Creatively Shaded by Elizabeth Jones, Phaedra Tillery-Boughton, ShawnJ West

May 23, 2026Episode 41 hr 11 min

Standing in My Light!

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, ShawnJ, Phaedra, and Liz bask in the glow of their creative success, share gratitude for the theatre community, and gear up for a summer full of auditions, performance camps, and butts in sun-warmed theatre seats. Add a little tea to your ice-cold lemonade as the Divas shade the summer down! Upcoming Auditions: American Conservatory Theatre ( A.C.T.) act-sf.orgJune 4-7 The Bad News Bears a musicalIraq but Funny 6/15-17The Comeuppance 8/24-29Summer Sessions/Camps:Berkeley Rep Summer Program - Mon–Fri 9am–4pm July 6-31 berkeleyrep.org/theme/summer-theatre-camp-play-creation-9qn5 African-American Shakes & African American Art & Culture Complex: Shake the Stage presents School House Rock Jr. Live June 15-26 & July 6- August 1 african-american.org/youth-program/SFartsEd - June 8-July 31 https://www.sfartsedsummer.org/A.C.T. - Youth: June 8- August 7 https://www.act-sf.org/training/young-conservatory/summer-classes-2026 A.C.T.- Adults: June 8- July 1 act-sf.org/training/studio-a-c-tRecommendations:"The House of Bernarda Alba" at Oakland Theatre ProjectOn stage May 22 – June 7, 2026 tickets at oaklandtheaterproject.org"Shakespeare over My Shoulder" at African-American Shakespeare CompanyNow on stage until June 7, 2026 tickets at african-americanshakes.org" ‘night, Mother" at Altarena Playhouse On stage May 29 - June 28, 2026 tickets at altarena.orgDonate to support the Black Theatre CommunityAfrican American Shakespeare Company: african-americanshakes.org Lorraine Hansberry Theatre: lhtsf.orgLower Bottom Playaz: lowerbottomplayaz.com Additional ways to supportThe Mary Mason Memorial Lemonade Fund - a confidential resource for theatre practitioners with critical illnesses, conditions, or injuries who are in need of supplemental financial assistance. Donate at theatrebayarea.orgStay connected with Creatively ShadedWe want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshadedVoice over: Creatively Shaded Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronohProducer: Creatively Shaded

April 18, 2026Episode 31 hr 0 min

Let there be Dreams!

Send us Fan MailThis episode is for the dreamers! The Divas were invited to record at the newly renovated Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts by the team behind Cofounders the Musical, and later attended their Live Concert & Pitch Contest. Honey, inspiration perfumed the air! Your hosts imagined what could be and invite you to indulge in the fruits of our imagination. Recommendations:"The Coast Starlight" at The Stage San JoseNow on stage until April 26, 2026 tickets at www.thestage.org"Flex" at San Francisco PlayhouseNow on stage until May 2, 2026 tickets at sfplayhouse.org"The Monsters" at Berkeley Repertory Theatre - Now on stage until May 3, 2026 tickets at www.berkeleyrep.org"Come From Away" at TheatreWorks at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts - Now on stage until May 10, 2026 tickets at theatreworks.org"The Play That Goes Wrong" at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City On stage April 23 - May 17 tickets at www.hillbarntheatre.org"SistahFriend" an elevated staged reading, written by Phaedra Tillery-Boughton, performing at the Magic Theatre - On stage May 16 & 17, 2026 tickets at lhtsf.orgHenry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts- hjkarts.orgDonate to support the Black Theatre CommunityAfrican American Shakespeare Company: african-americanshakes.org Lorraine Hansberry Theatre: lhtsf.orgLower Bottom Playaz: lowerbottomplayaz.com We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshadedVoice over: Creatively Shaded Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronohProducer: Creatively Shaded

March 21, 2026Episode 257 min

It's GOT, to be Said!

