Black Hair in the Big Leagues

Gisela Adisa from 1776 on Broadway joins the Black Hair in the Big Leagues lineup with host, Salisha Thomas. Gisela is a Broadway, television, commercial, and voiceover actress. Some of her stage credits include the National Tour of Sister Act, she made her Broadway debut in Beautiful the Carole King Musical, and was nominated for an Ovation Award for her performance as Eartha Kitt in Lights Out: Nat King Cole, and at the time of this recording has been killing it in 1776 on Broadway as Robert Livingston. Gisela is a star, currently killing it at life, and we can't wait to see what she does next! Follow Gisela Adisa on IG @imgisela. Follow host Salisha Thomas on IG @salishathomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nikki Crawford and Adrianna Mitchell join this week's episode on Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas! They are currently starring in the FAT HAM playing at the Public Theatre in New York City. Get your tickets Here. Nikki Crawford graduated from Carnegie Melon has been all over TV, film, and theater. She's performed live from regional houses across the country and has been on television in Criminal Minds, Pretty Little Liars, Malcom in the Middle, and let's not forget Martin, Living Single, and A Different World to name a few! Adrianna Mitchell graduated from Spellman and American Conservatory Theater. She's an actress, writer, and director. She's been on Blacklist, Bull, The Good Fight, Queens, Harlem's Kitchen, and Snowfall, and more! Follow them at @nikkicrawford917 and @adriannamitchell_. Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas and www.salishathomas.com FAT HAM is a co-production between The Public and National Black Theatre, and reinvents Shakespeare's masterpiece Hamlet with a black, queer, and southern twist. It explores questions of identity, family, and trauma in a delectable comic tragedy directed by The Public's Associate Artistic Director Saheem Ali. The show stars Marcel Spears (CBS's The Neighborhood) as the show's modern day Hamlet– Juicy, a queer, Southern college student. Set at a backyard BBQ complete with Southern soul food , this is NOT your typical Hamlet retelling (it even ends in a drag performance). But it's an important, thought provoking play that I hope you'll come check out.   Nikki Crawford plays Tedra (based on Hamlet's Mother Gertrude) and Adrianna Mitchell plays Opal (based on Ophelia) and they are wonderful, fun, and integral parts of this retelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roger Q. Mason (Playwright) (they/them) joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas. They were recently touted by The Brooklyn Rail as "quickly becoming one of the most significant playwrights of the decade." Their playwriting has been seen on Broadway at Circle in the Square (Circle Reading Series); Off and Off-Off-Broadway at MCC Theatre with Carnegie Hall, La Mama ETC, New York Theatre Workshop, New Group, The Fire This Time Festival, Dixon Place, American Theatre of Actors, Flea Theatre, and Access Theater; and regionally at McCarter Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Victory Gardens, Chicago Dramatists, Steep Theatre, Serenbe Playhouse, Theatre Rhinoceros, Open Fist Theatre Company, EST/LA, Coeurage Theatre, Rogue Artists Ensemble, Son of Semele, and Skylight Theatre. Roger is an honoree of the Kilroys List; the Chuck Rowland Pioneer Award; the Fire This Time Festival Alumni Spotlight; and the Hollywood Fringe Festival Encore Producers Award. Mason's films have been recognized by the British Film Institute Flare Festival, Lonely Wolf International Film Festival, SCAD Film Festival, AT&T Film Award, Atlanta International Film Festival, Webby Awards, and Telly Awards. They've screened at the British Film Institute Flare Festival, Lonely Wolf International Film Festival, Inside Out Festival (Toronto), SCAD Film Festival, Hollyshorts, Outfest and Outfest Fusion, Rio LGBT Film Festival (Brazil), Bentonville Film Festival, Outshine Film Festival, and the Pan African Film Festival.  Mason serves as an associate producer on Discovery+ docuseries BOOK OF QUEER and researcher for Freeform/Disney's HOW WE GOT HERE. Mason holds degrees from Princeton University, Middlebury College, and Northwestern University. They are a member of Page 73's Interstate 73 Writers Group and Primary Stages Writing Cohort, the co-host of Sister Roger's Gayborhood podcast with Lovell Holder, and the lead mentor of the New Visions Fellowship and Shay Foundation Fellowship. Roger Q. Mason will premiere their much-anticipated play Lavender Men with Skylight Theatre Company and Playwrights' Arena in Los Angeles, August 6-September 4. Directed by Lovell Holder, this genre-pushing play courageously re-imagines one of America's most beloved historical icons, President Abraham Lincoln, through a queer person of color's storytelling lens. The production will also be accessible to a national audience via streaming performances beginning August 20. Visit www.LavenderMenPlayLA.