A&T Theatre Alumni Creating Their Own Stage

 Thursday November 22, 2012

Many people assume that artists  studying theatre only want to be actors, however, in most instances, that is not the case. It is imperative that theatre artist is well rounded in order to   attian consistent work.   Lelund Durond Thompson   serves as a prime example of how  implementing training from North Carolina A&T made an impact on his professional career. Lelund is a very charming man with a nice smile and a personality that make you feel as if you have known him forever. I was honored to have the opportunity to have a one on one interview with him on Thanksgiving day.  Lelund is the founder and CEO of Yellow Fella Entertainment, a   hub for storytelling. At Yellow Fella Entertainment,  the mission is to tell stories that heal through, writing, music, theatre,  producing, and photography. Lelund is also a successful producer for concerts, plays, and events for up and coming artists. "I believe my purpose on earth is to use my gift to tell stories to change lives."   It is evident that Lelund has discovered his talents by pushing the envelope and exploring other mediums besides acting such as photography, song writing, play writing and producing.  "We were waiting for someone to discover us but I felt like it was my duty to  bring us together and say, let's create something on our own.", said Leland. The courage and ability to  be a leader in New York City may have been inspired by Leland's training at North Carolina A&T where he engaged in many independent projects with his peers.  Leland says that he learned the importance of the business aspect of theatre while being  challenged and nurtured by professor Frankie Day. "There are extraordinary teachers, professors, and mentors, at A&T.",  Lelund stated with honesty.    It just goes to show you that  persistence, creativity, and using  the skills that you acquire  are a great formula for making your dreams become a reality. Plays produced and written by Yellow Fella Entertainment include  "From Chains to Change" (A Black History piece created  after the election of  President Barack Obama) and "A Doll Confessions" which  will be produced in the near future. To learn more about Lelund Durond Thompson and his amazing work, visit: http://yellafellaentertainment.com/

You want to make it in the Big Apple Eh?

Thursday November 22, 2012









"Start  spreading the news, I'm leaving today, I want to be a  part of it , New York, New York!" Aah, the words of every aspiring actor or performer on a mission to 'make it big' in New York City.  At least, that is the societal norm. I caught up with some amazing  North Carolina A&T Theatre Alumni after our victorious day at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I entered a spacious yet nostalgic apartment in the Bronx filled with vibrant smiles, laughter and lots of turkey. And I'll tell you, there is nothing like sharing a turkey with a room full of artists! Musicians, Actors, and singers were all present   to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday and talk about 'good theatre'. Everyone  was aware of what new shows were on Broadway, whose who in the industry, the amazing or not so great vocalists making their debut, and reputations.  Yes, the reputation of an artist has a huge impact on whether they continue to work in New York City. "I have some talented friends in this city and none of them can get a $50 dollar gig because of their attitude."said Darell Hunt, an A&T theatre Alumni now living in New York City.  Hunt is a tall, graceful man with a sense of elegance and wisdom. His posture is impeccable, along with his knowledge of the theatre. "I didn't know that black folks actually studied theatre", said one of the guests in a respectful manner at the Thanksgiving dinner. Hunt replied, "Well, the African Grove Theatre was one of the  first black theaters  started here in New York in 1821, so African American Theatre has been around for centuries." I gleamed with joy as  Darell responded to the curious guest because The African Grove Theater was one of the  first  theaters that we learn about in our African American Drama class at North Carolina A&T. Ding! The light bulb came on in my head, you really do use the  material you learn in school in the real world! When how asked Darell how the department of  theatre at North Carolina A&T  prepare him for a professional career, he said that it helped him to clarify his identity as an African American artist. "The  theatre department gave me a sense of awareness and helped me to prepare for the real world.",  Hunt stated. For Darell,  the  New York hustle is a reality. He works for Broadway.com and  he also is the Host at a restaurant in SOHO. One can tell that his passion and love for the theatre keeps him going everyday.  Born and raised in Greensboro, NC, Hunt took a leap of faith and headed for the big apple  this year. His is deeply rooted, confident, and well prepared to handle  the challenges he faces in NYC. "I love this cold weather, these raggedy trains, I love it all.", said Hunt. On that  Thanksgiving Day,  the commonality of love for the arts brought us together.

