higher or learning a script of a character you know you will play someday in your repertoire of characters. Most of my time is spent investigating the accolades of Broadway investors to make sure they are not only investing in Broadway shows that will make their way around the globe, but to also make sure they are donating to not for profits that make our global society a better place to live. Now realize, many give without bragging about doing it. In fact, some religions teach you to give without letting others know, so that makes my job of investigating their accolades even harder.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

Richard Cameron: We all are learning that there are viruses that can wipe out cultures. If we look through history, we can verify that. What is obvious is that satellites show less global pollution, and that oil is waiting on ships and trains to be brought from trucks to a gas station near you. The virus has Mother Nature cleansing the Earth. We will learn to be more respectful of each other. It can be as simple as wearing a mask when we are sick, and possibly when we are healthy, as symptoms can hide for 14 days. Asia has worn masks for years. They have bowed to each other for years to show respect. The days of a handshake might be over. We can learn from other cultures.

Broadway Global chooses winners that produce shows that educate respect for cultures, respect for religions and of course respect those who embrace diversity! We as a global society can set standards and educate through arts education. There isn’t one person, during this virus, that hasn’t watched a movie, a tv show, a concert, a dance or listened to songs. Arts, theatre, dance, music and artists are here to stay! We can’t live without artists. So, learn what makes you unique and learn to market those talents to your target audience.

Your craft is a superpower. You as artists are superheroes. Just learn to use those powers for good and we can someday bring #GlobalPeace through art!

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LOG ON TO THE BROADWAY GLOBAL WEBSITE @http://www.broadwayglobal.org



Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.