Friday, August 5, 2011 was the launch party for the Premiere Acting Crew (PAC) who will now be housed at the Southwest Arts Center located at 915 New Hope Road Southwest Atlanta, GA 30331-7235. I arrived a little after 7pm in my cool white sundress ready to walk the white carpet. The cast was running a little behind from having dinner at Landon’s Restaurant and Bar, which was also the location for the “PAC Launch After Party.” While the crowd was waiting, I decided to take a photo of the young people who had strategic group poses in various costumes and outfits while sitting on park benches. It reminded me of a Norman Rockwell scene. They were well skilled and stood very still, even in that heat. Whew! Kudos!
Soon the limo pulled up with anticipation to see Freddie Hendricks, but he would apparently be in another limo that would be coming soon. However, Andre Allen the managing director and other PAC staff were in the first limo and they walked the white carpet. More supporters of PAC and Freddie Hendricks began to arrive and seemed very excited. While waiting for the show to begin guests were able to see old friends took photos, purchased PAC shirts, hats, make donations and purchased refreshments. The sea of the white attire added to the ambiance.
The show started a little late and I personally was a little disappointed at the number of people in the audience, especially since Freddie Hendricks has met so many milestones. Freddie Hendricks, a native of Columbus, GA s was the founding Artistic Director of the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta with over 20 productions addressing child abuse, HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, violence, apartheid, etc. to his credit. I met Freddie about 14-15 years ago when he was with the YEA. In 2002 Freddie received the Abby Awards as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievements in the Arts. He has taught at Morris Brown College and for years was the Drama Department Director at Tri- Cities and created productions for Morehouse, Spelman and Clark Colleges. Freddie Hendricks was also honored by former president Bill Clinton as a distinguished Teacher of America. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Alpha Pi Omega (Service), Alpha Psi Omega (drama). Freddie has a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Speech and Theatre Arts. So you see, I was expecting there to be a sold out crowd, but that was okay, because the people who attended had a WONDERFUL time and I am sure there will be nothing but sold out shows during the season starting with W.A.R. (We Ain't Right) running October 27 – November 20, 2011. (A theatrical protest song of life and journey of explosive issues, this moving exposé examines human behavior and asks the question, “Why? How did I get to this place and will it ever get better?”)
It’s show time! When you entered the auditorium you heard the sounds of DJ Da Dre who got the crowd “hyped.” The show was hosted by Enoch King wearing his sharp white three piece suit with his long white jacket. He was accompanied by his hilarious sidekick who had a very big smile, but never spoke!! The first acts of the evening included two performers that when they both walked out on the stage one may not anticipate such a performance! I have one for each performance- MAGNIFICANT!! I mean, I have never heard the song “Because He Lives” played on a flute like that before and I get chills thinking about it. The other young man sang danced with such zeal and possibly a “triple threat.” WOW!
Sultry singer and pianist new comer Drey Skonie who was the MTV "Making the Band 4" finalist from Detroit now calls PAC and the ATL home. Drey has a little Trez Songs thing going on and I loved the way he performed, even when he walked out into the audience and sat directly in front of me sing the song “Say Yes” by Floetry. Well I wasn’t familiar with that song and I do get a little shy at that type of attention so when Dre took the microphone and said “Say What” Why did the audience say “YES (because that is how the song goes) and I said “WHAT!” My soror Dionne Eleby who use to perform for the YEA took our photo and couldn’t help but laugh. I guess I had to laugh too as I had a piece of paper fanning myself. I am sure Drey is on his way to the top of the charts, but now I hope he is on his way to pulling up the sagging pants too! Not a good look, although he is a cutie.
The SWAC Teen Artistry Academy is made up of about 20 teens. They had a wonderful performance last weekend called “Black Love” at the Southwest Arts Center. AWESOME! It is always pretty interesting to me how the media can always find the “bad news” to feature about youth but rarely the good. This leads me to sharing the phenomenal piece they performed last night and last week which was a tribute to Bobby Tillman. Remember, he was the Georgia teenager who was randomly beaten to death by a group of partygoers and who had been to a church play about bullying just hours before. A very nice tribute.
The final performer was Sonya McGuire, a preacher's daughter who learned to sing, act, and appreciated music at an early age. She developed a love for singing and directing and became the musical director at her father's church and later she became worship leader for other churches. Sonya has the ability to write songs and blend soul, jazz, funk, praise and worship. She has shared the stage with artists such as Tye Tribett, Donnie McClurkin, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Kim Burrell, Marvin Sapp, Marcus Cole, Natalie Wilson and S.O.P., Rizen, Nancy Jackson, Angela Spivey, Youthful Praise, Mary Mary, Eugene Cole and Purpose, Crystal Rucker, Benard Johnson, Twinkie Clark-Terrell and the Georgia Mass Choir and has opened for Karen Clark-Sheard, Israel Houghton and New Breed, Beverly Crawford, Timothy Wright, Douglas Miller and Shae Norman. Need I say more. She too is on her way to the top of the charts.
If you missed the launch event please make sure you visit www.premiereactingcrew.orgfor upcoming performances in order to get your tickets in advance.
PREMIERE ACTING CREW (PAC): Founded in 2010 by world-renowned director Freddie Hendricks, PREMIERE ACTING CREW (P.A.C.) is an international theater company based in Atlanta, Georgia featuring a growing global network of teachers, facilitators, and artists focused on sharing the human experience and its lessons through theater. A collective of 30 artists expertly trained in a range of disciplines develop works with the desire to change the face of theater. P.A.C. sets the highest artistic standards to tackle topics of social change, political issues, and human dichotomy. The company takes elements of multimedia, dance, music, and acting to create outstanding pieces that target the inspiration of the world.
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