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Follow Roger @rogerq.mason Follow Host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Nominated actor, Sidney DuPont graces Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas! He is an actor, dancer, a cinematographer, director, and award winning screenwriter. He has toured with Memphis, a Chorus Line, and Beautiful as well as doing the Australian and Broadway companies of Beautiful and is now starring in Paradise Square on Broadway for which he has received his very first Tony Award Nomination. Sidney DuPont is kind, fun, talented and radiates "Black Boy Joy." And when he is on stage, he pours every ounce of his soul into every role he takes on. Follow his journey on Instagram at @sidneydupont! You're going to love him! Follow host, Salisha Thomas on her blog at www.salishathomas.com or on IG @salishathomas Black Hair in the Big Leagues is part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recorded with Tyla Collier literally in 2020 and the audio got damaged. BUT WE HAVE FINALLY RECOVERED IT!!!! SO SO happy to share this episode with you all. Tyla is an actor, singer, dancer, and an award winning Voiceover artist and audiobook narrator. Tyla is such a sweet, talented, and kind spirit in the Broadway community and currently on tour with Hadestown! Follow her journey at @tyla_collier and check out www.tylacollier.com. Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas or read the blog at www.salishathomas.com. Black Hair in the Big Leagues is part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Powerhouse Joaquina Kalukango joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host Salisha Thomas this week! She is currently starring in Paradise Square, bringing down the house 8 times a week playing Nelly. The show is fantastic. She is PHENOMENAL. She was also in the Godspell Revival, Hollar if Ya Hear Me, The Color Purple, and the original Broadway cast of A Slave Play. Not to mention When They See Us, Mahalia, One Night in Miami, and Lovecraft Country. Follow her journey @joaquinakalukango! Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas and read the blog at www.salishathomas.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A graduate from Princeton AND Yale, Lileana Blain Cruz joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas. Lileana is the director of The Skin of Our Teeth on Broadway which also happens to be her Broadway directorial debut!!!! Go to the Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center in NYC to catch the show and follow Lileana @LileanaBlainCruzofficial or her website at www.lileanablaincruz.com. Follow Host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas or her blog at www.salishathomas.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HAILING from Six the Musical on Broadway, Keirsten Nicole Hodgens joins the Black Hair in the Big Leagues lineup with host, Salisha Thomas. From Ball State University and swinging half the cast of Six on Broadway, she is black, queer, and a whole vibe. Follow her immediately @shespeaksmusic. Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas or read the blog at www.salishathomas.com. Black Hair in the Big Leagues is part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MANDLA JAHAVA joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues with Host, Salisha Thomas. She is a first generation Kenyan-American actor, writer, and director based out of New York. She passionately creates and advocates for African stories from an African perspective for African people. She will be seen in Issa Rae's new HBO show "Rapsh!t". Other credits include: Ava Duvernay's "DMZ" and "How to Make Love to a Black Woman" produced by Lena Waithe. Regional theater credits include: Geffen Playhouse, Arizona Theater, Denver Theatre Club. She received her MFA in Acting from the Yale School of Drama ‘19 and a BFA in Acting from CalArts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For over a year now, Safiya Vanterpool has worked as an assistant on Black Hair in the Big Leagues in the promotions department, and we are SO PROUD that she has recently created her own show called Meeno, available wherever you listen to podcasts! Follow her @Safiya.anika_ and @meenopodcast Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas or read her blog at www.salishathomas.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Star of the upcoming Queens Girl in the World offBroadway in New York City, Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcomes Felicia Curry. Felicia's regional resume includes Les Mis, The Color Purple, Sister Act, Caroline or Change, Ragtime, Scottsboro Boys, Matilda, Nina Simone: Four Women which she won a Berkshire Theatre Critics award for. She's been nominated 9 times for the Helen Hayes Award, bringing home the title with her performance as Lela in Lela & Co. Felicia Curry is currently starring in Queens Girl in the World on Theatre Row in New York City. Wise, grounded, present, connected, Felicia shares with host, Salisha Thomas how she has worked consistently, how she stays true to who she is on and off the stage, and gives advice on what to do if there is someone out there who feels an industry pivot in their spirit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcomes Elizabeth Addison! Elizabeth is a writer, composer, lyricist and playwright, artist, activist, and entrepreneur. During the pandemic, she started an interview series called Chasing Beads, and she was recently accepted in the Muse mentorship program where she's mentored by Broadway composers and musicians. In this episode, Salisha