Author, Keshawn Dodds

Benjamin Smith of D.R.E.A.M. Studios Signs on as Co-Director

2012-02-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

When the Lord blesses you, he blesses you VERY well. After pushing forward with the development of my first stage play and conducting a couple of auditions to find my actors, I was still feeling the stress of being way out of my comfort zone as an author and motivational speaker, but with great support in the background, I was able to move forward with making my dream of adding play-write to my title. As of January 30^th, I was placed back into my comfort zone and my confidence to move forward shot through the roof. I am proud to announce that my Benjamin Smith of D.R.E.A.M. Studios has signed on to become the co-Director of the stage play. Like I said, when the Lord blesses you, he blesses you well. I now will be working closely with the ‘Tom Brady’ of performing arts in Springfield, MA.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE NEW CO-DIRECTOR

Springfield native Benjamin D. Smith, a product of Putnam Vocational Technical High School, in Springfield, MA and graduated from Florida A & M University where he studied theater and graduated and with his BS in Business Administration and Economics. Mr. Smith is the founder and Executive Director of Dream Studios Inc. (Dramatically Reaching Everyone's Artistic Mentality) in Springfield, MA. which is a non-profit agency that was created to introduce community youths to the performing arts and to strengthen them academically. D.R.E.A.M. also offers after school programs and summer camps that focus on Drama, Vocal Training, Dance, Academic & Career Counseling and support groups for women, teens and youth.

Benjamin is also an Event Planner, Grant Writer and Graphic Artist who freelances both in Massachusetts and New York. He has managerial and accounting experience both from the profit and nonprofit sectors. With all of this beneath his belt he is also an accomplished actor, director and a playwright and has acted on stages all across the country.

Through D.R.E.A.M. Studios, Mr. Smith has helped hundreds of youth and adults alike reach their artistic goals. His most noted accomplishments have been placing some of his youth on the national tour with the “Lion King.” Benjamin has also had some of his students perform on Broadway and also roles in movies and television. Benjamin Smith is a true pioneer for the arts and is well respected in the field.

This is a true blessing to have such strength and guidance with the development of my first stage play. With Benjamin right next to me, every step of the way, I am sure that we will bring you a top notch, well respected play that will leave your mind and soul wanting more.

This journey to May 12, 2012, will be a great one. Thank you God for your continued blessings.

Who's On My Side? Auditions and Sides

2012-01-24T12:44:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 23, 2012 marked the first step toward the development of my first Stage Play, “Who’s On My Side?” The turnout at American International College was amazing. There were experienced and people who have never acted before. The people that came out to audition blew me away. Being able to see several of my characters come to life, really made me see that this dream is really becoming a reality. I also learned a lot about the auditioning process, from the setup to organizing the characters for people to act out. I have some great guidance with the development and I cannot be more thankful for the help.

As the night progressed, and the people auditioning did their best to grasp the characters from my book, I really got to see how passionate people can be about the craft of acting. The actors and actresses really made my night as they acted out the characters that they thought would fit them. For my first stage play, I can honestly say that I am ready to continue to move forward with making, “Who’s On My Side?” a magnificent play.

The next auditions are set:

DATE: Saturday, February 4, 2012

TIME: 4:00pm – 6:00pm

PLACE: American International College’s Sprague Cultural Arts Center

The characters that will be set for the audition are:

Kalen Brown (18 years old)

Kalen Brown (10 years old)

Jesse Varma (18 years old)

Jesse Varma (10 years old)

Sharee Robinson (18 years old)

Sharee Robinson (10 years old)

Michael Brown (late 30’s)

Big Boss (mid 30’s)

Maze (mid 30’s)

Kam (late 20’s)

Bones (early 20’s)

SMALL ROLES

Neighborhood Girl (early 20’s)

Bones Crew Member (early 20’s)

Psycho (late 20’s – non-speaking role)

Below, you will find the additional sides for each character. The sides will be up for all to download or print.

-----------------------------------------

Kalen Brown (18 years)

Michael: Get out of my way!

Kalen: (Speaking to himself) Damn! He must’ve lost his job again. Shoot, I gotta hide. I can’t have him find me now.

