According to their interview with Theatre Mania, the couple began dating in 2016 after a formal introduction by Janelle McDermoth (A Bronx Tale: The Musical) and they became engaged 2 years later.

 

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Both actors are muti-hyphenated. Bradley recently released his song “FOOL” in September, and Adam continues his activism work as he serves on the Board of Directors for Broadway For Racial Justice.

Congratulations from Broadway Black.

The post Congratulations To Newlyweds Bradley Gibson And Adam Hyndman appeared first on Broadway Black.

The Last Five Years starring Nasia Thomas ( Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Nicholas Edwards (Frozen, Berkshire Theatre Group’s Godspell) will begin streaming in March and the ticket prices range from $23-$49. The top tier ticket includes an On-Demand ticket, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and 48-hour access with unlimited views.

 

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An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years, The Last Five Years’ unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Costume Designer is Siene Zoë Allen (What the Constitution Means to Me). Production Designer is Adam Honoré (Ain’t No Mo’). Make-Up Advisor is Tina Scariano. Associate Director is Christina Franklin (For Colored Girls…). Associate Music Director is Cynthia Meng (Company, Hadestown). Stage Manager is Egypt Dixon. Assistant Stage Manager is Joshua Christensen.

Co-producer & Film Advisor is Joanna White-Oldham. Director of Photography and Videographer is Brian Bon. Assistant Cameraperson is Milton Guanga. Sound Operator is Nicole Maupin. Sound Editor is Carin M. Ford. Video Editor is Dimly Wit Productions.

The orchestra features Cynthia Meng (Keyboard), Sterling Elliott (Cello 1 & 2), Orlando Wells (Violin), Jonathan Linden (Guitar), Chelton Grey (Bass) and Brandon Brooks (Drums).

If you would like to purchase tickets and learn more about the production, you may view the website.

The post Jason Michael Webb Set To Direct <em>The Last Five Years</em> appeared first on Broadway Black.

Their announcement via Instagram BAC states, “Symbols of change do not always represent the action of change. This forum is the catalyst of actionable change.”

BAC was founded in 2016 by members of the Broadway community and is an arts-based advocacy organization working to create equitable spaces and build the capacity of individuals and organizations to dismantle racism. Their recent work includes the three-day forum Broadway for Black Lives Matter and launching the Cody Renard Richard Scholarship program.

WHAT. A. YEAR.
2020 has been a wild ride, filled with transformative triumphs and heartbreaking losses. We would like to take a moment to THANK YOU for supporting and standing in solidarity with us. Here’s a timeline of BAC’s impact this year. Love to all! pic.twitter.com/73X8FH3mBE

— Broadway Advocacy Coalition (@BwayAdvocacyCo) December 28, 2020

How are you doing today? No, really though… how ARE you? The BAC team wanted to check in as we set some intentions and set the year off right. pic.twitter.com/8XRJIhP1FQ

— Broadway Advocacy Coalition (@BwayAdvocacyCo) January 16, 2021

You can join PART 1 // A forum looking to the work ahead on Broadway on Monday, February 15^th from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm EST. Registration is currently open.

The post Broadway Advocacy Coalition Offers Open Dialogue With Industry Leaders appeared first on Broadway Black.

Photo: Roger Q. Mason

National Queer Theater and the Dramatist Guild are now accepting applications for a yearlong residency for Black trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) playwrights.

Applications for the New Visions Fellowship are being accepted until March 5^th at 6 pm EST and the two playwrights selected will receive mentorship to develop a play, musical, or performance experience, $5,000, a three-year membership to the Dramatists Guild, and a professional reading of their play.

In a statement on National Queer Theater’s website they state, “We believe the New Visions Fellowship is essential because of its opportunity to create space for the Black and queer imagination, a perspective long and consistently forced to take a backseat to “safer” LGBT stories in American culture, and even American queer culture.”

Playwright Roger Q. Mason has signed on as a primary mentor to the fellows. In addition, there will be masterclasses lead by Tony Award-winning writer Lisa Kron and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright.

National Queer Theater is committed to celebrating LGBTQ artists and providing a home for unheard storytellers and activists.

The Guild was established for the purpose of aiding dramatists in protecting both the artistic and economic integrity of their work.

Don’t ask if you’re good enough. Don’t compare yourself to others who may apply. Just know this program is specifically for Black playwrights who identify as trans or gender nonconforming and if that’s you, don’t hesitate, don’t overthink, simply apply.

The post New Fellowship For Black Trans And Gender-Nonconforming Playwrights appeared first on Broadway Black.

