T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh’s Tools of the Trade Workshop and Private Sessions at the DC Black Theatre Festival 2015

T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh’s Tools of the Trade Workshop and Lecture Series:

What Every Actor Needs to Conduct the Business of Acting 

- Basic Performer Preparation Overview - A 90-Minute Seminar w/Q&A
Saturday, June 27, 2015, , 10-11:30am -  $25

- Private Coaching - A 50-minute Session
Wednesday, June 24 - Friday, June 26, 2015 $50

DC Black Theatre Festival Discount Prices: Workshop - $25, Private Session - $50. Workshop + Private Session together - $65
To register for the DC Black Theatre Festival Tools of the Trade Workshop or Private Session, Contact Andre Minkins at aminkins@aol.com

 - Basic Performer Preparation Overview - A 90-Minute Seminar w/Q&A
Saturday, June 27, 2015  10:00 - 11:30am  $25
During her Tools of the Trade seminar, T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh will give an overview of Career Materials (Photos, Resumes, Reels, Monologues), Character Development (The Big 5), Improvisation (The Big 6), Auditioning (A Play in Three Acts),  (Social) Networking / Marketing, The Performer’s Team (Representation and Assistance), Working (The Big 4 Plus 3) and Not Working.  She will then evaluate selected photos and resumes submitted in advance.  Some participants will be chosen to present audition materials for evaluation as well. The seminar will also include a question and answer session. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring a pen or pencil and a writing pad.  Recording of the seminar will not be allowed.

Actors who want their non-performance materials to be evaluated (photos, resume and / or reel) may submit them at least one day before the session.  Photos - 8”x10” color photo of the performer); Resume - Typed or printed categorized summary of the performers stage, television, film and / or commercial credits; Reel - Scenes of performer’s stage, television, film and / or commercial work on CD or DVD. (Only the first two minutes of the reel will be viewed).  Each performer may submit up to two photos, up to two resumes and up to two reels. 

                        ******************************************************************************

 - Private Coaching - A 50-minute Sessions
Wednesday, June 24, 2015 - Friday, June 26, 2015  $50
During the private coaching sessions, T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh will evaluate and give feedback on a student’s audition and / or performance material (s). Performers should prepare to perform a one to two minute monologue, classic or contemporary, dramatic or comedic. Material should be memorized.  Actors should bring to the session, two printed copies of the audition / performance monologue they have prepared, typed in a plain, 14pt font, and double-spaced.  Include the name of the play (film or show), scene (if known), character and author’s name on the page.  Audition monologues must be from a published play, (exhibited film or aired television show).   Performance monologues (pieces the student is planning to perform, but with which she or he will not be auditioning) may be original.  In either case, material must not contain vulgar or explicit language.  Performers may also prepare to perform an audition or performance song, but must bring their own recorded accompaniment (on CD).  Up to three performers may share the private session, and may divide the time however they choose.   Performers may send one copy of their monologue (s) in advance, but must bring an additional copy to the seminar. During the private session, performers may also bring up to two photos, resumes and / or reels to be evaluated. (Reels must be on a CD). Participants are strongly encouraged to bring a pen or pencil and a writing pad.  Recording of the audition / performance material (performer only) will be allowed. 

DC Black Theatre Festival Discount Prices: Workshop - $25, Private Session - $50. Workshop + Private Session together - $65
To register for the DC Black Theatre Festival Tools of the Trade Workshop or Private Session, 

Contact Andre Minkins at aminkins@aol.com

Halsted Studios Presents T'Keyah Crystal Keymah's Tools of the Trade Actors Clinic March 14, 21, & 28, 2015

SSCFCU PARTNERS WITH TELEVISION STAR T'KEYAH CRYSTAL KEYMÁH TO PROMOTE FINANCIAL WELLNESS

-->

CHICAGO’S SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION PARTNERS WITH TELEVISION STAR T'KEYAH CRYSTAL KEYMÁH TO PROMOTE FINANCIAL WELLNESS.

T'Keyah Crystal Keymah

On Saturday, November 16, 2013, at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 East 56TH Place, from 6:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.,  T'Keyah Crystal Keymah and South Side Community Federal Credit Union will announce the launching of their newly formed strategic collaboration to improve the economic health of the community. It will take place at the credit union’s 10th anniversary celebration whose event theme is“People Helping People”. T’Keyah Crystal Keymah, known worldwide for her acclaimed work on TV’s “In Living Color”, “Cosby”, and “That’s So Raven” says, “I believe the best way for me to give back to my community is to invest in it with my time, talent and treasure. That is why I am so excited to partner with the South Side Community Federal Credit Union”.

