Issa Rae News

Black and Brown Theatre's Our Voices program teaches interested community members how to write and direct their own short play. Some of the playwrights have written plays before, but may have not received formal training. Others are writing a play for the first time, though some have had experience in poetry or fiction.

Announced today on the stage at the HBO Max WarnerMedia Day are three new projects in the works at the forthcoming streamer: DC Super Hero High from Elizabeth Banks, Rap Sh*t (working title) from Issa Rae and College Girls (working title) from Mindy Kaling.

Raedio, the new label co-founded by EMMY® Award-nominated and two-time Golden Globe® Award-nominated actress, producer, and writer Issa Rae, and Atlantic Records have announced a milestone new partnership. The joint venture kicks off with today's release of the new single, “Kinda Love,” by Raedio flagship artist TeaMarrr. The track is available now at all streaming service. The companion visual, directed by child (Ari Lennox, Lucky Daye), features cameos from label boss Issa Rae and comedian Jessie Woo.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center's Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center has announced the LA premiere of a new solo show, To T, or not To T?, written and performed by D'Lo, the acclaimed queer/transgender Tamil-Sri Lankan-American actor/writer/comedian. Directed by award-winning director/author/actress Adelina Anthony, opening is set for Friday, October 4, at 8pm. The run will continue through October 27 in the Davidson/Valentini Theatre.

On Friday, Oct. 11, 6:00 pm, Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series will honor award-winning performance artist, author and cultural activist Camille Yarbrough with our distinguished Reel Sisters Hattie McDaniel Award for her outstanding contributions to film, television, literature and performing arts over six decades. The Reel Sisters Trailblazer Award will be presented to Sandra Guzman, producer and lead interviewer of Toni Morrison: Pieces I Am, and pioneering filmmaker Leslie Harris, director of the classic film Just Another Girl on the I.R.T. Cash prizes will also be presented to our award-winning filmmakers. Tickets: $35 ($30 - Bring A Pal discount for 2+ tickets).

Variety reports that Issa Rae will develop a new version of crime thriller 'Set It Off.' The original film starred Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Vivica Fox and Kimberly Elise.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center's Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center has announced the LA premiere of a new solo show, To T, or not To T, written and performed by D'Lo, the acclaimed queer/transgender Tamil-Sri Lankan-American actor/writer/comedian. Directed by award-winning director/author/actress Adelina Anthony, there will be one preview performance on Thursday, October 3, at 8pm and opening is set for Friday, October 4, at 8pm. The run will continue through October 27 in the Davidson/Valentini Theatre.

HBO has renewed the sketch comedy series A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW for a second season, it was announced today by Amy Gravitt, executive vice president, HBO Programming.

 Comedy Central today ordered a new unscripted, interview-based series from Phoebe Robinson, the multi-talented stand-up comedian, New York Times best-selling writer and actress. In this half-hour, 10-episode untitled series, Robinson will create experiences with her guests that take us into their world and out of her comfort zone. This is Robinson's first project from her recently formed production company, Tiny Reparations.

A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, debuting FRIDAY, AUG. 2 (11:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT), is a narrative series set in a limitless magical reality full of dynamic, hilarious characters and celebrity guests. The show presents sketches performed by a core cast of black women, including creator Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis and Quinta Brunson. Thede executive produces, writes and stars and Issa Rae (Emmy® and Golden Globe nominee for HBO's “Insecure”) executive produces. 

Kenya Barris and Scott Mescudi have partnered with Netflix for an all new innovative adult animated music series based on Grammy-award winning artist Kid Cudi's upcoming album, Entergalactic, being released by Republic Records.

OZY Media, the media company bringing “the new and the next” to the Change Generation, today announced that the co-captain of the World Cup-winning U.S. Women's Soccer Team, Megan Rapinoe, will speak at the fourth annual OZY Fest, taking place on July 20-21, 2019 in New York's Central Park. Described by CNBC as “New York's answer to SXSW,” OZY Fest will feature two full days of live music, conversation, comedy and food on the iconic Great Lawn. Tickets are available now at www.ozyfest.com.

WarnerMedia today unveiled HBO Max as the name of its new streaming service, which will offer an impressive direct-to-consumer experience for everyone ranging from families with young children to adults of all ages. Anchored with and inspired by the legacy of HBO's excellence and award-winning storytelling, the new service will be 'Maximized' with an extensive collection of exclusive original programming (Max Originals) and the best-of-the-best from WarnerMedia's enormous portfolio of beloved brands and libraries.

The sketch comedy series A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW debuts FRIDAY, AUG. 2 (11:00-11:30 p.m. ETPT), exclusively on HBO.

BET Networks honored a powerful and show-stopping lineup of artists, entertainers, cultural icons and inspiring humanitarians across more than 18 categories at the 19th Annual 'BET AWARDS.' The ceremony, hosted by actress and comedian Regina Hall, aired live on BET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 23, 2019.

Tune-in to see Hollywood's elite salute Denzel Washington with the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award, America's highest honor for a career in film. Washington's closest friends and collaborators Mahershala Ali, Chadwick Boseman, Jodie Foster, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Michael B. Jordan, Spike Lee, Issa Rae, Julia Roberts, Cicely Tyson and more will celebrate his life and career, sharing never-before-heard stories of their personal experiences with the legendary actor over the past four decades. The special will also feature a musical performance by Jennifer Hudson, singing a powerful rendition of Sam Cooke's classic, 1964 civil-rights anthem "A Change Is Gonna Come."

Critically acclaimed drama series “Queen Sugar,” from creator and executive producer Ava DuVernay (“When They See Us,” “13th,” “Selma”), has announced the addition of five female directors to the season line-up: Lacey Duke, C. Fitz, Pratibha Parmar, Deborah Kampmeier and Stacey Muhammad. This marks 32 female filmmakers the series has hired to make their U.S. scripted television directing debuts. In addition, guest stars Cree Summer and Bryan Terrell Clark join the cast on the upcoming fourth season returning Wednesday, June 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Comedy Central, the #1 brand in comedy, Superfly, the founders of Bonnaroo, and Outside Lands co-producer Another Planet Entertainment, today announced the annual Up Next showcase at Comedy Central Presents Clusterfest. The weekend will highlight 18 comedians with two separate and distinct stand-up showcases taking place on Friday, June 21 and 22 and a variety showcase on Saturday, June 22. All shows will be held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium  in the Larkin room.

TRT closes their 20182019 season with 'Oo-Bla-Dee' by Regina Taylor from June 8 to June 30. The production is directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson and features original music by Diedre L. Murray with original lyrics by Regina Taylor. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Amber Iman who is playing Luna C in the show.

The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the first wave of guest presenters who will celebrate Denzel Washington at the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award on June 6, 2019, at a Gala Tribute in Los Angeles. Chadwick Boseman, Jodie Foster, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman (2011 honoree), Michael B. Jordan, Issa Rae, Julia Roberts and Cicely Tyson will all be in attendance to pay tribute to Washington's life and work. In addition, multitalented film, television and music video artist Melina Matsoukas (AFI Class of 2005) will receive the 2019 Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal, recognizing her extraordinary creative talents.