Get Ready for an Extraordinary Film Experience at the 2024 2nd Act Film Festival! /  by Bakari Lebby

Bakari Lebby is thrilled to announce an exciting project: “The Dealer, The Deuce, and The Don,” a captivating short film created in under 30 days with a shoestring budget of just $100. This ambitious endeavor showcases the power of creativity, determination, and storytelling, all coming together to create a memorable cinematic experience.

In the tradition of independent filmmaking, this project proves that incredible art can emerge from limited resources and tight timelines. "The Dealer, The Deuce, and The Don" is a testament to the passion and dedication of its team, who have poured their hearts into delivering a film that promises to engage and inspire audiences.

The film will debut at the highly anticipated 2024 2nd Act Film Festival on October 23, 2024, alongside thirteen other remarkable works by South Carolina artists. This festival is a celebration of creativity and a showcase of the incredible talent thriving in Columbia, SC.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity! Tickets are available now, but they are limited—so you’ll want to act fast! Your ticket not only gains you access to "The Dealer, The Deuce, and The Don," but also to a diverse lineup of innovative films that push the boundaries of storytelling.

🎟️ Get your tickets here before they sell out!
Buy Tickets Now!

Join Bakari Lebby and the entire production team at the 2024 2nd Act Film Festival for a night of unforgettable films and celebration of the independent spirit. Together, let’s champion creativity and storytelling!

For more details about the festival and the amazing lineup of films, check out The Jasper Project and the 2nd Act Film Festival.

We hope to see you there!

Summer Classes Offered at Village Square Theatre /  by Bakari Lebby

Starting next month, Bakari will be sharing his knowledge and expertise by conducting two engaging classes tailored specifically for aspiring teen actors at Village Square Theatre in Lexington, South Carolina.

The Stage Acting Class is a comprehensive week-long camp dedicated to advancing the skills of actors at an intermediate to experienced level. The program will concentrate on scene selection and profound scene analysis, culminating in a thrilling acting showcase where participants can exhibit their diligence and mark their progress, an opportunity to shine bright in front of their loved ones and supporters.

The Monologue Workshop is scheduled to be a comprehensive one-day, 4-hour class, offering participants the invaluable opportunity to receive individualized guidance on their monologues through interactive adjustments and constructive feedback sessions.

Further details and the option to register for classes can be located on Village Square’s official website.

"Harvey" by Mary Chase - Workshop Theatre of South Carolina /  by Bakari Lebby

Bakari Lebby is set to direct a production of “Harvey” by Mary Chase in January 2025 at Workshop Theatre of South Carolina.

Following Workshop Theatre's recent announcement of its upcoming season last month, Bakari looks forward with excitement and gratitude to maintain their long-established partnership with Workshop.

Further details will be released in the approaching months on Workshop Theatre’s website.

Interview with CanvasRebel /  by Bakari Lebby

Bakari was recently highlighted in a series of insightful interviews conducted by the team at CanvasRebel. Delving into the world of young creatives, the feature was aptly named “A Tale of Two Human Needs”. This engaging article showcasing Bakari and other talented individuals can be easily accessed on CanvasRebel’s platform.

https://canvasrebel.com/meet-kari-lebby/




Jasper Play Right Series 2024 /  by Bakari Lebby

The Jasper Project has announced Chad Henderson as the winner of the 2024 Play Right Series for his play, “Let It Grow”.

Bakari was honored to be a judge for the 2024 Play Right Series held by The Jasper Project, alongside other esteemed theatre artists, Dewey Scott-Wiley, Libby Campbell, and Jon Tuttle.

Henderson’s winning work will be workshopped during the summer culminating in a staged reading!

More information can be found here at The Jasper Project’s website.

The Jasper Project Presents "Infamous Lovers" - February 14, 2024 /  by Bakari Lebby

Kari is honored to have been asked to serve as the Master of Ceremonies at the Jasper Project's "Infamous Lovers" Valentine's Day event.


Tickets are still available through The Jasper Project.

The Jasper Project is excited to announce the second part of our Valentine’s Day series. Come to INFAMOUS LOVERS - a fantastic evening with entertainment, delicious food, live music, and a fun costume contest. Get ready to celebrate love and creativity at the best place in Columbia this Valentine’s Night!

The event will take place on Wednesday February 14th from 7 – 10 at the 701 Whaley Market Space.

Headlining the evening is BIG LOVE, a Fleetwood Mac cover band comprised of Columbia locals, Bekah Rice, Adam Corbett, Marshall Brown, Shane Sanders, and Sharon Gnanashekar.



More information is available at The Jasper Project’s website!

Mel Washington's "Mad Love" Music Video, directed by Bakari, premieres today! /  by Bakari Lebby

Last year, Bakari wrote and directed a music video for their recurring collaborator and nationally touring songwriter and musician, Mel Washington, to accompany the single, “Mad Love” from his then forthcoming full length album, “Feast or Famine”.

The highly anticipated album, “Feast or Famine” released on November 3, 2023, with the single, “Mad Love” releasing a few weeks earlier, on October 27.

Upon first seeing the final cut of the “Mad Love” video earlier this summer, Mel felt the need to give the video a bit of a separate release from the single, giving it a tad of space as its own work, while still fitting as a compliment to the single and album at whole.

(c) Dynes Media 2023

The video releases today on Mel’s VEVO page at 12:00 pm EST.