                     Gregg H. Brown
President / CEO, SSCFCU

South Side Community Federal Credit Union is a mission-driven, not-for-profit, community development financial institution that specializes in financial education and alternatives to predatory lending. President/ CEO, Gregg Brown, says, “We are very enthusiastic and fortunate to partner with the multi-talented T'Keyah Crystal Keymah. 

She is a powerful performer, director, writer  and activist who shares our vision of community economic empowerment. Born and raised on Chicago's South side, she is truly using her celebrity status to make the neighborhoods she grew up in economically healthy and safe again."  Together South Side Community Federal Credit Union and T'Keyah Crystal Keymah embark upon a journey to reverse the cycle of poverty on Chicago's South side by creating a pathway to prosperity. Don’t miss them at South Side Community Federal Credit Union’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, Sat. Nov. 16th at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637.

Contact: Gregg Brown, President/CEO

South Side Community Federal Credit Union

5401 S. Wentworth, Suite 25

Chicago, IL 60609

(773)548-5500 (773)548-5533 fax

www.southsidecommuntyfcu.org

Sellout!?! at FAMU April 17-18, 2013

T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh returns to Florida A & M University with fellow FAMU graduate Broadway performer Bryan C. Jones in the debut workshop performances of “Sellout!?!”  This show, with music, chronicles the career of two performers who have different perspectives on the meaning of success.  Is it making it to the top, or is it making a difference? “Sellout!?!” also shows glimpses of other professionals grappling with the same dilemma.  The shows will take place April 17 and April 18, 2013 in FAMU’s Lee Hall Auditorium 1601 S Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, in Tallahassee.  The performances are part of the FAMU Lyceum Series.

Keymáh is known worldwide as a series regular on Fox’s Emmy Award-winning In Living Color, CBS’ COSBY, and Disney’s That’s So Raven.  Her stage performances include her acclaimed solo shows, Some of My Best Friends, and “Don’t Get Me Started;” the Moscow production of John Henry Redwood’s drama, The Old Settler; and her variety show, “T'Keyah Live!” Keymáh has a long list of charitable and philanthropist endeavors including her work with NAACP (ACT-SO), Institute for Black Parenting, and The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh scholarships and Meharry Medical School and FAMU. “The show will be entertaining, but when I work this hard, I also want to create something of substance,” says Keymáh. “Black people in America always deal with the question of whether success for us means selling out... I am very grateful to have FAMU’s support and excited to work with Bryan again!” 

It feels great for the show’s life to begin at FAMU,” say Jones, “because I am indebted to FAMU for my theater life.” Jones appeared in the Broadway shows: The First Lady with Vickie Winans and Clifton Davis and the long running hit, A Chorus Line.“ Currently, he is a national HIV/AIDS advocate and activist.  He will take a break from “Sellout!?!”  rehearsals at FAMU to travel to Washington, DC on April 10, 2013 to speak to Congress on HIV/ AIDS related issues.   His one-man show, “A.I.D.S. - ... And I Die Slowly” has toured the country for three years including a performance at the 2012 International AIDS Conference.  Keymáh and Jones met while students at FAMU appearing in the Essential Theatre production, “Memories of a FAMU Tradition.”

There will be a talk back with the audience after each FAMU performance of “Sellout!?!”   . For more information, call (850) 599-3413.     

2013

Special thanks to my sponsors  Human Resources Development Institute, Inc., Florida A&M University, Nubian Heritage, Orbert Davis’s Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, Vincent E. Walker Photography (312) 719-6830, The Walker Group, LLC (708) 868-2545, Alpha Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta's 'Inseparable Nine,' CHRIS CURSE & Co, Pierce Pediatric Association and Southside Community Credit Union; my delightful cast and crew; my many advertisers and well wishers; all who traveled near and far to get there; and everyone else who attended or otherwise supported An Evening with T'Keyah Crystal Keymah & Friends: A Birthday Benefit for St. Sabina.  

Stay Tuned for the Next Exciting Issue of Keymáh Presents!

Keymah Presents - T'Keyah's Big Birthday Benefit - October 13, 2012

An Evening with T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh & Friends: A Birthday Benefit
Saturday, October 13, 2012
8PM (Doors open at 7:30)
St. Sabina Academy
7801 S. Throop St.
Chicago, IL 60620

On Saturday, October 13, 2012, COSBY / That's So Raven / In Living Color star T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh celebrates her 50th birthday with song, dance, poetry, drama and comedy, in "An Evening with T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh & Friends: A Birthday Benefit for St. Sabina Academy." The reception following will recognize organizations addressing the violence in the city, particularly in the Englewood and Auburn/Gresham neighborhoods where she grew up including the Community of St. Sabina, where Rev. Michael Pfleger, leads many of the area's peace initiatives. Dress to impress if you like, but bring your dancing shoes, because T'Keyah plans to finish the evening dancing to her favorite jams. 