A dedicated Artist

 

The Macy's Day Parade was a great success, and it was  even better to interact with people who I personally know in the band. Take for instance, Paul Johnson, a saxophone player and  my former resident.  When I first met Paul,  I could tell that he was a kind, charismatic, and out going individual, yet he had a sense of discipline. I remember there would be times when I wouldn't see Paul for days because he was always in band rehearsal. Despite the long nights in the band room, one can tell that Paul has an immense passion for the band  and all of his hard work paid off.   Paul also balances a heavy academic load  being a sophomore  Journalism and Mass Communications major with a concentration in public relations.   Music isn't just a hobby for Paul or something he tried for three weeks .  Demonstrating consistency is an understatement for Paul as he has been playing the saxophone for 9 years. When I asked Paul what he was thinking during the performance at the Macy's Day Parade, he said, "My first thought was to play.  I said to myself, Paul play, don't smile. Get to your mark, this is not rehearsal." Well, Paul and the rest of the Blue and Gold Marching Machine made their mark at  the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Paul's family in Pittsburgh, PA was elated to see the band on television and recorded the performance on television.  "My mother  was really happy, replied Paul with a warm smile.  Paul hopes that the performance opens more doors for the band to perform at other venues.

What we've been waiting for

Thursday November 22, 2012

A few hours after parade rehearsal, the big day arrived for the Blue and Gold Marching Machine to make their way down  the NYC streets for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  The  band made their mark by being the first performers   to appear in the parade. They marched down the streets to Stevie Wonder's  sultry song,"All I Do". The crowd cheered and watched with curiosity. I yelled from the sidelines, "Aggie Pride! Woohoo" and  I said, "That's my school!" to every stranger in my vicinity. It was a great moment  for North Carolina A&T State University as our hearts swelled with pride. North Carolina A&T just seems to have the great habit of making history from the Greensboro Four, to the band marching in The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. What an accomplishment!

The Blue and Gold Marching Machine make their way down the streets of NYC.

 

 

 

 

 

Feast your eyes on the Blue and Gold Marching Machine!

 

Golden Delight charms the crowd with their grace at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

 

 

 

 

A Hello Kitty Parade Ballon

 

 

 

 

A Thanksgiving float that suits the mood of the parade.

Final Dress Rehearsal

Thursday November 22, 2012

In the world of theatre or any other performance art medium,  rehearsal is essentianl to any excellent final performance.  Therefore, The Blue and Gold Marching Machine headed for Herald Sqaure at 2:00 am  with vitatlity, discipline, and control. There was nothing more glorious than to hear the sound of the  North Carolina A&T State University band warm up  in the streets of New York City. It was simply beautiful. Each section separated into groups to ensure that everyone was on the same page. Adminstrators, Faculty and Chaperones who accompained the band on the trip proudly watched from the side lines as the band prepared  for their big day.  When the drum major whistled for the fourth time, everyone was attentive and ready to practice performing for the camera.  All lights, eyes, and ears were on the band and the production manager said, "That was great you guys, let's go back and get another take, be sure to make the mark." Everyone followed suit and performed with just as much energy as  they did before.

The band warms up in the the Streets of New York City

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a Great Honor to Carry that sign!

 

The Band gets

 ready to perform for the camera

 

 

Flags are up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggie Pride in NYC

 

 

Wednesday November 21, 2012

 

The North Carolina A&T NYC Alumni Chapter gives the band a warm welcome at Mount Canaan Church of Christ in Harlem, NY.

The Legacy of a Golden Flag

This junior Journalism and Mass Communications major who goes by the name of Lauren Everett is no beginner when it comes to marching in the band. Everett has been marching in the Blue and Gold Marching Machine for 3 years plus she has experience with flag work and dancing  from her alma mater, Dudley High school . A native of Greensboro, Everett   excitedly sits on the dance studio floor ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime. "I'm a little excited, but I'm nervous that I will make a mistake. Our dance instructor made specific counts for us to lift our heads and smile and we have to make everything look effortless, said Everett.  Everett and other members of Golden Delight Dance Team  will be sure to smile for the sake of their band, university and community.