The album is scheduled to be released in 2021 and the deadline for submissions is March 31, 2021. Black Writers Amplified will feature an estimated 24 songs and will include work from both established and up-and-coming artists.

Now hear this, write it down, take a screenshot: The production of the album will offer opportunities for Black engineers, arrangers, orchestrators, musical directors, copyists, musical contractors, and musicians.

As you can see, the purpose of this project is to show that we are gifted, capable, and talented on and off stage. Black Writers Amplified is designed to immediately take steps towards increasing representation of Black writers in musical theatre and hold the American Theatre accountable through the creation of a resource for artistic directors, producers, and other theatre creators to find and support new voices and emerging Black talent.

Black Writers Amplified will be produced by Broadway Records and Black Theatre Coalition in association with Jacquelyn Bell (Emojiland) and Jarrett Murray.

BTC’s mission is to remove the “illusion of inclusion” in the American Theatre, by building a sustainable ethical roadmap that will increase employment opportunities for Black theatre professionals.

Broadway Records is a Grammy® Award-winning record label and its mission is to preserve musical theatre and theatre vocalists. Some of their recent releases include The Color Purple (2015 revival) and NBC’s television event, “The Wiz Live!”

Established and emerging Black musical theatre writers are encouraged to submit their new work for consideration. For more information and to upload materials, visit their website.

The post Lift Every Black Voice And Every Pen: Black Writers Amplified appeared first on Broadway Black.

Mary was portrayed in both Ain’t Too Proud and Motown: The Musical and as news broke of her passing, the cast, past and present, took to social media to show their condolences.

Rest In Heavenly Peace Mary Wilson! A true diva, the original Supreme from the beginning and even after Diana left, she stayed true & held it down for the legacy of the Supremes. Refused to be in anyone’s shadow and stood tall with grace & pride. #MaryWilson #thesupremes #Motown

— Allison Semmes (@AllisonSemmes) February 9, 2021

 

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So sad.
She was a wonderful spirit!!
As my friend just said “she was like your favorite Auntie” and it’s true. Every time I had the pleasure of being with her she was open, kind, and full of joy. And she was funny
Such wonderful memories.
Rest in power#blackexcellence https://t.co/YKigaKa9mv

— James Harkness (@ijamesharkness) February 9, 2021

 

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Last month, Mary posted a January recap on her YouTube channel announcing that she celebrated her 60th anniversary as a Supreme (Primette) on January 15th, since they originally signed on that date in 1961. She also discussed the passing of one of her best friends, Cicely Tyson.

RIP Mary Wilson. The supremes certainly changed the game for us all pic.twitter.com/ld0Gi6HRuY

— Ariana DeBose (@ArianaDeBose) February 9, 2021

Ain’t Too Proud released a statement on their Instagram saying, “We’re heartbroken to hear of the loss of Mary Wilson, one of the founding members of the Supremes. Mary helped craft the iconic Motown sound, and she brought joy and light every time we got to see her at our show. She will be deeply missed.”

The post Mary Wilson, Of The Supremes, Passes Suddenly appeared first on Broadway Black.

Who I wish was performing at the Super Bowl.

– ChloeXHalle
– Lizzo
– Beyoncé
– Doja Cat
– Ariana Grande
– Lady Gaga

– A medley from a Broadway show that has been closed since March 2020

— Corner Office Troll (@Corner2016) February 4, 2021

In addition, the support offered by New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, to revitalize the arts has received criticism due to the hiring of celebrity artists.

This is pointless. Hiring rich artists to revitalize the arts? Hire the starving artists who are struggling right now… they could use the gig.

— Swelltune Records (@Swelltune) February 8, 2021

The response to the attendance count was as you would imagine.

damn it’s crazy I’m watching the super bowl happen with 25,000 fans but 8 people can’t do a show on broadway right now.

— Roman Wellington Banks (@romanwbanks) February 8, 2021

What is happening…. and why is Broadway still shutdown if these peeps are out here in the stands?….

— JelaniAlladin (@JelaniAlladin) February 8, 2021

personally, I’d much rather put money into work that uplifts a community of folks who haven’t worked in almost a year. Not watching grown ass millionaires give each other brain damage for even more millions. But hey maybe that’s just me.

— celia r. gooding | ACAB (@celiargooding) February 8, 2021

In a post on NBC Sports’ website, they stated Super Bowl LV attendance would include a total of 25,000 and they would be provided and required to wear masks during the game. NBC Sports also mentioned the 25,000 included, “approximately 7,500 – vaccinated health care workers who were given free tickets by the NFL.”

The theatre community expressed both their frustrations and understanding of the situation on social media.