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, release the tact—all truth! How to prep for a visit to the theatre, how multi-hued performers slip into classic roles, and how to sense when your senses, need to sit down. Now inhale that aroma!Put that Butt in a Theatre Seat! "All My Sons" at Berkeley Rep On stage February 20 - March 29 tickets @berkeleyrep.org"Gods & Monsters" at New Conservatory Theatre Center On stage March 6 - April 5 tickets @nctcsf.org"Primary Trust" at TheatreWorks at the Lucie Stern Theatre On stage March 4 - 29 tickets @boxofficetheatreworks.org"FLEX" at San Francisco Playhouse On stage March 26 - May 2 tickets @sfplayhouse.org"The Monsters" at Berkeley Rep On stage March 27 - May 3 tickets @berkeleyrep.orgDonate to support the Black Theatre CommunityAfrican American Shakespeare Company: african-americanshakes.org Lorraine Hansberry Theatre: lhtsf.org Lower Bottom Playaz: lowerbottomplayaz.com We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshadedVoice over: Creatively Shaded Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronohProducer: Creatively Shaded

February 28, 2026Episode 154 min

New Energy x 3

Send us Fan MailThird time's the STRUT! On the kick-off episode of season three, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, infuse the Bay Area Theatre Streets with shades of a seasoned hue. The spotlight is hot as a new scoring system unveils the Divas' tea — no filter. Don't worry, baby; you can still savor the serum but it won't be as sweet. After it goes down, the Divas will be there to give you your spoonful of sugar! Say, "Ahh!"Put that Butt in a Theatre Seat! "Black Choreographers Festival" at Dance Mission TheaterOn stage February 28 & March 1 tickets @bcfhereandnow.com "How Shakespeare Saved My Life" at Berkeley Rep Runs till March 1 tickets @berkeleyrep.org"All My Sons" at Berkeley Rep On stage February 20 - March 29 tickets @berkeleyrep.org"Gods & Monsters" at New Conservatory Theatre Center On stage March 6 - April 5 tickets @nctcsf.org"Primary Trust" at TheatreWorks at the Lucie Stern Theatre On stage March 4 - 29 tickets @boxofficetheatreworks.org"FLEX" at San Francisco Playhouse On stage March 26 - May 2 tickets @sfplayhouse.orgDonate to support the Black Theatre CommunityAfrican American Shakespeare Company: african-americanshakes.org Lorraine Hansberry Theatre: lhtsf.org Lower Bottom Playaz: lowerbottomplayaz.com We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshadedVoice over: Creatively Shaded Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronohProducer: Creatively Shaded

November 22, 2025Episode 1253 min

And That's Cap! — Season Two is a Wrap!

Send us Fan MailOn this final episode of season two, The Divas wax nostalgia over a season brimming over with productivity and ingenuity. The Bay Area Theatre Community persisted and so did Creatively Shaded! Gratitude was expressed, theatre seats were assessed, and teases of what to expect in season three, were sprinkled for a taste. Pull up and get ready to get satiated in flavor! Have a wonderful Holiday Season! We'll see you in 2026!Recommendations: "Cinderella" at African American Shakespeare CompanyOn stage December 12-21, 2025 tickets at african-americanshakes.org "Snowbound: A Holiday Tale" at Town Hall Theatre Company On stage December 4 - 20, 2025 tickets at townhalltheatre.com"Soulful Christmas" at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre On stage December 19-21, 2025 tickets at lhtsf.org"Rudolph & Scrooge: YC Holiday Double Feature" at American Conservatory Theatre. On stage December 1-20, 2025 tickets at act-sf.org"Cabaret" at Oakland Theater Project Currently on stage until December 14, 2025 tickets at oaklandtheaterproject.orgDonate to support the Black Theatre CommunityAfrican American Shakespeare Company african-americanshakes.org Lorraine Hansberry Theatre lhtsf.org Lower Bottom Playaz lowerbottomplayaz.com We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshadedVoice over: Margo Hall @margogot Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh

August 16, 2025Episode 111 hr 17 min

Shifts, Skips, & Shenanigans!

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, The Divas welcome Jasmine Milan Williams, fellow multi-creative who dresses The Bay Down! Jasmine details her unique take on costuming and the heart work that undergirds the performer. Hun-tee, actors get another read on getting them minds right, while theater attendees would want to think twice before tapping ya neighbor. Settle in as this snap back, will bring you all thee way back!Recommendations: "Two Trains Running" at Lower Bottom PlayazOn stage August 8-31, 2025 tickets at lowerbottomplayaz.com "The Day the Sky Turned Orange" at SFBATCO On stage September 5 - October 5, 2025 tickets at sfbatco.org"The Bridge" at Theatre Works On stage August 17, 2025 tickets at theatreworks.org"Diasporadica" at Fort Mason On stage August 22-August 30, 2025 tickets at fortmason.org Donate to support the Black Theatre CommunityAfrican American Shakespeare Company african-americanshakes.org Lorraine Hansberry Theatre lhtsf.org Lower Bottom Playaz lowerbottomplayaz.com We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshadedVoice over: Margo Hall @margogot Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh

July 19, 2025Episode 101 hr 16 min

The Bay for a Horse!

