The theatre program at North Carolina A&T State University, which is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, produces dynamic graduates who work professionally in the community, state and nation. Eight alums of the program are acting, singing and dancing their way to fame as cast members and stage management in the production of The Color Purple: The Musical about Love, currently at the Barn Dinner Theatre in Greensboro.

The Color Purple, written by Alice Walker, is well known for its 1985 Hollywood debut. Donna Baldwin-Bradby, an A&T assistant professor in the theatre arts program, is the director of the musical. Tina Yarborough Liggins, an assistant professor of theatre is the choreographer and Gregory Horton, associate professor of theatre is the costume designer.

“She’s trained us, she knows us, we know she uses a different terminology sometimes and we get it,” said A&T alumna Jamia Tucker about Baldwin-Bradby.

Baldwin-Bradby, a native of North Carolina, who also serves as the director of marketing and publicity in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at A&T, has been working with students at the university for 11 years. Now, she has the privilege of guiding her former students as they work in the professional world.

The Color Purple musical has allowed the cast ample time for bonding between lengthy practices, which began in March, and shows.

“Being able to share the stage with these talented folks is an honor,” said Walter Johnson a 1992 magna cum laude graduate of A&T.

The Aggie influence at the Barn Dinner Theatre is undeniable.

“It is truly a blessing to have A&T,” said producer Ric Gutierrez, who has been with the theatre for 18 years. “Shabazza Vaird is probably one of the best stage managers I’ve ever had.”

Vaird, a 2012 graduate says, “theatre was not my major but I was exposed to Ms. Donna.” Baldwin-Bradby’s encouragement led the psychology major to find a home in theatre production.

A&T has played a significant role in the lives and careers of the cast members.

“Because of the connections at A&T, I’ve performed overseas for two years,” said Kalilah Black. Black worked in Hong Kong as Nala in The Festival of the Lion King.

“It’s important to appreciate the intimacy at North Carolina A&T because I started off at another university, but there is a nurturing that comes with the department,” Johnson says about the affect A&T has had on him.

The cast serves as an example for all current and future students in the visual and performing arts program at A&T. They have been able to use the knowledge they’ve gained at the university to turn their dreams into realities.

“Follow your dream and stay true to who you are, do not lose that drive,” graduate Tennille Foust says.

The Color Purple: The Musical about Love will run at The Barn Dinner Theatre through June 30.