May 2022 | Issue 2

AIKAN ACTS MONTHLY

AIKAN ACTS FOUNDER - NAKIA DILLARD
WINS PHILLY URBAN FILM AWARDS , "Man Of The Year"

Nakia Dillard accepts "Man of the Year" award onstage during the Philly Urban Film Awards in Comodore Barry Arts Center on April 16, 2022

Lights - Camera - Action!

Nakia Dillard was awarded "Man of the Year" by the Philly Urban Film Awards last April 16, 2022.

The event was held at the Comodore Barry Arts Center where it was filled the city’s top artists, directors, actors, editors, creators, and more. Activist and philanthropist Purple Queen Saj Blackwell, Tommy Blackwell VI, and councilman David Oh graced the event to present the awards to the winners.

The Philly Urban Film Awards was founded by the award-winning, bestselling book author, and movie director Jimmy DeSaint to honor Philadelphia's many outstanding talents for their contribution to the city's entertainment industry.

• Nakia Dillard Wrapped Up Season 1 of ABC's Hit Series - The Wonder Years

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• Aikan Acts Performing Arts Holds Video Contest For Students

Inspired from the beloved award-winning series of the same name, "The Wonder Years" is a coming-of-age comedy series set in the late 1960s.

The original hit series, which featured a white family, aired for six seasons from 1988 to 1993 on ABC.

The reboot that debuted last September 22, 2021, follows the life of a black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama, through the point of view of imaginative 12-year-old Dean. With the wisdom of his adult years, Dean's hopeful and humorous recollections show how his family found their "wonder years" in a turbulent time.

Nakia Dillard on screen as Theo of "The Wonder Years"

Nakia Dillard plays the role of Theo - the father of Keisa Clemmons, who is the love interest of Dean.

The Wonder Years" also stars Don Cheadle, narrating the series as Adult Dean Williams.

"Saladin Patterson serves as writer and executive producer. Lee Daniels and Marc Velez of Lee Daniels Entertainment also executive produce along with original series star, Fred Savage.

The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios. The pilot episode is written by Saladin Patterson and directed by Fred Savage.

The series premiers on ABC on airing on Wednesdays at 8:30 pm, with availability the next day on Hulu.

"The Wonder Years" is also available on Disney+.

Nakia Dillard on set of "The Wonder Years" with co-stars.

Source: https://abc.com/shows/the-wonder-years/about-the-show

Announcements & Updates

AIKAN ACTS PERFORMING ACTS

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: 5

Monday (8:00 -9:00 pm)

Adult Class

Open slots: 1

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COMPETITION DETAILS:

All Aikan Acts students are invited to participate in the Aikan Acts Monologue Competition and submit one-two minute video monologues of their choice for the chance to win a starring role in a short film produced by Aikan Acts.

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All entries will be judged on presentation and believability. The top finalists in each category will then have an opportunity to seek votes from family and friends

ELIGIBILITY:

• Must be a current student of Aikan Performing Arts.

• Must be able to submit a 1-2 minute video recording.

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COMPETITION DATES:

• Video submissions begin on Saturday, April 30th, and end on Saturday, May 14th, 2022.

• Public votes from family and friends begin on Sunday, May 15th, and end on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022.

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Tuesday (8:30 - 9:30 PM)

Adult Class

Slots open: 10

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Wednesday (5:15 - 6:15 pm)

Pre-teen class ages 7-12

Slots open: 6

Wednesday (6:30 - 7:30 pm)

Pre-teen class ages 7-12

Slots Open: 5

Total slots open per class:

Student Testimonial

by Markia Carson

Since becoming a student at Aikan Acts, so many opportunities have become available to me.

I attended my first table read / meet & greet. I had the opportunity to network with like-minded people and/or people who have been in the acting industry (for) a long time and it's been amazing as well as enlightening.

I have had the honor to partake in a short film with Drench Productions. I also received a role on a series titled "Independent We stand" by Life Media. Grady Jones and I will be taping on May 14th.

(On) May 12th, 13th, and 14th, I am honored to be hitting the stage as a muse in a historical play titled, "The Voice That Would Not Be Silenced" about Fanny Lou Mae.

I have gained a family of support, mentors, teachers and genuine individuals with a love for the craft of acting.

I am excited for what else my acting journey has in store for me.

-Markia Carson