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, SirDiva reascends to his seat after directing/performing in "Sweat," to help roll out the red carpet for our illustrious guest, Legendary Diva, Margo Hall! The Beloved multi-faceted performer, bestows the kingdom of the Bay with invaluable insight into our unique community, and the theatre industry at large. Bay-be, the theatre streets were over flowing and Center Stage Shade sopped it all up! Come on and getchu a taste!Recommendations: "Les Blancs (The Whites)" at Oakland Theater ProjectOn stage July 13 - 27, 2025 tickets at oaklandtheatreproject.org "Magnolia Ballet" at Shotgun Players July 19 - August 10, 2025 Tickets at shotgunplayers.org "Candace Johnson’s Scat-ter Brain The Music of ADHD" at the Marsh Berkeley On stage July 19 - September 13, 2025 Tickets at themarsh.org"Marin Shakes Presents 1st Annual Seeds of Time Festival" On stage July 19 - August 2, 2025 Tickets are pay-what-you-will at marinshakespeare.org/seeds"Cowboy Cabaret Giddy Up & Get Down" presented by Ray of Light Theatre’s Spotlight Cabaret Series at Feinstein’s At The Nikko On stage one night July 23, 2025 Tickets at rayoflighttheatre.com/spotlight "The Wiz Jr." at African-American Shakespeare Company On stage Saturday, August 2. Tickets at african-americanshakes.org"Glitter in the Glass presented by The Champagne Staged Reading Series at Shotgun Players Featuring Elizabeth Jones On stage August 4-5, 2025 Tickets at shotgunplayers.org"Into The Woods" Co-produced with SFARTSED at SFBATCO On stage July 25 - 26, 2025 Tickets at sfbatco.orgNew Black Voices Info lhtsf.org Donate to support the Black Theatre CommunityAfrican American Shakespeare Company african-americanshakes.org We wan

May 17, 2025Episode 91 hr 9 min

We're Larger than the System!

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Phaedra and Liz are joined by a local creative who puts the multi in hyphenate; Aejay Antonias Marquis, who steps in SirDiva's shoes as guest co-host. The Theatre Streets had the Divas on a trek through Afro futurism, isolation, and poles, while Center Stage Shade and SirDiva's Rant, lit it up. Chyle, now you know we had to get up on the National Endowment for the Arts - knotting us Divas all up! Come on an unravel this theatrical entanglement with us! Recommendations: "Crumbs from the Table of Joy" at Aurora Theatre CompanyOn stage April 26 - May 25, 2025 tickets at auroratheatre.org "Come Thru: a cultural Celebration" Play reading of Lisa B. Thompson's "African Stew" with Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. Saturday May 17 at 4pm at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture Tickets @lhtsf.org"Season Preview and Celebration" Featuring Lorraine Hansberry Theatre's 2025 New Black Voices mentee, Phaedra Tillery-Boughton. Sunday May 18 at 4pm at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. Free event open to all -rsvp @lhtsf.org"Driving The Girls" In Person Reading presented by Playwright's Foundation at YBCA Screening Room May 17 7:30pm. Tickets catbrooks.org/events A World Premiere Hip-Hop Musical "Co-Founders" at American Conservatory Theatre. On stage May 29 - July 6 tickets at act-sf.org Black Out Nights: June 6-8"Sweat" at Palo Alto Players Directed by ShawnJ West June 13-29, 2025 Tickets @paplayers.org"SistahFriend" A staged reading by Phaedra Tillery-Boughton June 21, 2025 7:00pm at Zaccho Dance Theatre Free admission Limited seating Tickets @zaccho.orgTheatre Camps & Education for YouthSFARTSED: Exploration camp, Broadway Bound, Art & Design and FashionSession 1: June 9- 20, Session II: June 23 - July 3, Session III: July 7-July 18 + extra week through July 26 For more info sfartsedsummer.orgAfrican American Shakes, Shake the Stage Summer Camp The Wiz Jr. July 7-August 2nd. For more info african-americanshakes.orgSFBATCO - Young Actors Lab Session 1 July 7-18, Session 2 July 21-August 1 For more info sfbatco.orgSchool of the Getdown Youth Arts Camp July 28- August 2nd. For more info www.fayecarol.com/youthartscampBerkeley Rep Youth Summer Programs Multiple Sessions throughout the Summer berkeleyrep.org/school-of-theatre Donate to support the Black Theatre CommunityAfrican American Shakespeare Company african-americanshakes.org Lorraine Hansberry Theatre lhtsf.orgSan Francisco Bay Area TheatreWe want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us o

April 27, 2025Episode 81 hr 9 min

We Live in the Performative!

