UG Digital Mag: Will you be doing more shows and touring with
the play?
Shaneisha Dodson: Yes, we try to tour every two to three months.
We’ve had shows in Little Rock, AR; Dallas, TX, Killeen, TX, and
Kenner. My goal is to do a black college tour.
UG Digital Mag: I’m actually considering coming out to Atlanta to
see it. Crazy as it seems, I will travel for a good play.
UG Digital Mag: Does the cast remain the same for each show?
Shaneisha Dodson: It’s very good. Its showcases a lot of new
talent.
Shaneisha Dodson: A majority are the same, but we do have
under-studies to sometimes fill in.
UG Digital Mag: How did you go about selecting the cast for the
play?
Shaneisha Dodson: I do all of my casting via Skype. It’s inexpensive, it’s effective, and it’s a way to reach people across the U.S.,
and then I’ll just fly them out to the location we’re at.
UG Digital Mag: What did you feel like you were looking for in
actors?
Shaneisha Dodson: Each character, I already had in mind as far
as what I wanted them to be like, as far as the personality goes,
and the type of energy. This character needs to be loud and
outgoing, and this character needs to be more elderly, or like a
prayer warrior. I already knew the images I had in mind.
UG Digital Mag: How long did it take you to put the story together, and how long has everyone been preparing?
Shaneisha Dodson: I am a writer [laughing], so it doesn’t take me
long to write a play. Once I have something in my head, it flows.
UG Digital Mag: Now you started Black Girlz Productions. What is
your vision for the company?
Shaneisha Dodson: The vision is to eventually go international
and do different work. I’m trying to boost the image of African
American women. I’ve traveled to other countries, and often
the only image they have is what they see on television, and it’s
usually bad. I want to show African American women in a positive
light, through community service, professional shows, and doing
good things to let them know we don’t all curse and fight. A lot of
us are doing good things.
UG Digital Mag: Are there other plays in the vault, past, and future?
Shaneisha Dodson: Yes, our very first one was “Cheating on My
Mistress”. We toured with that from 2012 until the end of 2013.
I’m currently working on two more pays; one is the First Lady’s
Club, and the other is the Vagina Rights, which touches on social
issues as well.
UG Digital Mag: Are any of your past plays available on video?
Shaneisha Dodson: No. When we first did “Cheating on My Mistress”, we tried to get it recorded a few times, but it didn’t work
out. With this one, we did get it recorded. Once we finish the
tour, it will be on sale.
UG Digital Mag: I love a good play so I’m looking forward to it.
Shaneisha Dodson: You would love this one then.
UG Digital Mag: What do final preparations look like between
now and show time?
Shaneisha Dodson: It’s making sure the logistics are in order,
making sure all is squared away with the venue, and going out
promoting.
UG Digital Mag: Obviously, we’re going to reconnect for UGD
Live on May 14th along with the entire cast. What final words do
you want to leave readers with for right now?
Shaneisha Dodson: For right now, I want them to think of our
motto, which is dream big or go home. Anything in life that you
want to do, you can do it.
UG Digital Mag: Where can people get you online?
Shaneisha Dodson: On instagram, we’re at @blkgirlz12, and our
website is www.blackgirlzproductions.com +