Check out the recording of Professional Directions: Screen Acting Panel and Q&A: https://youtu.be/IcxEsiQ1Hnk
Join us for a Professional Directions: Screen Acting Panel and Q&A moderated by PMA Visiting Assistant Professor Juanie Fowlkes on Monday, Nov. 13 at 5:00 p.m. in the Film Forum, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. The panel will be on a zoom setting but the event will be in person. The panelists are Novi Brown (Sistas), Tristen Winger (Insecure, So Help Me Todd), Chase Anthony (Bigger), Carolyn Michelle Smith (Cherish The Day, Russian Doll, The Chi), Gratiela Brancusi (1884), Bria Henderson (Mrs. America, The Good Doctor), D.K. Uzoukwu (Insecure, Clean Slate), and Gabrielle Ryan (Power Book IV).
About the panelists:
Novi Brown was born in Berlin, Germany. She is an actress, known for NCIS (2003), Sistas (2019) and Sleeping with My Student (2019).
Tristen J. Winger made his television acting debut in Issa Rae's HBO Original Series, "Insecure." Winger portrays the character of "Thug Yoda," an intimidating, yet comedic and loving father who also happens to be a local gang member. As Issa's neighbor in the series, Winger's character provides both "Yoda-like" wisdom as well as the occasional comedic relief throughout the show. Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Winger became immersed in the arts at an early age. In 2000, he was enrolled in The Colburn School of Performing Arts and later joined the Amazing Grace Conservatory where he was inspired to develop his skills in acting, voice, and dance. Years later, Tristen landed a role on the critically acclaimed web series, "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl" as the unknowingly soft-spoken character, baby-voiced "Darius". Soon after, Tristen began taking improv classes at The Upright Citizen's Brigade in addition to courses at Lesly Kahn & Co.
He enjoys spending his off screen time writing, traveling, producing music, and impersonating characters and people from everyday life. Winger recognizes and credits his passion and growing success to his mother, a retired touring ballroom dancer who consistently sought out activities to foster his creative development.
Bria Henderson was born on December 31, 1992 in Richmond, Virginia, USA. She is an actress, known for Virginality (2022), Angel City and The Good Doctor (2017).
Gratiela Brancusi was born in Timisoara, Romania as Ioana Gratiela Brancusi. Her parents are of Roma, Greek, and Romanian descent. She is the great-grand-niece of Constantin Brancusi. She studied Journalism at the University of Bucharest. Gratiela is a member of The Actors' Gang Theater Ensemble. She is known for 1883 (2021) and Mayor of Kingstown (2022)
Nigerian-American D.K. Uzoukwu was born in the nation's capital and raised in Bowie, Maryland. He received his Bachelors in Film and Theatre from Temple University before moving to Los Angeles, where he now resides. D.K. is best known for his work on Insecure (2016), Fresh Off the Boat (2015), and The Choir (2013).
Carolyn Michelle Smith was born in Washington, DC. First Generation Trinidadian-American, Carolyn spent her childhood attending international private elementary schools in the Washington, DC area. Her mother Carol Angela Smith was a legal secretary, and her father Mervyn Thompson was a factory worker and flutist. She received her BA in Theatre from Fordham University at Lincoln Center in New York. Upon graduation, she completed the Acting Apprenticeship at Actors Theater of Louisville in Louisville, KY. Returning to New York, Carolyn applied to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, and was accepted on a full scholarship. Upon graduation she's performed for such notable companies as Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Old Globe Theatre (San Diego), Barrow Street Theatre (Off-Broadway), and on Broadway in the 2013 production of "Romeo and Juliet" starring Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad. Her first on-screen role was opposite Robin Wright in "House of Cards" as "Willa" Claire's Chief of Staff. She resides in Los Angeles and New York.
Gabrielle Ryan is an Actor, Model & Producer. She earned an Academic Scholarship to the prestigious Brighton College in the UK before returning to NYC. She studied Method at The Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute New York and then privately under the close guidance of Toby Sandeman from early 2018. Gabrielle is quickly becoming best known for her break out role on the highly anticipated POWER spin-off POWER BOOK IV : FORCE from Starz/Lionsgate which broke cable premiere night viewing records as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Joseph Sikora leads and alongside Gabrielle plays the fearless, sexy & determined Gloria Rogers "to perfection" says Decider and has been named the break out star by several outlets including Deadline.
Gabrielle is also known for her comedic role of "Portia" on both seasons of the Netflix Emmy Nominated series BONDiNG and "Dee Dee" opposite Johnathan Tucker on NBC's Sci-Fi Drama DEBRIS.
