Atlanta Playwright, Sherry Bell-Bradley, Blossoms in New Career

While lay offs were taking place on March 6, 2009, Sherry Bell-Bradley was working at the firms satellite office just blocks away. Unlike her colleagues, she learned of her faith the next day when she received her termination package in the mail. Instead of waddling in self-pity, Sherry turned to her writing and began constructing the foundation for her comedy murder mystery, Who Killed Uncle Pete? The stage play was an instant success since it first debuted in 2009. Although Sherry could not reveal and ruin the mystery of who actually killed Uncle Pete (you will have to see it yourself) she did, however, agree to discuss the inspiration behind the stage play, future projects she is currently working on, and her most influential writer.

Janet Thomson: Good morning Sherry thank you for taking time to chat with me.

Sherry Bell-Bradley: Good morning Janet and thanks for having me.

JT: Let's get right into it. Who or what is the inspiration behind Who Killed Uncle Pete?

SB: I utilized some family members' nicknames, but the characters do not depict my family. Uncle Pete was formed by listening to family and friends refer to their own family members. I combined those characteristics to form the character Uncle Pete. Nettie, Dulie and Dump: I had been all those women at one point in my life: nave, feisty, or simply tired of dead-end relationships. As far as who inspires me, it's my grandmother, Cleaster McCloud who has since passed.

JT: I understand that this is your first comedic production. When did you get the idea?

SB: For years my writing style geared towards social issues or experiences that I had encountered. I wanted to see if I could change my writing style--I wanted to see if my writing could be comical. It was my turn to host Girls Night Out and I decided to seize the opportunity. I wrote the skit and put it on in my backyard. I invited family and friends. After the party, I thanked everyone for coming, and I told them that the skit was the debut of Who Killed Uncle Pete? - The next day, I began writing to turn the skit into a play.

JT: Why did you decide writing as a career?

SB: I didn't decide - my destiny did. I had been writing since I was about nine years old. I could take 10 spelling words and write a mystery. I even wrote a collection of poems all summer long one year, and I gave the collection to my English teacher, Mrs. Grant.

JT: Sherry not many people understand their purpose in life how fortunate you are to have known so early that writing is your destiny. Now tells us what circumstances lead to your career move from legal secretary to full-time playwright.

SB: I had been in Corporate America in the legal field for years as a legal secretary, administrative assistant -- writing was a hobby. I wrote skits and poetry for the churches I attended. I even had the opportunity to write a play A Promise which focused on physical abuse with the Coleman Jr. High School Drama team performed at the Grenville High School. In January 2009, I started my company Mississippi Magnolia Productions, LLC. In March 2009, I was laid off from my job of 8 1/2 years, without notice. Then on June 7, 2009, I was hit by a car while walking in my sister's yard. The injuries I sustained; torn ligaments in both knees; damaged cartilage; fractured bone and spinal and nerve damage. I experienced short-term memory loss, loss of mobility of my right arm due to a pinched nerve and injuries to my spine. I could only stand or sit for short periods of time. Now mind you, my show was scheduled to debut June 22-23, 2009.

JT: Wow talk about tenacity and determination Sherry. You are very blessed to still be here and to have the momentum to continue with this project. I understand that you had some exciting and interesting circumstances happen while getting this production together, can you talk about those experiences?

SB: Yes, three weeks before my opening show - I can not recall most of the events that led up to the debut because of the medication and the pain, but I do recall we sold out. Although I had my wheelchair on standby, God granted me strength to walk out and thank the fans.

The January Show was organized mostly from the bed because my body ached with pain daily and the only outlet I had was writing - it was therapy. I reviewed the DVD of the rehearsals over and over again, and then I went to work. I made the necessary changes and yet again, the show sold out at the 14th Street Playhouse in January 2010.

On May 15, 2010, we traveled to my hometown in Greenville, Mississippi with a stellar performance at the historical E. E. Bass Cultural Arts Center. Later, we returned to my community at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur, Georgia in October 2010 with another successful show. I wasn't released from the doctors until May 2010, the week I was scheduled to travel to Mississippi. For almost a year I wasn't able to work, but my writing kept my spirits up.

JT: Sherry your story is definitely one of inspiration for others, particularly for women entrepreneurs. Where do you get your motivation or inspiration for writing?

SB: Writing is therapy for me. When I am writing it releases stress and it gives me the opportunity to put my thought about certain incidents I have encountered on paper. It is a ministry - here I can offer my testimonies that hopefully, educate, uplift and encourage someone else.

JT: Well your story has definitely encouraged me. What is your goal for Who Killed Uncle Pete?

SB: In the near future, I hope to get investors, take the production on the road and one day see Who Killed Uncle Pete on the marquis at the Fox in Atlanta, Georgia.

JT: You have such drive that I'm sure it will happen. Are you working on any new projects?

SB: I am. There is a sequel to Who Killed Uncle Pete as well as a few other plays I will be working on this year.

JT: When can we expect a book of your memoir?

SB: I can't really say right now. I am so happy writing plays, traveling and putting on productions that I don't know right now.

JT: Who is your favorite writer and why?

SB: Maya Angelou, I have loved her since a child. I purchased and read her collection one book at a time. Me and Mrs. Angelou's novels on a nice sunny day, lying on a blanket in the backyard of my mom's house -- I could escape my life and travel with Mrs. Angelou, experience her life, laugh when she was happy and cry when she experienced hardships. I would write poetry because one day -- I would be as famous as Mrs. Angelou.

JT: Will a DVD be created for purchase in the near future?

