PERFORMERS SET OUT TO CREATE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN SKETCH COMEDY AND IMPROV THEATER

Ronnie Ray, (pictured) and Khristian Leslie have decided to create a non-profit, community-based improv and comedy theater focused on African Americans and minorities. Photo courtesy of Khristian Leslie and Ronnie Ray
Ronnie Ray, (pictured) and Khristian Leslie have decided to create a non-profit, community-based improv and comedy theater focused on African Americans and minorities. Photo courtesy of Khristian Leslie and Ronnie Ray

PERFORMERS SET OUT TO CREATE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN SKETCH COMEDY AND IMPROV THEATER

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Khristian Leslie and Ronnie Ray have been involved in sketch comedy for more than 30 years and now they’ve decided the best way to help the next generation of African American and minority performers is to start a non-profit, community-based theater company that can help give performers a safe space to cultivate their creativity.

Leslie and Ray are raising money and looking for a space. They also are creating a set of webinars where people can learn the basics of improvisation. They’re looking to build a safe space for young minority performers to talk about the things they are going through and to ask questions.

Leslie said once they find a location, they will open the theater and training center, as well as offer classes where people can use improvisational tools to become better at business and sales.

Leslie said one of the big problems with the improvisation and comedy theaters is the lack of pay. He said there are internships that are unpaid.

He said the goal is to pay people a good wage where they can actually pay their bills, adding once the theater does well, they would like to increase the pay.

“It’s going to be a place where everybody can come, but we’re going to aggressively go out and seek out African American and minority talent for student, faculty and staff and we want to pay everybody an actual wage,” he said.

For more information, visit www.khristianleslie.com.

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