The Positive Project "Playahz" InSpirational
Theatre Arts Company
Finding solutions to the community social pollution!
Artistic solutions to community pollutions!
And now...the Movie!
From the executive director's desk...
"Can't We All Just Get Along?" the hit stageplay by Willie Alston has been turned into a screenplay! Slated for filming this year, slated to premiere in 2026.
Synopsis
A Fatherless, angry young man turns to a life of gangs and drugs
– will his mother, a former addict, give the greatest sacrifice of all to save her son?
The story centers around DeVonte’ DeWayne Harris, an animated young man whose father left him, his mother and three sisters when he was a young boy. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he becomes addicted to a life of drugs, cultivating associations with “The Khronic Killers gang, led by the demonic J. Dogg.
Then the unbelievable happens, his mother’s life is threatened, the believers are tested and DeVonte’ AKA “Ezoe” turns on his gangsta mentor J. Dogg and becomes a marked man.
Now running for his life, can he run long and far enough to reach the safety of a loving God, before it’s too late?
Dear Patrons,
Thank you again for your support of The Positive Project “Playahz”.
I know it is hard not knowing what comes next. And I want you to know that we are praying for the protection of you and your family during these uncertain times. Through prayer and faith, we will all be back together again soon.
Again, I thank you for your prayers and support of our vision. We will overcome!
If you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our productions, please email or call us. We are always open to constructive suggestions.
New production procedures are of combination of your positive input and information provided by the Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide. Like always, we are taking safety at our events seriously. After careful consideration of current pandemic conditions, we have implemented the following measures to promote the health and wellbeing of attendees and staff:
COVID-19 Protocols: Considering this horrific pandemic that has literally changed world operations, The Positive Project "Playahz" have created a procedural development manual in order to meet CDC standards once face to face production can resume.
New policies and procedures:
Strict sanitation standards: Cast and Crew members will wash hands upon entering the rehearsal area. Hand sanitizer will be utilized freely. Antiseptic gloves will be worn during rehearsals.
Covid prevention standards: Performers will enter the rehearsal area wearing a personal face mask and prior to entering a scene, will don a clear plastic face-shield to rehearse.
Temperature Screening: Each point of entry, both front and back of house, will be monitored by staff trained and approved under the Infection Mitigation Coordinator’s supervision. These Staff will conduct temperature screening using ‘no-touch’ thermometers approved by the Infection Mitigation Coordinator. Anyone displaying a temperature over 100.4 F (38.0 C) will be taken to a private area for a secondary temperature screening. Staff or patrons confirmed to have a higher temperature will be denied entry and directed to appropriate medical care. Safety plans will include a refund policy and protocols how to handle groups where one member is denied entry.
How these were determined:
The Positive Project “Playahz” believe all staff have a legal duty to behave as a reasonable person under the same or similar circumstances. Here, the key circumstance is how to reopen (a) during a highly contagious global pandemic in which (b) even asymptomatic people can carry the disease, and (c) most places currently lack widespread testing, contact tracing, or a vaccine.
As much as we are all eager to get back to production work, the decision when and how to reopen must be driven by a realistic assessment of our ability to resume operations safely.
What’s expected of attendees:
“We’re all in this together” describes the essential role patrons play in allowing live events to reopen safely. Because COVID-19 is highly contagious, everyone – patrons as well as staff – must do their part. This section focuses on ways to educate patrons to maximize health and safety compliance and minimize disruption of the event.
As the situation evolves, so will our approach to keeping you safe. We thank you for your patience and flexibility as we manage this and ask that you check back here for updates.
Shows on October 15th and 16th! Saturday Matinee at 5PM!
A devout Theologian, Dr. Thomas Scottdale, who is a renown bible scholar learns a valuable lesson in faith when he is confronted by the enemy of this world -Satan. Satan is impressed by the Doctor’s research on end of days revealed in the Book of Revelations and that he is the closest a mortal has ever come to the truth. Satan's nefarious plan - to solicit the minister's help in re-designing the holy scriptures in his favor. And he will get Dr. Scottdale to do his bidding, by any means necessary!
