Grambling State University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts & The National Association of Speech and Dramatic Arts Presents

Tico Wells

 Featured artist for the NADSA 2016 is Mr. “Tico” Wells.  Mr. Wells is an award winning actor, director and academician. He is a recipient of The Kennedy Center’s Irene Ryan Acting Excellence Award, for his portrayal of David in James Baldwin’s Amen Corner. He finished his undergrad work at New York University (BFA) in Drama. From there he starred in numerous off- Broadway and regional theatre productions, most notably: August Wilson’s, Fences (Alliance Theater, Atlanta), directed by Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun, T. V. and Broadway), George C. Wolfe’s, The Colored Museum, (Center Stage, Baltimore), directed by Lee Richardson, August Wilson’s, Two Trains Running (St. Louis Black Rep.), John H. Redwood’s The Old Settler (World Premiere at the McCarter Theater, NJ and the Longwharf Theatre, CT) directed by Walter Dallas and the original cast of Spunk by George C. Wolfe (Crossroads Theatre, NJ). In New York City, Tico worked with the famed Negro Ensemble Company in The War Party by Leslie Lee.  He gained his first big national exposure on The Cosby Show, as Dr. Jerry Taylor, who delivered Saundra’s twins. While in New York, Tico performed on television shows and commercials, working with the likes of Denzel Washington, Francis Ford Coppola, Spike Lee, Al Pacino, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and many other noted personalities. It wasn’t until he got a break with Robert Townsend in The Five Heartbeats, that he felt it was time for Hollywood. He has been out in the land of stars ever since, honing his skills and enjoying the beautiful weather of California. His movie career includes: newly released films, Love and Other 4 Letter Words and Sister’s Keeper. Other films are, Forgiveness, Wild Hearts, Monster Makers, One Special Moment, Big Ain’t Bad, All About You, The Relic, The Ernest Green Story, Universal Soldier, Trespass, Mississippi Masasla, The Dream Team. A partial list of television shows include: Bones, All of Us, Wanda Does It, ER, 24, JAG, Drew Carey, Law and Order, Boy Meets World, Martin, and Beverly Hills 90210, 227.

All performance activities are open to the public and will take place in the Floyd L. Sandle Theatre of the Conrad Hutcheson Performing Arts Center. Competitions and workshops begin each day at 9:00 a. m., evening performances will begin at 7:00 p. m on Thursday and Friday evenings.  On Saturday evening, April 9, 2016 a special banquet and awards ceremony will take place to conclude the celebration.  Tickets for the banquet are $30.00   For additional information contact 318-274-3225 or 318-274-2892.

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Media Contact:
King D. Godwin
Phone: 318-274-3225
E-mail: godwink@gram.edu
-or-
Office of Communications
318-274-2866
mediarelations@gram.edu