(c) Dynes Media 2023

I would love to hear your thoughts and would appreciate any and all sharing of the video. The entire creative crew put a ton of heart, time, and talent into this project. I am so thoroughly impressed with what we were able to achieve with the budget, time, and scope at hand! Thank you again to Mel, Bobby with Dynes Media, and my ride-or-die collaborator, Mandy Applegate, as well as the entire crew, and of course our EP, Bobby Schooler.

xo

— Kari, 12.22.2023

The Glass Menagerie -- Tickets on Sale & Post & Courier Preview /  by Bakari Lebby

Tickets for “The Glass Menagerie” at Workshop Theatre are now available for sale online, in person, and via telephone: More information here.

Photography by Deon Turner | Design & Layout by Bakari Lebby


August Krickel wrote a preview interviewing members of the cast and creative team in preparation for opening night, September 14.


“The Glass Menagerie” is directed by Bakari Lebby and runs September 14 - 25 at Workshop Theatre of South Carolina.

Those Lavender Whales & Friends & Family: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Aaron Graves - 6/2/23, West Columbia, SC /  by Bakari Lebby

Bakari will be performing and producing this event with Fork and Spoon Records in memory of co-founder and South Carolina musician and artist, Aaron Graves.

The event will take place at New Brookland Tavern, 122 State Street, West Columbia on June 2, 2023.

At 6:00 pm a potluck will precede the music portion of the event at 8:00 pm, featuring the members of Those Lavender Whales and many special guests from various Columbia bands, including Bakari.


Tickets are available at the door and on presale here.

More information is available here.


Hundred Days - Workshop Theatre of SC (5/12 - 5/27) /  by Bakari Lebby

Bakari will be seen next on stage in Workshop Theatre’s production of “Hundred Days” in Columbia, South Carolina in its South Carolina premiere.

“Hundred Days”, an American musical with music and lyrics by Abigail Nessen-Bengson and Shaun Bengson, and book by Sarah Gancher, is an uncensored, exhilarating and heartrending true story about embracing uncertainty, taking a leap, and loving as if you only had 100 days to live. With magnetic chemistry and anthemic folk-punk music, creators and stars Abigail and Shaun Bengson explore a fundamental question: how do we make the most of the time that we have?

2018 Lucille Lortel & Drama League Nominee for Outstanding Musical

Under the Direction of Chad Henderson (2018 SC Theatre Association Founders Award Winner) and Music Director Tom Beard (Too Many Credits to List), the Workshop production of this multimedia musical features an amazing cast of Columbia musicians: Katie Leitner (Guitar/Synth/Vox) from local band Say Femme, Catherine Hunsinger (Cello/Vox) from local band Rex Darling, Taylor Diveley (Guitar/Vox) from recent productions Kinky Boots/ A Chorus Line, Kari Lebby (Bass/Vox) from local band sandcastles. and Columbia percussionist Seth Brock. If you're craving a truly exhilarating theatre event this season in Columbia, you don't want to miss HUNDRED DAYS.

Ticketing and More information available at workshoptheatreofsc.com

Tickets on Sale NOW

Is God Is - April 15 - 16, 2022 /  by Bakari Lebby

IS GOD IS directed by Bakari Lebby

Part of New Visions Directors Festival

April 15 at 7:30PM
April 16 at 2PM and 7:30PM
Bank Street Theater

RSVP here for in-person performances
RSVP here for on-demand performances
 

In this new epic, Anaia and Racine, are black twin sisters sent on a revenge mission from God. The task: to deliver justice to the Man who tried to kill them all eighteen years ago. Join Anaia and Racine on their journey across America to meet their father.

Worlds Melt - December 3 - 4, 2021 /  by Bakari Lebby

MFA CoLab New Play Festival
Friday, December 3– Saturday, December 4
On-demand: RSVP

School of Drama is proud to present a special opportunity to stream the MFA CoLab New Play Festival.

ISABEL
written by alum Ruth Tang (MFA '20)
directed by I-Chen Wang

BLOOD ON THESE HANDS
written by Luis Herrera
directed by Colin Wilson

THE LAST AISLE
written by Rebecca Ford
directed by Jane Skapek 

WORLDS MELT
written by Preston Crowder
directed by Kari Lebby

spell #7 - March 11 - 14, 2020 /  by Bakari Lebby

Bakari is working as Assistant Director on “spell #7 : geechee jibara quik magic trance manual for technologically stressed third world people” by Ntozake Shange, directed and choreographed by Nigel Semaj. The production features dramaturgy by Calley Anderson and choreography by assistant choreographers Rebecca Ford and Sabira Jade.

Presented by The New School College of Performing Arts, “spell #7” will run from March 11-14 at 151 Bank Street in Manhattan. Ticket reservations and more information are available here at the official website for The New School.

Fall 2019 - Graduate Study at The New School /  by Bakari Lebby

Bakari is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drama for Directing at The New School of Performing Arts this August.

They completed their Bachelor’s degree in Theatre with a minor in Sport and Entertainment Management at The University of South Carolina school of Arts & Sciences in May of 2013.

Bakari has also received the President’s Scholarship and Drama Supplemental Award for the 2019-2020 Academic Year.

 

More information on The New School of Drama can be found here.

"Sunset Baby" nominated for Free Times Best of Columbia 2018 /  by Bakari Lebby

The Trustus Theatre production of “Sunset Baby”, directed by Bakari Lebby, has been nominated for Best Local Theatre Production by the readers of the Free Times!

The Voting period is from June 6 to June 30. More information can be found here at the Free Times’ website.