Sister Rudie Poot & The Preacher Who Thought He Could
Streaming now on www.showtix4U.com
$15
“Can the Spirit of God live in a den of iniquity?”
In this sequel to Sis.Rudie Poot & The Holy Grilled, Ebenezer True Vine Christian Center Church of the Living God #3 has lost its church facility due to low tithes and offerings, and Brother Raghead, now a reformed alcoholic and ordained Bishop, has moved church services into the building and business he inherited from his deceased Grandmother, Hagetha Cragbottom - a strip club! Through the week, a somewhat sleazy strip club know far and wide as "The Lounge Lizard", but upon closing midnight Saturday, the strip club transforms itself into a church, the strippers change into church clothes and take positions of service and Bishop Raghead changes from the owner and head bartender to pastor of (the name the streets gave it) "Eversqeezer Holy Pole Church of the Living God (the only one)
Tickets are $15 presale through February 21, 2021 and $25 beginning in February 22, 2021 through April 17, 2021 and can be purchased by contacting Willie Alston at 281-608-6240, through Eventbrite.com or by visiting the organizations website www.playahz.org. Also, check back soon for details on pay-per-view portal and other streaming platforms options that will be available for purchase.
NOTE: Covid-19 prevention protocols are in place for our patrons and staff! We value your safety.
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“Unique, different, not just the usual theater fare”, states Willie Alston, the company’s director. “Our body of work distinguishes itself from what audiences are used to seeing.” “Communicating community change directly to the heart of our patrons, in the hope that they too, can be part of the “Solution not the Pollution.”
This production will star veteran performers who are Artists in residence with the company: Ojinga Green, Agnes “Aggie B” Balka, Gerald Boykins, Kristian Victoria, and also features, Phaedra Payne, Key Key Hudson, Tanitra Blackshear, Dame'on Walker, Schon Brooks and Xavier Brandon. Anita Mitchell will perform host duties and Amos Smith will be music director and Tanesha Wilcox will oversee operations as Stage Manager. A.J. Johnson as Understudy and Technical Assistant. Special guest vocalist is recording artist Terrie Donald.
A portion of the proceeds from the production will be used to help The Positive Project social services continue to provide information to the public concerning little known conditions and situations that impact the community and provide free youth counseling to at-risk youth and their families fulfilling the mission of prevention of youth violence utilizing the performing and visual arts as a primary deterrent against gangs, drugs and youth crime. Any media and news outlets interested in supporting this event through interview or PSA’s can contact Willie Alston at 281-608-6240.
The Positive Project was founded by Willie Alston in 1994 as a community project to study and provide solutions to the conditions of at-risk youth and by 1998 developed into an inspirational theater arts program that addresses youth issues through entertainment medium. Since its start, The Positive Project “Playahz” InSpirational Theatre Arts Company has produced close to 1,920 performances, many free to the public in support of its mission.
This event is sponsored in part by The City of Houston, the Houston Arts Alliance and the Texas Commission of the Arts.
For more information on The Positive Project, please contact Willie Alston at 281-608-6240.
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Previous Productions
The NEW CREW – there’s a new set of “Playahz” in the house and we can’t wait to present them to you!
The scope encompasses a first time collaboration of alumni –“Playahz” who have performed during the early development years and have moved up to professional level productions coming back to assist the director with tutoring and coaching “The New Crew”, artistically minded youth performers with a mission to bring inspirational live theater to the masses of underserved patrons in the Houston/Harris County area. The Positive Project “Playahz” young and old combined, are preparing a set of performances designed to be “change agents”- motivating, enlightening and stimulating the social consciousness of society.
This is a cumulation of 20 years of theatrical experiences, highlights from their body of work, brought together on the main stage for the first time in one production. The regional promotion will attract tourist and visitors to the area, as well media in all its formats – Social, Commercial and Informative. Truly unique in vision, expansive in scope and a theatrical challenge for the company, this successful event will increase the diversity of their audience base exposing more tourists and visitors to the vast artistic mecca that is Houston Strong.
