Writer's SPotlight
Bringing Stories to Life
At Super Bad Theater Company, we believe the magic of a great book shouldn't end on the page. We're passionate about transforming beloved literary works into dynamic, engaging stage adaptations. Our mission is to capture the essence and spirit of published stories, reimagining them for the theatrical experience and introducing them to new audiences. If you've ever dreamt of seeing your favorite novel leap from the pages onto the stage, you're in the right place. Join us as we explore the boundless possibilities of storytelling, one adaptation at a time!
Julian Blake is a writer, speaker, actor, and former ordained minister whose work explores the intersections of identity, spirituality, and storytelling. As an author of both adult and children’s books and an emerging screenwriter, Julian is dedicated to crafting narratives that illuminate the human experience, celebrate individuality, and uplift voices often overlooked. His background in ministry informs a deep sense of empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to exploring life’s most complex questions through story. A natural storyteller, Julian weaves humor, heart, and insight into every project, whether creating imaginative worlds for children, thought-provoking narratives for adults, or compelling stories for the screen. He believes in the transformative power of story—to entertain, to provoke reflection, and to inspire people to live boldly, love freely, and embrace their truest selves. Through his multifaceted career, Julian continues to engage audiences across mediums, dedicated to creating work that enlightens, empowers, and resonates. His voice—distinctive, authentic, and deeply human—is committed to exploring the beauty, tension, and possibility found at the crossroads of faith, identity, and imagination. Follow on IG/TikTok/Threads @thejulianblake
**This play will be presented first through the Development and Workshop series before being commercially released.** Synopsis: An inspiring Black Christian podcaster, terrified of losing his small platform and the last threads of his church family, begins therapy. This internal journey unravels the defenses that maintain his secret relationship with Michael, a white man twice disowned by his own family for being both gay and interracial, forcing a showdown between authenticity and legacy in the Deep South. The play opens in a small apartment studio in the Deep South. JULIAN, a dedicated but financially struggling author/podcaster, records The Uncompromised Soul for his tiny audience. He preaches radical grace, but lives in fear. His partner, MICHAEL, a white man, is a constant source of stable, pragmatic support, but his exhaustion is evident. Michael's history is the mirror of Julian's future: he was doubly disowned by his wealthy, prominent white family for being gay and for being in an interracial relationship. This history reinforces Julian's belief that truth only leads to total loss. Julian begins weekly, secret therapy sessions with DR. CHEN, a kind but firm professional. Dr. Chen immediately identifies Julian's emotional split between his preaching persona and his private self. The conflict is initiated by the outside world: Deaconess Martha, Julian's formidable grandmother and the pillar of the traditional Black Church, secures Julian a highly visible speaking spot at a regional Christian Youth Summit—an ultimatum to return to his ministerial "calling." Simultaneously, Dr. Chen challenges Julian to confront the real root of his anxiety: the shame tied to his relationship with Michael.
"How I See Myself," an inspirational vignette book designed to empower Black children in America. Living as a Black child in America often means living with the constant fear of perception based on skin color or economic upbringing. Our children deserve to live freely, explore their imaginations daily, dream big, and live with confidence while embracing their beautiful melanated skin. "How I See Myself" is a short yet digestible book that aims to reinforce a young reader's ability to love themselves. It addresses the emotional battles Black children may face as they grow into productive young adults. The fictional stories within the book are designed to entertain and encourage readers to explore their imaginations. Black children deserve to read and imagine freely, and this book supports that. Formatted from a third-person point of view, the book also highlights the importance of journaling, with the message: "Express Yourself, YOU will be Heard! Your Voice Matters, Your Blackness Matters! Go Be Great and Authentically YOU."
Dedrick Weathersby was born on April 6, 1990 in Marshall, Texas and raised in Longview, Texas. Emmy Award Winner for Best Interview and Discussion with Theatre Corner on PBS/KPBS. A Broadway World Award Winner and NAACP Award Winner. As a child, his dream was to become a professional actor/singer and impact the world and his community through his storytelling and music. Years and dreams later, he's living that dream, paying it forward and still have more to do. Dedrick has quietly given over $100,000 worth of scholarships for graduating students of color whose life dream is to pursue business entrepreneurship and the performing arts professionally. Dedrick cherishes his individualized path of training, performances and connections in numerous, Community, Regional, Musical, Plays and Broadway Tours. Dedrick is a proud member of Actors Equity, Writers Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA and Dramatist Guild Union, for Playwrights. The proud Founder and Executive Director of Super Bad Theater Company and Weathersby Productions LLC/Publishing. Dedrick independently released two studio projects titled Remembering James (Tribute to James Brown) and "5 Minutes Til Places" (Songs of Broadway); available on all streaming platforms. Dedrick is an accomplished author of 6 published books, his most recent literary success would be "How I See Myself" Short Inspirational Vignettes for African American Youth. Dedrick is a firm believer, if you remember those humble beginnings, you can use each moment for future endeavors and "You can NEVER lose, betting on yourself and Giving is connected to your healing". Dedrick, has written numerous Plays and Musicals, his notable successes would be Remembering James- The Life and Music of James Brown, The New Teacher (A Stage Play Comedy) and recently Tutti Frutti The Musical (Life and Music of Little Richard). 'Remembering James'- The Life and Music of James Brown opened on February 10, 2019 to a SOLD OUT audience and continued for a 6 month run with the collaboration of Boxcar Theatre & the Creators of Speakeasy San Francisco. The show Embarked on a National Tour from 2019-2020 (Pre-Pandemic) and performed over 60 Shows. Dedrick would continue touring to states and cities based on request from fans, promoters and theater partners from March 2021 until closing on May 14. 2022. The New Teacher (A Stage Play Comedy) premiered in Dedrick's hometown of Longview, TX on February 19, 2022 with the collaboration of Longview Independent School District (Bramlette Elementary) and performed a Encore on March 12, 2022 backed by Popular Demand. This show will continue to provide artistic opportunities to youth in marginalized communities where Theatre is not apart of the schools curriculum. This play is being revamped to add 13 original songs, this would qualify as a full length children's musical. This musical has plans to be available for licensing and renting. Tutti Frutti- The Life and Music of Little Richard (A New Musical) premiered in Dallas, TX on December 21, 2024 to a SOLD OUT audience. This show embarked on a spot date US Tour in February and will continue adding more dates through 2026. This musical has been licensed with exclusivity by SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING.