Hometown: Yonkers, New York
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music - Presbyterian College, Master of Music in Opera Theatre - University of South Carolina
Favorite Credits: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Mitch), featured playwright at 2011 National Black Theatre Festival
Why theater?: To be honest, I kind of fell into all of this. I always loved to sing, but, who would've thought I would fall into singing opera professionally?! I used acting and theater as a way to gain more onstage experience and fell in love with theater just as much as I did opera. I guess a performer will always find a home onstage.
Tell us about Hero How To: Hero How To is a graphic musical, seamlessly combining elements of music (Hip Hop, Funk, and Soul), live theater, and animation. It tells the story of Diana, a young woman taking care of her even younger sister after the death of their parents. Through personal and professional circumstances, we watch the transformation of Diana into "Dusky Diana", would-be superhero.
What inspired you to direct Hero How To?: Directing this piece has a been a blast! I was fortunate enough to have worked with Wi-Moto on another project, when she told me about this entry into the Brick's Comic Book Theatre Festival. After a little research and watching some of the vimeo webisode, I became a fan of tales of Dusky Diana. For me, this work shows that people once pushed to their limits can become what they need to become to "save the day". While I may not have a cape, I can be a superhero for my family and my community.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: The work that speaks to me the most are typically those that are have a strong family dynamic. In my work as a playwright, I typically set a situation in motion, and let the characters/story play itself out. I'm a people watcher by nature. I like watching life happen naturally and take inspiration from everywhere: family, friends, the crazy people I meet on the street, everything!
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Jim Carey
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Hero How To, of course!
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Laurence Fishburn in "I'd Rather be Too Much, Than Not Enough"
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: "Game of Thrones". I'm either home when it first comes on, or, its dv-r'd for me once I get home.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: John Legend - "All of Me"
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Teaching! I've spent so many years working as a teaching artist I enjoy working with our youth as much as I love being on the stage.
What’s up next?: Restoring my 1985 El Camino SS, lots of auditions, and acting in my first film project.
