Dale Ricardo Shields facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dale Ricardo Shields
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Dale Ricardo Shields, Ohio University - LEGEND AWARD 2022
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Dale Ricardo Shields
November 4, 1952 Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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| Education | Ohio University (BFA) Ohio University (MFA) |
| Occupation | Actor Artistic Activist Director Producer Educator |
Dale Ricardo Shields is an African American actor, director, producer, and teacher. He is known for his work in theatre and for inspiring students.
He received the 2017 The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award. This award honors teachers who make a big difference. Shields also won the 2017 AUDELCO/"VIV" Special Achievement Award. In 2022, he was given the Ebony Bobcat Network (EBN) Legend Award by Ohio University.
In 2021, Shields received the Paul Robeson Award. This special award from the Actors’ Equity Association honors people who have made a big impact in theatre and society. Famous people like Maya Angelou and Sidney Poitier have also received this award.
Early Life and Education
Dale Ricardo Shields was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He is the younger of two sons. His family has a strong background in music. His grandfather and father were part of a gospel singing group. His mother also sang in a gospel group.
Dale graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1970. He then went to Ohio University. He earned two degrees there: a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 1975 and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in 1995.
Career in Theatre and TV
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Dale Ricardo Shields has worked as a director, stage manager, and actor. He has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in regional theatres. Some famous places he has worked include Lincoln Center and The Negro Ensemble Company. He is also on the board of directors for AUDELCO.
Shields studied acting in New York City. He learned from talented directors like Harold Scott (director). He also worked as an assistant to Lloyd Richards, a famous director. He helped with a play called A Last Dance With Sybil. This play starred Ruby Dee and Earl Hyman.
You might have seen Dale Shields on TV. He appeared in popular shows like The Cosby Show, Another World, and Guiding Light. He was also on Saturday Night Live.
As a director, Shields has led many plays. In 2001, he directed For Colored Girls Who ... / When the Rainbow Is Enuf. A young Danai Gurira, who later became a famous actress, was in this play. In 2015, he directed a reading of the play HOME.
Shields has also acted in plays like Any One Can Whistle and Lily. He has appeared in commercials and films too.
For six years, he led workshops at The Public Theatre in New York City. These workshops helped young people learn about playwriting. In 1988, he represented the United States at a theatre festival in London, England.
Shields has received many awards for his work. In 2017, he got the Special Achievement Award at the 45th Annual Vivian Robinson AUDELCO Recognition Awards. He also received the Actors Fund / Encore Award multiple times, from 2020 to 2023.
In 2024, Dale Shields was interviewed for The HistoryMakers archives. These important recordings are kept permanently at the Library of Congress.
Educator and Professor
Dale Ricardo Shields is also a respected university professor. He has won two Outstanding Professor Awards. He has also received three Educational Program of the Year awards.
In 2015, he was nominated for the "Excellence in Theatre Education Award." This award is given by the Tony Award and Carnegie Mellon University. It honors K-12 theatre teachers who have a huge impact on their students.
Shields has taught at several universities. These include Ohio University, The College of Wooster, and Macalester College. He teaches subjects like Acting, Directing, Black Theatre, Black Studies, and Stage Management.
He also created Iforcolor.org, a website about Black History.
