Pedigree continues to gain international recognition with its official film festival selections in Africa, screening in both Kenya and Nigeria, as well as in New York:
Pedigree continues to gain international recognition with its official film festival selections in Africa, screening in both Kenya and Nigeria, as well as in New York:
Each of these festivals provides dynamic platforms for creatives and filmmakers from underrepresented communities to showcase their work, share unique stories, and connect with a broader audience.
Starting in Fall 2024, I accepted a dual-role appointment as an Assistant Professor of Applied Theatre and the newly designated Co-Director of Research for the Center for Communicating Science at Virginia Tech.
My primary research and scholarship will center on Applied Collaborative Techniques, Communicating Science, Performance as Activi
Starting in Fall 2024, I accepted a dual-role appointment as an Assistant Professor of Applied Theatre and the newly designated Co-Director of Research for the Center for Communicating Science at Virginia Tech.
My primary research and scholarship will center on Applied Collaborative Techniques, Communicating Science, Performance as Activism, and Applied Theatre, focusing on performance and community engagement.
Announcing the official selection of 'Pedigree' in 2 film festivals:
Jul. 26-29, PRESENTER
My ‘River Stories’ Narrative-based Reflection workshop has been accepted into the 2024 Black Theatre Network Conference in Winston-Salem, NC.
Aug. 1-3, PRESENTER
My orig
Announcing the official selection of 'Pedigree' in 2 film festivals:
Jul. 26-29, PRESENTER
My ‘River Stories’ Narrative-based Reflection workshop has been accepted into the 2024 Black Theatre Network Conference in Winston-Salem, NC.
Aug. 1-3, PRESENTER
My original creative discourse method for devising narrative-based theatre ‘The Umbrella Method’ has been accepted into the 2024 Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) conference panel: Devising Theatre for Social Justice: Methodologies & Strategies for University Classrooms & Production Seasons.
Featured as a podcast guest artist with fellow creative Curtis Stewart on the Black History/Black Futures Resistance Podcast focusing on 'The Art of Presence' hosted by Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander. This podcast centered on holding a presence in the arts, growing presence, art as survival of culture, and identity of the importance of pre
Featured as a podcast guest artist with fellow creative Curtis Stewart on the Black History/Black Futures Resistance Podcast focusing on 'The Art of Presence' hosted by Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander. This podcast centered on holding a presence in the arts, growing presence, art as survival of culture, and identity of the importance of presence.
Supported by the City of Virginia Beach and Norfolk State University.
My article, Creative Discourse: The Umbrella Method, is now available in Yale THEATER magazine, Volume 54.2 on 'Devising Futures' published by Duke University Press.
This piece highlights my original creative framework method for developing narrative-based solo and ensemble theatre works based on autobiography or editorial materials called
My article, Creative Discourse: The Umbrella Method, is now available in Yale THEATER magazine, Volume 54.2 on 'Devising Futures' published by Duke University Press.
This piece highlights my original creative framework method for developing narrative-based solo and ensemble theatre works based on autobiography or editorial materials called the 'Umbrella Method'. I devised this approach in 2019 as part of my creative research and scholarship over the past few years. I continue to use it in all of my community-based projects.
Co-research contributor with Dr. Rachel Rhoades at James Madison University (JMU), 'Loud and Clear- Utilizing Theatre for Equity and Community Development: Newcomers Translate Experiential Knowledge through Embodied Storytelling' is a summer intensive participatory action research initiative launched in June 2024 focused on creating theat
Co-research contributor with Dr. Rachel Rhoades at James Madison University (JMU), 'Loud and Clear- Utilizing Theatre for Equity and Community Development: Newcomers Translate Experiential Knowledge through Embodied Storytelling' is a summer intensive participatory action research initiative launched in June 2024 focused on creating theater performances based on the experiences of newcomers (refugees).
We aim to evaluate the impact of the theater-making process and performance and ensuing dialogue on newcomers' confidence, building a sense of community and belonging, and promoting active participation in advancing equity in their professional lives and personal endeavors.
May 4, PRESENTER
My performance as activism abstract, 'Embodying the #Hashtags & Headlines: Performing Narratives of Social Resilience and Resistance,' has been accepted into the 2024 Philadelphia Theatre Research Symposium (PTRS) and National Black Theatre, which will focus on 'Theatre as Catalyst for Liberation.'
Apr. 5 & 6, CO-PRODUCER
Co-produced the 2nd Annual Z Fringe Festival, which was hosted by Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach, VA. TThe festival showcased a variety of unique and creative works, including adventurous theater and performance art that pushes boundaries.
The Z Fringe 2024 producers: Terry Flint, Brittney Harris,
Apr. 5 & 6, CO-PRODUCER
Co-produced the 2nd Annual Z Fringe Festival, which was hosted by Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach, VA. TThe festival showcased a variety of unique and creative works, including adventurous theater and performance art that pushes boundaries.