Thomas and Elizabeth Addison sit down and discuss Elizabeth's journey to writing, her play: This is Treatment, and taking up space on the "other" side of the table as a Black woman. Follow Elizabeth @elizabeth.addison3 Follow host, Salisha @salishathomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Currently on Broadway now until April 2, 2022, American Utopia is a smash hit! And stars: Angie Swan (Guitarist) and Tendayi Kuumba (Dancer/vocalist) visit Black Hair in the Big Leagues as the final episode of Black History Month. These artists are a force and stand firmly in their purpose on stage and off. Tune in to this episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues with host, Salisha Thomas to soak in some inspiration. Follow the guests on Instagram: @theangieswan and @whostendayi. www.whostendayi.com. Go to www.salishathomas.com for more information! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fashion model featured in Halston, Prada X Elle, Project Runway and more, Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcomes Janine Tondu to the stage! In this episode, Janine shares her journey to becoming a fashion model, how she found her confidence, and a few surprising fun facts about herself. Janine has the most beautiful natural hair and rocks it all over her instagram page. Follow her @janinetondu. Follow host Salisha Thomas @salishathomas and get tickets to her solo concert happening February 20, 2022 @6pm EST live in Brooklyn at Uncommonly Studios. In person and virtual tickets available at www.salishathomas.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hot off the press from filming in A Journal For Jordan, starring opposite Michael B. Jordan and directed by the one and only Denzel Washington, Chante Adams joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues! Some of her credits include Bad Hair, The Photograph, and she is now making her Broadway debut opposite Phylicia Rashad in The Skeleton Crew. This is your host, Salisha Thomas dropping in to say I recorded this episode with Chante last week and saw The Skeleton Crew TONIGHT (Feb9th, 2022) on Broadway. It was phenomenal. The entire cast was just phenomenal. And I absolutely couldn't take my eyes off of Chante! She was so funny, and real and genuine. The Skeleton Crew is on Broadway for limited engagement until (my birthday) February 20th. So go see it now and let's cross our fingers for an extension! Such a great night of theater. Follow Chante on instagram @chantee__ Also, stop by my website to get tickets to my 30th Birthday Concert happening live in Brooklyn on February 20th at 6pm EST. Not in NY? It's streaming virtually! Follow me on IG @salishathomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was originally Episode 5 on Black Hair in the Big Leagues recorded on October 16, 2020 with Cheslie Kryst, the reigning Miss USA at the time. Cheslie has sinced passed away and this episode is in honor of her. She made an impact on so many and will be deeply missed. The video of this episode is available on www.salishathomas.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Y'all, It's me Salisha your host of Black Hair in the Big Leagues. I thought I'd just sit down and have a talk just you and me this week. It's something I've been wanting to do. I keep it short and sweet but I hope you enjoy and can relate. Let me know your thoughts friends. Shoot me a message on my insta @salishathomas or leave me a review so I can read it. I have so much love for you my dear listener and hope you continue to be inspired. I'm excited to embark on Black History Month with you all and I hope you help me celebrate my birthday either in person or virtually when I put on my next concert to ring in my 30s. Here's a link for tickets: https://www.musae.me/salishathomas/experiences/1263/salishas-30th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stacey Morris (@staceykutz) and Carla Farmer join Black Hair in the Big Leagues. Both have been on the shortlist for the Oscars twice for their Hair designs in Coming 2 America and Dolemite. Host Salisha Thomas sits down with the two of them to talk about their personal hair journeys and professional journeys in the Television and Film industry. Stacey Morris has been nominated for five Emmy Awards and four MUAHS Awards (Makeup Artist and Hair Stylists Guild Awards). She was also the Hair Department Head for Coming 2 America, and her other film credits include Sylvie's Love, Bad Hair, Gone Girl, Norbit and Dreamgirls. She is also the standing barber on several TV series including America's Funniest Videos, Black-ish, and The Voice. In 2020, Stacey was Oscar-shortlisted and nominated for a Critics Choice Award for her work on the film Dolemite Is My Name. Stacey's styles executed in Dolemite Is My Name appeared on exhibit in September 2021 at the newly curated Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. In 2021, Stacey made the Oscar shortlist again for her Afro-punk inspired hairstyles featured in Coming 2 America.  