A Night of Engaging and Believable Performances from Metro-Atlanta’s Rising Stars
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, the highly anticipated Carl Gilliard’s Actors Intensive Showcase took place, leaving the audience in awe of the exceptional talent displayed by twelve aspiring actors. Under the expert guidance of Latonya Black Gilliard, this showcase presented an array of captivating performances, spanning various genres and centuries, and solidifying the reputation of Atlanta’s acting scene as a breeding ground for extraordinary talent.
The evening commenced with a delightful comedy sketch titled “Bank Robbery,” performed by Kennijah Martin and Zada Luby. Their impeccable comedic timing and chemistry set the tone for an evening filled with laughter and entertainment. Following this, Darn Oldham and Omari Sherif took the stage to deliver a powerful scene from August Wilson’s renowned play, “Jitney.” The duo’s emotional depth and command over their characters left the audience spellbound.
Next, Kaypri and Charles French transported the audience to the streets of New Orleans with a riveting scene from Tennessee Williams’ classic, “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Their portrayal of complex characters showcased their exceptional acting prowess. Jacob Daniel Smith then took center stage, delivering a mesmerizing monologue from Shakespeare, capturing the essence of the Bard’s timeless language with remarkable grace and skill.
Carol Hayes and Darn Oldham brought the silver screen to life with a captivating scene from the movie “Jackie Brown.” Their chemistry and authenticity in their roles drew the audience deeper into the story. Joshua Wade and Zada Luby transported the viewers to the fantasy realm of “Game of Thrones” with a scene that showcased their ability to embody characters from a vastly different world.
Jacob Daniel Smith and Alycia Solomon delivered a powerful scene from the movie “Cadillac Records,” exhibiting their talent for capturing the essence of historical characters. Jamilya Moore then took the stage with an emotionally charged monologue from August Wilson’s “Fences,” leaving the audience moved by her raw performance.
Isaiah Anthony and Zada Luby’s dynamic performance brought the world of DC Comics to life, showcasing their versatility and range as actors. Kaypri and Omari Sherif continued to captivate the audience with a scene from the popular television series “Sons of Anarchy,” their chemistry and intensity leaving a lasting impression.
Joshua Wade returned to the stage with a compelling Shakespearean monologue, showcasing his command over classical texts. Jacob Daniel Smith and Kennijah Martin then amazed the audience with a scene from the beloved movie “Frozen,” displaying their ability to create a deep emotional connection with the viewers.
Alycia Solomon and Zada Luby lightened the mood with a hilarious comedy sketch set in a grocery store, fighting over an item. Their comedic timing and delivery had the audience in stitches. Finally, Isaiah Anthony and Alycia Solomon concluded the showcase with a heartfelt scene from the iconic film “When Harry Met Sally,” leaving the audience with a sense of nostalgia and longing.
The Carl Gilliard’s Actors Intensive Showcase was a testament to the immense talent flourishing in the metro-Atlanta area. Each actor brought their unique style and interpretation to their respective roles, captivating the audience with their authenticity and commitment to their craft. The guidance provided by Carl Gilliard’s Actors Intensive Class undoubtedly played a significant role in nurturing these actors’ abilities and enabling them to deliver such remarkable performances.
As the evening drew to a close, it was evident that the future of Atlanta’s acting scene is bright, with these talented individuals poised to make a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. The Carl Gilliard’s Actors Intensive Showcase not only celebrated their achievements but also highlighted the thriving arts community in Atlanta.
The showcase was a resounding success, leaving the audience in awe of the exceptional talent on display. The actors’ performances were engaging, believable, and showcased their immense potential. Carl Gilliard’s Actors Intensive Class continues to play a vital role in nurturing and developing the metro-Atlanta area’s rising stars. With their dedication, passion, and undeniable talent, these actors are destined for great success in the entertainment industry.
About Carl Gilliard
Carl Gilliard is an accomplished actor, director, and producer with an impressive career spanning over 25 years in film, television, and theater. As an actor, Gilliard is currently has a recurring role as ‘Brother Minister’ on the hit television show “The Family Business.” He has played roles in many film/television productions including “Silent Night in Algona,” “Our Christmas Love Story“, “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story,” “Family Blood,” “Bel-Air,” “CSI: Vegas,” “Bigger” and “Shameless.”
As a theater director, he has helmed productions such as “Section 8” and “Commitment Vs. Phobia,” showcasing his creative vision and leadership skills. Gilliard has also made his mark as a director and producer of independent films, including “Section 8” and the short film “Restraining Order.”
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Gilliard serves as the Ministry Leader of the FCBC Repertory Company, the Drama Ministry at Faithful Central Bible Church. He is known for his commitment to mentoring and developing emerging talent, as exemplified by his role as the Manager of Bill Duke’s BootCamp Hollywood, where he helps aspiring actors hone their skills.
Gilliard’s passion for storytelling extends beyond the stage and screen. He is a creator and producer of multiple film projects currently in development, showcasing his dedication to bringing fresh and compelling narratives to audiences. A graduate of Michigan State University, Gilliard’s diverse background also includes experience as an Account Manager at Variety Magazine, providing him with valuable insights into the industry.
Recognized for his expertise and contributions to the film community, Gilliard has served as a juror at the prestigious Pan African Film Festival since 2007. As a producer, he achieved acclaim with the audience award-winning film “Retiring Tatiana” at the festival. Furthermore, Gilliard showcased his directorial skills with the feature film “Section 8,” which garnered recognition at six film festivals, including a Best Feature award at the Arizona Black Film Showcase. Recently, “Two Degrees,” a short film directed by Kent Faulcon and starring Gilliard, won Best Comedy Television Pilots/Series during the 22nd Urban Mediamakers Film Festival in October 2023.
Throughout his career, Carl Gilliard has studied under esteemed acting coaches such as Wayne Dvorek, Michael Bofshever, Sy Richardson, Bill Duke, and Tasha Smith. His commitment to the craft and dedication to nurturing talent have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
As a driving force behind the success of Carl Gilliard’s Actors Intensive Showcase, Gilliard continues to inspire and empower emerging actors, contributing to the growth and development of the entertainment industry as a whole. His multifaceted talents and unwavering passion make him a prominent figure and mentor in the metro-Atlanta area and beyond.
For more information on Carl Gilliard’s Actors Intensive Class, visit https://gilliardmedia.tv/.
