Townsend's Experimental Boot Camp Challenges Hundreds of Emerging Artists to Develop Dramatic Scenes Made for Television
Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) - Who has what it takes to be the next Samuel Jackson, Sidney Poitier or Angela Bassett? What happens when Hollywood icon Robert Townsend challenges a group of actors, directors, writers and producers to live out their dreams? When hungry, aspiring artists are thrown into a sea of constructive criticism and creative conflict who will survive the storm? Where will the next wave of dramatic creators come from? How will these starving artists prove that they have what it takes to perform in the first ever Robert Townsend presents Playhouse 22? Watch the debut of this long-awaited, hit dramatic series only on Black Family Channel beginning April 12th at 10:00 p.m. (DST) and 11:00 p.m. (PST). Check you local cable guide for channel listings and encore presentations.
Robert Townsend presents Playhouse 22 is best described as "the only show on cable television daring enough to push the creative boundaries of reality story-telling". Last fall, film-maker Robert Townsend, President and CEO of Black Family Channel Productions, assembled over 300 actors, writers, directors and producers from the creative community in DeKalb County, GA. These aspiring artists were asked to hone in on their craft to see if they have what it takes to make it in Hollywood. Townsend's mandate challenged individuals to develop and present dramatic shorts for their chance to perform in his upcoming cable television series, Playhouse 22.
This project comes naturally to Townsend who has been praised for his unbridled success as an independent film-maker. He has not only written, directed and starred in his own films, but has also created and produced groundbreaking shows for HBO, Fox Television, WB Networks and movies made for television for Disney and MTV Films. He has worked with Academy Award winners Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Martin Landau and Louis Gossett, Jr., and he is also touted for casting Beyonce' Knowles as an actress in her first ever film role, "Carmen Hip-Hopera". Townsend is also credited for working with a list of award winning and highly sought after actors and actresses including Alfre Woodward, Natalie Cole, Charles Dutton, Damon Wayans, Bill Cosby and Eddie Murphy, to name a few.
Playhouse 22 is part of Townsend's quest to discover the next generation of talent who has the tenacity to achieve longevity in this industry. Witness their journeys when the curtain is raised. And see the tell-all "drama" behind the scenes when egos are crushed, personalities are challenged and attitudes are fueled by controversy, criticism and creativity. Follow their hearts and their dreams. There are no second chances. In the final stages only 24 artists will make the cut for a once in a lifetime chance to perform in the original dramatic series, Robert Townsend presents Playhouse 22.
About Black Family Channel
Black Family Channel is America's only minority owned and operated cable network committed to providing responsible programming for the entire family. Our mission is to entertain, inform and empower communities with family programming that is original, real, authentic and relevant. BFC is currently viewed in 16.3 million households; including all of the top 25 African-American TV markets. For more information about Black Family Channel visit www.blackfamilychannel.com |
BUSINESS / EDUCATION 
ALIBI BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR TERI WOODS
