Performer and screenwriter wants to expose young people to the arts

Entertainer Richard Gallion is looking to get young people involved in the entertainment industry by working with him on his productions. PHOTO PROVIDED BY RICHARD GALLION.
Entertainer Richard Gallion is looking to get young people involved in the entertainment industry by working with him on his productions. PHOTO PROVIDED BY RICHARD GALLION.

Performer and screenwriter wants to expose young people to the arts

By Tia Carol Jones
Richard Gallion is an actor, playwright and screenwriter. He knows firsthand what the arts can do for young people. He wants to give young people the opportunity to experience all facets of the entertainment industry.

“When I look at what the arts do and how it’s such a mirror of life, it can help so many people, it helped me as a young athlete, I just feel like it’s something that’s missing; to be able to tell stories and display these characters,” he said.

While Gallion was playing basketball at Chicago State University, he was injured and depression set in at the prospect of him not being able to play anymore. Because he was introduced to the arts, he was able to pivot and didn’t stay in the depression long. He went into acting.

“I found that I had a deep passion for it,” he said. “If it could do that for me, as one who played basketball my entire life and was in depression once I got injured, I know what it can do for everyone else.”
Gallion has appeared in “Chicago Med,” “Shameless,” “The Chi,” “Proven Innocent” and “Empire.” He also has written the TV series, “Desperate,” and the plays “1800 VS. 2020,” “When Silence Screams” and “I CanCer Vive.”

Gallion began bringing young people on to assist in his productions with “When Silence Screams.” There were 12 teenagers in it. With I CanCer Vive,” Gallion brought on two young people to participate. More young people got involved and wanted to continue to learn from Gallion, not just on those productions. He started to teach them everything he knew about acting, writing, directing, producing and casting.

Gallion has experienced actors get roles that have the ability to change their lives. Being part of films, TV shows and plays also has the ability to open young people up to creativity and to create something of their own.
The young people created their own short film, “Class Reunion,” which is available on YouTube. In it, the young people portray adults who are attending their 60th Class Reunion. It took them a week to complete that production.

The response from the young people has been positive and they were excited. Then, the pandemic happened and Gallion is looking for more young people to participate as some of the young people have pivoted to other ventures. He said as long as the children can read, they can participate in the program.

Gallion was recently named the Artistic Director of Apostolic Pentecostal Church Theater, which is located at 114th and Vincennes. With more prodiuctions, Gallion wants to give more young people the opportunity to experience and learn how to create theater, TV and film productions.
With Gallion’s productions, there also is a 12-page activity guide that is much like a curriculum.

Gallion is remounting his production “1800 vs. 2020,” this time through a woman’s eyes, with “1800 vs. 2020: Through Her Eyes.” The production will take place Saturday, Feb. 18th; and Sunday, Feb. 19th and 26th, at 14401 S. Vincennes.

For more information about Richard Gallion, visit richardgallion.com.

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