Doors open at 7:30PM.  The show begins at 8:00PM. There will be a cash bar, treats and other items for sale, and a few surprises.  In lieu of birthday presents, Keymáh is asking that patrons make donations to St. Sabina Academy and the other charities being honored. Advance tickets are $25 on the main floor and $20 for the balcony, with a $5 discount until October 1.  All tickets are $35 at the door. Advance tickets are $25 on the main floor and $20 for the balcony, with a $5 discount until October 1.  All tickets are $35 at the door. Purchase tickets at St. Sabina's office, 1210 W. 78th Place (773) 483-4300, or through Brown Paper Tickets.  (800) 838-3006 -  http://keymahbirthdaybenefit.brownpapertickets.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Place an ad for your business or a personal, Happy Birthday wish for T'Keyah in the standard size, 5 x 8 Playbill. Business ads: $100 Full Page, $75 Half Page, and $50 Quarter Page; Personal ads: $50 Full Page, $37.50 Half Page and $25 Quarter Page.  Send your ad with a contact number to: T'Keyah Crystal Keymah, Inc, 3473 S. King Dr. #438, Chicago, IL 60616 or to keymahbenefit2012@gmail.com.  Send your cashier's check or money order payment to the same address, or through www.PayPal.com (Send Money) to keymahbenefit2012@gmail.com by October 5th.  Personal ads may include as many names as will fit, but cannot contain business information.

Ads / payments received after Oct. 5, 2012 cannot be included.

Sponsorships - range from $500 to $2,000.  For more info on sponsoring the show, email keymahbenefit2012@gmail.com.

Early Bird Ticket Sales end on October 1, 2012 (or when tickets are sold out, whichever comes first).

For those traveling from out of town:  Midway is the closest airport to St. Sabina and there are many hotels nearby.  The Hyatt McCormick Place is the closest hotel is the host and if you are coming from O'Hare, it is more convenient than staying downtown.

PERFORMERS:T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh - In addition to her impressive television work, T'Keyah has performed in over 50 stage productions including The Goodman Theatre's productions of "A Christmas Carol" and "A Raisin in the Sun," The Court Theater's production of "Playboy of the West Indies," Light Operaworks' "Land of Smiles" and her popular self-penned shows, "Some of My Best Friends," "T'Keyah Live," and "Don't Get Me Started."  Before leaving Chicago to do her first television series, T'Keyah played Dinah Washington in ETA's popular show, "The Regal Theatre," danced with the Najwa Dance Corps, and sang with Singsation and Rafo International Combo. She was the 1985-86 Miss Black Illinois.
 Najwa Dance Corps - "A living archive of dance history", Najwa Dance Corps presents an exciting repertoire that spans the eras of the African-American heritage. Always entertaining, the company's performances showcase a breathtaking diversity of dance styles in a historical context. From the rituals of traditional Africa to the glamorous chorus girls of the swing era, Najwa Dance Corps brings joyous, fascinating life to the different cultures that have contributed to contemporary American dance.  T'Keyah joined the Najwa Dance Corps after filling in for a company member as a Regalette in "The Regal Theater."

Bryan C. Jones - began dancing at the ago of nine and has performed extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. He  originated the role of Shepard in the world premiere of "Wilberforce." He appeared in the Broadway shows: "The First Lady" with Vikki Winans and Clifton Davis and the long-running hit "A Chorus Line."  His regional credits include: "Queen of the Blues," "Josephine live!" (Jomandi), "Christmas is Coming Uptown" and "Black Nativity" (Karamu), "Guys and Dolls," and "Carnival" (Alliance).  Bryan first performed with T'Keyah when they were both students at Florida A & M University. The two are currently developing a show called, "Hey, You're Standing in My Light!"Tim P.M. - is the funny man who has been cracking people up since his days at Lindblom High School. He has performed in comedy clubs across the country and beyond.  A founding member of Mary Wong, a six-turned-five-turned-three-turned-twoturned-defunct sketch and stand-up comedy team, Tim has performed on "Comedy Tonight," "PM Magazine,"  USA's "Night Flight," and Comedy Central's "Comic Justice." He opened for Whitney Houston, Ray Charles and Kool & the Gang.  An old-school showman, Tim is as comfortable crooning as he is telling jokes, but often mixes mirth into his lyrics.  He is gearing up for a two-person classic variety show with T'Keyah called, "T&T."

Cool School Inc. - is living legend Clarence Boykins' many member jazz ensemble.  A performer for nearly seventy years, Boykins enjoys making each show the best.  The mission of THE COOL SCHOOL, INC., in partnership with the Arts and Entertainment community, is; To provide to  clients the performer(s) that most explicitly match the requirements of the client's occasion.  To recognize, encourage, and promote the talents of established performers, and to invigorate, activate, and encourage the talents and desires of novice performers.  Cool School, Inc. will be the house band for Tim and T'Keyah's upcoming classic variety show, "T&T."

