FOUNDER, DIRECTOR & INSTRUCTOR

 

Actor, writer and director Nakia Dillard is a Philadelphia-bred creative soul, as evident by his love of arts of all disciplines.

As a child, Dillard's gift of drawing introduced him to a whole new world of colors, animation, and imagination. Extremely talented in this area, Dillard thought of drawing as a life career. But acting came calling, and soon he would be found in one of the most respected venues in the nation - Philadelphia's Freedom Theater.

Enrollment in the Freedom Theater led to Dillard's meeting renowned coach Ricardo Martin, who introduced him to the Rainbow Company and where he would go on to hone his skills even further. That experience led to Nakia Dillard's determination to become the best he could be. He would eventually perform at the distinguished Hedgerow Theater, and The Wilma.

Dillard later appeared as a frequent character in the critically acclaimed TV series "The Wire," working alongside some of the most recognized names in the industry (such as actor and director Bill Duke). The series was the start of a much bigger picture and Dillard would eventually find himself in company with Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Anthony Mackie, Wendell Pierce, Kerry Washington, and many other notable performers.

 

Today, Dillard is steadily fulfilling a lifelong dream of giving back to the community which gave to him. He is the founder of Aikan Entertainment Solutions (pronounced "I can"), an organization that empowers young talent and encourages their artistic growth as well as the entrepreneurial spirit. He is also the founder of Aikan Performing Arts, a successful organization, which trains individuals (from ages five and above) in the art of acting and other creative outlets.