Bonus: As a thank you to the audience, the company will close out the night with the premiere of Willie Alston's new stage-play, "The Dark Dispensation". This gospel thriller chronicles the tale of a devout theologians encounter with the enemy of this world - Satan! You won't believe what the Devil wants him to do!
Previous Productions
“That Which Dwelleth In Me..." stage-play by local playwright Willie Alston Jr., shows that in spite what you have heard God still delivers.
Meet Mildred Merriweather, a God fearing woman who believes that God may not be there when you want him to but he is always on time. Be amazed how Mildred’s faith is tried and tested. Watch how she holds on to the unchanging hand of God. Ms Merriweather witnesses injustice been done against her own flesh and blood. But she endures until the end and holds own to her faith that God still delivers." That which Dwelleth in Me…" is a story about not what happens to you or family but what dwells inside of you. "That Which Dwelleth In Me..." makes the most of gospel music, praise dancing, and triumph.
“That Which Dwelleth in Me…” is presented by The Positive Project "Playahz" InSpirational Theatre Arts Company which was created to promote healthy quality live production via gospel plays, urban inspirational plays, gospel concerts etc. They pride their shows to be family oriented productions that inspire, uplift, and deal with truth to life events. They are serious about bring quality entertainment to the community.
“That Which Dwelleth in Me..." will be presented at The TBH Theater, 333 S. Jensen Drive, Houston, Texas 77002. Tickets will be on sale soon at tbhcenter.org and this website. Willie Alston Jr. press kits are available upon request. He is also available for comments or interviews at 281-608-6240.
Past Success!
Past Success!
The Sinister Minister
The Tour
“He did it in the dark…now she’s come to the light! Associate Pastor Julius Daemon faces the greatest challenge of his ecclesiastical life – the opportunity to become senior pastor over the largest church in the city, but he has just one obstacle to overcome –himself! What do you do when your dream fantasy turns into reality and knocks on your front door?”
The story focuses on the dark path Pastor Julius Daemon choses to embrace and the sinister aftermath to follow. Taking his internet addiction to the limit, he lives a fantasy life through an x-rated chat-room site.
His wife Tysha, leaving for a pastor’s wife conference is the perfect time for Julius and his buddy-in-sin Rosco “Road Dogg” James to surf the net and see what comes up!
What comes up is a bunch of mess…family and otherwise! The plot thickens as we learn the little secrets that come out when you let Satan in! Will the Lord be able to use this man of God? Or will his soul be devoured by…The Sinister Minister?
The Positive Project "Playahz" will present a revamped touring version of Willie Alston's "The Sinister Minister" will be held on June 10, 2017 at the TBH Theater.
Check back for showtimes!
Past Success!
Past Success!
Sister Rudie Poot & The Holy Grilled
October 22, 2016
An hilarious inspirational comedy written and directed by Willie Alston, the stage-play chronicles the exploits of Ebenezer True Vine Christian Center Church of the Living God #3 and one of its most ornery members, Sister Rowdenia Poot as she contrives everything she can
think of to help keep her beloved church from closing its doors for the final time due to inability to pay mortgage. With the church damaged due to a storm, Sister Poot opens up her home to the church body, allowing them to worship in her living room while the church is being repaired.
The results of a not-so-saintly past nets her a host of fair weather husbands and boyfriends, with twelve children under her roof, assisted by her oldest daughter Patrina Poot, she takes up “relations” with a never-do-well named Handy Randy who, conspiring with two neighborhood thugs Moe and Bug, plot to rob the fundraising event Rudie has been so meticulously planning and the “Gospel Rump-Roast” begins!
This event is presented by The Positive Project “Playahz” InSpirational Theatre Arts Company, a non-profit agency dedicated to the prevention of youth violence utilizing the performing and visual arts as a primary deterrent against gangs, drugs, and youth crime.
To be performed at the TBH Theater, 333 S. Jensen Drive, October 22nd, time 7PM. General admission tickets just $20 and can be purchased at www.tbhcenter.org or by calling 281-608-6240. For more information about the “Playahz” go to www.playahz.org . This project is funded in part by the City of Houston and the Houston Arts Alliance.