SB: Yes, we expect to have Who Killed Uncle Pete available for purchase in 2012.

JT: How can people contact you?

SB: I can be reached at http://mississippimagnolia.net

JT: Sherry thanks so much for sharing your journey, and I wish you continued success.

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The Globalization Of Entertainment - The Global Artist Career - Part 2

You'd best believe that the air up there is very rarefied indeed. In spite of hearing all your life the estimation of so many well known performers careers identified as "international stardom", somewhat of a recapitulation is in order. Who actually determines the parameters identifying the circumstances or achievements that must be met to assign such grand and lofty accolades to any one individuals accomplishments? Who is that assigned "king (or queen) who decree's that a particular artists has indeed reached a place that bestows upon them the ultimate recognition, undying love and devotion of countless human beings throughout the world? Who is it that measures, in such precise detail the level of admiration, commercial sales, tragic acts of devotion or brilliant acts of unselfishness enacted in their name that would seem to me to be a minimal way to really acquire some true sense of the value of someone destined to be showered with this kind notice?

Who Indeed? I submit to you there is no such person, that the bluster and huff attributed to all this generally misstatement of facts has simply been for the most part, a not to cleverly disguised PR ploy that has allowed silver tounged hucksters to play themselves into position to extract unimaginable bounties of booty from the gullible, the naive and the "agendized" media executive with to much time and money on his hands. That is until now. Remember, we're talking about performing artists here not Mother Theresa. We often find so many of these types of people to be selfish, when ego is involved selfishly unkind and often removed from contact with the more common folk who walk the earth among them. Of course there are a few exceptions, but for the most part the stereotype just described holds true more often than not. What anyone does with the resources they acquire is their business and their business alone. Just don't be looking for the world to love you all over when the only opportunity you take to spread love, ease suffering is when cameras are rolling and large crowds are around to sing your praise.

Many times in casual conversation with whom I assume to be average consumers I am often excoriated when I endeavor to explain to them that because they hear about an artist here in America all over the media they should not assume that to means that an equivalent amount of coverage is extended to that same performer in countries all around the world. Hell some performers are not even widely covered in other states let alone the 250 + countries and thousands of cities all around the world. Some get downright indignant with me about my conclusions as if I haven't the slightest clue of what I'm talking about. Not withstanding the fact that i have had the occasion to visit, live and work in different countries or that I now work with talent from different countries from all around the world, they just really have no clue at all that many nations have their own "superstars" they admire. Of course there are probably a few exceptions but this will be nothing compared to what is about to happen if the very near future.

According to Professor Deborah Glik /UCLA - Community Health Sciences at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) just about 112 years ago the earth's population was about 2 billion people. That has increased to more than twice that number in this short span to more than over 6 billion people (closer to 7 billion). Because communications globally have improved so unimaginably during this period the ability to truly shape the career of a truly international global superstar is well withing our reach unequivocally, unquestionably. The life and death of perhaps one of the very rare, definitively global, international talents ever - Michael Jackson signaled two things, the end of a dynamically changing dimension of life, the beginning of the new uncharted waters of a future no one cares to tell us how we landed in.

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Will Smith Teaches You How To Have A Victorious Acting Career

Will Smith Has Knowledge To Help Your Acting Career

Will Smith is in a class of his own. His ability to astound Hollywood with his amazing performances have reached a worldwide audience. He has starred as well as produced hit films with a consistency very few actors ever attain. Looking into his work every actor learn a great deal. Will's way of thinking makes it possible for him to have such great results. In his mind failure isn't an option. Accomplishing your goal is always possible.

This mindset is the center of his achievement. Yes, he's invested thousands of hours into his craft. The man's intellect is like a machine. Numerous actors can discover how to get started as an actor simply by modeling his attitude. If you pay close attention in this article you will discover a secret that lead you to new heights.

You too can accomplish success. However, if you are looking for a secret button to success, you'll find that it does not exist. Too many of us are led to believe there's some 'magic pill' that will instantly alter everything.

Do you see the pattern?
If you look at those you truly respect you'll see a pattern. They all put in hard work and trusted in themselves 100%. This is the secret to success. Try this activity to really drill this home. Create a list of the top 10 people who inspire you. Afterward go on the internet and do some research. Look into the reputation of these motivating leaders. You will begin to discover a pattern in each and every one of them. The pattern of persistent relentless action towards a big mission.

Award winning celebrities possess a strategy.
Lots of young actors take off for the acting industry without a real strategy. Education is essential to develop your craft but like Will Smith you will also need a strategy which will get you through the challenging times.

Developing a powerful philosophy.
It's important to observe rejection and disappointment as learning lessons for a worthwhile career. It is unfortunate we are educated to look at disappointments as a negative idea. The most successful artist were the biggest failures. However, inside their minds they did not see themselves as failures but like a success. They understand that failing is only an opportunity to discover new things.

This frame of mind has created so many our great actors and great leaders within the globe. The key to supporting your mindset is becoming very conscious of what you place into your mind. In today's culture, we are attacked with countless advertising, sales, and plenty of bad information.

The good information you read and the individuals you encircle yourself with will affect your philosophy. Do a mental inventory of the circle of associates in your life presently. If they are not 100% in support with your acting career, then perhaps it's time to you spend less time with them. It might appear tough at first, however the reward is a lot much more than your initial pain. Take it from Will Smith. If you are persistent and believe in the beauty of your dreams nothing is impossible.

Rey Valentin is a professional actor living in Hollywood CA. He holds a BFA in Acting and has over 15 years teaching young actors how to get started as an actor. To watch the Will Smith Video be sure to visit Will Smith.

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