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, are joined by Bay Area native multi-hyphenate and Grammy nominee, Ryan Nicole Austin! She drops bars of creative knowledge and promotes her upcoming World Premiere Musical, "Co-Founders!" A new segment, "The Real T(heatre)," in depth conversations, sits down with the cast of S.F. Playhouse's "Fat Ham" as they reflect on their unique experience, and you know we didn't leave out Center Stage Shade. Baby, there is so much good T all up and through this episode! Prepare to have your thirst quenched!Recommendations:Creatively Shaded Blackout Nights Coming Soon:"Government Housing 2" at Lower Bottom PlayazOn stage now Fri, Sat 2 & 8pm until May 4. Tickets at lowerbottomplayaz.com"Two Trains Running" at American Conservatory Theatre On stage April 15 - May 4, 2025 tickets available at act-sf.org"The Comedy of Errors at American Conservatory Theatre On stage April 22 - May 3, 2025 tickets available at act-sf.org"The Last of The Love Letters" at Crowded Fire Theater at Z BelowOn stage April 24 - May 3 Tickets at crowdedfire.org"Crumbs from the Table of Joy" at Aurora Theatre CompanyOn stage April 26 - May 25, 2025 tickets available at auroratheatre.org"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf" presented by Tavia Percia May 2, May 3rd at 8pm at Sweets Ballroom in downtown Oakland tickets are $20 sold at the door.https://www.gofundme.com/f/foster-theater-spaces-for-women-of-color"Come Thru: a cultural Celebration" Play reading of Lisa B. Thompson's "African Stew" with Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. Saturday May 17 at 4pm at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. Tickets @lhtsf.orgA World Premiere Hip-Hop Musical "Co-Founders" at American Conservatory Theatre. On stage May 29 - July 6 tickets at act-sf.orgBlack Out Nights: June 6,7,8Ways to support the Black Theatre CommunityAfrican American Shakespeare Company Please donate to help AF. AM. Shakes to continue their mission of “Envisioning the Classics with Color” to give, visit african-americanshakes.org“Come Thru: A Cultural Celebration for Black theater artists and the theater-curious." at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre May 5-9 at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. Learn more and save your spot at lhtsf.org/come-thru We want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshadedVoice over: Margo Hall @margogot Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh

April 3, 2025Episode 752 min

Firing on All Cylinders!

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Phaedra, ShawnJ and Liz, march into Women's Herstory with a ground breaking playwright, whose impact thrives in the Bay Area. They discuss how social media has entangled the Thespian, and performers out here shading the stage; playing dual roles of actor and director! Chiiile you need to sit all the way up for this!Recommendations:Creatively Shaded Blackout Nights Coming Soon:"Wild With Happy" directed by ShawnJ West at NCTCOn stage March 7 - April 6, 2025 tickets available at nctcsf.org"Fat Ham" at S.F. Playhouse On stage March 20 - April 19, 2025 tickets available at sfplayhouse.org"Two Trains Running" at American Conservatory Theatre On stage April 15 - May 4, 2025 tickets available at act-sf.org"The Comedy of Errors at American Conservatory Theatre On stage April 22 - May 3, 2025 tickets available at act-sf.org"Crumbs from the Table of Joy" at Aurora Theatre CompanyOn stage April 26 - May 25, 2025 tickets available at auroratheatre.org"Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry"Imani Perry"Lorraine Hansberry Theatre" Landmark Building D, third floor 2 Marina Boulevard San Francisco, Ca 94123Mailing address: 762 Fulton Street, Suite 304 San Francisco, Ca 94102 information@lhtsf.org"Marcus Books" 3900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way Oakland, Ca 94609 marcusbooks.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at creativelyshaded@gmail.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram at @creativelyshaded, @phaedratboughton, @starshawnj, @elizasenoj. You can also watch this episode and others on YouTube: @creativelyshadedVoice over: Margo Hall @margogot Editor: James Oh @jamesaaronoh

Creatively Shaded

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