JD Lawrence

Biography

JD Lawrence, known as the "King of Dramedy", is an American playwright, actor, comedian, author, director and producer of film, television and stage plays. Lawrence, the multi-hyphenate plays as many as seven characters in a single production. He has been dubbed The Man of Many Faces by EBONY Magazine. Lawrence even at the age of eight has always had a passion and respect for entertainment. It was only natural that he would one day become the force that he is in the industry today. Born with a profound speech impediment, the road to success didn’t come easy for Lawrence. Overcoming his obstacles, he began writing, producing and starring in his own productions. Productions that now provide jobs to over 1000 people across the country including some of the very same industry executives that once turned him down. JD Lawrence is one of only two African American playwrights in the world to direct, produce and star in their own production in Las Vegas’ Planet Hollywood. Lawrence has discovered how to turn his passion into profit with the triumphant runs of several stage plays and his newest production now on tour JD Lawrence’s Me & Mrs. Jones all grossing over $20 million. JD Lawrence is not only a prolific playwright he is also the founder of The Lawrence Method. The Lawrence Method is an acting technique comprised of discipline, dedication and integrity along with rigorous drills to achieve character self-evaluations in a unique and unorthodox approach. The Grammy and Emmy Award Winner's director, has worked with the likes of Emmy Award Winner Jackee’ Harry, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Fred Hammond, Red Grant, Dave Hollister, Nephew Tommy, Edwin Hawkins, Kenny Lattimore, Ashford & Simpson, Darius McCrary, Natalie Wilson, Latrice Pace, Tony Terry, George Willborn, Robin S., Chante' Moore, Alyson Williams, El DeBarge, Letoya Luckett, Eva Pigford, Telma Hopkins and the late Ali Woodson, Ronald Winans and Willie Neal Johnson just to name a few. Adding to his list of first, Lawrence is the first playwright to make the Network Journal's (in association with Time Warner) Top Forty African American Entrepreneurs List. The 2007 Telly Award winner is also a two time "Keep America Beautiful" National Award-winning writer and director. His unique talents have also earned him two public performing arts Special Recognition Awards from the town of Babylon and the city of Chicago: a Legislature Distinguished Achievement Award, and a Certificate of Special Recognition from Congress. Lawrence has received the key to the city in Lafayette, Louisiana and was given his own day in Poughkeepsie, New York. JD Lawrence has given back to his own community selflessly as well, most notably, adopting a highway and creating the first theatrical health fair in his hometown. Lawrence to date has also raised over a million dollars for countless churches and community organizations. While on tour, he lectures at grade schools, churches, community centers and universities, to inspire youth to pursue the arts. Lawrence is humble and grateful to share his knowledge and gift of laughter with the world and his light will only shine brighter in the years to come.

Where to buy in print

Books

JD Lawrence's Behind The Cross
Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 20,310. Language: English. Published: February 2, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Plays & Screenplays » American, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Drama
Telly award winning playwright and multi-hyphenate JD Lawrence has broken box office records across the country with his Hilarious stage plays. Lawrence now brings that same synergy to his new short novel Behind The Cross. Nina Hill finds herself head over heels in love with an older gentleman. However, when he confesses to her he's married with a family the affair ends and the drama begins.

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