The Z Fringe 2024 producers: Terry Flint, Brittney Harris, Jason Kypros, and Akin Ritchie
Apr. 9, PRESENTER
My performance-based activism piece, ‘Breathing Life into the Black and White: Performing Sandra Bland,’ has been accepted into the 3rd Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference (HRSJC) panel: Short Talks: Storytelling and Social Justice. This year, the conference aims to address pressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary and cross-sector dialogue.
My full-length play, The Request (or Prison Fan Fiction), has been accepted into the renowned The Workshop Theater 2024 Winter Intensive cohort (NYC).
Since January 2024, I've been working with a cohort of tremendously talented creatives and playwrights from NY to LA who've been instrumental in finessing and workshopping this piece to a final draft.
More about WTWI
Mar. 1 , CO-FOUNDER/MODERATOR
Herstory Summit 2024: Empowerment Through Voice and Expression, co-sponsored by ODU Women, Gender, and Equity Center and Department of Communication and Theatre Arts.
Our 2nd annual collaborative event focused on the ‘Crown Act Initiative’ and provided a perspective of empowerment and creative expression in cel
Mar. 1 , CO-FOUNDER/MODERATOR
Herstory Summit 2024: Empowerment Through Voice and Expression, co-sponsored by ODU Women, Gender, and Equity Center and Department of Communication and Theatre Arts.
Our 2nd annual collaborative event focused on the ‘Crown Act Initiative’ and provided a perspective of empowerment and creative expression in celebration of “Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity in honor of all things “HER” in black culture, black identity, and black excellence.
Mar. 7-9, PRESENTER
Two of my performance as activism abstracts have been accepted into the 55th NeMLA Northeast Modern Language Association conference in Boston, Massachusetts:
Partnering with the Little Theatre of Norfolk (LTN), Intersections: Art, Activism, & Advocacy Weekend is a two-day event cultivating necessary conversations about the importance of mental health, the unbreakable image of the black woman, social justice, the power of narrative-based storytelling, and utilizing art as a form of social resis
Partnering with the Little Theatre of Norfolk (LTN), Intersections: Art, Activism, & Advocacy Weekend is a two-day event cultivating necessary conversations about the importance of mental health, the unbreakable image of the black woman, social justice, the power of narrative-based storytelling, and utilizing art as a form of social resistance.
Joined by community organizations (Teens with a Purpose and Opera for Us) that provide the resources to assist our communities with the issues that we face daily.
A staged reading of my one-woman show, 'The Intersection: The Sandra Bland' will be featured followed by an audience dialogue highlighting the importance of creative wellness and mental health.
2023 Emmy Award Winner for Societal Concerns (Short Form Content) with WHRO Public Media for Exodus: Homecoming!
January 2024 screening premiere of the documentary EXODUS: HOMECOMING partnered with The Inheritance Theater Project and WHRO in examining the history and lived experiences of the people of Hampton Roads in relationship to the
2023 Emmy Award Winner for Societal Concerns (Short Form Content) with WHRO Public Media for Exodus: Homecoming!
January 2024 screening premiere of the documentary EXODUS: HOMECOMING partnered with The Inheritance Theater Project and WHRO in examining the history and lived experiences of the people of Hampton Roads in relationship to the themes and narrative of the book of Exodus.
Serving as the 'Assistant Director' on this project.
Read more about my creative research on this project
Selected as a 2024 Center for Artistic Activism Faculty Fellow (C4AA). The fellowship focus is their Unstoppable Voters program, which is an expansive 'non-partisan voting initiative supporting creative risk-taking, strategic, ambitious organizations, people, and projects that protect voters and voting in the U.S. Out of a national search
Selected as a 2024 Center for Artistic Activism Faculty Fellow (C4AA). The fellowship focus is their Unstoppable Voters program, which is an expansive 'non-partisan voting initiative supporting creative risk-taking, strategic, ambitious organizations, people, and projects that protect voters and voting in the U.S. Out of a national search and application process, 9 faculty fellows were selected.
More about C4AA: https://c4aa.org/
Featured by the ODU College of Arts and Letters, this article features my artistic process and experiences from working with ASYV in Rwanda, Africa to NEH devised theatre summer institute with Pig Iron and now with directing 'Blood at the Root' for ODURep Theatre.
Highlight from the feature:
The work itself should lend to some kind of artis
Featured by the ODU College of Arts and Letters, this article features my artistic process and experiences from working with ASYV in Rwanda, Africa to NEH devised theatre summer institute with Pig Iron and now with directing 'Blood at the Root' for ODURep Theatre.
Highlight from the feature:
The work itself should lend to some kind of artistic enlightening or opening," Harris said. "I don't want this work to be triggering. But let's create not just a safe space but a sacred space to explore that."
Announcing the official selection of 'Pedigree' in 3 film festivals:
And for 2024: two newly published peer-reviewed articles on solo and devised theatre, an international faculty fellowship, and, of course—nat’l-based conferences coming soon!
