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February 2023 | Issue 2
The Company Newsletter Of Aikan Acts Performing Arts
NAKIA DILLARD RECEIVED THE PRESTIGIOUS OSSIE DAVIS AWARD FROM THE GOEP FOR 2023
The Garden Of Eden Productions was founded by Author, Playwright, Screenplay writer, Director, and Producer Bethel Bates in 2006 and is dedicated to shaping and changing the lives of our inner city people of all ages through the magnificient world of theater, film, and media arts.
The GOEP 2nd Annual Red Carpet and Black Tie Event was held last January 15, 2023. It was an intimate fun filled evening celebrating, networking and collaborating with some of Philly's most talented writers, filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and performers that Philadelphia has to offer.
Aikan Acts Performing Arts Founder, Nakia Dillard was awarded the prestigious Ossie Davis Award.
more great news..
Lights - Camera - Action!
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Aikan Acts Performing Arts Interviewd by Fox 29
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Aikan Acts Students Films Movie
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Slots Available for Acting Classes
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Student Testimonial
AIKAN ACTS MONTHLY
February 2023 | Issue 2
NAKIA DILLARD'S LATEST FILM ON TUBI:
UNCLE RUFUS' LAST REQUEST
Uncle Rufus’s Final Request is a Comedy Movie that tells the story of a recently deceased Uncle Rufus. In his last will and testament, his nephew, Darius, must convince his conflicting siblings to start their family business together. If he succeeds, they will inherit a fortune from their deceased uncle —but there's one condition: Darius isn't allowed tell them about it!
Nakia plays the role of Gerald, one of the siblings. Along with his student, Parks, whom he arranged to play as an extra. Aikan Acts teacher - Lenny Daniels, and youth student teacher - Nicole Lynn Tucker, also appears on the movie with him.
Watch it on Tubi:
Nakia Dillard on set of "Uncle Rufus' Final Request" with co-stars, Nicole Lynn Tucker, and Omar Gooding.
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Nicole LynnTucker - Aikan Acts Youth Student Teacher
CAREER DAYS AT LINDLEY ACADEMY
CHECK OUT NAKIA DILLARD'S BOOKS ON ACTOR'S AFFIRMATION AND FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR ACTORS AND GLORIA DILLARD'S BOOKS ON CREDIT RESTORE SECREST AND FUNDING SECRETS
Nakia is currently preparing to work on a film Titled Zion being shot in Maryland.
He hasn't been busy doing career days at middle schools Lindley academy.
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February 2023 | Issue 2
Announcements & Updates
Aikan Acts Performing Arts Can Change Your Life.
JOIN TODAY TO SEE HOW!
Monday (6:45 -7:45 pm)
Teen class age 13-17
Slots open: 7
Monday (8:00 -9:00 pm)
Adult Class
Open slots: 4
Tuesday (7:00 - 8:00 PM)
Adult Class
Slots open: 4
Tuesday (8:30 - 9:30 PM)
Adult Class
Slots open: 10
Total slots open per class:
Wednesday (5:15 - 6:15 pm)
Pre-teen class ages 7-12
Slots open: 5
Wednesday (6:30 - 7:30 pm)
Pre-teen class ages 7-12
Slots Open: 2
Saturday (11:00 - 12:00 pm)
Teen class
Slots open: 10
February 2023 | Issue 2
Student Testimonials
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Warren Smith, 10 year old actor from Philadelphia, is an active student with Aikan Act.
In December he filmed a commercial and had several auditions.
Warren won Aikan Acts monologue contest which he was cast the leading role.
The short film Show and Take was released on 12/23/2022.
A music video and visuals Warren did with Grammy award winner music artist Danial Caesar were also released in December.
Warren Smith on film, Fairy Tale Court.
Another film Warren was cast in FairyTale Court, an Aikan Act film, was released on 01/10/2023. This month he’s had several auditions and one call back audition.
Warren is scheduled to start filming a featured film in February.
Warren Smith on Daniel Ceasar music video.
Warren continues to work hard to better himself as an actor. This includes attending class, working on monologues and tongue twisters and assistance from his teacher Nicole Tucker and mentor Nakia Dillard.
Show And Take Film
February 2023 | Issue 2
Student Testimonials
Hello
my name is Tyfease Kennedy
I've been working all month thanks to aikan acts. Here's a few things I've been doing.
Real boyfriends of Philadelphia: /Role therapist
All hail the king part 2: /detective Ross
Extra: /Church scene for a rap video
Fox 29: / Interview with Aikan acts team
Commercial: / Role boxer girlfriend
February 2023 | Issue 2
Student Testimonials
Que Terrell
Writer/Director/Producer Shameeka Sawyer and I
Short Film: Yes, No, Maybe (1/22/23)
On set as Sierra
Short Film: The Date (1/15/23)
On set as Detective Keema Williams
Web series: Philly Narcotics (1/14/23)
Screenshot of testimony from Writer Kemba Gist from my audition for her play "This Family Sho Is Crazy" I am casted to play Jawana (1/22/23)
February 2023 | Issue 2
Student Testimonials
The Aikan act students Asil, Caleb, John all had the pleasure in filming in FDK movie with the Trapar-Entertainment LLC with Film director Tracey Parson
February 2023 | Issue 2
Student Testimonials
Casted as One of the main characters “Emma” in the movie “Fuxk Dem Kids “ written & directed by Tracey Parson of TrayPar productions
Also casted as “Jacqueline”(a younger sister of 3 siblings ) in “This Family Sho is Crazy” a Kemba Gist production.
April Mcbride
February 2023 | Issue 2
Student Testimonials
I am currently rehearsing for the 3rd run of Chosen, The Stage Play. This play is based off of the book "Chosen, A Lady’s Journey from Called, to Crushed, to Crowned" by Nicole Howard. It tells a story of a first lady of a church who is faced with infidelity in her marriage to the pastor and church folk who have turned their backs on her. I'm casted as Ms. Rita, a church lady who brings some comin relief to a series of intense situations. "Chosen" is on tour and the 3rd show will be March 4, 2023 at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Theater in Washington, DC at 3:30 pm.
We also have a show set for Saturday, April 22, 2023 in Westbury, NY.
I've also been casted in the play "Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery" by Shay Youngblood. This play will premiere at the end of April 2023.
Monica Devaughn
February 2023 | Issue 2
Student Testimonials
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John was a co-star in Verizon's 2022 National Holiday commercial with Patti LaBelle. The commercial aired on all Lifetime Networks for the It's a Wonderful Lifetime Holiday Programming.
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He was casted as the Violinst in Kijana Mfalme Boy King (2023) in Washington, DC.
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John filmed FXCK Dem Kids (2023) in Philadelphia, PA.
John was casted as Young Zay in Prep (2023) which is a bodybuilding fever dream fueled by childhood trauma, food porn and acid techno music.
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John filmed The Date with Director David Thompson.
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He was casted as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the play Legacy. NOTE: Asil and Caleb are also casted in this production.
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