(Kalen runs out of the kitchen and into the closet right outside of the living room)

Michael: KALEN! You lil’ punk! Where are you? Fight me like a man, you sissy! Why you so scared, huh?

Kalen: Oh no! my money is on the couch! Please Lord don’t let him find it there.

Michael: (Staggers towards the couch) Where are you? Come out and fight me!

(Michael staggers into the side table and pushes it over)

Michael: You don’t want to fight me, you lil’ punk! This is how a man fights, boy!

(Michael punches at the air in the room, looking for something to hit. Michael looks to his left and noticed his reflection in the mirror.)

Kalen: Please just go to your room. Please, please, please.

Michael: (Sways back and forth looking at his stained tank top and wet pants) I hate you! I HATE YOU! AAAAH! (Pushes over the coffee table and falls back onto the couch)

Kalen: Oh no, he’s on the couch, right next to my money.

Michael: (Closes his eyes for a second) I freaking hate you, Michael Brown. You are such a freaking loser!

Kalen: Please pass out. Please pass out.

(Michael moves his hands and felt something stick to them. He slowly opened his eyes)

Michael: What’s this? What? Money? $20.00? Where did this come from?

Kalen: Oh no!

Michael: (Stands up) This lil’ punk has money? Well, well, well, it’s mine now. You hear me, lil’ crapper, it’s mine now.

Kalen: (Talking to himself in the closet) That man doesn’t deserve a dime of my money. (Busts out of the closet) DAD, that’s my money!

Michael: (Staggering back) Huh? Oh, you’re home. Hiding in the closet? That figures. I knew you were fruity. Keeping your true lifestyle in the closet. So, this is your money, well, whose house it this?

Kalen: It’s your house, dad but…

Michael: So, whatever is in my house belongs to me. So this…belongs to me…the king of this castle.

Kalen: Not that money, dad. That’s mine. I worked for that money.

Michael: So, you’re eighteen, you have a job, and still living in this house? I think you owe me rent for the past ten years, and by the looks of this pile of money, this is a good start to paying off your debt.

Kalen: C’mon dad, just give me my money. I earned it.

Michael: If you want it, come and get it, you little punk!

Kalen: Please don’t do this! I don’t want to do this.

Michael: You’re just like your mother, worthless!

Kalen: I don’t want to do this anymore, dad. Please don’t.

Michael: Well, I do! (Michael shouts then charged toward Kalen)

--------------------------------------

Kalen 10 years old

Jesse: Shoot the ball man! (Jesse yells.)

Kalen: Why don’t you take it from me? I got crazy skills, like Magic Johnson.

Jesse: (Laughing.) Like Magic? More like Tragic Johnson. If it wasn’t for me, you’d still be sitting on the curb like a scrub.

Kalen: (Stops dribbling, with a smile on his face.) I’m a scrub? Then why can I beat you in one–on–one? You must have lost your mind.

(Young Sharee walks in).

Sharee: Hi guys, what’s going on?

Jesse: Oh, I’m about to school this little scrub in one-on-one.

Sharee: (Smiling as she looks at Kalen. She sits to the side.) My money’s on Kalen.

Jesse: (Shakes his head.) Then you might as well pay up. (He looks at Kalen.) She only bet on you because she likes you. Deep in her heart, she knows who the real man is.

Kalen: Real man? Then why do you still wet the bed?

Jesse: (Standing in embarrassment.) I don’t wet the bed.

Kalen: (Dribbles by Jesse and makes a lay-up.) That’s 1 to nothing.

Jesse: (Puts his hands in the air.) I wasn’t ready. You’re cheating.

Kalen: Okay, bed wetter. We’ll start over.

Jesse: (Looks at Sharee. She’s laughing) You’d better take that back.

Kalen: Oh, what are you going to do? Pee on me?

Jesse: (Face turns up angrily.) That’s it! Forget the game; I’m going to kill you!

(They both start play wrestling as Sharee laughs at them. Kalen’s father walks up and stares at the boys. Sharee notices him first.)

Sharee: Hi Mr. Brown. (She says making Kalen and Jesse stop horsing around.) How are you?