Lauren Everett, a member of the Golden Delight Dance Team (Specialty in Flag).

        Members of the Golden Delight Dance Team converse with Mister North Carolina A&T State University(Reginald Johnson) as they wait to depart for The Big Apple

                           The presitgious Golden Delights are also known as the Sweethearts of the MEAC. Such grace, elegance, and style!

Aniticipation of the March

Wednesday November 21, 2012

It’s one o’clock in the morning, yet all eyes are wide awake in the band room at North Carolina A&T State University.  Students roll in their suitcases along with their instruments. Dancers anxiously check their bags to make sure they don’t leave their costumes. You can tell that the space is a second home for students as they  are scattered all about packing instruments and   paying  heed to the orders  of their section leaders. In the dance studio, the words 'Versatlity is a Lifestyle' are boldly painted on the top of the wall. The bar has always been set high for everyone in the band, and their is no such thing as a small part.    In the next 24 hours, these freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors will participate in  the march of their lives and it won’t be graduation. The Blue and Gold Marching Machine of North Carolina A&T State University is headed for New York to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!  All roads will lead to New York City.... as soon as everyone arrives. 

The powerful words painted in the Dance Studio for the Golden Delight Dance Team of North Carolina A&T State University.                                                                                                                                     

From Big Ben to The Statue of Liberty

 It's been a while since I've had a new adventure, however, this Holiday, I had the honor of attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York with The North Carolina A&T State University Marching Band, also known as The Blue and Gold Marching Machine. Yes, yes, it is highly possible that the The Blue and Gold Marching Machine served as the inspiration for the film "Drumline", and the band has received critical acclaim over the years. From the perspective of a student at North Carolina A&T State University,the band is one critical element to the Historically Black College experience. I just can't imagine attending a football game without hearing the band playing with such vigor and honestly, most people come to the games to see the band perform at the halftime show. These past few days in New York City have been absolutely marvelous and in some ways, life changing for me as an artist. Once again, I see how the arts, in this case music, unite people from all walks of life. Not only did I have the opportunity to travel with the band in New York City, but I also contacted and interviewed alumni from the Department of Theatre at North Carolina A&T State University to find out how they were thriving as artists in the Big Apple. Please feel free to scroll, comment, and share as I give you the 411 on people, places, and events in New York City!

Julius Caesar at The Royal Shakespeare Company

August 8, 2012 was the day that my views of Shakespeare would be altered forever. It was the opening night of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Julius Caesar. However, the play was set in modern day West Africa. The actors not only brilliantly delivered Shakespeare's Heightened language, but they spoke in west African dialect as well.The interpretation of this production from an African perspective epitomized the elements of humor within Shakespeare's text. I truly believed that I had been taken to my homeland of Nigeria for two hours. The characters performed customs such as libations, greetings to elders, and Julius Caesar even had a horse tail which is indeed an indicator of  one who is a king in Yoruba Culture. The themes of conspiracy, corruption, betrayal, and coup are all  typical of  modern day African government and politics.  Speeches such as Mark Antony's "Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears,"  took me on a spiritual journey with endless possibilities. Portia, Brutus' wife gave a stellar performance and redefined the role that I had seen many times before. The love that she had for Brutus was undeniable and her defiant yet graceful demeanor was absolutely stunning. She was not a pitiful weak woman by any means at all.Portia exemplified the role of the African woman and the respect that men have for women in traditional African societies. For example, the Yoruba Goddesses Oya, Yemoja, Osun, Olokun etc. Even the smaller roles such as Lucius, Brutus' servant grabbed my attention throughout the entire show. The dynamic of Brutus and Lucuis' relationship resembled a father and a son. This production of Julius Caesar instilled my belief in the future of  African theater and the different cultural interpretations of Shakespeare. The show is coming to New York Spring of 2013  and I highly recommend this show to anyone and everyone!

