The Ensemble Theatre proudly presents
The Ensemble Theatre is proud to host a weekend festival of new plays by up-and-coming Black playwrights as well as insightful workshops and discussions covering an array of compelling topics within the theater industry.
OCTOBER
18-20, 2024
THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE •
3535 MAIN STREET •
HOUSTON, TX 77002
Welcome to New Voices Fest
While The Ensemble Theatre holds the space of being the oldest Black professional theatre in the Southwest supporting African American artistic expression, we are excited to bring back New Voices Fest...a very special event uplifting multiple new, young playwrights. New Voices Fest was implemented and charged with embodying a reflection of the current era of injustice through works that were written by 18–35 year-old persons who identify as Black, and through works that highlight the Black experience. Expert evaluators, dramaturgs, and di-rectors helped to nurture their pieces which will continue their developmental journey. Our hope is to inform and affect the larger ecosystem of the theater industry by bringing forth these young writers. We applaud the joy, depth, vibrancy, and resilience brought forth in their stories which reflect our world. We see great things for all these writers and their work!
We hold dear our responsibility to usher in new and support established voices of African American artistic expression. The New Voices Fest not only highlights wonderful playwrights, it also brings to the forefront dynamic workshop presenters who are experts in their craft. The Ensemble Theatre is grateful for all of the creatives who share their space with us!
Every stakeholder invested in uplifting African American life is equally as important as the next—from board members, to staff, artists, patrons, funders, AND YOU—we equally comprise the system that makes theater happen and we will be nothing if we do not lift up voices that carry deep-set gems of knowledge from their past while reflecting the sphere we live in today.
I am super proud to be aligned with an institution that values new stories, new voices, new journeys!
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
4:00-5:00 PM
TET Lobby
Open Social Networking
Happy hour to welcome in all of the community.
5:00-7:00 PM
Workshop
TET Performance Centre
Black Approaches to Technique
Presented by Bradley Atuba
An opportunity to learn and practice Black acting techniques to expand your artistry.
Bradley Atuba is a native of Dallas, TX and serves the art world as an actor, director and educator. He earned an MFA in Acting from Southern Methodist University.
7:00-9:00 PM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
(Choose One)
Staged READING
TET Performance Centre
God Is Going to Trouble the Waters
by DCarter
“God Is Going to Trouble the Waters” is a delightful awaking into the lives of imperfect people. This play shows a dark side of faith but allows for redemption to be found were you would least likely expect.
DCarter is a graduate of Coppin State University with a BS Degree in Urban Arts. He has performed extensively with Arena Players. He has also performed with theatre companies throughout the city of Baltimore including Coppin State, Morgan State, and Fells Point Corner Theatre.
CONCERT READING
TET Main Stage
The African Singularity
by Louis Williams III
Three young adults discover an alternate, parallel reality in which African colonization was a catastrophic failure. Feeling compelled by otherworldly forces and personal hope, they transition into this new world to discover who beckoned them there and why. Finding a prosperous nation built on communal responsibility and spiritual balance, the young ones must learn the ways of the new nation and decide if it can (or should) be a home for the African descendants harmed by White Supremacy in their world.
Louis Williams, III, is a Baltimore-bred Playwright, Producer and burgeoning Artistic Director. He is an Pan-African storyteller who wields his pen with the purpose of energizing Black communities around the globe by imparting ancestral wisdom often disregarded in the modern era.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
9:00-10:00 AM
Workshop/Interactive Experience
TET Lobby
Kemetic Yoga
with Diamond Simone
Kemetic Yoga is the ancient Egyptian practice of yoga enlightenment that is based upon physical movements being combined with controlled deep breathing and meditation. Kemetic Yoga emerges from the one of oldest known civilization, properly called Kemet, in Northeastern Africa. This yoga practice was developed by studying, translating, and interpreting the commonly called hieroglyphic texts of Kemet (ancient Egypt) and the images of yogic postures that are clearly pictured on the walls of the Kemetic temples.
Diamond Simone is a 34-year-old creative who believes it is important to take every opportunity of creative expression. Since traveling abroad and completing her yoga teacher certification in 2021, Diamond has been hosting community-based yoga practices in Houston, as well as accepting invitations to share her knowledge in various spaces and events that have welcomed the Ancient African practice of Kemetic yoga. "I intend to always be an example and inspire others to explore the various opportunities life gives us to express and embrace our individuality. I harness a great love for my community, and I find myself with a true passion to serve my surroundings in any way that I can."