Carla Farmer was recently shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling as the co-hair department head of Coming 2 America starring Eddie Murphy. She made the Oscars shortlist for the first time in 2019 as the co-hair department head of Dolemite Is My Name, for which she was also nominated for a Critics Choice Award. Carla's styles executed in Dolemite Is My Name appeared on exhibit in September 2021 at the newly curated Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. In addition to film, Carla earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Hairstyling for her work as Brandy's hair stylist in Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Her work can be seen across a wide range of programming from dramas such as Netflix's hit series 13 Reasons Why and ABC's Grey's Anatomy, to comedies such as Workaholics and Scary Movie 2, and live shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live and America's Got Talent.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Broadway's Diana Vaden has been seen in Tootsie as well The Music Man at The Kennedy Center and Mack & Mabel at Encores in NYC. Currently in the pre-Broadway run of Once Upon a One More Time at The Shakespeare Theater Company, Diana shares her faith, hair tips, and positive outlook on life. Oh, and she just got married!! Follow her journey on Instagram @dianavaden. Follow host, Salisha Thomas at www.salishathomas.com or @salishathomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Douglas Lyons is a playwright, actor and more on Broadway. He writes with an unmatchable conviction and is trailblazing wherever he goes. He was an actor in Beautiful the Carole Ming Musical, Book of Mormon, and toured with Rent, Dreamgirls, and Book of Mormon. He now writes for television and film and recently opened on Broadway: Chicken and Biscuits starring Norm Lewis and Michael Urie. We cannot get enough of Douglas! Follow his journey at: @chocolatehipster! Follow host SALISHA THOMAS. @salishathomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Showing now until December 12th at The Public theater in New York City, Cullud Wattah stars Alicia Pilgrim and Lauren F. Walker join host, Salisha Thomas on this week's episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues. Get your tickets and see them live NOW! https://publictheater.org/productions/season/2122/cullud-wattah/ Follow Alicia @atribecalledalicia Follow Lauren @lovevolvz Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Nyla Watson is a force of nature who just very recently BURST onto the Broadway scene in her favorite show: Waitress the Musical! Yes, Waitress is back on Broadway post-pandemic (okay, we are still sort of in this thing, aren't we?) and headlining is Sara Bareilles. Not captured in this episode, Nyla also recently made her principal debut and we couldn't be more excited for her! Follow her at @brandnewnyla Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bisserat Tseggai is my ultimate Curl Crush. Listen to this powerful woman break it down on how to kick butt at life and look the bomb doing it. Follow her on IG @bisserat Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas or read the blog at www.salishathomas.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Black Hair in the Big Leagues welcomes Deon Releford Lee to the show! Y'all, he is full of gems. Deon is an actor who can be seen on television, in commercials, and in theater in NYC. From the Beautiful the Carole King Musical on Tour, Deon knows how to sing from his soul. And with a head full of beautiful hair, he knows a thing or two about curls. Check him out at https://www.deonsbohemia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rhonda Marshall, the CEO, and founder of Inahsi Naturals, Chemist, Educator, and overall QUEEN of healthy hair! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Featured on today's episode, Salisha chats with classical performer who performed all over the world, artist resident at the Met at San Francisco Symphony, Grammy-nominated and has a heart for social activism, world-renowned soprano Julia Bullock. Julia shares that she has been able to work but it has shifted more towards recording and no longer just focuses on performing. In some aspects of her career, she's already not shifting away from performing but starting to include more curating. And also developing relationships with various artist organizations to helping them think about what their goals were and are, and how to satisfy them for any aspirations that they have moving forward into the future. She says what's happening is temporary will not last forever.  She also mentions that this pandemic can go in a million different directions but she will have to claim humanity first. She also shares that identity is a challenging question because it has been challenging for her in the past since there are so many expectations with her multi-ethnicity or mixed heritage. She finds it fascinating that many critics feel that it is necessary to note what color or identity in some way she is. She stressed that she's so proud of who she is because it's taken some time and real consideration, healing, and self-love. She says there's nothing wrong with doubting yourself because it gets back to that self-reflection and finding it. The awareness where you can have tunnel vision of being a star in your own universe but what does that mean to be in the constellation of others.  