Today we’d like to introduce you to S. Denise ONeal.
Hi Denise, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We started with humble beginnings, but with the advent of the Fade To Black Play Festival, we were on a mission to affect change. It was time for a new trend in the Houston theatre community! We wanted to create an outlet relevant to our present times that was purpose-driven and full of possibilities for growth, so we developed a platform that would introduce the new plays of underrepresented, emerging African-American playwrights. Our festival is volunteer-supported, culturally diverse, and community-based. Each year a countless number of local artists assist the festival in becoming the success it continues to be! Because of our rapid audience growth, we are now embarking upon our 10th season of excellence!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the past, we have dealt with accusations of reverse racism because the festival focused solely on African-American playwrights. We have had to work our way through the normal issues other theater companies face. As much as we do for the Houston theatre community, we still struggle to acquire substantial notoriety. It is concerning to see we are still more nationally known than within our own city. But despite the issues we faced, we kept believing our path was destined to succeed. The smooth flow we experience now is because we figured out early how not to repeat mistakes. We didn’t let non-supporters discourage us. We recommitted ourselves to making sure our next show was better than the last. We learned to keep pressing forward when our finances were strained. We created a business philosophy based on collaboration and a business model built on clear objectives and core beliefs.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a senior commercial real estate agent with a love for the Arts. I am also a playwright, director, and theatre producer. I am most proud of the success of the platform I have created and the journey I went through to see how desperately the festival is needed.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The pandemic showed me what having faith really was and how important it is to have a solid team. In 2020 I was laid off, our festival dates were postponed, then canceled. Every theatre company all the way up to Broadway shut down their live performances, and there wasn’t anything I could do about it. All I could do was stay home and wait for things could get better.
Pricing:
- $25.00 Advance General Seating + $2.00 theater service fee
- $40.00 Advance VIP Seating + $2.00 theater service fee
- $35.00 At-Door General Seating + $2.00 theater service fee
- $50.00 At-Door VIP Seating + $2.00 theater service fee
Contact Info:
- Email: fadetoblackfest@gmail.com
- Website: FadeToBlackFest.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/Fade2BlackFest
- Facebook: FadeToBlackFest
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/Fade2BlackFest