Pedigree is an official selection in the Activists Without Borders Film Festival in December 2023 in London, UK.
Celebrating diversity in film content and perspectives, the AWBFF amplifies voices often unheard in the industry by highlighting films that inspire action and connections foster impact. This festival is rewriting the script for
Pedigree is an official selection in the Activists Without Borders Film Festival in December 2023 in London, UK.
Celebrating diversity in film content and perspectives, the AWBFF amplifies voices often unheard in the industry by highlighting films that inspire action and connections foster impact. This festival is rewriting the script for a more just and hopeful world where activism knows no boundaries.
For the Fall 2023 mainstage season for ODURep Theatre, I’m directing Blood at the Root by Dominique Morisseau. Navigated as a stylized ensemble movement-based play, this play scrutinizes the intrinsic links between justice, bias, and identity.
Read full production details here
Aug. 31-Sept. 2 , MASTERCLASSES: IMAGE THEATRE EXPLORATION & ENSEMBLE-BASED DEVISED THEATRE
Heading to Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (ABTF) this summer to host two masterclasses on 'community-centered image theatre work ' and 'ensemble-based devised theatre.'
July 22, PRESENTER
My activist performance piece 'Personifying Resilie
Aug. 31-Sept. 2 , MASTERCLASSES: IMAGE THEATRE EXPLORATION & ENSEMBLE-BASED DEVISED THEATRE
Heading to Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (ABTF) this summer to host two masterclasses on 'community-centered image theatre work ' and 'ensemble-based devised theatre.'
July 22, PRESENTER
My activist performance piece 'Personifying Resilience Through Theatre: Performing Pedigree' was accepted into the 2023 American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference (AATE) focused on ILLUMINATION: Shining a Light on Social Justice.
Selected as a National Endowment for the Humanities Higher Education Faculty Fellow for Summer 2023.
Hosted by Pig Iron Theatre Company in Philadelphia, PA, this summer’s institute focus is ‘Preserving and Transmitting American Ensemble-Based Devised Theatre.’ NEH Summer Institutes allow higher education faculty to enrich and revitalize
Selected as a National Endowment for the Humanities Higher Education Faculty Fellow for Summer 2023.
Hosted by Pig Iron Theatre Company in Philadelphia, PA, this summer’s institute focus is ‘Preserving and Transmitting American Ensemble-Based Devised Theatre.’ NEH Summer Institutes allow higher education faculty to enrich and revitalize their teaching by studying humanities topics that bear upon undergraduate education.
More about this institute: https://pigiron.org/pig-iron-neh-institute
In May 2023, I will have the honor to co-direct and devise abroad in Rwanda Africa at the ‘Agahozo Shalom Youth Village’ in partnership with the In[HEIR]itance Project as part of an artistic delegation from the United States.
Our final project was titled 'AHAZAZA: Looking to the Future'.
As an international-based devised theatre initiative
In May 2023, I will have the honor to co-direct and devise abroad in Rwanda Africa at the ‘Agahozo Shalom Youth Village’ in partnership with the In[HEIR]itance Project as part of an artistic delegation from the United States.
Our final project was titled 'AHAZAZA: Looking to the Future'.
As an international-based devised theatre initiative/project, we will be working with students and staff at ASYV to create a brand-new piece of theater that will focus on exploring the ways collective creativity has the power to build relationships and community.
Pedigree is an official selection in the 2023 Micheaux Film Festival in July 2023.
Inspired by Oscar Micheaux, a visionary filmmaker whose trailblazing work challenged the boundaries of Hollywood during the early 20th century, the Micheaux Film Festival is a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression, welcoming filmmakers from every backgro
Pedigree is an official selection in the 2023 Micheaux Film Festival in July 2023.
Inspired by Oscar Micheaux, a visionary filmmaker whose trailblazing work challenged the boundaries of Hollywood during the early 20th century, the Micheaux Film Festival is a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression, welcoming filmmakers from every background and showcasing a kaleidoscope of narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences
This is a major accomplishment for our Pedigree team!
Hosted by the Zeiders American Dream Theater (aka The Z), this masterclass led by Asst. Professor of Theatre Brittney Harris provides insight about Devised Theater and all the ways it can help us talk about the important issues of our time.
A little about the Z:
Zeiders American Dream Theater is a professional, non-profit theater that intr
Hosted by the Zeiders American Dream Theater (aka The Z), this masterclass led by Asst. Professor of Theatre Brittney Harris provides insight about Devised Theater and all the ways it can help us talk about the important issues of our time.
A little about the Z:
Zeiders American Dream Theater is a professional, non-profit theater that introduces new works and emerging artists, presents unique artistic experiences, and inspires creative growth in the Hampton Roads Community. The Z’s founding principles are that creativity drives the growth of individuals and communities; and that the imagination, passion, and discipline of creation are universal requirements for all successful endeavors, artistic and otherwise.