Julia talks about painful identity issues where she shares about not knowing how to take care of her hair. They went through this period when they have growing hair and not knowing how to really brush it and how to care for it. This brings tears to her eyes because she looks at her young nieces that her sister is raising. Her sister is watching YouTube videos exploring all different kinds of products, learning how to braid hair because she wants her daughter's hair to be a source of pride for them. So join Salisha and Julia as they talk about how Julia is coping up with the pandemic, her journey in her music career, and finding self-love and healing being of mixed ethnicity. Connect with Julia Website: juliabullock.com Instagram: @_juliabullock Facebook: Julia Bullock, Classical Singer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the Broadway company of Dear Evan Hansen, Diamond Essence White joins the Black Hair in the Big Leagues lineup. So down to earth and cool, Diamond talks about how her actor type has shifted during the pandemic. In the video portion of this interview which has yet to be released, Diamond is rocking the bombest faux locs you've ever seen. She's keeping it real for the girls who enjoy straightening their hair, sharing how she keeps her natural hair looking shiny and healthy even while applying heat. Since this recording, Diamond has been in short films and the reading of House of Dreams. Enjoy this episode with this shining star! And follow her @diamondessencewhite. Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas and www.salishathomas.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Featured on today's episode, host Salisha chats with E. Clayton Cornelious who is a Pittsburgh native and a 22-year Broadway veteran. He recently received the, "Legacy Robe" for his role in the Broadway hit, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.  In Addition to all of his theatre credits, he is a 3-year Broadway Investor/Producer and a proud member of BIV (Broadway Inspirational Voices) and a proud graduate of Point Park University.   E. Clayton shares how he wants to keep going and keep making his family proud by trying to do more and have his hands in everything. He was called the 'First Black' because he used to be the youngest in a cast and now he's the oldest. He takes pride in sharing about his dad who taught him a lot of important things in life. His father was his coach who taught him to reach for the stars. Even not having a college degree, his dad runs businesses where attorneys are calling him for advice and served as the national president of a beverage association.  He also shares how he get into financial shape and positioned himself where he is now where he advices aligning yourself with something that you're not necessarily passionate about but something that you do well in an industry. Stick to that for a long while so that you have an upper hand in that industry. Then start funding yourself for the future, as for E. Clayton, he invested and produced which is what he wanted to do.  E. Clayton also mentioned that being a black man has actually helped him in a lot of ways. He hopes to see more black women coming up the pike because that's what the show 'Chicken and Biscuits' is all about, which is supporting black women and their superiority. Connect with E. Clayton: Website: eclaycorn Facebook: eclaycorn Twitter: @Eclaycorn Instagram: @eclaycorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Mckynleigh is a BREATHE OF FRESH AIR. Her presence, light, and joy light up a room. She's a talented actress, model, life coach, singer, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Christiani Pitts is an actress, singer, dancer and writer making her Broadway debut in A Bronx Tale, recently starring in King Kong on Broadway. Products used: Heat Free Hair (her pick for human hair), and Her Given Hair Talk about the current climate, life as a performer in COVID times, and her hair journey. Wearing a beautiful slicked back ponytail today on the show Christiani remembers a time in her life when her dad would take her to Stagedoor to interact with the beautiful women that looked like her. Now that she's where she wants to be, she likes to be the inspiration for the young girls who see her perform. Talk about the future of Broadway and the ways it will change after this time in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Lilli is a tony nominated actress starring in Spring Awakening (OBC), Tootsie (OBC), Spongebob (OBC). She's in EVERYTHING off broadway and regional as well as on the big screen. She plays a recurring role in The Good Fight and amazes audiences everywhere she performs. She is just THAT good. Wig prep: Simple pin curls and a hair net. Around Tony season her hair was gorgeously braided so she changed her wig prep around the hair she wanted.  For a perfect hair day: Lilli will wake up early to fully soak and condition her hair and fully air dry it. Products:  -Tracy Ellis Ross Leave in conditioner and curl cream -Microfiber towel and satin bonnet -Olaplex treatment to refresh curls overnight Talk about Hair representation on the stage, embracing natural hair, and growing up with black hair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Krystal is a singer, dancer, and actress taking leads left and right. She made her Broadway debut in Hair, starred in Big Fish and Rent as leads. She's appeared on television in person and as a cartoon voice actor, alongside many other off broadway productions. Her most recent role is Eliza in Hamilton, what can't she do? Talked about Krystal's start in her career, going to school full time and auditioning to follow her dreams. Krystal likes to use her psychology experience to adapt in stage, using human behavior to create characters. Politics, 2016 election, advocacy, standing up for what's right! Krystal's life style: No drinking and very mindful in her eating habits. Lives a very sustainable life and focused on being her very best. Products: Pattern by Tracy Ellis Ross (very popular among the community!