iWRITE u READ; uWRiTE iREAD

I recently wrote an article about NSU Theatre and thanks to my best friend @celitheactress its been posted in HBCU Digest magazine online! "I do not know a better person."

http://www.hbcudigest.com/2010/12/theater-review-the-norfolk-state-players-the-amen-corner/

Im coming home...

See you soon!

"if you cant change the people around you, change the people around you!"

I came across this quote a few years ago at school. I always knew what it meant but often it carried a negative connotation. Realizing and fearing [in some instances] the guilt of having to trade in those close to you because they may be unable to acquiesce certain values, loyalty, or respect you may require in a friendship or any form of relationship between two people [for that matter.] But not until recently [especially tonight] have I been so thrilled, eager, honored, ecstatic, or exuberant to let the anchors of my sinking ship go [sink or swim] giving me the opportunity to soar to the top amidst few. It is SO very important [imperative] to be aware [beware] of the company you keep, especially in regards to your profession [dreams] I'm an actor, I dream lavishly and always [ALWAYS] hone my craft. #noexceptions. Participating in theatre at Norfolk State University, a small guild, made my ties to those who shared my passion [allegedly] tight and heart found. However, the more I grow and develop my craft, I notice a lack of such, [regardless of the reason] in others around me. I'm no one to say that they don't wish to fulfill their dream as badly as I or lack talent, [NEVER count anyone out.] Their efforts are just lackadaisical. [which can be detrimental to personal growth!] anything not growing is dead, and we all know what happens in stagnant water, [i digress]

Thankfully, I have indeed managed to make bonds, ties, connections with extremely dedicated people who never cease to amaze, inspire, encourage, surprise, mold, and teach me some of the most important and valuable lessons I could ever wish to experience. [Most Personally] @celitheactress [mi hermana] and @msklassychassy I don't believe in exploitation or gimmicks so id rather not speak on personal endeavors of either [they will tell you for themselves] just know that implementing like minded, dedicated, driven, and focused individuals into your circle will keep you amid the clouds soaring with eagles and out of sight and mind of buzzards [REAL TALK] these women have a hustle like no one in this world! they are unapologetic, unimpressed or intimidated by anyone around them. They know about power of dreams, the words you release, and reality of this industry. But more importantly, they attain the necessary skills to take them the places they wish to go [not unlike myself] They make powerful, bold, moves, and know without a shadow of doubt their intended purpose and intentions in life.

Lets take a second and release the dead weight we carry and release them; not only for their benefit, but our own. TWITTER has also given me the opportunity to gain new insight from even more people who share the same ambitions as me. [I've checked the credits and weeded through those with twitter personalities] so stop following your friends, overzealous personalties, and gossipers and get some cultured perspective. you'll feel better! SERIOUSLY, realize your potential in this world and invest boldly in it by shifting those around you who do nothing to help in ascertaining your dreams victoriously! at least, review your friendships, determine their worth, and decide what is best for your future.

P E A C E

Thank You... Later?

[THIS BLOG WAS WRITTEN 2 DAYS AGO]

Well, thanks to @skinnyjeanius [follow him!] I will begin fasting tomorrow, no food or drink from sun up to sun down in observation or agreeance of Ramadan.

[What was I thinking?]

I've often admired the discipline of muslims. one of my best friends in high school is muslim and I was so very impressed with his will, strength, and drive to not only pray in an off throughout the entire day, but to participate in the various fasts without waiver. I've done quite a bit of research on the topic [wikipedia mainly] and new knowledge only impressed me that much more. I will clearly incorporate my very own Christian ideals/values but [no, im not muslim] but ultimately it is the same purpose and principle.

without further adieu, here's to developing discipline, peace, sacrifice, humility, stamina, encouragement, religion, insight, etc in thirty days.

wish me luck!

P E A C E .

DREAM beyond BELiEF!

The other day I watched a very inspiring documentary, "GHETTO BALLET" about a group of teenage [early] Africans in South Africa who dreamed of careers in ballet. The students were in a ballet program that would produce only two to be selected as new members of the Cape Cod Ballet Company.

Along the way I got to witness the growth, passion, and talent in each individual, overcoming enormous tragedy and poverty. I became partial with all of them and hoped they all we get a chance to shine. A few of them gave me new insight and inspiration, this is what I received from their stories.

Vulyelwa: the confident young girl with perhaps the biggest dreams of them all. She even talked about her dream house, [a picture that hangs on her wall] her want to be a celebrity, and even changing her name, La Violeta; a translation of her name meaning happy. I cant forget her headline, "la Violeta, Road to Stardom" She embodies star quality, and has the confidence and poise to go anywhere.

