Grand Prize Winner: Daniel DeAngelo Sprouse Sr. was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. He received his Bachelors degree from Indiana University and teaches Physical Education at Charter School of the Dunes in Gary. Daniel has been writing stage plays for over five years now, and he has also written two screenplays. Daniel founded The Drama Family Theatre Company in 2003. In 2005, Daniel became the Director of the Theatre Ministry at his church, Embassies of Christ in Gary under the spiritual guidance of his Pastors, Cedric and Joyce Oliver. The Olivers are a great influence on his writing through their great leadership and bible-based teachings. He has written four other stage plays besides the Grand Prize winner, "My Life, My Faith, My God" which includes; "Through It All", "A Single Mother", "The Good Shepherd", and his most recent one "It's Not You, It's Your Family". Daniel plans to continue writing and fulfilling God's purpose for his life through his gifts and talents.
2nd place: Dana Clark. "The Preachers Kids" is a phenomenal comedy fit for the whole family. Dana Clark, originally from Lake Charles, LA, resides in Dallas, TX. She started writing family friendly plays for her church in Louisiana (Good Hope Baptist) and continued doing so after moving to Dallas. She is currently a member of Greater Cornerstone Baptist Church and has written plays for them for over 12 years.
She worked as stage manager and production assistant on several projects. She studied theater at McNeese State University where she won the University's debut award and attended workshops at New York Film Academy. She directed her first stage play, "Christmas With the Jones" in 2006. The Preacher's Kids followed in August 2007.
Dana's plays are family friendly, comedy plays that have been known to have audiences laughing out of their seats. When she is not writing and directing plays, she is busy as a member of Vision's Dance Company and managing a non-profit organization.
Keep an eye open for this innovative young writer and director.
3rd Place: Carmen Davis "And the Truth Shall Make You Free"
A native of New Jersey, Carmen’s literacy skills began in the Camden school system. She later moved to Central Jersey, and enrolled in the Asbury Park school system where she graduated in 1981. Upon graduation she attended West Virginia University and pursued a degree in Performing Arts.
Carmen is a professional hairstylist and manager of Hair Etc. Her flexibility of time affords her the opportunity to pursue her greatest passion, creative writing. Carmen states, “When I write I am able to freely express myself.”
Carmen confesses Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. She is a member of Greater Emanuel Temple under the leadership of Bishop C.A. Webb. Here she uses her gifts of the arts and serves as the leader of the Performing Arts Ministry.
The play, “And the Truth Shall Make You Free,” was birthed out of mere life experiences. It’s a production that the entire family can enjoy and identify. The topics include adultery, molestation, homosexuality, love, unity and forgiveness. This play is about an urban family who has a family secret that has been kept for many years but finally comes to a halt. Momma (Bertha Williams) tries to explain herself, despite the fact her children don’t quite understand. Life teaches us that every family has skeletons in their closet; some they take to the grave, but others must be exposed. Finding the spiritual truth, which is Jesus Christ, sets the Williams family free.
The Black Gospel Play Association salutes the winners.
