Woodie King Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Woodie King Jr.
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King at the 74th Tony Awards in 2021
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| Born | July 27, 1937 Baldwin Springs, Alabama, U.S.
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| Occupation | Director, producer |
Woodie King Jr. (born July 27, 1937) is an American director and producer. This means he helps create plays, movies, and TV shows. He is also the person who started the New Federal Theatre in New York City.
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Woodie King Jr.'s Early Life and Learning
Woodie King Jr. was born in Baldwin Springs, Alabama. After finishing high school in Detroit, Michigan, in 1956, he worked at the Ford Motor Company. He also worked for the city of Detroit as a draftsman, which is someone who makes detailed drawings.
In 1970, he started the New Federal Theatre. Later, he went back to school. He earned a special degree in Theatre and Black Studies from Lehman College in 1996. Then, he got his master's degree from Brooklyn College in 1999.
What Has Woodie King Jr. Created?
Woodie King Jr. has worked on many films, TV shows, and plays. He has been a director, which means he guides the actors and crew. He has also been a producer, which means he helps manage the whole project.
Movies and TV Shows
Woodie King Jr. has appeared in or directed several movies and TV shows. For example, he acted in the movie Serpico in 1973. He also directed a film called The Long Night in 1976. On TV, he directed films like Death of a Prophet and Love to all, Lorraine. He also acted in popular shows like Law & Order and Men in Black 3.
Theatre Productions
Woodie King Jr. is very well known for his work in theatre. He has directed many plays at different theaters across the country. Some of the famous plays he directed include:
- Sizwe Banzi Is Dead by Athol Fugard
- Joe Turner's Come and Gone by August Wilson
- A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
He often directed plays that explored important stories and themes, especially those related to African American experiences.
The New Federal Theatre
The New Federal Theatre is a very important part of Woodie King Jr.'s work. He founded it in 1970. This theater helps new and experienced Black artists share their talents. It has given many actors, writers, and directors a chance to show their work to the world. The theatre has produced many award-winning plays.
Awards and Special Recognition
Woodie King Jr. has received many awards for his amazing work in theatre and film. These awards show how much he has contributed to the arts:
- In 1988, he won an NAACP Image Award for directing the play Checkmates.
- He received an Obie Award in 1997 for his long-lasting achievements in theatre.
- In 2003, he was given the Paul Robeson Award, which honors people who use their art to promote social justice.
- He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2011. This is a huge honor for people who have made a big impact on American theatre.
- In 2020, he received a special Tony Honors award for his excellence in theatre. The Tony Awards are some of the highest honors in American theatre.
