HOPE FLOOD-THE BIZ OF SHOW
Hope Flood is still one of the most "Keeping it Real" comediennes on the laff circuit today. Her appeal is universal due to her everyday life experiences that she joke about having audiences thirsty for more. Hope has been in the business for over 29 years and has produces weekly showcases that help launched the careers of many successful comedians from Jamie Foxx to
Chris Tucker just to name a few. Appearanes on "Russell Simmon's All-Star Def Comedy Jam," ten seasons on "BET's Comicview, where she won her own one hour "Grandstand Comedy Jam Special."
COCOA BROWN-FROM STAGE TO SCREEN
The Newport News, Virginia native, born Farah Brown, assails her craft with such passion and soul searching veracity, when she claims the stage the ensuing act is nothing short of a force of nature. COCOA BROWN audaciously draws from painful reminiscences and hard-knocked lessons, bravely weaving humorous tales that uplift, upend and upgrade everything you thought you knew about comedy. What drives the comic that female fans nationwide have nicknamed "The Truth"? The sheer will of a woman who has survived the worst life had to offer and is still standing.
RODNEY PERRY-IMPROV
Perry is an expert on all things family and rips the seams of crowds that attend his shows to hear all about his fatherhood fodder. Perry finds delight in giving back and sharing what he’s learned over the years with his weekly classes that he hosts in Atlanta where he calls home. Preparing the next generation of comedians is what he feels is a small contribution in his legacy that will keep laughs going for generations to come.
SHANG-SOCIAL MEDIA & MORE (VIRTUAL)
SHANG, a transplanted New Yorker whose carefully nurtured evolution from stand-up comedy to socio-political satire gives heavy flight to the spoken and outspoken word. The 2011 Famecast Comedy Winner, SHANG has been seen on CBS’S The Late Late Show 2X BET's Comic View Grand Stand Winner HBO 's Def Jam & Def Poetry, Gotham LIVE STARZ 1st Amendment, Si TV, Mun2 Comics Unleashed, Comedy Central’s Jamie Foxx Laffapaloolza ,Premium Blend & Gotham Comedy LIVE.
Julie Rodgers-Color & Soul Makeup
Julie has spent 39 years as a Holistic Esthetician/Herbalist and Professional Makeup Artist. As CEO of Color and Soul Enterprises and creator of Color and Soul Cosmetics and BBnBrown BB Cream, she formulates and compounds mineral-based cosmetics made for Women Of Color and "hard to match" skin tones. She is also the creator of Color&Soul Skin Care line and her newest specialty line of self care products for essential workers and “quarantined stressed” skin and body concerns called ZenMe Care.
MARCUS BOWERS-DATA OVER DOLLARS
Marcus Bowers is a COMEDIAN, PHILANTHROPIST, AUTHOR, GLOBALPRENEUR,
and co-founder of She’s Happy Hair, the # 1 Virgin Hair supplier in the United States.
With an initial investment of just $800 back in 2012, fast-forward to 2020 and She’s
Happy Hair has grown to multiple storefront locations in major cities across the U.S., a
heavy online presence (ShesHappyHair.com), and well over 80 million dollars in total
sales with loyal, repeat customers around the globe.
KENTE SCOTT-PUNCH IT UP (LIMITED SEATING)
Born and raised in Oakland, California. Although his father wanted him to be a doctor, Kenté was destined for a different life path as he started to appear in commercials and stage plays while attending UCLA. Upon graduation, he decided to pursue a career in acting and stand-up comedy. Kenté started doing stand-up at the world famous Comedy Store in Hollywood. He has left crowds laughing all over the country, performing with such comic heavyweights as Katt Williams, Cedric The Entertainer, Melanie Camacho, Sherri Shepherd, Chris Spencer, and Rodney Perry. Kenté recently returned from co-headlining a tour of the U.S. Military bases in japan, bringing his humor to our troops.
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KENNETH JOHNSON-FUNNY FORMAT 101
Kenneth "Big Kenney" Johnson has established himself as one of comedy’s brightest and most-versatile talents. His unique brand of reality-based humor and storytelling are universal in appeal and his quick wit and funny characters draw an audience in and holds their attention. In addition to standup comedy and acting Big Kenney is the co-host of a sports and entertainment radio show, a television writer and an expert level improv artist.
TROY RAWLINGS-ON THE RADIO
Troy Rawlings is also the host of The Raw Uncut Show, Forum and Tour, where in a comedy based interactive adults only forum, Troy allows his audience to ask any sex, love, and relationship question imaginable. In over a DECADE of doing his tour Troy has traveled around the United States and is now traveling around the world entertaining and educating thousands on things once considered taboo to talk about. Troy Rawlings is a comedian, producer, radio and TV personality, and author originally from Baltimore, Maryland. Troy now resides in Burbank, California.
