Developing Fresh Voices and PRODUCING THEATRE for the 21st Century
Special Topic Talk - Activism through the theatre
About the Talk
Shawn Whitsell will discuss the ways he uses playwriting for social change - in particular his volunteer service with Riverbend Maximum Security prison in Nashville, bringing playwriting into the prison, and plays from the incarcerated men into the community. Q&A will follow. Suggested audiences: College/University Departments (Theatre, Creative Writing/English, Black Studies, Criminal Justice, Social Work and more); Writing Groups, Social Justice Groups, General Theatre Audience
About the Playwright
Shawn Whitsell is a father, activist, poet and teaching artist. He is also an actor, playwright, director, producer and founder of the Destiny Theatre Experience. His one-man show 23/1 was named "Best Blend of Theater and Activism" by the Nashville Scene, for its message about solitary confinement and mass incarceration. When he isn't onstage, he visits schools and community spaces, teaching spoken word for Southern Word and drama for a number of arts institutions. He also serves as a volunteer for the School for Alternative Learning & Transformation (SALT) at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. Shawn was a 2020 Nashville New Leaders Council fellow and is currently a member of the NLC board. He also serves on the boards of Street Theatre Company and Rooftop Nashville. He is a member of the Metro Nashville Community Oversight Board and the Co-Chair of the Criminal Justice Task Force for Nashville Organized For Action and Hope (NOAH).
Book a Special Topics Talk - ACTIVISM THROUGH THEATRE
Email us with your date preferences and budget, and we will contact you to discuss/confirm. Suggested fee is $250. We can work with budgets for HCBUs or programs with limited resources/special circumstances.
Book a Live Special Topics Talk - ACTIVISM THROUGH THEATRE
Email us with your date preferences and budget, and we will contact you to discuss/confirm. Suggested fee is $400/day plus travel expenses.