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phylicia rashad

Theatre Director Sheldon Epps’ New Book Celebrates and Encourages Self-Direction
LocalNews

Theatre Director Sheldon Epps’ New Book Celebrates and Encourages Self-Direction

Kimberly Shelby, Contributing Writer October 27, 2022

Sheldon Epps, one of the first Black artistic directors in American regional theatre, has written a new book entitled, “MY OWN DIRECTIONS: A Black Man’s Journey in the American Theatre.” Epps chronicles his tribulations and triumphs as a freelance director, which led him to the Pasadena Playhouse, where he served as artistic director for twenty years. During that time, he helmed many productions, also directing episodes of classic television shows along the way.

Tony Awards 2022 – It was the Whole Vibe!
EntertainmentTheater

Tony Awards 2022 – It was the Whole Vibe!

Margrira, Contributing WriterJune 13, 2022

Only 16 individuals in history had achieved an EGOT in competitive categories and now Jennifer Hudson is the 17th and she achieved the rarified status with her Tony win for producing “A Strange Loop.” “EGOT” refers to creative people who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony, and notable individuals that have won across all four award bodies include Rita Moreno, John Legend, Alan Menken, Mike Nichols, Mel Brooks, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Whoopi Goldberg. Hudson won an Oscar win in the category of best-supporting actress for her performance in “Dreamgirls” (2006) and won two performing

Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy Sponsors 2022 ‘Uplifting Minds II’ National Talent Competition with a Dance Scholarship
News

Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy Sponsors 2022 ‘Uplifting Minds II’ National Talent Competition with a Dance Scholarship

Sentinel News ServiceJanuary 27, 2022

Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy (DADA) has joined a long list of sponsors offering a prize to the winners of the 2022 “Uplifting Minds II” (ULMII) Entertainment Conference’s national talent competition. DADA is offering the dance category winner 10 classes to the Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy. The “ULMII” competition other categories include singing, songwriting and acting. Performers get 4 minutes to showcase their talents before the “ULMII” industry panelists make their decision.

Howard University Announces Legendary Actress, Alumna Phylicia Rashad As Dean of the Newly Reestablished College of Fine Arts
News (Entertainment)

Howard University Announces Legendary Actress, Alumna Phylicia Rashad As Dean of the Newly Reestablished College of Fine Arts

LAWT News ServiceMay 28, 2021

“In this full circle moment, Ms. Phylicia Rashad will take the training and skills that she honed as a student at Howard and exuded in an outstanding performing career, and she will share those pearls of wisdom with the next generation of students in the College of Fine Arts. Her passion for the arts and student success makes her a perfect fit for this role,” announced Howard’s Provost Anthony K. Wutoh.

Natalie Paul Discusses Role In “The Sinner”
EntertainmentTV

Natalie Paul Discusses Role In “The Sinner”

By Shaquille Woods, Contributing WriterSeptember 20, 2018

The highly popular show “The Sinner” continues to receive positive reviews, including a Golden Globe nomination. The anthology series examines how normal people commit brutal crimes. Natalie Paul, who plays Heather in the series, spoke to the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper.   LOS ANGELES SENTINEL NEWSPAPER:  How did you develop a passion for acting?  NATALIE PAUL: I’ve been involved with acting and theater since I was a kid. I used to put on shows for my family. I was constantly in the land of make-believe. It’s just a passion that I love. I went to New York University for drama school doing plays. Eventually I landed

Phylicia Rashad is Still Teaching Us About Life (& Death) in ‘Head of Passes’
EntertainmentTheater

Phylicia Rashad is Still Teaching Us About Life (& Death) in ‘Head of Passes’

E. Mesiyah McGinnis, Staff WriterSeptember 28, 2017

On Sunday, September 24, The Mark Taper Forum presented the opening night of the Public Theater and Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s production of “Head of Passes,” headlining multi-award-winning (television and stage) actress, Phylicia Rashad, accompanied by a cast of adroit supporting actors with prestigious careers to boot.  Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed by Tina Landau, the show’s program denotes the setting as “a house near to the Head of Passes, where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico.” Without Google Maps, I’m figuring like the one of those Southern Bayou towns where gumbo rules.   The time period: “A

Exclusive Interviews with Phylicia Rashad & The Cast Of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Videos

Exclusive Interviews with Phylicia Rashad & The Cast Of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”

L.A. Sentinel StaffOctober 15, 2016

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is currently captivating audiences at the Mark Taper Forum in downtown Los Angeles. Director Phylicia Rashad and her ensemble cast: Keith David, Glynn Turman, Damon Gupton, Jason Dirden and Lillias White speak exclusively to the L.A. Sentinel about the importance of continuing to produce August Wilson’s plays for the enlightenment of a younger generation.

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Director Phylicia Rashad Makes August Wilson’s Words Come Alive With ‘Ma Rainey’ 
EntertainmentNews (Entertainment)Theater

Director Phylicia Rashad Makes August Wilson’s Words Come Alive With ‘Ma Rainey’ 

Zon D’Amour, Contributing Writer September 13, 2016

In 2016, the way in which playwright August Wilson’s words remain so timely and poignant is almost eerie. Though written in 1982, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, which is set in 1920s Chicago, gives a peek into the complex personal and professional lives of musicians seeking to literally and figuratively have their voices heard.

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Stage Play: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Sentinel News ServiceSeptember 1, 2016

Sept. 1 & 11 The production of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” directed by Phylicia Rashad, starts previews on September 1 and opening on September 11 at the Mark Taper Forum. Ma Rainey was called the “Mother of the Blues,” during her day, in the 1920s and ‘30s. She was a pioneer of the style and known for her “moaning” sound. Wilson’s play reflects the exploitation that was happening in the music business at that time and draws a big picture of life for African Americans in Chicago, 1927. It all takes place in a recording studio, among musicians