The Summit offered students a chance to see our New original work productions running in rep at the André Cailloux Center. They also had the opportunity to participate in our workshops and sessions for acting, design, tech, production, writing, directing, and so much more! This year’s HBCU Theatre Summit included a Monologue Showcase as well as a Theatre Practitioner Portfolio Review. These events were created to allow the students to display and share their work with their peers and other professionals.
This summit provides accessible professional development for Black Theatre Students as they navigate the world of the arts. Thanks to our sponsor, Acceleraise Corp; registration, workshops, sessions, and productions were covered and free of charge to all participants.
We were also honored to present Doug Spearman, our plenary speaker.
THANKS TO OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
DOUG SPEARMAN
More than 30 years of experience in television and film production. Doug is a writer/director/producer and actor. In the summer of 1983 Doug started as the one and only intern/assistant producer to Charlie Rose. From there, Doug went on to writing, producing, and directing marketing and promotions campaigns at ABC, CBS and NBC. He also created and executed launch campaigns for Soapnet, UPN, and LOGO.
In 1991 Doug moved to Los Angeles to direct for the legendary ad men Ray Jacobs and Stefan Gerber - Doug's first assignments included directing such stars as William Shatner, Morgan Freeman, Halle Berry, and Martin Sheen.
At the same time, Doug pursued an acting career with guest starring roles on Star Trek Voyager, The Drew Carey Show, The Hughley's, Girlfriends, and Chance in the ground-breaking LOGO show, Noah's Arc. His stage work includes the American premier of THE ICE PICK, the Tony Award Winning South Coast Rep's premier of THE HOLLOW LANDS and the critically acclaimed production of THE BACCHAE, playing Dionysus, at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.
In 2006 he formed The Ogden Group Entertainment. Their first feature, Hot Guys with Guns, was released in April of 2014 by Wolfe. The main title song, "Something to Shoot For", written and sung by Mervyn Warren was short-listed for nomination for the 2015 Oscars. The script for Hot Guys with Guns was included in the core collection at the Academy library.
Doug's second feature, From Zero to I Love You is represented for sales by Shoreline Entertainment. He has served on several boards; Equality California, The Relational Center, The Celebration Theater, and currently on the board of Outfest.