Kennie Playhouse is changing Nashville theater
Director Kenny Dozier provides a space for Black voices in theater
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - After acquiring a degree in chemical engineering and pursuing a career in corporate management, Kenny Dozier made an unexpected change.
Realizing his true passion was in the arts, he decided to start his own theater company, Kennie Playhouse Theater.
“Something changed. Something changed in my heart,” Dozier said. “I was no longer interested in anything else except doing what I found myself to be, which is an actor, producer, and a person who loves to tell these stories.”
The company gives a space for Black voices to shine and Black culture to be celebrated.
Dozier wants to use the platform to bring the community together and tell African American stories that are under-represented.
The theater company works with experienced actors as well as giving opportunities for newer actors to sharpen their craft.
“I found more joy within myself doing this than I ever did with anything in my life,” Dozier said regarding his company. “I love what we are doing.”
Kennie Playhouse Theatre is presenting The Piano Lesson, the Pulitzer-prize winning play, by August Wilson. The performances will be at the Looby Theater Feb. 22 through March 10. A red-carpet event will be held to celebrate the performances on Saturday.
Dozier hopes the show will be a community outreach and bring as much joy to his audience as it does for him.
“It’s for all of Nashville,” Dozier said. “When I see their faces and they smile, and they come alive, it makes me happy. I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”
We Up Youth Theater Festival is the next event the theater company has planned.
We Up is a two-week theater festival where kids ages 10-18 can perform three different theatrical plays.
Kennie Playhouse Theatre also partners with education, seniors and small business within the community to help each other grow.
Dozier’s advice for other theater loves is “just get out and do it.”
“You have to get out of your comfort zone,” he said. “Find a community theater or group of people who you’re willing to work with and partner with. That’s how you learn.”
More information and other future events for the Kennie Playhouse Theater can be found online.
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