Mr. Brown: I’m fine honey. (He looks over at Kalen.) Kalen, meet me in the house.

Kalen: Okay dad. (He shoves Jesse.) You’re still a bed wetter. (He runs to the house.)

Jesse: You just wait ‘til you get back. I’m gonna beat you senseless.

(Kalen runs off stage left. Jesse and Sharee begin to play ball together as they wait for Kalen to return. Lights shift and you see Mr. Brown Sitting in a chair upstage and Kelen enters)

Kalen: Hey dad (He gives him a big hug. The smell of alcohol is flowing from his pours. He pulls away) What is that smell daddy?

Mr. Brown: Don’t worry about that. Sit down, I have some bad news.

Kalen: What is it daddy?

Mr. Brown: (Lowers his head.) I lost my job today.

Kalen: How did that happen?

Mr. Brown: (Picks up his head quickly with the look of rage in his face. He stands to his feet.) What does that matter to you? You’re just like your stupid mother.

Kalen: (Moves back into the couch with a scared look on his face.) What’s wrong daddy? I just wanted too…

Mr. Brown: (Grabs Kelen by the arm)) Don’t you ever question me boy like that! You hear what I say? (He shoves him to the ground and raises his fist)

Kalen: (Begins to cry and covers his face.) I’m sorry daddy! Don’t hit me!

(Lights fade and the sound of Mr. Brown beating on Kalen is heard. Jesse drops the ball. Sharee covers her ears and Jesse both look at the house. A loud crash and the sound of glass breaking come from house)

----------------------------------------------

Jesse Varma (18 years old)

Jesse: He’s gone bro’. You can come out.

Kalen: (Walks out on the porch) I can’t stand that devil. He makes my stomach turn.

Jesse: You would’ve thrown up if you smelled him. He smelled like he drank the entire bar by himself.

Kalen: That alcohol has completely changed him.

Jesse: Don’t tell me that you feel sorry for him? After all that he has done to you, you shouldn’t even care how he is.

Kalen: I know, but he is my father and in some strange way, I guess I’m waiting for the real man to return to be a dad, but I know that in my heart, that will never happen. It’s like I want to love him, but the hate within me overrides any sense of love for that man.

Jesse: (Nods) I feel that. (Pauses) Well, let’s change the subject, this is depressing (Pulls out a note pad) I counted the money up that we made this week and I forgot to add it all up.

Kalen: (Watches Jesse work the numbers) So how much money have we made in the first week?

Jesse: (Pulls out a calculator) After spending money on new clothes, sneakers and food, and hooking my mom up with money for the house, we’ve got just over $11,000.00 and that’s just in one week.

Kalen: (Sighs) I’ve gotta make more money to get out of this hell hole.

Jesse: Kalen, we’ll make what we need to make to get out of here. We just can’t get greedy. I mean I know that you want out of here now, but we have to be smart about what we are doing. We can’t get too deep in this business, okay.

Kalen: (Nods) I know, but I’m thinking long term. Hopefully we will have enough money saved up soon to never have to come back. I want to be as far away from my father as I can be, without the option of having to return.

Jesse: I hear you, but I’d have to come back to visit my mom, you know.

Kalen: Hopefully we can fly her out to where we are because once I’m gone…

Jesse: I know. You’re gone.

(A horn beeps off stage, grabbing their attention. Maze walks up to talk to the boys)

Maze: Fella’s how are you doing this afternoon?

Kalen: (Stands) We’re good, Maze. Is everything okay? I thought that we were off today?

Maze: You are, but Big Boss is holding a meeting with the family and we need to introduce you to everyone.

Jesse: Okay, no problem. Let me just lock up.

Maze: Cool, I’ll meet you guys in my ride. (Walks then turns around, noticing Kalen hanging his head in thought) Kalen, is everything okay?

Kalen: (Snaps out of his daydream) Huh? Oh, yeah, I’m fine. It’s nothing.

Maze: Are you sure, lil’ man. You look a little off right now. You can talk to me if you need too.

Kalen: (Nods) Yeah, I’m good, Maze. I’m good.

