S3E2. UCB & BroadwayWorld Winner Donzell Lewis Embracing Authenticity in TV & Film

Join hosts Walid and Kavita for an exciting episode featuring the versatile artist, Donzell Lewis. Growing up in Virginia, Donzell honed his skills in martial arts, acting, and directing. His journey led him to meet Walid during their time in college at acting school, fostering a lasting friendship and professional collaboration from VA to LA.
Catch Donzell in commercials for renowned brands like Hyundai and Warby Parker, as well as in the upcoming films "Divorce Bait" and "Dope Queens." His outstanding performance in the stage adaptation of "Dope Queens" earned him the BroadwayWorld Award for "Best Actor." In the acclaimed "The Book of Queer" series on Discovery+, Donzell portrays multiple iconic characters, including MLK and Glenn Burke. Notably, he is the winner of UCB's "Bad Drag Race" and also a 5th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Beyond acting, directing, and coaching, Donzell's passion lies in arts education. Delve into his insights on the challenges and rewards of juggling on-camera roles with his commitment to theater arts education. Discover Donzell's invaluable advice on authenticity in artistry, offering a glimpse into his thriving career both in front of and behind the camera.
Tune in to this enlightening conversation with a true artiste, and uncover Donzell's wisdom on embracing authenticity and excelling in diverse roles within the entertainment industry.
DONZELL LEWIS' BIO:
Donzell Lewis is a distinguished actor, director and theater educator known for his unwavering commitment to the arts. Holding a BFA in Performance and an MFA in Theatre Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University, his strong educational foundation complements his multifaceted skill set. His remarkable career has garnered acclaim from prestigious institutions such as The American Theater Wing, American Theatre Magazine, and The California Arts Council all highlighting his exceptional contributions to the theater education world.
With over 15 years of experience as an educator, Donzell consistently demonstrates his expertise in designing, delivering, and assessing outstanding arts education courses. His approach is rooted in a profound commitment to radical inclusivity, embracing diverse cultural legacies, challenging euro-centric norms, and fostering courageous dialogues that drive social change. He is resolute in his dedication to dismantling systemic oppression within educational institutions and the broader entertainment industry.
Presently, he serves as the Curriculum & Instruction Specialist at P.S.ARTS in Los Angeles, CA where he designs culturally responsive, high-quality arts education curricula. As an actor, his work can be seen on shows such as the television sketch show “The Book of Queer” (currently on HBO MAX), the Eric Andre Show, and Tosh.0, among many other tv, film, and voice-over credits. Additionally, he has appeared in commercials for esteemed brands such as Hyundai and Warby Parker while also maintaining a long-standing Los Angeles theater career as an actor and drag performer.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Donzell remains devoted to the cause of social justice. He actively supports the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and collaborates with countless advocates in the ongoing struggle for progress and equality. In his leisure time, you can find him exploring new destinations, savoring live theater, indulging in tasteful shopping sprees, or relishing precious moments with friends.
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