A Conversation with Sheldon Epps

 

Many have talked about being the one and only, or one of a few. Sheldon Epp’s book, My Own Directions, A Black Man’s Journey in American Theatre, highlights the successes and challenges of being the one, often the only. From his life in the theater, having directed numerous plays around the US, in London, and on Broadway, he conceived and directed both the Duke Ellington musical, Play On (which received three Tony Award nominations) and the highly acclaimed musical revue, Blues in the Night (also nominated for an Tony Award), and has directed the plays Unchain My Heart, Purlie, Showtune, Blue, The Importance of Being Earnest, Les Liaisons of Dangereuses, and As Bees In Honey Drown among others. On the small screen, Sheldon directed many episodes of great hit shows of the 1990s and 2000s (Everyone Loves Raymond, Frasier, Friends, Hannah Montana, Sister, Sister, Girlfriends and more) and the current Netflix success, The Upshaws. He served as Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse for two decades and is currently Senior Artistic Advisor for Ford’s Theatre in Washington DC.

Sheldon will join us for this free event to discuss his life and journey. This experience will provide an opportunity to speak with Sheldon directly, asking questions of the prominent Director, and learn of his unique experience as one of the first black Artistic Directors in the country. His book will be on hand for purchase and he will be available for book signings after the event.

We would like to thank the Milwaukee County Historical Society for hosting this event. Their address is 910 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Milwaukee.

This is a FREE EVENT but space will be limited - please call Ten Chimneys Foundation at 262-968-4110 for reservations BEFORE 12/11.