Category: theater

Elevating Black Theatre: Embracing Readings and Recognizing Talent

Black theatre, within the rich tapestry of performing arts, serves as a poignant testament to the depth of culture, history, and creativity within the black community. From the groundbreaking narratives of August Wilson to the contemporary innovations of playwrights like Tarell Alvin McCraney, black theatre resonates with audiences and amplifies essential stories. Yet, behind each captivating stage production lies an often-overlooked process: the crucial readings and rehearsals that refine and shape the final performance.

Before a play graces the spotlight, it embarks on a developmental journey critical for black theatre’s authenticity and impact. Readings, workshops, and rehearsals provide a platform for playwrights, directors, and actors to delve into themes, characters, and dialogue with depth and nuance. Particularly for black theatre, these early stages hold immense significance, allowing artists to explore complex issues of identity, race, and social justice authentically.

The necessity for black theatre readings arises from a commitment to ensuring accurate and respectful representation of black, brown, and LGBTQ communities. Through collaborative table reads and workshops, artists refine scripts, tackle challenging themes, and celebrate the diverse perspectives within the black diaspora. These readings serve as incubators for creativity and dialogue, empowering artists to elevate their craft and contribute meaningfully to the artistic landscape.

Moreover, black theatre readings offer a vital platform for emerging playwrights and performers to showcase their talents and amplify their voices. In an industry where opportunities for minority artists can be scarce, these readings provide essential connections with mentors, collaborators, and audiences. By championing diversity and inclusivity throughout the creative process, black theatre readings enrich the artistic community and foster greater representation and equity.

In addition to honoring the significance of readings, it’s essential to celebrate the contributions of black, brown, and LGBTQ writers and performers in theatre. Often marginalized or overlooked, these trailblazing artists have shaped and enriched black theatre with their extraordinary talents. From luminaries like Lorraine Hansberry to Sidney Poitier, their voices deserve recognition and celebration.

Our commitment to black theatre extends beyond homage to classic works; it encompasses nurturing new talent and amplifying underrepresented voices. By providing opportunities for Philadelphia theatre makers to direct and narrate readings of Broadway classics, we broaden the scope of inclusivity and creativity within the industry. These readings not only provide a platform for aspiring actors but also inspire audiences to witness the next generation of theatre talent.

In conclusion, black theatre readings are not merely a precursor to the final performance; they are an integral part of the creative journey, fostering collaboration, dialogue, and discovery. By embracing readings and honoring diverse talent, we ensure the continued vibrancy and relevance of black theatre in the performing arts landscape. Let us raise our voices, celebrate achievements, and embrace the transformative power of black theatre as we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of its evolution.

It’s okay….

Last week I had a reminder that what I was doing was ok. As I was having a bad day and feeling down about the direction I was taking. I was at a gathering when someone said to me “man you are busy Run Boy Run Productions is everywhere!” I paused Smiled and said thank you. The funny part is that when I walked into the building I had been in my feelings and felt like I was doing things wrong and that looking out for others was setting myself up for failure. It was in that moment when she said those words it helped me to understand what I was doing was ok and looking out for others was ok too. I felt so good about that moment then other things started popping up on my time line that also leaned into helping me to understand what I was doing was ok. After awhile I made sure I got on my messenger and let the UE family know about this as I look at the moments as a reflection of them and what we all have made. In my mind I am no more then a person that allows others to bring strength and life into a creation and when they do it is noticed. With that being said I told them how proud I am of them and all they have done throughout the years. For me so many deserve the praise that comes with this and through the years many and I’m not talking about just the actors but the collaborators, the team members, and the volunteers without any this feeling of strength is because of them. And with that moment I sat down to understand and feel ok.

A Womans Rythm 

In a place that was once the Women’s Kensington Hospital the ancestry of women speak. Drum like a lady Latrice and Jamillah allowed the sounds of the drum to bring in the spirits as the crowd couldn’t help but participate as the heard the drum of the mothers like it was the heart beat of our beginning of rhythm. Showing us rhythm through beat boxing bring the people together through life of rhythm.  