Tusile: A gentleman who allowed his mental ability and dedication to transform his environment. literally. He would clean the shack of his family blasting classical music as his world transcended to that of ballet.

Fiona: The girl with the talent but a lack of focus and discipline. She was a wild child of sorts with no real awareness of consequence, consequently she was kicked out of the program and crushed.

Finally, [Sibahle] the one the documentary focuses on. She is a thicker girl who shows such passion, grace, and maturity as she dances. At one point she keeps a diary of what little she eats in efforts to drop weight before her audition. She hands her mother a very small cylinder basin and says she will only eat the food that comes from it [i cried] but this allowed her mother [and the world] to see how much she was willing to do to accomplish her dreams, it was in her blood.

After a complete year of preparation and training it was time for each students big interview to learn their fate. [Tusile] had already been drafted as a professional dancer into the company. The only two left were [Sibahle] and [Vulyelwa] my favorites. Vulyelwa was first. She walked into her interview well groomed with all of her confidence and star quality, held her head high and looked boldly into the eyes of the "masters of her fate" Needless to say, she was offered a position. Sibahle went next, dressed well, but she lacked confidence and eye contact, knowing that her weight was an issue. As badly as she wanted it, she was denied. She went home with her passion intact. The next day she put on her ballet slippers and danced in the dirt outside of her hut.

I said all of this to say, [exhale] each and every one of us has the ability to single handedly transform our immediate environments.

1. Do things to implement your dreams into you everyday routine

Also, it is important to develop qualities and confidence that evoke greatness. Give the world as little ability as possible to deny you.

2. Show the world not only your passion, but your preparation.

Go boldly, know who you are and your capabilities, don't tiptoe around them! Lastly, when faced with challenge, disappointment, disapproval, and rejection,

3. Don't worry! Stay firmly planted, readjust your stance and work harder.

its up to you, stay lifted.

[UPDATE] The film caught the eye of many; including ATLANTA BALLET, Sibahle has been awarded a scholarship and know dances in the states. We all win when we follow our dreams beyond circumstance without waiver!

P E A C E

Give My Regards to Broadway!

After much consideration I've decided to slightly refocus the direction of this blog. Its always been about inspiration first and foremost but I often find trouble extracting subject matter. Its hard to figure out what to talk about and by the time i do, the information is exhausted and I have become bored with it completely. Therefore, a very inspiring distinguished brother of mine @KeithNjohnsonjr [follow him] suggested I blog about what inspires me everyday, that is just what I plan to do. That being said, I recently came across an article about theatre informing that Will and Jada are considering starring as Stanley and Stella in next years Broadway revival of Tennesse Williams's "A Streetcar Named Desire"

[An actor craving stage couldn't ask for much more inspiration.] There are so many things to be excited about!

Firstly, the fact that since 2008 Black Actors have increasingly been flocking to Broadway and smashing the coveted Box Office.

The all-black cast of 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' takes a bow. Below from left Laurence Fishburne , the star of 'Thurgood,' Stew from 'Passing Strange' and Morgan Freeman , who stars in 'The Country Girl.'

(AP Photos)

“Cat” brought in more than 12 million dollars making it one of the highest grossing shows on broadway. [Seeing that show on broadway was INCREDIBLE]

Most recently with August Wilson’s Fences [the first play of my college career in 2006] Denzel Washington has created what folks are calling “the Denzel Effect” Fences brought about 3 million dollars to Broadway’s Box Office. More and more A listers are now yearning for powerful world of Broadway with Halle Berry and Samuel L. Jackson set to perform in a play about Dr. Martin Luther King.

After sharing this news with my immediate circle of thespians [NSU Players] We decided to cast the show. [which got me thinking] Most immediately, with the hope that such brilliant African American A list Actors [hows that for Alliteration!] wont completely destroy or overshadow the work of those Black Actors whose sole passion is the stage of Broadway. [not unlike myself] With casting in mind, I began trying to research Black Actors who have previously worked on Broadway hoping to become more familiar with stage actors; however, it was harder than I thought. [Specifically because Wikipedia does not have a search for that] I have done a lot of research and I’m still stomped. We have debated on prominant A listers such as Taraji, Jada, Kimberly Elise and have not been able to decide on a cohesive cast yet. [let me know who you would like to see do it] If only I were a fly on the wall of the casting directors office, but with things far from being concrete who knows, maybe I will be by the time the audition process begins. [one can dream]

I pray you be inspired and continue to not only chase your dreams and purpose, but fufill the potential God has provided you with.

P E A C E

A Slightly Embellished Dream... HelloGoodmorning

I dreamed of you last night, our lips never kissed.