Book the hottest, sexiest, funniest show in the World for your Next Event!
RIQUE JOHNSON-BIRTH YOUR BOOK BABY
Rique has always had a passion for the Arts. He made homemade films, trained as
a commercial artist, became a photographer, and was a fashion and print model. He was a
local favorite for several fashion designers in the DC metro area and has been a runway
model for the Black Caucus. He was Mr. October in the Black Men of Washington
calendar in 1985.Yet, he has always penciled something. As far as he can remember, his passion
for writing started well before his teenage years. One of his fondest memories was a love
letter he wrote to his fourth-grade teacher. Since that time, he has penciled many songs,
various pieces of poetry and writing he simply calls thoughts.
His imagination comes across in his novels as creative, bold and sometimes edgy.
Rique is often called a storyteller. His writing places readers into the pages of the story
and make the pages play like a movie in their own imagination. He is a passionate writer
who is unafraid to reveal the sensitivity of a male or himself, thus, invoking an emotional
response from the readers.
BELYNDA CLEARE-MENTALLY YOURS
As a Humorist,Comedian, Writer, Keynote Speaker and Consultant Belynda infuses humor into all aspects of her work. Having mastered the art of stand up comedy, she has merged her love of making people laugh with her commitment to helping others. Coming from a background in Psychology, her work as a counselor and a mental health advocate, she’s become a highly sought after Speaker, Consultant and Comedian. Belynda’s success is due to her determination, fearlessness in the face of failure and her ability to find humor in life’s challenges. Belynda is determined to enlighten and inspire the world through Laughter, Motivation or Education.
KENNY WILLIAMS-COMEDY BOOT CAMP
Kenny Williams is a Queens, NY native. For over 20 years he has performed in comedy clubs, colleges, churches, correctional facilities(Yes for Inmates), & military bases nationally and overseas. His experience is evident when you are watching his strong performance. With his "I didn't see that coming" storytelling & roller coaster effect style, he leaves his audience thoroughly entertained. This seasoned veteran comedian can be PG rated, so he's able to make any event a comedy friendly situation. YouTube Kenny Williams and see for yourself. His credits include: BET ComicView & The phenomenal web series "Money & Violence". He's currently working on a Project with 3CK Media featuring "Urban Puppets" & "Black Twitter".
LAMONT FERRELL-WRITING FOR SITCOMS &
HOW TO PITCH YOUR SHOW TO NETWORK
Originally from Philadelphia, LaMont has been a professional writer for almost twenty years and has been written and produced over a dozen TV shows. Some of the shows he has written for include BET’s “Nothin’ But a Women,” the WB’s “The Parent’Hood” and UPN’s “Moesha.” He won The Media Projects 2000 SHINE AWARD for a Moesha episode he co- wrote for the sitcom formally starring Brandy.
MIKE POINTER-SO YOU WANT TO BE IN COMMERCIALS? (VIRTUAL)
Coach Mike, a successful commercial actor for over 28 years himself, teaches outstanding, cutting edge strategies that has helped thousands of actors quit their day jobs, and build a successful career in TV commercials. Coach Mike’s powerful on-camera techniques and outstanding business strategies has set a new standard and cutting edge approach in the on-camera commercial training industry. These classes are highly recommended by top commercial agencies as well as top Managers, and Casting Directors that also teach classes! Coach Mike Pointer is also a published author of 2 books 'How To Book TV Commercials' and 'Programming Your Mind For Success'. He is also a contributing expert, content provider for the casting website Casting Frontier.
ANTAVIUS WEEMS-ASK THE CELEBRITY ATTORNEY
Managing partner of The Weems Firm, P.C., a premier full service law firm in downtown Atlanta, which focuses on Civil Litigation, Real Estate, Entertainment/Sports, Corporate Reconstruction and Family Law.
WILLIE LYNCH,JR-HEAVENS GROCERY STORE
Comedian and Historian Willie Lynch, Jr. is a nationally known stand up and motivational speaker who has been seen on Roland Martin's Show on TvOne, Bounce Tv's Off the Chain, Gotham Comedy Live and is the 2012 Winner of the Historic Bay Area Comedy Competition and Festival. Catch the East St. Louis native at a comedy club or school near you!Winner of the 2012 Bay Area Comedy Competition and Festival.
