Creatively Shaded

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, release the tact—all truth! How to prep for a visit to the theatre, how multi-hued performers slip into classic roles, and how to sense when your senses, need to sit down. Now inhale that aroma! Put that Butt in a Theatre Seat! "All My Sons" at Berkeley Rep ...

Send us Fan Mail Third time's the STRUT! On the kick-off episode of season three, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, infuse the Bay Area Theatre Streets with shades of a seasoned hue. The spotlight is hot as a new scoring system unveils the Divas' tea — no filter. Don't worry, baby; you can still savor the serum but it won't be as sweet. After it goes down, the Divas will be there to give you your spoonful of sugar! Say, "Ahh!" Put that Butt in a Theatre Seat! "Black Choreographers Festiva...

Send us Fan Mail On this final episode of season two, The Divas wax nostalgia over a season brimming over with productivity and ingenuity. The Bay Area Theatre Community persisted and so did Creatively Shaded! Gratitude was expressed, theatre seats were assessed, and teases of what to expect in season three, were sprinkled for a taste. Pull up and get ready to get satiated in flavor! Have a wonderful Holiday Season! We'll see you in 2026! Recommendations: &nbs...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, The Divas welcome Jasmine Milan Williams, fellow multi-creative who dresses The Bay Down! Jasmine details her unique take on costuming and the heart work that undergirds the performer. Hun-tee, actors get another read on getting them minds right, while theater attendees would want to think twice before tapping ya neighbor. Settle in as this snap back, will bring you all thee way back! Recommendations:  ...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, SirDiva reascends to his seat after directing/performing in "Sweat," to help roll out the red carpet for our illustrious guest, Legendary Diva, Margo Hall! The Beloved multi-faceted performer, bestows the kingdom of the Bay with invaluable insight into our unique community, and the theatre industry at large. Bay-be, the theatre streets were over flowing and Center Stage Shade sopped it all up! Come on and getchu a taste! Recommendations: &nb...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Phaedra and Liz are joined by a local creative who puts the multi in hyphenate; Aejay Antonias Marquis, who steps in SirDiva's shoes as guest co-host. The Theatre Streets had the Divas on a trek through Afro futurism, isolation, and poles, while Center Stage Shade and SirDiva's Rant, lit it up. Chyle, now you know we had to get up on the National Endowment for the Arts - knotting us Divas all up! Come on an unravel this theatrical entanglement wit...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, are joined by Bay Area native multi-hyphenate and Grammy nominee, Ryan Nicole Austin! She drops bars of creative knowledge and promotes her upcoming World Premiere Musical, "Co-Founders!" A new segment, "The Real T(heatre)," in depth conversations, sits down with the cast of S.F. Playhouse's "Fat Ham" as they reflect on their unique experience, and you know we didn't leave out Center Stage Shade. Baby, there is so much good T all up a...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, march into Women's Herstory with a ground breaking playwright, whose impact thrives in the Bay Area. They discuss how social media has entangled the Thespian, and performers out here shading the stage; playing dual roles of actor and director! Chiiile you need to sit all the way up for this! Recommendations: Creatively Shaded Blackout Nights Coming Soon: "Wild With Happy" directed by ShawnJ West at NCTC On stage March 7 - April 6, ...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz pay homage to Black Bay Area Theatre History, get into the spill out of D.E.I., and who answers the "Call" of the Craft. Chile, Center Stage Shade had to run back those audition Lewks. Gather your notes and pull into the Shade! Recommendations: The San Francisco Black Theater Movement Panel Discussion San Francisco Public Library Available on YouTube Documentary Black Theatre: The Making of a Movement California Newsreel&...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz light the spark for 2025! Jobs, opportunities, Center Stage Shade, "Oh MY!" Get ready to "Blackout" the theater with the Divas in 2025! Keep those sparklers lit-Happy New Year! Job Opportunities: SFBATCO Box Office Manager sfbatco.org A.C.T. Professional and Outreach Manager act-sf.org Lesher Center For The Arts Ticket Clerk lesherartscenter.org Auditions: Audition workshop Magic Theatre January 25, 2025 magictheatre.org ...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz give their take on DEI in the theatre, who's out here singing soulless notes and run back some of their favorite shows of 2024. The Divas give a little holiday ding as Center Stage Shade pops out for the season. Put a little peppermint in your hot toddy and savor the cheer! Recommendations: "A Thousand Ships" at Oakland Theatre Project On stage December 13-January 5 tickets at oaklandtheaterproject.com/ships "Waitress" a...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz discuss egos, the happenings in the theatre streets and whether or not they've had love behind the curtain. A local theatre company gets lit up as the Divas give the thickest read on Center Stage Shade! Ba-by the reads come by the triplets! Lean in! Opportunities for Creatives: The Ground Floor berkeleyrep.org/the-ground-floor Application closes December 22, 2024 TBA Cash Grant Theatrebayarea.org/grants/cash Reopens spri...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz do serve shade, but is it thick or thin? They discuss a local casting agency and its practices, whether monologues are necessary or not and who're all the Aunties & Uncs. This that thick or thin- you be the judge! Recommendations: "JaJa's African Hair Braiding" at Berkeley Repertory Theatre Playing November 8 - December 15 tickets @berkeleyrep.org "Charlie Brown Christmas" at Contra Costa Civic Theatre Playing November 23...

Send us Fan Mail On the premiere episode of the second season, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz recap their summer break and get into what's currently on their plates. They runback "Butt's in Seats" which seems to be on a loop in the theatre community. And check this—The Divas plunge into the deepest Shade as the spotlight turns it's glare on them! Oooh Chile! Put on that kettle cause this tea is Piping Hot! Take long, slow, sips! Recommendations: "The Thanksgiving Play" at Altarena Playhouse  ...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Creatively Shaded centers Mental Health Awareness Month. Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, lay their burdens down on the couch of licensed psychologist and multi-hyphenate artist, Dr. Jacqueline Benson. They discuss navigating the creative path of Black Artists, unwarranted trolling, and if your boo-boo's butt should be in that theatre seat. Just because The Divas are on the couch doesn't mean that Into The Shade & Center Stage Shade wasn't popping. Ba-...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, discuss how they've put their butts in several theater seats, who's possessed with the takeover spirit, and the art of lips caressing on stage! Into The Shade & Center Stage Shade, will have you salivating for more! Get your Good Divas, and several glasses cause the libations are flowing! Come take a sip! Recommendations: "Aren't You?" One Night Only! May 3 at Marin Shakespeare Company Directed by ShawnJ Wes...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, discuss how theatre creatives get caught up in the wind, energy, and aromas! They talk about who's getting vetted, who needs to check it at the door, and who's team too much! Baby, the receipts keep coming and the Divas leave Nothing on Read! Oh Too Shade Honey, Oh Too Shade! Recommendations: “The Great Leap" featuring our very own James Oh! Playing at Center Rep at The Lesher Center For The Ar...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, discuss the ways that theatre is reviewed in the Bay and invite The People to throw in their own two cents. Center Stage Shade casts it's gaze on the actor while Into The Shade, brings light to accessing children's theatre. You might want to gather your flock for this one cause The Divas got a word! Come and get this blessing! Recommendations: “West Coast Premiere “Bees & Honey” Marin Theatre Co...

Send us Fan Mail Happy Black History Month! On this episode of Creatively Shaded, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, highlight local Black Bay Area Creatives and other artists who have made it big! They recap the local theatre scene and kiki about audition bloopers. Center Stage Shade and Q & A segment Into The Shade, dive deep into theatre community effectiveness and appropriate terminology, that is Stamped in The Black! Getcha note pad Henny cause The Divas got receipts! Recommendations: ...

Send us Fan Mail Happy New Year! On the first episode of 2024, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, set the FIREWORKS OFF! They lay down tips on the do's & definitely the don'ts of going to an audition, give their THREE CENTS on "The Color Purple" 2023 version and The Center Stage Shade is EXPLOSIVE! A new Q & A segment, Into The Shade is introduced. Bring a fan baby cause you're gonna need to cool ALL THE WAY OFF! Come sit under the Shade! Recommendations: “Babes in H...