The future of Theater

                                      

The incredible Osbourne Ensemble- British American Drama Academy 2012

The Osbourne Ensemble

The Osbourne Ensemble is a group of 15 dynamic actors and artists ready to take the world of theater by storm. In my opinion the Osbourne Ensemble is a prime example of what theater should aim to do, which is cast without the barriers of color. Yes, color blind casting. The diversity and cultural awareness within this one group has given me new perspectives on the interpretations of plays, characters, and even Shakespeare. We have Mexico, Nigeria, India, Canada, Cambodia, Italy, and the United States all in one classroom and under the umbrella of theater. After being in class with these talented actors for three weeks, it has rejuvenated my spirit, imagination, and trust in challenging the impossible.

I'm entering week 3 at the British American Drama Academy and to say that I am overwhelmed is an understatement. I have immersed myself in an intense environment filled with challenges of acting and discovering truth within myself. My voice professor said today, "Don't live behind the mask of your resonance."  I was so moved by her simple statement because it is not only applicable to the voice, but to life in general. What are we all hiding from? What is there to loose? As my heart  pounds violently each day before I get up to do a scene or monologue in class, I believe that I am taking a risk. That step forward or raising hand to go first ignites my new fire to learn more.

My new Anthem!

My New Best Friend and Teacher

The Prologue: A New Introduction

"Thus with imagined wing our swift scene flies in motion of no less clarity than that of thought." This Prologue from Shakespeare's Henry V is one of the first assignments I received in a voice class. As I began attempting to memorize the piece, frustration consumed me.  The grueling 32 lines were laughing at me on the page and teasing my brain. Although some of my other classmates struggled with the text, they had managed to memorize the prologue verbatim. As we sat in class and discussed the text, there were students who enjoyed the text immensely and I thought, "what in the world are they talking about?" I sat perplexed in my room trying to sing the lines and rap them, yet this was by far one of the most difficult texts that I had ever been given. However, my voice professor made a valid point in class when he said, "There are too many people today who don't take thier time. What is the rush?" After reflecting on that comment made by my instructor, I realized that I had been rushing. But for what? Approval. Reassurance. Acceptance. Maybe even praise. Which, are natural human desires. That night after class, I sat up right with the text, carrying the text line by line, practicing the iambic pentameter rhythm. I didn't worry about getting it memorized in an hour, or before any of my classmates, I just took it step by step. I stopped trying to give each line a permanent form of delivery and I actually looked up the words that I did not understand. In due time, I began to relax and do something I had not done in a long time, be kind to myself. When there is love   from within, then it will be emitted from yourself and to everything that you do. It is a simple lesson such as this, that affirms the power of theater not only as a craft, but a vessel for life skills.

Big Ben At Night

My Home for the Next Month!

Oxford at Magdalen College

Me in a London Telephone Booth

Me and a classmate at Buckingham Palace

Beautiful Architecture at Magdelan

Campus of Magdalen College Home of the British American Acadmey Summer 2012

Sojourner is my middle name, so I guess  I was meant to be a traveler. So why not explore the world of theater from its Western roots? In my opinion theater is our storyteller, educator and keeper of history, humanity would not exist without it. The Midsummer in Oxford Program  is a great way to not only to discover how to master the works of Shakespeare, but also the language and colloquialisms of text from other playwrights such as August Wilson, who has always been near and dear to my heart. After having a conversation with a professor pertaining to Wilson's text, I realized the similarities that Wilson had with Shakespeare in terms of  a distinctive rhythm of the language. The actor must allow the language to breathe, and be conscious of its meter. This trip is an opportunity to explore the endless possibilities of theater and the human condition. Every word on a script is there for a reason.

A Midsummer In Oxford

I'm studying at one of the most prestigious Educational Institutions in the world, Oxford University. To be even more specific, I am studying Shakespeare in his own country! The British American Drama Academy(BADA) selects 90 students  every year for the Midsummer in Oxford Program. After being here for a week amongst  phenomenal Professors from Julliard and the Yale School of Drama, the one thing that has resonated with me so far is, "We have little time, we must slow down." Although it may appear to be a contradictory statement, my acting  professor's words  are already embedded in my brain. So, did I come to Oxford to learn how to slow down? Apparently, I did, and I am enjoying every single moment.