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES: Taylor Iman Jones is a gorgeous actress, singer, dancer, and guitarist from the original cast of Head Over Heels, Scotland PA off broadway, and a tour of American Idiot. Right before the pandemic she was IN COSTUME for Peggy/Mariah in Hamilton in LA. She is coming into the new Devil Wears Prada on Broadway as the "Anne Hathaway", and is currently back in Hamilton! In the episode: Exploration of different curl patterns and types Products used: Pattern by Tracy Ellis Ross' curl cream, leave in conditioner, and gel Ouidad cream Wig prep: Very consistent with prep, one pin curl up center, two on each side, two on the back, and WRAP! Wig cap (or two for more volume) Being wigged is preferred for any and all shows by Taylor. Talk about changes in self through the pandemic, different ways to approach the industry after these times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dear Evan Hansen's Ciara Alyse Harris joins Black Hair in the Big Leagues. Ciara is one of those freaks of natures that hop from College to the Big Stage. Yes, she's AMAZING. On the stage, but also, off the stage. She has a heart of gold and an awesome blog and podcast called Queen Made of Light. Follow Ciara on IG @ ciaraalyseharris or @queenmadeoflightthepodcast or Check out her blog at www.queenmadeoflight.org/blog. Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas or at www.salishathomas.com And Follow Black Hair in the Big Leagues on Instagram @blackhairpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artistic Director of Bay Area Children's Theater Khalia Davis joins this week's episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues. A bonafide actress turned director, producer, and now artistic director, Khalia talks about taking action in the direction of your dreams, being a black woman in a space where not a lot of people look like her, and how she is standing in her truth to represent the underrepresented. Khalia's ambition and joy for life is contagious. Watch her Sunday Spotlight channel and follow her on social media. Follow Khalia on IG @khaliashd and check out www.Khaliadavis.com for more info! Follow host, Salisha Thomas on IG @salishathomas or www.salishathomas.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four of the Original gangstas from Beautiful The Carole King Musical on Broadway come together to take on this episode of Black Hair in the Big Leagues hosted by Salisha Thomas. Yasmeen Sulieman, Rashidra Scott, Gabrielle Reid, and Ashley Blanchet join this panel on all things hair. This episode was recorded right around the time of the 2020 Presidential Election, so buckle up and get ready. They've got something to say. Follow the ladies on their social channels: Yasmeen Sulieman Rashidra Scott Gabrielle Reid Ashley Blanchet Subscribe to Black Hair in the Big Leagues on the Broadway Podcast Network and don't forget to rate and review on the platform you stream from. And if you love what you hear, support Black Hair in the Big Leagues on Patreon and earn free merch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cierra Jackson is a political and Pageant Queen POWERHOUSE. When we recorded this episode in the winter of the Pandemic, she was Miss DC USA. Since then, she has officially become the longest reigning Miss DC USA in the history of the pageant. She crowned the new Miss DC and has now become the new Miss Black International Ambassador!! She's a model, an entrepreneur, has an online jewelry business which you can check out at @cierras_corner. She started a program called She Should Run which encourages and equips women with the tools needed to run for political office. She worked in the White House during the Obama Administration, is a Spelman grad, has a consulting business, was Miss DC in the Miss America Organization, and is an overall gem of a human being! Watching her on that Miss USA stage with her natural hair is nothing short of inspiring. During this interview, Cierra talks about showing up as the Black woman she is in very corporate spaces. Follow Cierra Jackson on IG @cierradjackson and her website at www.cierrajackson.com. Follow host, Salisha Thomas at @salisha and www.salishathomas.