Maze: Okay, young blood. I’ll meet you and Jesse in the car. (Walks off stage)

Jesse: (Comes out of the house) Alright, my man, I’m ready.

Kalen: Let’s get to it.

-------------------------------------

Jesse 10 years old

Jesse: Shoot the ball man! (Jesse yells.)

Kalen: Why don’t you take it from me? I got crazy skills, like Magic Johnson.

Jesse: (Laughing.) Like Magic? More like Tragic Johnson. If it wasn’t for me, you’d still be sitting on the curb like a scrub.

Kalen: (Stops dribbling, with a smile on his face.) I’m a scrub? Then why can I beat you in one–on–one? You must have lost your mind.

(Young Sharee walks in).

Sharee: Hi guys, what’s going on?

Jesse: Oh, I’m about to school this little scrub in one-on-one.

Sharee: (Smiling as she looks at Kalen. She sits to the side.) My money’s on Kalen.

Jesse: (Shakes his head.) Then you might as well pay up. (He looks at Kalen.) She only bet on you because she likes you. Deep in her heart, she knows who the real man is.

Kalen: Real man? Then why do you still wet the bed?

Jesse: (Standing in embarrassment.) I don’t wet the bed.

Kalen: (Dribbles by Jesse and makes a lay-up.) That’s 1 to nothing.

Jesse: (Puts his hands in the air.) I wasn’t ready. You’re cheating.

Kalen: Okay, bed wetter. We’ll start over.

Jesse: (Looks at Sharee. She’s laughing) You’d better take that back.

Kalen: Oh, what are you going to do? Pee on me?

Jesse: (Face turns up angrily.) That’s it! Forget the game; I’m going to kill you!

(They both start play wrestling as Sharee laughs at them. Kalen’s father walks up and stares at the boys. Sharee notices him first.)

Sharee: Hi Mr. Brown. (She says making Kalen and Jesse stop horsing around.) How are you?

Mr. Brown: I’m fine honey. (He looks over at Kalen.) Kalen, meet me in the house.

Kalen: Okay dad. (He shoves Jesse.) You’re still a bed wetter. (He runs to the house.)

Jesse: You just wait ‘til you get back. I’m gonna beat you senseless.

---------------------------
Sharee (18 years old)

Sharee: Hey boys, I know you both probably were lost without me here.

Kalen: Whoa! Look at you! Look who’s back, Jesse.

Jesse: Hey! How’s it going, Miss Cruise? We missed you.

Sharee: Yeah right, you didn’t miss me. You two probably got into so much trouble in just one week, just because I wasn’t here.

Kalen: Us, in trouble, heck no, Sharee, we were just chilling here, doing the same old things, playing ball, and looking for work. You know, trying to stay away from home.

Sharee: (Nods) I understand that. I hope you and your dad haven’t gotten into any…you know.

Jesse: Actually, something did happen, but Kalen is through with Mr. Brown and is staying with me now, until we figure out or future plans.

Sharee: Okay that’s good. So have you both given any thought about what you are going to do, come this fall?

Jesse: Yeah, we’re saving up money to get out of this hell hole.

(Kalen bumps Jesse, trying to shut him up)

Sharee: What? You both are saving money? I thought you two were looking for jobs. Did you find something?

Jesse: Um, uh?

Kalen: (Stands up) Man, my plate is empty, I need to get some more of that mac and cheese, and those ribs on that Montenia cooked, smells good. Y’all want something?

Sharee: (Sighs heavily, knowing something is up) Yeah, I’m kind of hungry too. I couldn’t eat that nasty food on the plane, and to tell you the truth, I need some good, home cooked BBQ.

Kalen: Cool, I’m on it. Let’s go before it’s gone.

Jesse: Yeah, I’m really hungry, too.

(They all walk of stage to grab some food)

(Scene fades out)

(Kalen walks into the spotlight)

Kalen in the Spotlight: I can already tell where this is going. (Shakes his head)

(Music plays for a second as the scene fades back in with them on the porch eating)

Sharee: So, what were you two up to the whole time that I was gone?

Jesse: Like we said, we just chilled out.

