J. Kyle Manzay News

Performers Leading Artistic Youth (PLAY) recently announced the launch of its first Living Portrait (LP) performance series, featuring a masterful journey through the lives of five African American legends, performed by classically-trained actor, Willie E. Teacher. Supported by its Broadway caliber of imagery and sound, LP inspires leadership, develops self-esteem and highlights the historical impact of these legends' contributions to our individual success. The first LP series, scheduled to debut Friday, Jan. 30 at The Harlem School of The Arts Theatre, includes the profiles of President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Jack Johnson, George Washington Carver and Harriet Tubman. 'We're living in a very poignant time in history, where the dreams of our past leaders have become reality for our current leaders,' said LP actor, Willie E. Teacher. 'It is very critical educators are able to make that connection for children in a way that allows them to see how their current decisions impact the face of history for future generations. Living Portrait is no doubt a powerful and unique tool for educators to engage students in the process of learning.' Willie E. Teacher is deeply committed to enriching the lives of urban youth through student-centered, theatrical performance-based interaction (PBI). He has spent 15 years developing and perfecting his techniques both on stage and in the classroom, including his role as Director of the Indiana Jones production at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Teacher holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from Brandeis University. Most recently, he has held lead roles in the acclaimed Off-Broadway play, Actor's Rap with playwright J. Kyle Manzay and the Tony award-winning production, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death, written by Melvin Van Peebles. Teacher also holds TV and movie credits, having appeared in the HBO movie, Life Support, starring Queen Latifah, as well as numerous appearances on ABC's All My Children.

Performers Leading Artistic Youth (PLAY) recently announced the launch of its first Living Portrait (LP) performance series, featuring a masterful journey through the lives of five African American legends, performed by classically-trained actor, Willie E. Teacher. Supported by its Broadway caliber of imagery and sound, LP inspires leadership, develops self-esteem and highlights the historical impact of these legends' contributions to our individual success. The first LP series, scheduled to debut Friday, Jan. 30 at The Harlem School of The Arts Theatre, includes the profiles of President Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Jack Johnson, George Washington Carver and Harriet Tubman. 'We're living in a very poignant time in history, where the dreams of our past leaders have become reality for our current leaders,' said LP actor, Willie E. Teacher. 'It is very critical educators are able to make that connection for children in a way that allows them to see how their current decisions impact the face of history for future generations. Living Portrait is no doubt a powerful and unique tool for educators to engage students in the process of learning.' Willie E. Teacher is deeply committed to enriching the lives of urban youth through student-centered, theatrical performance-based interaction (PBI). He has spent 15 years developing and perfecting his techniques both on stage and in the classroom, including his role as Director of the Indiana Jones production at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Teacher holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from Brandeis University. Most recently, he has held lead roles in the acclaimed Off-Broadway play, Actor's Rap with playwright J. Kyle Manzay and the Tony award-winning production, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death, written by Melvin Van Peebles. Teacher also holds TV and movie credits, having appeared in the HBO movie, Life Support, starring Queen Latifah, as well as numerous appearances on ABC's All My Children.

Wendell Pierce and J. Kyle Manzay will headline the Classical Theatre of Harlem's Waiting for Godot, running from May 18th through June 25th