The Fade

Send us a text🎭 The Final Curtain Call — The Last Episode of The Fade Podcast! 🎙️In this powerful closing episode, we sit down with the dynamic duo Troy Anthony Hogan and Don “DB” Butler to talk about the bizness—film, TV, theatre, and everything in between.They take us on a ride through their friendship, creative partnership, and the road that led to their standout collaborations across stage and screen.This episode marks the final chapter of The Fade—a podcast created to help shine a spotlight on what would become the successful inaugural Fade To Black Arts Festival. And what a journey it’s been!🙏🏾 Thank you to all our listeners, subscribers, guests, and supporters for tuning in, sharing, and growing with us. Your energy helped make this more than just a podcast—it became a movement.For Brandon and myself, Corey… shutting it down.Much love. God bless. ✌🏾Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a text🎭 New Episode of The Fade Podcast! 🎙️In this episode, we sit down with the ever-charismatic Manning Mpinduzi-Mott—a true theatre jack-of-all-trades. From acting and directing to lighting design and tech, Manning has done it all.He takes us through his incredible journey into the world of theatre, shares insights from his multi-faceted career, talks about being one of the first voices in podcasting, and reflects on his impactful contributions to Fade To Black. Plus, he gives us a sneak peek into what he’s most excited about for this year’s Fade To Black Arts Festival coming this June.Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textThis episode, we’re joined by the versatile Rachel Hemphill Dickson—actor, writer, director, educator, and Associate Artistic Director of The Ensemble Theatre —who shares her artistic journey, the art of balancing creativity with administration, and her role in the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival!From the stage to leadership, Rachel gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the arts thriving.Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textFrom H-Town to Hollywood, prolific actor and producer Troy Anthony Hogan shares his journey—his roots, his rise, and what’s next. Hear firsthand about his passion for storytelling, the projects he’s got in the works, and why he’s hyped for the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival. An inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss! Check out Troy in the final season of The Righteous Gemstones on HBO beginning March 9th.And visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textTrailblazing Prima ballerina, Lauren Anderson, shares her journey as Houston’s first Black principal dancer with the Houston Ballet. In this inspiring episode, she reflects on her groundbreaking career, career highlights, enduring love for dance, and her meaningful contributions to the Fade to Black Arts Festival.Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textOn this Throwback Thursday, we’re taking it back to one of our classic early episodes—Episode Three—featuring the dynamic father-and-son duo, Jason and Willie Dirden. Tune in as they share insights from their collaboration with The Ensemble Theatre on *The Piano Lesson* and dive into their exciting journeys in acting and directing. Fade Away with us and on’t miss the extended remix for a deeper look into their inspiring careers!Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textThis episode, host, Brandon Morgan is joined by Children’s Festival and activities Division Leads for the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival, Tene A. Carter and Angela Rice. These talented and purpose-filled leaders discuss their charge for the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival and their respective careers. Don’t miss this spectacular interview! Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textThis episode's guest, trailblazing journalist and playwright, Fernando Dovalina. Fernando joins us to discuss his groundbreaking journalism career, his journey as a playwright and his loyal support of The Fade To Black festivals. Join us for this compelling conversation with this committed artist! Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textIn this mini-episode (a light Fade) we sat down with multi-hyphenated artists, Thomas Meloncon, Curtis Von and Errol Anthony Wilks to discuss the state of black theatre. You won't want to miss this short, but  topical discussion. Catch a Light FADE!!Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textThis episode's guest, ShaWanna Renee Rivon, playwright, screenwriter, actress and director. Shawanna discusses her journey as an actress, her triumphs as a playwright, her continuous growth as an artist and her involvement in the Fade To Black. Join us for this dynamic conversation with this gifted artist! Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textThis episode's guest, Jabari Collins, Board President of Shabach Enterprise, parent company of The Fade To Black Play Festival. Jabari discusses his "everyman" duties with FTB and other organizations, his career as an theatre educator, theatre's role in education, and his role in the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival. Join us for this enlightening conversation with this devoted educator and artist! Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textA brand new episode of The Fade has dropped! This episode's guest, the always busy, award winning actor, Edwin Lee Gibson! Edwin takes a break from Hulu's award  winning show ,The Bear, to drop by The Fade to discuss his journey from Houston to Hollywood and all routes in between while dropping gems along the way.Join us for this inspiring conversation with this inspirational artist! And check out the new season of Hulu's multiple award winning show, The Bear, stating June 25th!Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textA brand new episode of The Fade  is here! This episode's guests Dr. Jolie Rocke and Dr. Kiana Day Williams.These sistas with voices discuss their musical journeys, the importance of music and voice, and their involvement in the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival. Join us for this captivating and funny conversation with two intellectual divas! Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textA brand new episode of The Fade has dropped! This episode's guest, legendary playwright, Thomas Meloncon! Mr. Meloncon discusses his start in theater, his journey as a playwright, the theater business and his involvement with the Fade To Black Festival. Join us for this intriguing conversation with this world-renowned playwright.Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textThis episode of The Fade we are joined by director and producer, Lea Jones.  Lea is a frequent contributor to The Fade to Black Festival as a director. Lea discusses her career, faith in entertainment and her involvement in the Fade To Black Arts Festival in June 2025.Join us for this enlightening conversation with this innovative creator!Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textA brand new episode of The Fade has dropped! This episode's guest, Errol Anthony Wilks. This actor, writer, director and producer joins us to discuss his journey in the arts, his knowledge of the business and his involvement in the Fade To Black Arts Festival in June 2025.Join us for this riveting dicsussion with this acting and Navy Veteran!Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textThis episode actor, writer and producer Timothy Eric joins, host, Brandon Morgan. Tim discusses his career highlights, the craft of acting and his latest performance in the world premiere of Thomas Meloncon's Stagolee and the Funeral of a Dangerous Word.Join us for this intriguing conversion with this outstanding artist!Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textIn this session, host, Brandon Morgan is joined by the Executive Artistic Director of the Main Street Theater, Rebecca Udden. Becky sits down to discuss the history of MST, the world premiere of the Thomas Meloncon play Stagolee and the Funeral of a Dangerous Word and MST's involvement in the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival.Join us for this captivating conversion with a Houston trailblazer.Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textActor, writer, director and poet extraordinaire Joe Palmore stops by The Fade to visit with host, Brandon Morgan. Joe P.  discusses his acting career, poetry, collaborating with Tobe Nwigwe, the future of theatre in Houston and the part he plays in the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival. Join us for this insightful and funny interview with this inventive artist!Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textCurtis Von, actor, writer, director and producer of both stage and screen joins us this session to discuss his journey to creative independence, theatrical best practices and his involvement with The Fade to Black Festival. Join us for a fun and informative interview with this trailblazing creator!#thefadepod #ftbaf #fadingitforwardVisit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textEileen J. Morris, The Artistic Director of The Ensemble Theatre in Houston, talks about her career, her love of theatre and the Fade to Black Arts Festival.Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textJason Dirden, star of stage and screen (Fences, Greenleaf, American Soul) is joined by his dad, Willie Dirden, an accomplished actor and director himself (Jitney, Two Trains Running, The Piano Lesson), in a candid talk about family and the family business.Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textTony Award winning educator, Roshunda Jones-Koumba discusses the importance of arts in education, her Tony experience and her efforts to help make the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival the best event not too be missed in June 2025.Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.

Send us a textThe Founder of the Fade To Black Festival series sits down with our host, Brandon Morgan, of this first episode to discuss, celebrate and promote the upcoming Fade to Black Festival in 2025. Denise discussed the history of the festival series and what to expect in 2025.Visit fadetoblackfest.com for more information of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Fest.