Under the Pink Cloud
Under the Pink Cloud
"Under The Pink Cloud" is a tribute piece to my daughter Cessia Woods who past away last year from a rare disease know as "Moya-Moya", which in Japanese means "Pink Clouds" due to the cloudy pink colored formations seen on the surface tissue of the brain by brain scans. This disease causes strokes and seizures and left my child frozen in place with only the ability to move her eyes. She lived like this for a year before she finally died of complications caused by the rigid condition.
I created this play to tell her story, to educate the general public about this condition which can be pre-diagnosed and with surgery, (which doctors neglected to try) could have possibly offset or reduced her symptoms. I will be her "inner" voice. I was at her side when the major stroke hit her and watched helplessly as she screamed and cried trying to make her body respond to her brain as she slowly faded away from me.
Opening Act for Sister Rudie Poot & The Holy Grill
Show Date : April 30, 2016
Opening Act for Sister Rudie Poot & The Holy Grill
Show Date : April 30, 2016
Comedian The Goldenchild has always known, and it is now his motto that, "Laughter is Good for the Soul." He is a party-starter and energizes a room by making people smile and laugh.
He was encouraged by colleagues to pursue comedy on a professional level. Since 1993, He has worked his talent into an energetic and captive stage presence.
He has opened for the legendary O'Jays, Zapp, Lenny Williams, Shirley Murdock, Fred Hammond and many
other notable entertainers. He was singled out by producers and featured in a skit with Debra Duncan on Great Day Houston show. He is also promoted on local radio stations, Majic 102 , KTSU and others. He has worked with Black Heritage Society, performed locally in stage plays, charity events and KTSU Gospel Brunch.
Sister Rudie Poot & The Holy Grilled
April 30, 2016
An hilarious inspirational comedy written and directed by Willie Alston, the stage-play chronicles the exploits of Ebenezer True Vine Christian Center Church of the Living God #3 and one of its most ornery members, Sister Rowdenia Poot as she contrives everything she can think of to help keep her beloved church from closing its doors for the final time due to inability to pay mortgage. With the church damaged due to a storm, Sister Poot opens up her home to the church body, allowing them to worship in her living room while the church is being repaired.
The results of a not-so-saintly past nets her a host of fair weather husbands and boyfriends, with twelve children under her roof, assisted by her oldest daughter Patrina Poot, she takes up “relations” with a never-do-well named Handy Randy who, conspiring with two neighborhood thugs Moe and Bug, plot to rob the fundraising event Rudie has been so meticulously planning and the “Gospel Rump-Roast” begins!
Featuring a special guest appearance by Bishop Althea “Queen” Galloway of Hope Faith and Charity Church, this ensemble cast is led by LaNetta Callicutt in the title role, Micah Webb as the no-good boyfriend “Handy Randy” and Ashley Hasker as the eldest daughter “Patrina Poot”. Along with supporting actors Terrie Donald, Jamie Alexander, Glenn-Anthony Whorton, and also introducing newcomers Victor Wilson, Joshua Ybarra,
Gerome Hulett as “Bishop John Paul Goodheart” and a “Playahz” perennial favorite actor, singer, comedian Slappy Payne as “Brother Raghead”. Assisting the director as Stage Manager will be Cedrickia Hill who has helmed two previous productions for the “Playahz” theatre arts company with Rod’ra Donaldson doubling as Set Crew Chief and understudy. Special guest appearance by The Kingsmen Brotherhood of Hope Faith and Charity Church.
This event is presented by The Positive Project “Playahz” InSpirational Theatre Arts Company, a non-profit agency dedicated to the prevention of youth violence utilizing the performing and visual arts as a primary deterrent against gangs, drugs, and youth crime.
To be performed at the TBH Theater, 333 S. Jensen Drive, April 30th, time 7PM. General admission tickets just $20 and can be purchased at www.tbhcenter.org or by calling 281-608-6240. For more information about the “Playahz” go to www.playahz.org . This project is funded in part by the City of Houston and the Houston Arts Alliance.