9:00-10:30 AM
Interactive Workshop
TET Performance Centre
Imagine Acting and Everyday Heroes for Youth 5-12 years old
Presented by Cardero Berryman
In this workshop, the students will receive an occupation and learn how to act as a person in said occupation. They then create a 2-3 minute scene with their parent that must include a problem and solution.
Cardero Berryman has worked as an actor and teaching artist across Housotn inlcuding The Ensemble Theatre and Main Street Theater.
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Panel
TET Mainstage
So You Want To Do This Thing
Presented by Dequina Moore and Krystal Uchem
Okay, so now what?! You have come into your artistic journey, be it post education, career shift in the arts or career shift from outside of the arts. This panel will give you foundational ideas about how to have the greatest success.
Dequina Moore holds a BFA in Theatre Arts from New York University/Tish School of the Arts. She has 22+ years of experience in entertainment on Broadway, has done Broadway tours, regional theatre, film, television, radio and print. She is a proud former Young Performer (YPP) at The Ensemble Theatre. Krystal Uchem is an actress and costume designer who recently won the ‘Actor of the Year to Watch’ with the Houston Press. She is currently the BOLD Production Manager at The Ensemble Theatre.
12:30-2:30 PM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
(Choose One)
CONCERT READING
TET Mainstage
Code Feet
by Crystal Rae
A retired crime-fighting tap dancer has hung up his shoes due to a rapidly fading memory. But when his mystery-solving granddaughter needs his help the most lethal hoofer ever known will grace the stage once more. A play with puppets, music, and hope.
Crystal Rae is a classically trained actress and a writer for both stage and screen. She’s had the pleasure of performing on the Houston stages of The Ensemble Theatre, TUTS, Main Street, Catastrophic, and Queensbury Theatre.
STAGED READING
TET Performance Centre
God Is Going to Trouble the Waters
by DCarter
“God Is Going to Trouble the Waters” is a delightful awaking into the lives of imperfect people. This play shows a dark side of faith but allows for redemption to be found were you would least likely expect.
DCarter is a graduate of Coppin State University with a BS Degree in Urban Arts. He has performed extensively with Arena Players. He has also performed with theatre companies throughout the city of Baltimore including Coppin State, Morgan State, and Fells Point Corner Theatre.
2:30-4:00 PM
Workshop
TET Green Room
Wealth Whispering: Exploring 15 Wealth Categories
by Dr. Daintee Jones
Artists tend to know that they might need multiple streams of income in order to thrive in today’s economy, but they might not know what those streams are. This workshop will reveal 15 different possibilities, such as online assets.
Dr. Daintee Jones has worked in the arts, education, and fundraising fields for over 30 years.
4:00-6:00 PM
(Choose One)
WORKSHOP
TET Green Room
Color that Moves You
with Barry Barnes
Exploring color all around you and what speaks to your spirit.
Barry Barnes is a Head Stylist and Image Specialist with Bsquare Branding and Marketing.
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE PANEL
TET Mainstage
Audition Feedback for Stage and Film
with Cindi Davis-Andress and Derek Gibbs
Bring your monologue to share and receive feedback from industry leaders in casting for on-camera work and stage. Participants are free to just watch and learn, or to come prepared to share one to two monologues. Feedback will be shared following the presentation as a learning opportunity for everyone in the room. Be the brave one!
Cindi Davis-Andress is President, Agent and Co-owner at Pastorini-Bosby Talent Agency. Derrick Gibbs is the Resident Music Director at MooreVision Entertainment.
6:00-8:00 PM
Interactive Workshop
TET Performance Centre
Music Video in the Making
Presented by Cameron Dean
Attendees can expect insightful discussion on various aspects of music video production, from conceptualization and storytelling to the technical aspects of cinematography and editing. The presentation will delve into the symbiotic relationship between music and visuals, exploring how they collaborate to create an immersive and memorable viewing experience.
Cameron Dean, based in Missouri City, Texas, is a visionary and a creative force, inspired by the artistic legacy of his hometown, Garfield High School, the same place from which Quincy Jones & Jimi Hendrix graduated. He is the Music Video Director for Chris Brown and Jack Harlow (“Psychic”), acclaimed Burna Boy (the “Tested, Approved, and Trusted” and 6lack and Don Oliver (“Temporary”).
8:00-10:00 PM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
(Choose One)
STAGED READING
TET Performance Centre
Don’t Call Me Brother
by Jeanette Hill
BLACK LIVES MATTER! Opposite stances between the races, we know. But what happens when the BLM debate is within the family? Another White cop fires. Another Black teen dies. The city is primed to erupt! Brothers, Andrew, the first Black police chief and Hassan, his fiery activist brother bump more than heads with this current shooting.