 

Stay Tuned for the Next Exciting Issue of  Keymáh Presents!

GEMS SPARKLE AGAIN!

2011 Winner

Board Chair T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh (In Living Color / Cosby / That’s So Raven) warmly invites you to the CHARM 2nd Annual Precious G.E.M.S.S. Scholarship Ball ~ 12 Noon to 3PM, Saturday, July 21, 2012 ~ Double Tree/Alsip, IL.  The G.E.M.S. (Growing Emotionally, Maturing Socially) program is designed to promote community outreach, respect, service and education in social skills and friendship among college bound high school seniors.  Our lovely young gems have been working hard for many weeks and four finalists, Whitney Granger, Cleontra Jones, Tytianna Nailon, and  Cyairra Smith-Clark, will now compete to share $10,000 in scholarships based on criteria that includes a written essay and community service.  

CHARM (which stands for: Challenge yourself; Honor yourself; Arm yourself with knowledge; Restore what's been broken and Motivate others) is a faith-based organization created by and for women to transform lives.  

2011 GEMS

We exist to assist women of all ages build self-esteem and to empower, encourage, and inspire them to passionately pursue God's purpose for their lives.  Our  motto, "Meeting You Where You Are", means that no matter where you are spiritually, socially, mentally, or emotionally, we will be there to meet you.  We will use our vast experiences along with our professional partners to knock down barriers and build character and confidence.  CHARM Outreach and Mentoring Services was founded by community advocate Michele Traylor.  The ball will include performances by the gems and will feature a three boy YouTube sensation band. Tickets are $50 and include lunch.  There will be a cash bar as well as a raffle. The deadline for purchasing tickets is JULY 11, 2012!  Get your tickets now at www.mycharm.org!

 

Stay Tuned for the Next Exciting Issue of  Keymáh Presents!

 

Keymáh Leads Greeks for HBCU's Team for UNCF Walk L.A.

2012 UNCF Los Angeles
Walk for Education
Anniversary FUNDRAISER

Actress / Activist T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh serves again as Honorary Captain of the Greeks for HBCU's Team, one of dozens of teams walking in the 30th Anniversary UNCF Los Angeles Walk for Education, on Saturday, June 2, 2012. More than 2,500 walkers in the Greater Los Angeles area will participate with an additional 100 volunteers helping on that day.  The annual 5K UNCF Walk for Education helps raise critical funds to support UNCF’s 38 member Historically Black Colleges and Universities and 55,000 students. The event participants represent a variety of corporate teams, groups, organizations and individual walkers.  

Keymáh, a graduate of Florida A&M University, says "Membership in Black Greek letter organizations on college campuses is preparation for a lifetime of service. It is no wonder then, that we are eager to help today's students enjoy that uniquely wonderful experience that is matriculation at an HBCU." She encourages Greeks and Non-Greeks to participate in the walk, saying, "I hope to see many other teams again this year. If you attended an HBCU or wanted to, if your parents did, your child did or does, or if you just want to make sure the HBCUs are there for future generations to attend, please support UNCF, and this walk!" To support or join T'Keyah's Team, Greeks for HBCU's, to support, join or form another team, or to learn more about the 2012 UNCF Walk for Education, Click Here!

Keymáh with the 2011 Greeks for HBCU's Team

UNCF is America’s oldest, largest, most successful and most comprehensive minority higher education assistance organization. UNCF provides 400 different scholarships and supports students attending over 900 colleges and universities in the country. Today’s UNCF students are attending college at a time when higher education is becoming less affordable. More than 90% of UNCF students need some form of financial aid. Most UNCF students come from disadvantaged families; 60% have family incomes of less than $30,000 and 60% are the first in their families to attend college.

WHEN 

SATURDAY, June 2, 2012
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Walk
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Post Walk Festivities & Entertainment

WHERE

The walk site of the Walk for Education will be at Coliseum Dr. and Menlo Ave., behind the Natural History Museum. With its expanded, carnival-like setting in Exposition Park, the UNCF Walk for Education is a wonderful family-oriented event full of entertainment, celebrities, great food, recreation and important information about the value of UNCF’s historically black colleges and universities.

Parking is $10.00  (Carpool if you can!)

The Crystal News - http://thecrystalnews.blogspot.com/ 
T'Keyah Fights City Hall - http://tkeyahfightscityhall.blogspot.com/ 

Keymah Presents - http://keymahpresents.blogspot.com/ 

www.tkeyah.com - Where Crystal visions come to life!