Apr. 7 & 15, FEATURED PLAY
My short play ‘How To Tie A Tie’ has been officially selected into the 3-6-9 Monologue and Short Play Festival hosted by Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective in Asheville, NC.
April 12, PRESENTER
My activist performance piece 'Personifying Resilience Through Theatre: Performing Pe
Apr. 7 & 15, FEATURED PLAY
My short play ‘How To Tie A Tie’ has been officially selected into the 3-6-9 Monologue and Short Play Festival hosted by Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective in Asheville, NC.
April 12, PRESENTER
My activist performance piece 'Personifying Resilience Through Theatre: Performing Pedigree' has been accepted into 2nd Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference.
Fully back to live theater, my one-woman show 'Being B.A.D.' hits the East Coast in two-state tour!
Embodying creative resistance against oppressive gender stereotypes and domestic violence, 'Being B.A.D.' is a piece about personal acceptance and redemption from the cycle of abuse.
Highlighted
(April 7-8)
(April 22-24)
Commissioned as a part of ROUGE productions ‘arts in the community’ series, this ensemble-based devised theatre work culminates in a moving performance demonstrating some of the ways visual artist Kara Walker's black resistance work resonates today in our region of Coastal Virginia.
I devised the concept and directed this project.
Premiere
Commissioned as a part of ROUGE productions ‘arts in the community’ series, this ensemble-based devised theatre work culminates in a moving performance demonstrating some of the ways visual artist Kara Walker's black resistance work resonates today in our region of Coastal Virginia.
I devised the concept and directed this project.
Premieres April 1st at Virginia MOCA Community Day in VA Beach, VA.
Read full production details here
StoryTell (HER) Summit 2023: Her Voice, Her Narrative & Her Vision is an inaugural collaborative event which will provide a two-day perspective of excitement in celebration of “Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity in honor of all things “HER” hosted by Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University. This event was created with hopes
StoryTell (HER) Summit 2023: Her Voice, Her Narrative & Her Vision is an inaugural collaborative event which will provide a two-day perspective of excitement in celebration of “Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity in honor of all things “HER” hosted by Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University. This event was created with hopes of having attendees conclude the conference feeling motivated and inspired to use their voices in implementing positive “change” on their college campuses and communities.
Mar. 16 & 17, CO-FOUNDER/FEATURED PANELIST
‘StoryTell(HER) Summit 2023: Her Voice, Her Narrative & Her Vision’, hosted by ODU and NSU.
Mar. 23-26, PRESENTER
My narrative-based performance piece ‘Embodying Redemption Through Theatre: Performing Being B.A.D.’ has been accepted into 54th NeMLA Northeast Modern Language Association conference in
Mar. 16 & 17, CO-FOUNDER/FEATURED PANELIST
‘StoryTell(HER) Summit 2023: Her Voice, Her Narrative & Her Vision’, hosted by ODU and NSU.
Mar. 23-26, PRESENTER
My narrative-based performance piece ‘Embodying Redemption Through Theatre: Performing Being B.A.D.’ has been accepted into 54th NeMLA Northeast Modern Language Association conference in Niagara Falls, NY.
Mar. 28-29, PRESENTER
Research and Creative Activity 2023 International Hybrid Symposium hosted by Alabama State University presenting two papers: BLAND & PEDIGREE.
ODU Institute for the Humanities presents the 2023 College of Arts & Letters Junior Faculty Forum. This annual workshop brings together junior scholars to present their research in an informal, collegial atmosphere.
Presentation title:
Embodying the #Hashtag: Performance as Activism
Invited to 2023 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Region IV annual conference presenting workshop sessions on ‘ensemble-based devised theatre’ and image theatre work.
Starting in Fall 2023, I will serve as the KCACTF Region IV 'Devised Theatre Initiative Coordinator.'
More info about the KCACTF Region IV 'devised theatre initiative'
What a prolific and inspirational night hosted by Suffolk Public Library’s BHM event ‘Representation in Media’.
Moderated by the insightful Diamond Chavis-Waller, I was featured panelist along with poet Tonya Swindell (Teacher with a Pen) as we engaged with our in-person/ZOOM audience in dialogues as Black/brown representation in media a
What a prolific and inspirational night hosted by Suffolk Public Library’s BHM event ‘Representation in Media’.
Moderated by the insightful Diamond Chavis-Waller, I was featured panelist along with poet Tonya Swindell (Teacher with a Pen) as we engaged with our in-person/ZOOM audience in dialogues as Black/brown representation in media and how our respective fields of performance and poetry are leading the charge for change.
In collaboration with the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts at ODU, the Barry Art Museum will host “Coffee & Contemporary Art” on Feb. 16 in the museum’s lobby for Black History Month 2023.
I'll be performing a staged reading of my one-woman play, “The Intersection: The Sandra Bland Project" explores issues related to individua
In collaboration with the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts at ODU, the Barry Art Museum will host “Coffee & Contemporary Art” on Feb. 16 in the museum’s lobby for Black History Month 2023.