I understand. I can’t wait to see all of you back on stage. However the superBowl is in an open space outdoors.#jaggedlittlepill pic.twitter.com/Y50e43d0wR

— Just Jay (@Activist2016M) February 8, 2021

I’m good without watching this lil bowl… because 25,000 people are watching it in person as I sit at home wondering why I can’t perform but this fuckery can happen

— Khaila Anyè (@KhailaWilcoxon) February 8, 2021

i sympathize with the people on broadway that have been out of work for almost a yr but there’s no safe way to have broadway shows especially in these old theaters that don’t have proper ventilation. small theaters would have like 50 ppl, probably the same ppl indoor dining

— (@sakurieeee_) February 8, 2021

You can read NBC Sports’ full post on their website.

What do you think? If “the show must go” applies to the Super Bowl, should it apply to Broadway, too?

The post Super Bowls Over Broadway appeared first on Broadway Black.

“The Hairpiece” from The Colored Museum

The PBS broadcast of George C. Wolfe’s The Colored Museum is now streaming online from February 3^rd through February 28^th.

The Colored Museum originally premiered at Crossroads Theatre Company in 1986, which is fitting since they are hosting the stream on their website.

The show features 11 scenes designed to satirize stereotypes in Black culture, bring awareness, and, ultimately, dismantle those same stereotypes.

The PBS cast includes original cast members Loretta Devine, Tommy Hollis, Reggie Montgomery, and Danitra Vance.

You can view The Colored Museum in its entirety here. Also, visit Crossroads Theatre to check out André De Shields and Haarlem Nocturne, Melba Moore: Sweet Songs of the Soul, and more!

The post Crossroads Theatre Company Now Streaming <em>The Colored Museum</em> appeared first on Broadway Black.

Blair Russell (IBDB)

Update: As of February 9th, Out of The Box Theatrics’ website states the production of The Last Five Years is set to release March 2021. Previously is was scheduled for February 2021.

If you’re looking for theatre to watch next week, The Last Five Years starring Nasia Thomas ( Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Nicholas Edwards (Frozen, Berkshire Theatre Group’s Godspell) will begin streaming on  Thursday, February 11.

The Last 5 Years is described as a musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The story consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backward while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Out of the Box Theatrics and Holmdel Theatre Company will co-produce the production. It will also be rehearsed and filmed at Holmdel Theatre Company with Blair Russell (Slave Play) as the Producing Consultant.

The production will stream for 16 performances running from February 11–25, 2021. Ticket information, director, and additional creative team to be announced.

The post Nasia Thomas and Nicholas Edwards Star In The Last Five Years appeared first on Broadway Black.

No worries, because today we are going to talk about how you can self-tape, no matter your budget.

If you don’t have a camera, use your cell phone

As a wise king once said, “remember who you are.” You’re an artist and a creative. Although filming may not be your ministry, it comes with the territory. Use the most versatile tool in your arsenal, your phone.

 

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If Beyoncé can film an entire music video on a phone, then it should not be an issue for you to film an audition.

If you don’t have a tripod

Photo courtesy of Marcus Vinícius A. Ribeiro

Set your camera up on a bookshelf, stack together some books on top of a chair,  do whatever it takes. Just make it work and the audience will never know. However, do make sure that the camera’s microphone is not covered.

If you don’t have a ring light

Now you KNOW how the sun feels about melanin. Moisture and step into the spotlight. Shoot your audition in the daytime and use the sun as your lighting. An additional suggestion, make sure to not wait until too close to sundown or you may lose your light.

If you don’t have a computer

Edit on your phone. There are plenty of free apps available. A few favorites include iMovie (iPhone only) and InShot. Also, if you have a Samsung Galaxy, it comes with a built-in video editor. Navigate to the video in your gallery and click on the pencil to edit.

If you don’t have clear background or space in your home

Work with what you have. Move furniture, toss the laundry out of frame (do NOT start folding the laundry. That is positive procrastination.)

Here are some other things to consider during and after filming:

Landscape Portrait courtesy of Samson Katt

Unless otherwise noted in the audition requirements, film in landscape (horizontal) not in portrait (vertical).

Make sure to watch the tape before you change clothes. This cannot be stressed enough. Make sure that you are happy with the results before relaxing and pouring that glass of wine. You cannot monitor everything while filming, but you can spot issues when you review. If there is an issue and you’ve already settled in for the day, you’ll have to dig even deeper to put yourself together to re-shoot.

Do you have any additional tips on self-tape with limited resources? Share them so we can all win or tweet us @BroadwayBlack.

The post You’re Gonna Love Me And My Limited Resources: A Self-Tape Audition Guide appeared first on Broadway Black.