MARK GREGORY-WRITING & IMPROV
Comedian Mark Gregory has quickly become one of the rising stars of comedy. His unique ability to perform for churches, corporate events and comedy clubs sets him apart, making him a highly sought after act. Though he is the nephew of comedic legend Dick Gregory, he has carved out his own path appearing on Aspire TV's We Got Next, FOX TV's One Mic Stand, The world famous Apollo theatre and TBS Just For Laughs comedy festival. In 2014, he taped his first hour special One Man Two Worlds at the historic Victoria Theatre in Dayton, Oh to a sold out audience. In 2015, he won the Search For The One Comedy Competition & recorded another television special. This time for television in conjunction with The Assignment Agency & Oak View Point Films. In 2016 he traveled the country as the host of the Rebirth of Comedy tour featuring Akintunde & David Mann aka Mr. Brown. In 2017 Mark took his talents overseas headlining a 7 day USO tour across Germany for United States service armed forces. Mark recently recorded a comedy special entitled “Run With It” that will be placed on Amazon and other streaming services in 2021
TINA GRAHAM-INDUSTRY PANEL
Tina Graham has worked diligently for the last 18 years in urban comedy. She began her career in comedy in 1989 by assisting in the development of the first Black owned Comedy Club. "The Uptown Comedy Club" in Harlem, New York was the first place to feature and nurture up and coming urban comedy and musical talents. Since then she has worked on many other shows including; Talent Executive, Fox "Uptown Comedy Club TV Show"; NBC's "Showtime At The Apollo"; Talent Producer, "HBO SNAPS"; Consultant, "Bet Comicview 2001"; Talent Consultant, "Laffapalooza 1999"; Comedy Talent Consultant, UPN's "Showtime In Harlem 2002-03" and the world renown "Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam"
ADONIUS D JOHNSON & ANTOINE HUMPHRIES-
DREAM BIG FROM DREAMS TO REALITY
A WORKSHOP TO RENEW YOUR MINDS TO ACHIEVE FINACIAL LITERACY, SELF
EMPOWERMENT,ENTERPERNUARSHIP AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.
Karen Ceesay - ONE WOMAN/ ONE MAN SHOW & COMMERCIAL ACTING
Creating a One-Person Show
So, you want to do a one person show. Should be easy, right? I mean you’re just talking about yourself…right? Right, but not completely. If you want to create an entertaining and completely authentic show about yourself, it will take a lot of work; especially with so many other things competing for everyone’s attention.
Join actor/writer/producer Karen Ceesay as she helps you figure out how to write, plan and produce an engaging and technically clean one-person show.
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Michelby Whitehead - Publicity When Your Money is Funny
No publicist required! This workshop will teach you how to pitch yourself for more press and media visibility without breaking the bank.
With over a decade of experience and education in public relations, journalism, and talent management, Michelby Whitehead is a true MEDIAnista! The bayou belle has helped clients from various industries achieve visibility on platforms such as Essence, BET, Black Enterprise and Good Day Atlanta, to name a few
Annually, she hosts the “I Need Business Besties” Brunch to help Louisiana women in entrepreneurship gain access to resources and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Michelby has also been a contributor for Curly Nikki, Madame Noire, XoNecole, Grind Pretty, Bauce and other amazing publications. Her affiliations include For(bes) The Culture and the National Association of Black Journalists.
Michelby’s highly-anticipated book Write On Time! Prompt & Perfect Pitch Ideas That Get Media Attention is available for purchase at bookstores everywhere.
Shuler King - Social Media/Digital Real Estate
King has opened for some of the most notable and talented comedians and comediennes in the industry. He credits his parents strict yet loving upbringing, his harsh surroundings growing up and the state of the country today with giving him his comedic style, which he describes as RAW. King says “Comedy isn’t about being happy all the time. Comedy is just as much about pain that people endure. When you hear 20,000 people in an arena laugh at a joke it’s because they all can relate to experiencing that same pain”. His comedy career began while he was a Freshman in college, after he took the stage for the very first time at the NCO Club on a military base and the rest is history. King is one of the most energetic rising comedians in the business.
Michael Sokol - Sketch Comedy
Michael Sokol is the Artistic Director of Mighty Shorts, a collective of sketch comedy teams that performs live in Atlanta. MIchael has produced and written live and video sketch comedy for nearly 20 years, including paid content for Funny or Die and Turner's Super Deluxe. He's also produced a feature, Postal, distributed by Freestyle Media, and a short form series for the FXX series, Cake. He is a commissioned screenwriter and recently sold a pilot to PopTV. He is also on faculty at Emory Continuing Education, instructing courses in Comedy Writing and Sitcom Writing
Michael Good - Auditioning Techniques
Michael Mario Good holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Theatre, a GPSC certification in Drama and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He has worked as an Actor, Producer, and Director for over twenty years. As an educator, he has worked in various school systems as a drama teacher for all grade levels. He is an Acting Coach for Theatre, Film & Television, and has a passion for helping actors achieve their dreams. As Owner and Founder of Good Acting Studio, his vision is to train all actors from novice to professional to become a total actor. He holds true to the belief that “Character is not made in crisis, but is only exhibited.”