I'll be performing a staged reading of my one-woman play, “The Intersection: The Sandra Bland Project" explores issues related to individualism, freedom, and resistance through the Boalian technique of "Cop in Head" and the performance of resilience.
Kicking off 2023 with two film festivals for 'Pedigree': DMV International Film Festival (DMVIFF) and Seven Cities Showcase of Hampton Roads.
Seven Cities Showcase: Jan. 7, 2023 in Va Beach, Virginia
DMVIFF: Feb. 25-26, 2023 in Washington D.C.
Again, so proud of our Pedigree team and grateful to the @sevencitiesshowcase & @dmviff for the platform for this work!
4 new workshops are now being offered the development, consulting, and building of narrative-based solo performance and devised theatre for individuals, students (6th-college aged), community orgs, and ensemble building.
See for WORKSHOP OVERVIEW details and booking info
With over 130 films selected for the festival and out of 7 esteemed nominees, Pedigree won for ‘Best Woman Director’ and was invited as a guest panelist for the 11th Int’l Social Change Film Festival (Changefest) 2022 ATL premiere.
'Pedigree' is an official selection for the 11th International Social Change Film Festival (a.k.a ChangeFest) and received a nomination for Best Woman Director!
ChangeFest, a national nonprofit committed to liberation and amplifying community voices through storytelling, organizing, and direct action, celebrates of our common humanity th
'Pedigree' is an official selection for the 11th International Social Change Film Festival (a.k.a ChangeFest) and received a nomination for Best Woman Director!
ChangeFest, a national nonprofit committed to liberation and amplifying community voices through storytelling, organizing, and direct action, celebrates of our common humanity through film, music, art & fashion.
The festival/screening is Oct. 23 in Atlanta, GA and after the screenings will be a featured talkback with the artists/directors of this year’s selection.
‘HOW TO TIE TO TIE’ was featured as 1 out of 4 short plays selected for the Fifth Annual Ivoryton Women Playwrights Festival.
The Ivoryton Playhouse is committed to providing exceptional theatre experiences of high professional quality to enrich, enlighten, educate, and entertain the diverse audience in the Shoreline region and beyond.
Oct. 5-7, 12-16 DIRECTOR, NEW DEVISED WORK,
Tag! You're It!
Oct. 18 FEATURED PANELIST
Antiracism in the Arts Symposium, Old Dominion University
Oct. 19 FEATURED PANELIST
'Making Money Doing What You Love' panel, Zeiders American Dream Theater
Oct. 20 FEATURED ARTIST
Screening of short film 'Pedigree', '7th Annual NEON Festival
Oct. 22-23 FILM
Oct. 5-7, 12-16 DIRECTOR, NEW DEVISED WORK,
Tag! You're It!
Oct. 18 FEATURED PANELIST
Antiracism in the Arts Symposium, Old Dominion University
Oct. 19 FEATURED PANELIST
'Making Money Doing What You Love' panel, Zeiders American Dream Theater
Oct. 20 FEATURED ARTIST
Screening of short film 'Pedigree', '7th Annual NEON Festival
Oct. 22-23 FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING
Official Selection in 11th International Social Change Film Festival (a.k.a ChangeFest’) for Pedigree in Atlanta, GA. Talkback panel to follow screening.
**Available online for streaming Sept. 12- Nov. 12 2022
For Fall 2022, I’ve been commissioned to direct/create/devise ‘Tag! You’re It!’ is an interactive, ensemble-based devised theatre piece utilizing the Boalian technique of Image Theatre. In a 4-week rehearsal process, our ensemble cast will create and devise original text/literature (poetry/rap, choreography, etc.) that explores issues of
For Fall 2022, I’ve been commissioned to direct/create/devise ‘Tag! You’re It!’ is an interactive, ensemble-based devised theatre piece utilizing the Boalian technique of Image Theatre. In a 4-week rehearsal process, our ensemble cast will create and devise original text/literature (poetry/rap, choreography, etc.) that explores issues of individualism, unmasking/unveiling of freedom, creative self-expression through performance, exploration, resistance, and protest.
The collective ensemble will culminate in creating a living “mural” that will live on in the minds of audience members long afterward.
Read full production details here
How to Tie a Tie and The Amazin' Jason are being showcased at the 2022 Summer Staged Reading Series hosted by The Heritage Ensemble Theatre Company in Richmond, VA.
This summer, they're highlighting 3 new playwrights and there is no cost to come out and support these amazing writers!
I’ve officially published my two short plays, How to Tie a Tie and The Amazin’ Jason on AMAZON. Each are two-person plays and run just under 30 minutes:
Either buy your physical or download an e-copy today! For information about productions/performance rights, contact here.
Served as the 'Performing Arts' advocate for the YWCA's 2022 Stand Against Racism (SAR) Challenge. Annually in April, YWCA South Hampton Roads and YWs across the nation raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities and seek to build community among those who work for racial justice.