Kalen: Yeah, we just chilled.

Sharee: (Puts her plate down and stands up) You two are lying to me. I can tell when you both are lying. Kalen, you start sweating and Jesse, you start to have that nervous scratching. What’s going on with you two?

Jesse: (Puts his plate down) It’s not what you think, Sharee.

Sharee: (Pauses and thinks before she answers) I knew it. You both are dealing drugs, for that damn thug that I saw you two leave with before I left.

Kalen: (Stands up) We are not selling drugs, Sharee!

Jesse: Quiet down, people are looking at us.

Sharee: I’m not quieting down. Just look at you two. You both have new clothes and new sneakers. It looks to me like you guys are rolling in the dough. The last time that I checked, you two didn’t have jobs!

Kalen: (Gets angry) Chill the hell out, Sharee! Not everyone has it as easy like you. We don’t have our parents sending us on cruises. We don’t have our college life all planned out. As a matter of fact, what we do is none of your damn business.

Sharee: None of my…business? Oh really, the last time that I checked, we were friends and I have the right to be concerned. Just to let you know, I worked hard to get what I have. So don’t hate me because my life isn’t all jacked up like yours.

Jesse: (Steps in between them) You two need to calm down. It’s not that serious.

Kalen: (Face drops and Pauses before he answers) You’re right, Sharee. You’re life isn’t as messed up as mine. You should be lucky that you don’t have to deal with my nonsense. I live this nightmare each and every day and to tell you the truth, I’d do anything to get out of it, and I mean anything.

------------------------------------

Sharee – 10 years old

Jesse: Shoot the ball man! (Jesse yells.)

Kalen: Why don’t you take it from me? I got crazy skills, like Magic Johnson.

Jesse: (Laughing.) Like Magic? More like Tragic Johnson. If it wasn’t for me, you’d still be sitting on the curb like a scrub.

Kalen: (Stops dribbling, with a smile on his face.) I’m a scrub? Then why can I beat you in one–on–one? You must have lost your mind.

(Young Sharee walks on stage)

Sharee: Hi guys, what’s going on?

Jesse: Oh, I’m about to school this little scrub in one-on-one.

Sharee: (Smiling as she looks at Kalen. She sits to the side.) My money’s on Kalen.

Jesse: (Shakes his head.) Then you might as well pay up. (He looks at Kalen.) She only bet on you because she likes you. Deep in her heart, she knows who the real man is.

Kalen: Real man? Then why do you still wet the bed?

Jesse: (Standing in embarrassment.) I don’t wet the bed.

Kalen: (Dribbles by Jesse and makes a lay-up.) That’s 1 to nothing.

Jesse: (Puts his hands in the air.) I wasn’t ready. You’re cheating.

Kalen: Okay, bed wetter. We’ll start over.

Jesse: (Looks at Sharee. She’s laughing) You’d better take that back.

Kalen: Oh, what are you going to do? Pee on me?

Jesse: I’m going to beat you down if you don’t just play the game!

Sharee: (Shakes her head) You two end up play fighting every single day. Doesn’t it get old?

Jesse: (Stops for a second) of course not, we’re boys and that’s what boys do.

Sharee: Well, can you both get back to your game because I’ve got winners and I know I’ll be beating Kalen in the next game.

Jesse: (Laughs) You’ve got next? For one, girls can’t play basketball and when I win, you’ll be play me, not that scrub!

Kalen: Jesse, you’re dreaming about beating me. The only thing that you’re right about is Sharee can’t ball.

Sharee: Then why do I beat the both of you every time that we play?

Jesse: That’s because we let you win.

Sharee: Let me win? You both are just mad that you can’t beat a girl.

Kalen: Maybe the bed wetter can’t beat you, but I surely can.

Jesse: (Face turns up angrily.) That’s it! Forget the game; I’m going to kill you!

(They both start play wrestling as Sharee laughs at them. Kalen’s father walks up and stares at the boys. Sharee notices him first.)

Sharee: Hi Mr. Brown. (She says making Kalen and Jesse stop horsing around.) How are you?

-------------------------------------

Michael Brown (late 30’s)