My True Colors

Chauncy Scruggs

Next Narrative Monologue Competition Participant

My True Colors Story

What about True Colors’ mission stands out to you?

“Unfortunately there is quite a lack in POC roles/stories in theatre. It’s refreshing to see the platform True Colors has for young black performer’s voices to be heard. To this day I forge new connections with other creatives from our experience with NNMC.”

Maranie Brown

Revenue & Development (Chair) for the True Colors Board

My True Colors Story

What about True Colors’ mission stands out to you?

“I value True Colors’ dedication to celebrating the rich tradition of Black storytelling. In a world that is quick to dismiss history, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have. We are able to stay connected to our history and culture through storytelling. I value my connection to Black artists that came before her and recognize the importance of paying it forward, whether that be with my time, talent, or any other means. I see storytelling as a way to catalogue history, as well as a way to have important conversations.”

Jay Jones

Actor: Ain’t No Mo’

My True Colors Story

What about True Colors’ mission stands out to you?

“To me, the overarching theme of True Colors’ mission is to present authentic soulful theatre. I believe that doing so is paramount in today’s society, in which a constant battle for humanity will be determining what is fake and what is real. But one thing will remain true and that is that theatre is always real and authentic. Theatre is so important because it gives a voice to the voiceless, and I believe that True Colors has and will continue to present important stories sophistically and authentically.”

Omari Henderson

True Colors Board President

My True Colors Story

What about True Colors’ mission stands out to you?

“I believe it’s important to have a place to tell Black stories and where folks can be who they are, unapologetically. Black culture has had such an impact on society, and it’s important to bring people in to experience these stories in a thoughtful and entertaining way. True Colors is an example of a ‘custodian of culture’ because they tell new and unheard stories through their cultivation of new playwrights as well as historical stories. The Drinking Gourd program is an important part of this by supporting the cultivation of new playwrights and giving them a platform. All of these different factors together help to break down the intimidation factor of theatre.”

Amber A. Harris

Actor: Ain’t No Mo’

My True Colors Story

What about True Colors’ mission stands out to you?

“True Colors is one of very few theatres with a renowned name for giving Black artists opportunities, whether that be as performers, directors, designers, musicians, etc. I am passionate about paving the way for those that feel unseen. We have so many great performers that are not seen nearly enough around Atlanta, which is why it was to see unfamiliar faces on the stage for Ain’t No Mo’. I hope to continue to see more real and raw stories be told through True Colors. I received so much feedback from audiences during Ain’t No Mo’, which reinforced to me how important that story is. I hope that momentum is used to continue to tell stories that folks can connect to and that are impactful to the community. I also really admire NNMC. Not all kids have the opportunity to be exposed to theatre in an impactful way and NNMC opens that door for so many students. I longed for a program like this when I was in school. This is one of the reasons I feel really connected to the current season, Blackness Is Not A Monolith, and how so many voices and stories go unheard and untold. Seeing this stories told on stage is so important.”

Candice Marie Singleton

Actor: Ain’t No Mo’

My True Colors Story

What about True Colors’ mission stands out to you?

“I love that True Colors amplifies bold Black voices. Too often, Black artists are expected to fit into certain boxes or play it safe. Art has always been our freedom. It gives us a way to heal, resist, celebrate, and love out loud. True Colors honors that freedom by providing a space where Black artists can stand fully in their truth and create without limits. I am excited to see more Black art that pushes boundaries and evokes real emotion, whether that is joy, laughter, pain, or discomfort. I believe important conversations need to happen, and feelings need to be fully felt, especially in today’s world. I look forward to seeing how True Colors continues to create work that sparks these moments.”

Jason Jamal Ligon

Actor: Ain’t No Mo’

My True Colors Story

What about True Colors’ mission stands out to you?

“True Colors is doing important work by making an effort to tell stories that touch and teach a fuller diaspora of black people, which is so critical, especially for the Atlanta community. There has always been a slimmer number of roles for LGBTQIA+ actors, which is why I believe having Peaches as a lead for Ain’t No Mo’ is an important aspect of the Black experience that deserves to be highlighted. I was very involved in the Connectivity events surrounding Ain’t No Mo’, and even though each event was so different, it was so wonderful to see the support at each event. It’s so important to meet the community where they are, and the Connectivity program does just that. I was so thrilled to be involved in Ain’t No Mo’. It was such a special production as it was outside True Color’s traditional home theatre and audience.”