Served as the 'Performing Arts' advocate for the YWCA's 2022 Stand Against Racism (SAR) Challenge. Annually in April, YWCA South Hampton Roads and YWs across the nation raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities and seek to build community among those who work for racial justice.
This year’s theme is We Can’t Wait: Equity and Justice Now! Check out the interview and article here.
Premiering in May 2022, I'm serving as the Asst. Director and Research Contributor on this newly devised theater project, The In[HEIR]itance Project: Exodus Coastal Virginia.
Project Overview: an examination of the history and lived experiences of the people of Hampton Roads in relationship to the themes and narrative of the book of Exodus
Premiering in May 2022, I'm serving as the Asst. Director and Research Contributor on this newly devised theater project, The In[HEIR]itance Project: Exodus Coastal Virginia.
Project Overview: an examination of the history and lived experiences of the people of Hampton Roads in relationship to the themes and narrative of the book of Exodus. A final play will premiere at the Virginia Arts Festival in May 2022 at the Attucks Theater.
Community partners include (not limited to) Virginia Arts Festival, The Attucks Theater, Zeiders American Dream Theater, Teens with a Purpose, and WHRO.
Project website: www.inheiritance.org
I was recognized by KCACTF Region IV Achievement in Directing for Intimate Apparel, November 2021. The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) is a national theater program involving 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities across the country.
Through extensive adjudication process, Intimate Apparel was
I was recognized by KCACTF Region IV Achievement in Directing for Intimate Apparel, November 2021. The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) is a national theater program involving 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities across the country.
Through extensive adjudication process, Intimate Apparel was not only recognized for its achievements in directing, but also in acting, costuming, and set design.
With its many acknowledgments, the primary focuses of KCACTF aims to encourage, recognize, and celebrate the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theater programs and encourage colleges and universities to give distinguished productions of new plays, especially those written by students; the classics, revitalized or newly conceived; and experimental works.
Read full production details here
Short performance piece ‘Pedigree’ is making its national interdisciplinary conference debut this Spring 2022.
This show explores the lengths to which one declares to take back their power after years of mental and emotional torment at the hands of societal tormentors from her past to the present. In the wake of the political backdrop of t
Short performance piece ‘Pedigree’ is making its national interdisciplinary conference debut this Spring 2022.
This show explores the lengths to which one declares to take back their power after years of mental and emotional torment at the hands of societal tormentors from her past to the present. In the wake of the political backdrop of the Black Lives Matter Movement, this applied theatre work is relevant to our Black community in providing insight to a cathartic resolution and engaging in civil dialogue beyond the headlines and #hashtags.
Each conference appearance was accompanied by a moderated talkback on my artistic process and “personifying resistance through narrative”.
Highlighted
Annual Interdisciplinary Conference African, African American & Diaspora Studies (AAAD)
Northeast Modern Language Association (NeMLA)
Global Conference on Women and Gender (GCWG)
Midwestern Conference on Literature, Language & Media (MCLLM)
Pedigree is an official selection in the 2022 James River Short Film Festival hosted by the James River Film Society and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Now in its 27th year, JRFS is an annual juried competition festival devoted to the short. The centerpiece is an international juried competition for short films (20 minutes or less) from aro
Pedigree is an official selection in the 2022 James River Short Film Festival hosted by the James River Film Society and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Now in its 27th year, JRFS is an annual juried competition festival devoted to the short. The centerpiece is an international juried competition for short films (20 minutes or less) from around the globe that best embody what the James River Film Society and James River Film Festival are all about – the art of film and film as art.
Pedigree will be live-streamed starting January 28th through Jan. 30th via jamesriverfilm.org.
For the Fall 2021 mainstage season for ODURep, I directed Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage.
From my director statement/vision:
"our redefining of Nottage’s breathtaking text aims to comb out the desires within and expose them at their seams. I’ve come to describe our production as a patchwork quilt of woven narratives stitched together over
For the Fall 2021 mainstage season for ODURep, I directed Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage.
From my director statement/vision:
"our redefining of Nottage’s breathtaking text aims to comb out the desires within and expose them at their seams. I’ve come to describe our production as a patchwork quilt of woven narratives stitched together over time through the themes of gender, race and class, and religion. We seek to open a space within which to examine, through a different lens, the silhouettes of the “history of the present” and its complicated tensions wrought of contradictory desires....
For the past 6 weeks, the entire cast and production team have diligently rehearsed, revised, and rehearsed again still within the confines of a pandemic wrought world."
Read full my director statement
My piece Pedigree has been selected as one of the top 4 finalist in the nationally acclaimed 2021 The Breath Project Festival (TBP).
Through art, action and advocacy, The Breath Project seeks to build a more equitable theater community in this country, and actively dismantle structural racism in the American Theater. In partnership with th
My piece Pedigree has been selected as one of the top 4 finalist in the nationally acclaimed 2021 The Breath Project Festival (TBP).
Through art, action and advocacy, The Breath Project seeks to build a more equitable theater community in this country, and actively dismantle structural racism in the American Theater. In partnership with theater companies across the country, the free festival featured 24 world premiere works created by multidisciplinary theater artists of color, all 8 minutes and 46 seconds in length.
The theme is "8:46", and all submissions must be a recording of a live performance of original work that has been created in the past year, and must be 8 minutes and 46 seconds in length, in remembrance of George Floyd and his untimely, unjustified death.
Pedigree premieres December 4th, 2021 with a talk-back with the artists at
5pm PS | 6pm MT | 7pm CT | 8pm ET
Shifting from virtual conferences and festivals back to live theater, my one-woman show 'Being B.A.D.' toured locally and nationally for Fall 2021.
Embodying creative resistance against oppressive gender stereotypes and domestic violence, 'Being B.A.D.' is a piece about personal acceptance and redemption from the cycle of abuse. Each con
Shifting from virtual conferences and festivals back to live theater, my one-woman show 'Being B.A.D.' toured locally and nationally for Fall 2021.
Embodying creative resistance against oppressive gender stereotypes and domestic violence, 'Being B.A.D.' is a piece about personal acceptance and redemption from the cycle of abuse. Each conference appearance was accompanied by a moderator talkback on my artistic process and the “performance of redemption”.
Highlighted
Keybank Rochester Fringe Festival
Intl' Gender & Sexuality Studies Conf (IGSS)
Honored to be making a return to live theater playing “Susan” in Generic Theater’s production of RACE by David Mamet, directed by Miguel Girona.
Running Sept. 3-26 at the Generic Theater under Chrysler Hall | Norfolk, VA.
-
For tickets: https://bit.ly/3l7SLpx
***Trigger Warning: this play contains adult language and discussion of sensitive topics such as racism and sexual assault.
Drafted and filmed between Summer 2020-2021, Pedigree features a first-time protester sharing her emotional experience with being arrested and disrespected. This solo performance piece is about personal acceptance and recovery from the inexplicit influences of racial hatred and violence.
To complement each showing, there will be a subsequ
Drafted and filmed between Summer 2020-2021, Pedigree features a first-time protester sharing her emotional experience with being arrested and disrespected. This solo performance piece is about personal acceptance and recovery from the inexplicit influences of racial hatred and violence.
To complement each showing, there will be a subsequent talkback reflection with the audience addressing issues of racial and personal disparities of protesting and the permission to challenge the status quo.
Pedigree will debut at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE), featured in the BTA Panel: Personifying Resistance: Devising Theatre for Social Justice with Adanma Barton, moderated by Omiyemi Artisia Green
Being BAD has been invited to the 2021 BorderLight Festival International Theatre + Virtual Fringe.
Streaming July 22—31, 2021.
As one of 100s of “fringe” festivals worldwide, the BorderLight Festival Fringe serves as a platform for independent artists and companies to showcase their work and engage new audiences as part of a vibrant festi
Being BAD has been invited to the 2021 BorderLight Festival International Theatre + Virtual Fringe.
Streaming July 22—31, 2021.
As one of 100s of “fringe” festivals worldwide, the BorderLight Festival Fringe serves as a platform for independent artists and companies to showcase their work and engage new audiences as part of a vibrant festival environment.
The 2021 BorderLight VIRTUAL Fringe Festival program will showcase the work of more than 100 artists from 4 countries including Canada, India, Ireland, Italy, as well 13 states across the US, including Ohio.
My short play 'How to Tie a Tie' will be featured on Red Clay Plays Podcast w/ Monet Noelle Marshall. Featuring audio dramas and interviews with brilliant artists, Red Clay Plays champions Southern Black playwrights and the worlds they create with their words.
Produced by MOJOAA Performing Arts Company, based in Raleigh, NC.
The reading wa
My short play 'How to Tie a Tie' will be featured on Red Clay Plays Podcast w/ Monet Noelle Marshall. Featuring audio dramas and interviews with brilliant artists, Red Clay Plays champions Southern Black playwrights and the worlds they create with their words.
Produced by MOJOAA Performing Arts Company, based in Raleigh, NC.
The reading was accompanied by a playwright interview with me! Take a listen!
Starting in Fall 2020, Brittney has been promoted as the newest tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre for the Theatre Program at Old Dominion University. The area of focus is in Community Engaged Theatre and Theatre for Social Change. Prior to her promotion, she was brought on as a visiting professor for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Directed by Brittney S. Harris and produced by the Zeiders American Dream Theater....
“Hidden History: The Banjo” will premieres Juneteenth (June 19) as a salute to freedom through expression and creativity. Featuring an array of music, dance, and spoken word poetry from talented local artists and following the performance, WHRO’s Lisa Go
Directed by Brittney S. Harris and produced by the Zeiders American Dream Theater....
“Hidden History: The Banjo” will premieres Juneteenth (June 19) as a salute to freedom through expression and creativity. Featuring an array of music, dance, and spoken word poetry from talented local artists and following the performance, WHRO’s Lisa Godley will lead a community discussion about African and African American Culture, the importance of reconnecting music to cultural origins, and more.