My spirit yearned for your presence,

[wait]

I was gonna write a poem but I change my mind. Here's the thing, last night I really did have a dream, but about someone I've been crushing on for over a year! [this isn't that crazy, right?] the worst part of it is that its not even a good crush [the person you happen to be friends with but you're secretly in love with] We don't even know each other [Alicia Keys you dont know my name] Well, he knows my name; i mean everyone does. [i kidd] Seriously though, this has to be the most depressing thing in the world. We all sit around [jackson 5 who's lovin you] and build these elaborate dreams and fairy tales about people we are completely infatuated with. Then again, Love is a Losing Game [Amy Winehouse]

I feel like this blog was pointless so I'm gonna go ahead a finish the poem [clears throat]

I dreamed of you, last night;our lips never kissed.

My spirit yearns for your presence,

something I unequivocally lack.

such presence intimidates me;

I dream the touch of your hand will disarm all my insecurities,

gazing into your soft brown eyes proves my dream right, turning fiction to fact.

the sound of your voice restores oxygen to my lungs. I can breathe.

easy.

the warmth of your voice,

the laughter in your eye,

the echo of your smile,

enhance my confidence.

I dreamed of you, last night; i part my lips to speak; i wake up.

P E A C E

To Whom it May Concern

Here's the thing, via email me and a good friend have been chatting it up about my quests to move to New York [what else is new] She is the personal assistant to a big name in the business and I confused her signature, "find ____ on twitter and FB" as a suggestion for me to write this person a letter. Although mildly embarrassing, I thought it would be a good idea to post. The only editing I did was removing the persons name for the letter.

To Whom it May Concern:

I hope this finds you in good spirits as the beauty of this day begins. My name is Keith Collins, I live in Newport News, Va. Currently I am a senior at Norfolk State University majoring in English and Theatre Performance. I write you now because I find myself at a complete stand still in my life. I no longer wish to be in college, truth be told I never wanted to go.I feel the longer I stay in VA the more my dreams begin to suffocate. I know you of all people know a thing or two about dreams;one of the reasons I decided to write you.

[this is where i would mention knowing my friend and her fondness for working with said individual upon her approval.]

My dream has always been to move to NY and capitalize on my talent in perhaps the most dream driven city in the world. New York's livelihood and vigor enriches my spirit in ways no other place can; the hustle and bustle is inspiring, and the creativity, passion, and potential that city invites are unchartered anywhere else in the world.

That being said, it is my hope that you would extend a helping hand my way. I am not asking for a handout or anything for free, just the opportunity for experience in a business and industry you know all too well. I am outgoing, intelligent, and capable of anything. I am creative, I'm a writer, reader, thinker, and dreamer.

In a world as selfish and self-centered as the one we live, It is not everyday we connect with a spirit as humble as yours through media. whether it be television, radio, twitter or facebook. Your name, [insert said name] has always been synonymous with humility. I thank you for showing such grace, poise, and class as your spirit continues to contribute to the world and hearts and minds of people everywhere.

wishing you love and hoping to hear from you soon,

KEiTH_ANDRE

P E A C E .

We're Living Our Dreams.... kind of sort of... right?

I feel today's society lacks a drive, will, determination, for [A U T H E N T I C I T Y] We find this in many modern day entertainers whose careers are beginning to peak and blossom dramatically. Just check the credits: When I first heard of Justin Bieber he was on some rock/emo radio station with a guitar singing serious ballads about an absent father. Now, he is on the tip of everyones tongue with catch phrase pop songs and collabs with any and every "urban" artist, [for lack of better words] signing with Usher. Come to think of it, he most vividly reminds me of a younger male version of PINK , hopefully [not unlike the incredibly talented] he finds himself. It is truly unfortunate the places desperation to, "LIVE OUR DREAMS" can take us. Such "artists" make me more appreciate the true gems in a disparaging industry who hold on to their dream, at all costs, without compromise. [Tweet, Brandy, Monica] They are not and never have been over crazed, oversexed celebrities [Trey Songz, Beyonce] Contrarily, they know their G I F T S , the POWER of such, and are unmoved by an industry diluted with gimmicks, sex, and sell outs.

All in all, I just want to remind each of you [as well as myself] to not only hold steadfast to your dreams, but continue to explore and exhaust your PURPOSE, PR[the more important of the two] PROVERBS 18:16 A MAN'S GIFT MAKETH ROOM FOR HIM, AND BRINGS HIM BEFORE GREAT MEN!

being ourselves and doing our part is ENOUGH, no need to worry about when? where? what? why? or how? Simply knowing our GIFT and PURPOSE is indeed ENOUGH . Be patient and let your dreams manifest themselves exactly as they are meant to. Not prematurely, amended, or tainted; but the way they were given, PURE , AUTHENTIC, and TRUE to your unique purpose.

P E A C E .