But song can be created through woven rhythm as well as Lynda Grace shows in her she utilizes fiber woven vessels to create a medium ancestry speaking from a past life of mothers wombs to life’s moments of meeting individuals from scrap metal collectors to the black lives matters experience. Beginning from the grandmother showing her and watching her knit, her knitting was a form of community seeing that words can build a shield.
 
Although they have meet in conjunction with this project the art that speaks through Lynda’s has has extended into the photography of Sheenas.

Sheena Garcia speaks through pictures with stories ranging from single mothers protecting their sons and seeing the need to hold on to a sons life with a black and white imagery that leaves you understanding why these lives matter. 
  
The owner of this building Betsey Casanas maybe short in stature but her calling as an artist speaks to a higher level as she opens the doorway into her culture with demential artistry that looks as alive as the the cock story tale that began the piece.  Engulfed in enjoyment roots energy and culture the people came in the building getting a story fluid with diversity but in the end containing a wholeness that only these women could spin.

Sisters United

If you didn’t know runboyrunprod is involved in everything. Last night was about the stage play #mysisterskeeper part of the #thinkcreateinspire festival with director writer Jody ‘Tru Story’ Austin assistant directors Tiffani Dean and Antoine K D Stroman. With an all woman cast covering powerful and emotional subjects, these women proved that #poetictheater is here to stay.
  
For Jody this was a dream come true as she took the moments of pain noticed in all women’s lives and made it a journey of sisterhood that could not be denied. 

  
 
Covering matters of mental, physical and emotional abuse, self perseverance, body images, social awareness, equal rights and many more this play has answered the called that women have been waiting for and is the beginning of a journey that will go beyond the stage. 

  
Take a bow ladies for the night is yours and the road has just begun.

The Face

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To be a good actor you have to be something like a criminal, to be willing to break the rules to strive for something new.

“Nicolas Cage”

Join Andrew Chupa in his stage debut in “Redemption”

Bringing Andrew in to the cast has been a treat watching him give the role his all and every week bring a new facet to the character. Andrew takes acting serious and it shows as he takes in the process of understanding what the character is going through in a relationship that is tortured by his actions.

 

Rehearsal in a new year


We start the new year off the right way. Rehearsal is a scorcher and the UE actors showed that they came prepared with words as there weapons each members held their own. We also introduced new members to the core that showed this opportunity was one they could stand.

What is talent?

  
What is talent ? Talent is something that is noticed before it ever hits the stage pound is something that is noticed at a young age. When the cast saw Darryl and Kylia  come in to the rehearsal room it was an instant embrace after all this was a first time seeing them since June and July show. For new members to see them or should I say to hear them in a group chat was all they knew but on this day they would get the chance to see the talent that they possess on stage.  

An Artist Worth

  
When you have talent it is often others that recognize it. We usually never see the creative marks we instill within our work our craft or how we surround ourselves around those that help build the character we have become. 

  
But then comes that day when you realize that you are a talent a gift and you can do it that the fear that stopped you now becomes the motivation behind the force that will allow you to grow and see you are worth more then even you imagined as the talent shines brightly.

Actors Grind 

Week two was a good one as the UE cast began exploring the characters a little more. Beginning the session as usual,we had a discussion concerning how each person felt towards the character they would be portraying. For many they already saw the relation of how these characters can be someone in their lives. From utilizing life events many saw themselves as a mother loosing her child or a trash man or teacher talking to kids trying to help them onto a straight path. With the vision of stepping in these shoes life was able to be brought to these characters.

 
For the vets reprising roles was both easy and hard as it becomes a moment of generating that emotional felling back up but first it needed to be summoned through the memory of words to cast life once again.  

In some cases it became more of a call to stepping up that would prove to be the challenge as it would be more so about them being able to lead and getting others to follow. However as the path is laid out seeing the emotion of all will prove to be the tops of the actors grind. 

Love of the Arts

  
Sometimes spending time with my mom is a delight. She raised me to love the arts do it was only right that we go see Complexion together. She watched in awe as the dancers glide across the stage with movement that made her remember when I us to want to dance. She loved the interaction the sequence of movements and she had her eyes open for the entire show. How can I forget where my love for arts come from when she still loves them the same.