October 8, 2015
We Won!
Congratulations to "The Sinister Minister" Cast and Crew on winning a "Talli" award for "Best Original Stage-play!
December 17, 2015
Calling all Vendors!!!!
If you'll like to rent out a booth on our production day for "Sister Rudie Poot & The Holy Grilled" stage-play, email us at waajr2005@yahoo.com. NO Food can be sold but you may advertise your food company. Serious Inquiries only! Limited space is available, so act now. Your generous support will be highly appreciated. Thank You!
December 17, 2015
Attention: Business owners, Churches and Organizations:
We invite you to be a part of our productions, by placing an ad in the Souvenir Ad Booklet (Playbill). Your generous support will be highly appreciated. Limited space is available, so act now. Serious Inquiries only! Contact us for details! Thank You!
Deadline for "Sister Rudie Poot & The Holy Grilled" Program is April 15, 2016.
Previously performed shows!
August 28, 2015
The Positive Project “Playahz” presents Willie Alston's
The Sinister Minister at the TBH Theatre.
HOUSTON, Texas – As part of their 20th year celebration of theatrical production, The Positive Project “Playahz” InSpirational Theatre Arts Company will present a unique stage-play written and directed by Willie Alston on Saturday, October 17, 2015, 7:00PM (Saturday Matinee at 2PM), at
The Talento Bilingue de Houston Theater located on 333 S. Jensen Drive. Tickets just $25 pre-sale ($30 at door).
This show hosts a phenomenally talented cast, featuring comic Slappy Payne in the lead role of “Bishop Julius Daemon”, his onstage wife “Tysha”, played by LaNetta Callicutt create a unique theatrical chemistry. Ashley Hasker plays their headstrong daughter “Kee”. The supporting cast lead by recording artists/actors Agnes “Aggie B” Balka and Terrie Donald, with Shirley Hester, Shina Epps, Glenn-Anthony Whorton, Rod’ra Donaldson and Lavern Sanders along with technical assistance by Gabby Salazar and Anita Mitchell who with Donnika Davis will perform background vocals. Cedrickia Hill, a Playahz veteran will stage manage the production and Ethel Alston, House Manager will be assisted by Margie Edwards. A Playahz icon, Cynthia Smith-Sneed returns as “The Guardian Angel” with recorded sound orchestration by Scotty Bedford and featuring Playahz newcomer Trini Green as “Satan”. The lead musician is Daniel Porter and the event will be recorded for DVD by Kelsey Tatum. “This stellar cast has taken our theatre company to a higher standard of excellence”, Willie Alston, Executive Artistic Director for The Positive Project “Playahz”, said. “I am excited about the quality of talent and commitment of all involved. For many guests that evening, it may be their first time but I feel it won’t be their last time to experience the flavor of our company.” Willie Alston will also have performing duties in the character role of “Grandpa Richards”, Tysha’s father. The production, supported in part by a grant from the City of Houston and The Houston Arts Alliance, is open to the public and will showcase local Houston talents.
“He did it in the dark…now she’s come to the light! Associate Pastor Julius Daemon faces the greatest challenge of his ecclesiastical life – the opportunity to become senior pastor over the largest church in the city, but he has just one obstacle to overcome –himself! What do you do when your dream fantasy turns into reality and knocks on your front door?”
The production supports The Positive Project “Playahz” non-profit youth programs that help at-risk youth and their families by providing positive alternatives to drugs, gangs, and youth crime. “We help them become part of the solution to the community social pollution” states Alston, himself a survivor of the streets.
For mature minded audiences. For more information on the event or to support the organization, call 281-608-6240 or log on to www.tbhcenter.org or the Playahz website at www.playahz.org
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THE POSITIVE PROJECT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of youth violence utilizing the performing and visual arts as a primary deterrent against gangs, drugs, and youth crime. The Playahz InSpirational Theatre Arts Company, founded in 1995 developed into the core program providing an innovative way to minister to at-risk youth and their families, enlightening and encouraging communities served.