The performance will begin at 2:30 p.m. on June 19 at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Miller Studio Theatre
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
From short play 'How to Tie a Tie' (Grace's monologue) was selected for publication in the Best Women's Monologues 2021 Anthology from Smith & Kraus Publishers.
S & K Publishers are the global leader in theatre book publishing.
Anthology will be available in Fall 2021.
From conferences to fringe festivals, my one-woman show 'Being B.A.D.' will be featured/toured in Spring & Summer 2021. Each show is accompanied by a talkback reflection with the audience addressing issues of gender disparity and awareness of intimate partner violence (IPV).
Embodying creative resistance against oppressive gender stereoty
From conferences to fringe festivals, my one-woman show 'Being B.A.D.' will be featured/toured in Spring & Summer 2021. Each show is accompanied by a talkback reflection with the audience addressing issues of gender disparity and awareness of intimate partner violence (IPV).
Embodying creative resistance against oppressive gender stereotypes and domestic violence, 'Being B.A.D.' is a piece about personal acceptance and redemption from the cycle of abuse.
Highlighted
I recently sat down for a conversation on “With Good Reason” about how performers, artists, and directors have kept the stage lights burning with creativity during the pandemic! “This is SO Not a PBS Special: Directing Symotmatic: IRL"
Recipient of the ATME Innovation Fellowship for solo piece ‘Being B.A.D.’ and the Performance of Redemption.
ATME grants awards to support innovation in one of three categories: New Work, Teaching, and Writing. The Association of Theatre Movement Educators (ATME) is shaping the future of kinesthetic and aesthetic education and the premi
Recipient of the ATME Innovation Fellowship for solo piece ‘Being B.A.D.’ and the Performance of Redemption.
ATME grants awards to support innovation in one of three categories: New Work, Teaching, and Writing. The Association of Theatre Movement Educators (ATME) is shaping the future of kinesthetic and aesthetic education and the premiere organization of and for theatre practitioners who specialize in physical training.
Interviewed by Cullen Strawn of Tidewater Family Plus Magazine, this article features my affinity for Devised and Activist theatre-- read more about my approach to how theatre can be a platform for social change.
CS: What drew you to theatre?
BH: Desire. The desire to use the stage to amplify narratives that had not been seen in the forefr
Interviewed by Cullen Strawn of Tidewater Family Plus Magazine, this article features my affinity for Devised and Activist theatre-- read more about my approach to how theatre can be a platform for social change.
CS: What drew you to theatre?
BH: Desire. The desire to use the stage to amplify narratives that had not been seen in the forefront. As a creative, it is my duty to provide a sacred forum/space for artist to create, explore, discover, and breathe life into their narratives...
Serves as lead project facilitator for a four-week (July 2020) creative applied theatre performative project with Teens with a Purpose's AdventuroUS Teen Summer Experience.
Workshop implores Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed 'Forum Theatre' techniques/exercises in relation to various locations/spaces in Norfolk, Virginia.
More information to come...
Again this summer, as a ‘Featured Speaker’ for the Women’s Theatre Fringe Festival of NC, I'm leading a two-parter workshop series on solo performance development ‘Flyin Solo: Your Story and Solo Performance Exploration’.
Again this summer, as a ‘Featured Speaker’ for the Women’s Theatre Fringe Festival of NC, I'm leading a two-parter workshop series on solo performance development ‘Flyin Solo: Your Story and Solo Performance Exploration’.
Participants are strongly encouraged to register for both parts.
Virtual conversation with local Black actors and artists on activism in their work. Free and open to the public.
Panel is June 9, 2020, 5:30-6:30pm
Panel led by: Terrance Afer-Anderson
Panelists: Tommy Coleman, Deirdre Love, Kai B. White, Le’Royce Bratsveen, Brittney S. Harris, Cory “The Talented Blind Guy” and LaQuita Marie Staten
University of Georgia Alumna Brittney S. Harris Receives 2020 Robert C. Anderson Memorial Award.
The Robert C. Anderson Award is given to recent Ph.D.s or terminal degree recipients for outstanding research at the university or immediately after graduating. It is named for the late Robert C. Anderson, who served as UGA’s vice president for
University of Georgia Alumna Brittney S. Harris Receives 2020 Robert C. Anderson Memorial Award.
The Robert C. Anderson Award is given to recent Ph.D.s or terminal degree recipients for outstanding research at the university or immediately after graduating. It is named for the late Robert C. Anderson, who served as UGA’s vice president for research and president of the University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
Offering a virtual solo development workshop 'Flyin' Solo: Your Story and Solo Performance Exploration with the "Get Virtual with Virginia Stage" series through the Virginia Stage Company’s Education and Community Engagement Department.
Workshop is May 14, 2020, 5:30-6:30pm. FREE, REGISTRATION REQUIRED.