My Theatre/Actor Journey + Photoshoot with Designer Sophia Guajardo and Photographer Taylor Mae
My theatre Journey started when I was in Elementary School at Academy Central around the 5th grade and taking after school performing Arts classes at Central Highschool. I was rehearsing to be in a play about the American classical cartoon Peanuts: ‘Charlie Brown’ playing ‘Franklin Armstrong’ who was the first black character in Charles M. Schulz's ‘Peanuts’ comic strip. I was excited to portray this character on stage, especially one that looked like me. I remember my first theatre teacher Mrs. Ardelle I believe was her name, who trained me and the other cast who were in Middle Schools and Elementary schools around the city in dance, singing, and acting. After about a month of rehearsing I was pulled out of the class by my mother for bad grades, which broke my heart as a kid. Theatre was the first place I felt seem, felt heard, and where I felt like I belonged. I was also in my local Church plays for Easter, and Christmas, but being on stage felt different.
It wasn’t until I was in Middle School at Thoreau Demonstration Academy, that I got back into theatre by taking a drama class, and my favorite teacher instantly became Mr. Lavah who we nicknamed ‘Flava Lavah.’ The first play I was in was in the 6th grade and I played ‘Sandy the Dog’ in the theatre play ‘Annie.’ It required me to dress up in a dog costume and howl the song ‘Tomorrow’ with the actress that plays Annie. Pretty hilarious right? Lol But what was so dope is that as a young kid I was willing to be open minded, and not judge the role without looking at it negatively which landed me lead roles, and more speaking parts in 7th, and 8th grade.
At Union High-school I wasn’t in theatre, but my mother put me into acting classes at John Casablancas acting, and modeling school. After high school I moved to D.C, and eventually New York to pursue my modeling career for about 4 years. I remember passing by Broadway theatres and shows all the time but never having in interest in theatre. When I moved back to my hometown Tulsa, Oklahoma I signed with the Linda Layman Agency and from there I landed my first commercial with Alabama Credit Union, was a stand in for actor ‘Ricky Whittle’ for a TV called ‘American Gods’, a background extra in a movie called ‘Starbright’, a bodyguard in movie called ‘Jurassic Games’, and featured in two Hard Rock Casino commercials all in Oklahoma, and not New York, or L.A. Helping me get my first acting credit with (IMDB) an online database of information related to films, television series, podcasts, home videos, video games, and streaming content online.
I got back in Theatre in the year 2024 when I was asked to step in for someone who had dropped out of their role as one of the ‘Drifters’ in the play ‘Beautiful the Carol King Musical’ produced by ‘Theatre Tulsa’ in 2003. Jumping back into theatre my heart was racing, wondering if I had what it takes to fulfill the role, but then I remembered all of my experiencing performing my own original music from my two mixtapes ‘Days In The Midwest’ and ‘On A Journey’ and promoting my single ‘Carefree Black Boy’ led up to this moment. I took the role and met so many amazing people including choreographers, and vocal coaches and performed s solo number titled ‘Up On the Roof.’ The next play I would be in was in 2024 with ‘American Theatre Company’ a dram/comedy titled ‘Under The Skin’ where I played two characters at the same time Hector/Jarrel. Then in 2025, based on my previous theatre experience I was asked to audition for another play produced by Theatre North titled ‘Chicken & Biscuits’ a black family comedy. Someone at the ‘Tulsa Performing Arts Center’ saw my performance and asked me If I would be interested in their third self-Produced show in ‘Rag Time’ the musical in the Harlem Ensemble. I don’t know where my acting, and theatre experience will take me in the next 10 years, but I hope it continues to surprise me. I definitely want to get more into film. My dream is to be a fulltime artist in film, music, and modeling.
After an incredible run, we’re down to the last weekend of performances at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Don’t miss your chance to experience this moving story of justice, love, and the heartbeat of America told through music.
📍 Tulsa Performing Arts Center
110 E 2nd St S, Tulsa, OK 74103
📅 Showtimes:
🎭 Friday, August 22 – Evening
🎭 Saturday, August 23 – Matinee & Evening
🎭 Sunday, August 24 – Closing Show
Every performance has been a journey—now we close it out with soul, fire, and gratitude. Come be part of history before the curtain falls.
This photoshoot was taken, and styled by photographer, and ‘The Sobo’ 2201 E Admiral Blvd Suite A, Tulsa, OK 74110 vintage shop owner (www.thesobo.shop) Taylor Mae who I last shot with at The Philbrook Museum with Tulsa Creative Engine, and UK based designer ‘Sophia Guajardo’ (www.guajardostudio.com) who designed the bowties, and who I have had the pleasure of modeling for in three runway shows with Oklahoma Fashion Alliance.