Jeanette Hill is an Audelco Award-winning playwright dedicated to telling authentic African American stories. Jeanette serves on the Advisory Board for the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and the International Centre for Women Playwrights. She is a proud member of The Dramatists Guild. She’s received awards and recognition from the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, DC Black Theatre Festival, Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival, National Black Theatre Festival, and many more.
CONCERT READING
TET Main Stage
The African Singularity
by Louis Williams III
Three young adults discover an alternate, parallel reality in which African colonization was a catastrophic failure. Feeling compelled by otherworldly forces and personal hope, they transition into this new world to discover who beckoned them there and why. Finding a prosperous nation built on communal responsibility and spiritual balance, the young ones must learn the ways of the new nation and decide if it can (or should) be a home for the African descendants harmed by White Supremacy in their world.
Louis Williams, III, is a Baltimore-bred Playwright, Producer and burgeoning Artistic Director. He is an Pan-African storyteller who wields his pen with the purpose of energizing Black communities around the globe by imparting ancestral wisdom often disregarded in the modern era.
10:00 PM-12:00 AM
Networking
Off-site
Networking Soiree
This no-cost networking event will not be held at The Ensemble Theatre but rather off-site at a nearby location. Reach out for the location!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
12:00-1:30 PM
Interactive Workshop
TET Lobby
Healing Circle
with Monique Joseph
Healing Circles are a traditional Native practice used by Black and Brown communities to foster collective communication among tribe members. Historically, they were employed to help groups make decisions, resolve conflicts, and strengthen community connections. Today, Healing Circles are utilized in workplaces, schools, and sometimes as an alternative to incarceration. We aim to host and facilitate Community Healing Circles to provide a space for collective healing from the harm and trauma caused by system involvement
1:30-3:00 PM
Panel
TET Performance Centre
Intersectionality of Art and Entrepreneurship
with Drew “Risky Cereal” Evans, Layla Jones and Lakeisha Randle
This panel discussion will highlight different ways artistry and business ownership come together. The path might be different for each but the passion to create burns bright. Whether your business is inside or outside of the art form. the intersection exists in the drive to affect others. Come think about your own possibilities!
Drew “Risky Cereal” Evans hails from Los Angeles California and has lived in Houston for 20 years. He is a graduate of Grambling State University and is a photographer and film maker. Lakeisha Randle holds a MA from the University of Houston in Arts Leadership and Non-Profit Business Management. She is an award-winning actress and the co-owner of The Shack Houston located at 3610 Reed Road in Sunnyside, TX.
3:00-4:30 PM
Workshop/Panel
TET Performance Centre
To Union or Not to Union
Facilitated by Eileen J. Morris with Union Representatives
This session will be a discussion around the benefits and challenges when a part of a union in the craft. Stage Directors and Choreographers(SDC), IATSE, and Actors Equity will be voiced to help artists, new and old, consider their relationship to art and the organized body.
Eileen J. Morris is the Artistic Director for The Ensemble Theatre and is a proud member of the SDC who has had years of engagement with IATSE and Actors Equity.
4:00-6:00 PM
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
(Choose One)
STAGED READING
TET Performance Centre
Don’t Call Me Brother
by Jeanette Hill
BLACK LIVES MATTER! Opposite stances between the races, we know. But what happens when the BLM debate is within the family? Another White cop fires. Another Black teen dies. The city is primed to erupt! Brothers, Andrew, the first Black police chief and Hassan, his fiery activist brother bump more than heads with this current shooting.
Jeanette Hill is an Audelco Award-winning playwright dedicated to telling authentic African American stories. Jeanette serves on the Advisory Board for the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and the International Centre for Women Playwrights. She is a proud member of The Dramatists Guild. She’s received awards and recognition from the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, DC Black Theatre Festival, Kingdomwood Christian Film Festival, National Black Theatre Festival, and many more.
CONCERT READING
TET Mainstage
Code Feet
by Crystal Rae
A retired crime-fighting tap dancer has hung up his shoes due to a rapidly fading memory. But when his mystery-solving granddaughter needs his help the most lethal hoofer ever known will grace the stage once more. A play with puppets, music, and hope.
Crystal Rae is a classically trained actress and a writer for both stage and screen. She’s had the pleasure of performing on the Houston stages of The Ensemble Theatre, TUTS, Main Street, Catastrophic, and Queensbury Theatre.