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SHOW NOTES Éponine in Les Misérables, Janelle Woods in Beautiful, Eliza in Hamilton Wearing natural hair all the time makes hair inherently healthier You can't wear it down/out everyday Ouidad Curl Creme (first) Ouidad Climate Control Gel (second) Only puts a little bit in hair because she wants hair to feel a little frizzy (doesn't want crunchy look) Deva Cut did not go well! Took too much off when she asked for a trim; TRAGIC! Ana Daniels (Hair Stylist) does a nice cut Half black (dad)/Half white (mom) Became conscious of what other people thought in middle school Standard of beauty in America is a white women with straight hair This is what she thought was beautiful, so she started straightening her hair Her mom/role model was white, so she wanted to look like that Realized to embrace hair in her first year of college Once she got to New York, she saw all the women wearing their natural hair and got excited Jen Waldman Studio (New York, New York) 4C (Color Conscious Character Creation) Class Reach Out by Molly Beck Reach Out Party People at her acting studio kept her going during the pandemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amelie Book of Mormon Hairspray Tina on Broadway Co Creator of BOLD What is BOLD?  -BOLD is a nonprofit that shoots to BUILD UP BLACK WOMEN IN THE PERFORMING ARTS FOR THE RESTORATION OF CULTURE Broadway debut in Amelie was WILD for Destinee, but she thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Pandemic talk: Worries, stay-at-home experiences, and hope for the future! The black hair department has been great for Destinee, filled with educated and knowledgeable help! As a hard dancer, she's learned that hair effects the performance aspects of theatre! (Dancing a wig off) Hair for Amelie was pretty simple, a basic high bun for most actors! Hair Journey: -Grew up getting perms at a young age, but her mom did braids for everyone in her community so she often wore braids! -In high school, she got her first sew in. -Started perming her hair in high school, but the natural movement started to happen (based on how expensive it was and what everyone else is doing around her) -Her true natural hair journey happened midway through school when she decided to make the big chop HERSELF! -By the time she was a senior in high school, she was rocking her natural fro! Destinee's GO TO is a wash n go and some clip ins.  Products: Zuri natural star clip ins What is one thing Destinee is grateful for? -Her wonderful community! -The new iPhone update! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Jasmine Richardson has starred in the US tour of The Bodyguard opposite of Deborah Cox, on Broadway in The Book of Mormon and Getting the Band Back Together, and regionally in Dreamgirls, Memphis, and so much more. She is an educator, a mentor, a light in the darkness, and someone who you'd want to be friends with. Jasmin keeps it so real and has a heart of gold!! Show Notes: Created a space for kids of color to have access to mentorships. Hair and education go hand in hand! Pandemic talk: how we make do with what we have. Wig prep: Braided down or a two strand twist, usually “prepped” in every day life.  Curl Type: 4C Products: -TGIN leave in conditioner -Cream of Nature Shampoo -Pantene -Moroccan Oil Mask -ETAE conditioner Hair Journey: -Mom did her hair as a young girl, but it started to fight back so Jasmine started to do her own! -In middle and high school, she constantly permed it to make sure it stayed permed. -After college, she did the big chop and started her natural hair transition journey! Made her directorial debut this year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shows; We are the Tigers, Scotland PA, Bronchs Tale, Summer: the Donna summer musical, Once Upon a One More Time. Voted one of the sexiest women on broadway. The pandemic was tough, but Wonu balanced her life well and stayed safe all on her own. Talk about self-confidence, taking risks, and empathy. Hair journey: Has an interesting relationship with natural hair. As most young black girls, Wonu started perming and relaxing her hair early in life. Her last year in college she made the big chop! Been all natural since 2016. Texture education is important! Conversation about wig prep, and the way stylists have royally screwed hair up! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Janeece Freeman Clark is an actor, director, producer, and the founder of Vanguard Theater Company which educates the youth and also has a HUGE mentorship program matching up each student with an actor currently on Broadway. She was in the Broadway production of Urinetown but truly has a heart for education. You'll leave this episode feeling like you want to go and make a difference in the world! Learn more about Vanguard Theater Company HERE. Support Black Hair in the Big Leagues on Patreon and follow on IG @blackhairpodcast! Follow host, Salisha Thomas @salishathomas on IG. SHOW NOTES JANEECE FREEMAN CLARK She is an amazing producer, director, and artist educator. In 2015, she confounded Vanguard Theatre Company (within the company there’s a mentorship program she works with) Urinetown on Broadway Started her natural hair journey in college and transitioning was very challenging for her because of the thickness of her hair. Braids were a go to during this transition period. It took her about 2 years and a ton of patience to go fully natural and remove past damage. Being natural was very important to Janeece so that her children could grow up with the normalcy of natural hair!  Talks about some sort of “Hair Program” within other theatre programs to teach about hair prep and wig prep for the stage! Important conversation about integrating black hair care and education into schools and programs. Is there a black women’s guide to hair care on the big stage? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices