Sheldon Epps - Renowned Theater And TV Director. Artistic Director Emeritus Of The Pasadena Playhouse. Artistic Advisor At Ford's Theatre. Talks About Race In The Theater, His New Book, And Much More!
Episode Notes
Sheldon Epps is one of the all-time most influential African American theater and television directors. He’s directed major productions on and off Broadway, in London and at many theaters across the U.S. He was the Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse for two decades and is now Artistic Director Emeritus, and currently serves as a Senior Artistic Advisor at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. He’s written a book called “My Own Directions: A Black Man’s Journey In The American Theatre”.
My featured song is “The Rescue”. Spotify link here.
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Sheldon and I discuss the following:
His family moves from Compton, CA to LA to Teaneck, NJ
His mother started taking him to Broadway shows
Drama Club
Carnegie Mellon to study acting
Golden age of Broadway
Black acting companies and stars
Hello Dolly with Cab Calloway and Pearl Bailey
Acting degree
Actor after college
Started theater company in NYC
No “Survival jobs”; Teaching job
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Pasadena Playhouse
Barrington Stage Company
His book; racism in the theater
Becoming Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse
Blazing Saddles
BOBBY M AND THE PAISLEY PARADE is Robert’s forthcoming album. Featuring 10 new songs and guest appearances by John Helliwell (Supertramp), Tony Carey (Rainbow) and international sitar sensation Deobrat Mishra. Called"ALBUM OF THE YEAR!" by Indie Shark. Praised by Steve Hackett (Genesis), John Helliwell (Supertramp), Gary Puckett (Union Gap), Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds), Peter Yarrow (Peter Paul and Mary), and David Libert (The Happenings).
LIVE AT STEELSTACKS is the 5-song EP by Robert and his band, Project Grand Slam. The release captures the band at the top of their game and shows off the breadth, scope and sound of the band. The EP has been highly praised by musicians and reviewers alike.
“Captivating!” Elliott Randall (Steely Dan)
“PGS burns down the house!” Tony Carey (Rainbow)
“Full of life!” Alan Hewitt (The Moody Blues)
“Virtuoso musicians!” (Melody Maker)
“Such a great band!” (Hollywood Digest)
The album can be streamed on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and all the other streaming platforms, and can be downloaded at The PGS Store.
ALL OF THE TIME is Robert’s recent single by his band Project Grand Slam. It’s a playful, whimsical love song that's light and airy and exudes the happiness and joy of being in love.
“Pure bliss…An intimate sound with abundant melodic riches!” Melody Maker/5 Stars)
“Ecstasy…One of the best all-around bands working today!” (Pop Icon/5 Stars)
“Excellence…A band in full command of their powers!” (Mob York City)
Watch the video here. You can stream “All Of The Time” on Spotify, Apple or any of the other streaming platforms. And you can download it here.
THE SHAKESPEARE CONCERT is the album by Robert’s band, Project Grand Slam, recorded "live" in the studio. It’s been praised by Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), Jim Peterik (Ides Of March), Joey Dee (Peppermint Twist), Elliott Randall (Steely Dan) and Sarah Class (British composer). Reviews: “Perfection!”, “5 Stars!”, “Thrilling!”, and “A Masterpiece!”. The album can be streamed on Spotify, Apple and all the other streaming services. You can watch the Highlight Reel HERE. And you can purchase a digital download or autographed CD of the album HERE.
THE FALL OF WINTER is Robert’s single in collaboration with legendary rocker Jim Peterik of the Ides Of March and formerly with Survivor. Also featuring renowned guitarist Elliott Randall (Steely Dan/Doobie Brothers) and keyboard ace Tony Carey (Joe Cocker/Eric Burden). “A triumph!” (The Indie Source). “Flexes Real Rock Muscle!” (Celebrity Zone). Stream it on Spotify or Apple. Watch the lyric video here. Download it here.
FOLLOW YOUR DREAM HANDBOOK is Robert's Amazon #1 Bestseller. It’s a combination memoir of his unique musical journey and a step by step how-to follow and succeed at your dream. Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Audio production:
Jimmy Ravenscroft
Kymera Films
Connect with Sheldon at:
https://www.amazon.com/My-Own-Directions-Journey-American/dp/1476688583
Instagram: @sheldon_l_epps
Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:
Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/followyourdreampodcast
Email Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com
YouTube
LinkedIn
Listen to the Follow Your Dream Podcast on these podcast platforms:
CastBox
Spotify
Apple
Follow Robert’s band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:
Website - www.projectgrandslam.com
Instagram
PGS Store - www.thePGSstore.com
YouTube
Facebook - www.facebook.com/projectgrandslam
Spotify Music
Apple Music
Email - pgs@projectgrandslam.com