Continuing Education and Workshops for Professionals

(Atlanta, GA) A staged reading of the play Internal Bleeding by award winning playwright Christine Toy Johnson will be held at the Woodruff Art Center's 14th Street Playhouse on October 6, 2012 at 11:30. The event is one of many activities during a weekend of theatre at the inaugural Atlanta Black Theatre Festival in midtown Atlanta.

The play is loosely based on a true story of an Olympic bound gymnast who becomes estranged from his parents after an accident that leaves him paralyzed. This staged reading stars Daryl "Chill" Mitchell a film and TV actor who was paralyzed in 2001 in a motorcycle accident. He is now in a wheelchair. Mitchell, who never gave up acting, is an NAACP Image Award recipient and best known for his roles as Dexter Walker on The John Larroquette Show, Leo Michaels on Veronica's Closet, and Eli Goggins on Ed. Mitchell is an advocate for survivors of spinal cord injuries and promotes his cause through the Daryl Mitchell Foundation "This is a unique opportunity to use the platform of the Atlanta BTF to bring more awareness to this issue encouraging producers & directors to include actors with disabilities in their productions." says Toni Henson, Executive Director. The playwright, Christine Toy Johnson, a distinguished writer & producer, has won accolades for playwriting, screenwriting, producing, acting and equal opportunity advocacy. Her works have been included in curriculums at the University of Michigan and Wesleyan University. Johnson is also the recipient of several writing grants.

Following the staged reading, patrons will have an opportunity to participate in a workshop entitled Grants & Fundraising for Playwrights. "This is a huge opportunity for playwrights who are passionate about their works and championing causes to learn, first hand, what it takes. I am so pleased the festival can offer this priceless insight!" says Henson.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Daryl Mitchell Foundation.

Resources:

www.AtlantaBTF.org