School Show Performances
The North Central Louisiana Arts Council is proud to announce the return of our School Show! Thanks to a grant from Jonesboro State Bank’s Pledge Ten initiative, we are bringing back the award-winning writer and director Layon Gray back to his home state of Louisiana along with his talented cast and crew of professional artists. The best part is this opportunity is completely FREE for your students and educators!
This show is an opportunity for students to witness the talents of professionals who have come from similar backgrounds to themselves. We think it is important for young creatives to meet and hear the stories of successful actors, writers, and musicians who look like them and have lived experiences relevant to their own.
Simultaneously, students will be immersed in the rich culture and history of African Americans who defied the odds and shaped professional sports in our country. This show is a perfect supplement to standard Black History curriculum while giving students and educators the benefit of enjoying a locally historical facility, the Dixie Center for the Arts, which is nearing it’s 100-year anniversary.
This performance is recommended for students in grades 9 through 12. Seats are limited and once spaces fill up registration will close. The deadline to register for classes to attend will be Friday, January 31. Teachers or administrators can reach out to our office via email at info@nclac.org for questions or to register their classes.
Kings of Harlem
Kings Of Harlem is a riveting Off-Broadway play that follows the journey of seven black men who defied all odds and racked up an incredible 2,000 wins while touring segregated parts of the country during the 1930s. Despite facing discrimination and never being recognized as professionals or socially accepted, the Rens used their basketball skills to challenge white opponents on equal ground. Their astounding winning streak of 88 games in a row remains a legendary feat in basketball history.
In the midst of the Harlem Renaissance, the Harlem Rens brought a touch of sophistication and style to their sport. They broke through barriers and opened doors for generations to come, forming five years before the renowned Harlem Globetrotters.
This production transforms the Dixie Center for the Arts into a basketball court for an immersive experience. This is a must-see event for all sports fans and theater enthusiasts alike. Witness this incredible piece of history come to life right before your eyes.
Meet the Director: Layon Gray
Layon is dedicated to creating and directing stage plays that capture the essence of diverse cultural movements. Originally from Louisiana, Layon relocated to Los Angeles in 2000 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the city's top playwrights, earning an impressive 60 awards and nominations. Some of Layon’s notable accolades include: the 2019 Detroit Distinguished Playwright Award, the 2018 Carbonell Awards for Best Director, Best Ensemble, and Best Production.
The inaugural Broadway League Fellowship honor 2016 where he had the opportunity to work in the office with Broadway producers Sue Frost and Randy Adams as they developed the Broadway hit Come From Away, the 2012 NYC Inspire Award, the 2012 Al Sharpton Man of Vision Award, the 2012 PCTF Award for Best Director. The 2009 NAACP Award for Best Ensemble, and the 2009 Hollywood ADA Award for Best Ensemble. He was also named the 2008 MATCH-LIFE Artist of the Year.
For more information, on Layon visit www.LayonGray.com or on Instagram @LayonGray.com.
Layon’s play Black Angels Over Tuskegee, about the Tuskegee Airmen, has become a global hit and is currently on tour around the world. It has even been performed privately for several National Football League teams such as the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Currently, Layon is developing a new musical, titled New Orleans, in Manhattan's BMI Musical workshop. He is finalizing details for his two-man play featuring a meeting between Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx called Foxx/Pryor. A workshop performance is planned for the spring of 2025.
His production Cowboy, a play about Bass Reeves, the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal is currently playing Off-Broadway and is the first full western show to be produced On or Off-Broadway in nearly 80 years.
His new play Feed The Beast, which sheds light on the Tuskegee Medical Experiments, premiered in July at the International Black Theatre Festival to stellar reviews and will have a regional run in February 2025 at the Public Theatre in Pittsburgh produced by New Horizon Theatre.
