Powerhouse Productions

02/12/2025

Just thinking how incredible it is that this year will be our 26th year celebrating Black History Month with our live productions at the Prairie Center for the Arts. Always original pieces, always an experience for the whole family, always an adventure of being able to experience artists that are right here from the Chicagoland area. It is without saying that next week (Feb 22nd) will be no exception!

I encourage you to JOIN US for Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (Feat. Sol Collective) taking place at the Prairie Center at 2pm! Tickets are on sale right now at www.prairiecenter.org/blackhistorymonth
Dont just meet me there, BEAT ME THERE!

01/14/2023

For the 24th year in a row, B-Side Studios has the upmost honor to continue on the tradition of Powerhouse Productions in presenting our annual Black Excellence month production, taking place Saturday February 25th at the Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg.

"And Then There Was Hip Hop" featuring the live stage production of "THE REALNESS" written by Idris Goodwin, Produced & Directed by Maurice D. Proffit (in his FINAL production as a Director).

This is a Hip Hop love story that takes place in the mid-90s filled with an unforgettable story, music, rhymes and drama that sticks to your ribs. The combination of this story and this STELLAR cast is set up to be nothing short of a classic! You CANNOT Miss This!

(Poster art work done by the incomparable Sai Sharma. Inspired by "The Source" magazine)

Tickets are on sale RIGHT NOW
https://ci.ovationtix.com/35209/production/1147168?performanceId=11209177.

Don't just meet us there, BEAT US THERE! LETS GO!

🎭Another Chapter from B-Side Studios 🎭

01/25/2022

🚨CALLING ALL LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS!🚨

As many of you know, B-Side Studios will be making its return to the live stage at the Prairie Center for the Arts for our 23rd Annual Black Excellence Production with the titled show "Lorraine" on Feb 26th 2022. Which means, the return of the B-Side Marketplace!

If you are a small business, and would be interested in purchasing a vendors table for our live event, email me directly at [email protected]. If you know someone that may be interested, feel free to pass this on. Due to the pandemic, were offering a "Pandemic Rate" of 50% off the normal vendor table rate. This is an offer you cant beat and an incredible way to publicize your business and expand your customer base. With every vendor that participates, you will get a table, personalized post to plug your business along with additional acknowledgement from our marketing materials. Like I said, this cant be beat baby!

If you have any questions, feel free to let me know!

And of course, tickets for "Lorraine" are on sale right now at: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35209/production/1087215

We'll see you Saturday February 26th at the Prairie Center! All Love, Always.

01/19/2022

The year is 1968. One year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that laws banning in*******al marriage violate the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Day is April 4th. The same day as the assassination of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, an in*******al couple are headed to the south to solidify their love in holy matrimony. They stop at the Lorraine motel for the evening, just to be confronted by both sets of their parents that may or may not take issue with their upcoming union.

B-Side Studios Proudly presents to you "Lorraine" (Written by Carlos J Gomez / Produced & Directed by Maurice D. Proffit) This story is the latest live production brought to you by B-Side Studios (in association with Neogrid and the Prairie Center for the Arts) in recognition of our 23 years of celebrating Black Excellence Month, coming to you LIVE on Saturday February 26th 2022 at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, IL. Tickets are on sale NOW at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35209/production/1087215

This show is a mix of drama/comedy and age appropriate for the ENTIRE family. Due to the nature of the current health climate, we will be adhering to social distancing protocols in the theatre, by only selling half capacity, resulting in plenty of space between families. Making sure that your health is in tact takes full precedence over the traditional objective of maximizing ticket sales. We want to ensure that we can provide a memorable evening whilst satiating your peace of mind and making sure you and all members of your family are protected.

Don't just meet me there, BEAT ME THERE! :D We look forward to seeing you all at the theatre!

Poster Design by the talented Sai Sharma

*Another chapter from B-Side Studios*

11/23/2021

With my heart and soul full, I am thrilled to introduce to you the cast and production crew of the upcoming live theatre production from B-Side Studios, "Lorraine".

Thus stellar ensemble takes the stage Saturday February 26th 2022 at the Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, IL. Mark your calendars and TRUST my word when I tell you, that you cannot miss this!

11/04/2021

🌟🌟🌟Audition Announcement🌟🌟🌟

Announcing once again the auditions for "Lorraine", the next show for the 23rd Annual Black Excellence/History Month Production, taking place on Saturday Night Feb 26th 2022 at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts Arts in Schaumburg, IL.

Below are the cast of characters and descriptions:

Thomas Fields
Black Male
Over excited, Emotional, Dominant, Stern, Loving.
Age: 50's

Maggie Fields
Black Female
Thoughtful, loving.
Age: 50's

Walter Gordon
White Male
Angry. Wound up. Frustrated
Age: 50's

Carol Gordon
White Female
Thoughtful. Understanding.
Age: 50's

Lisa Fields
Black Female
Young activist. Hopeful
Age: 20's

Haydn Gordon
White Male
Activist. Nervous. Brave.
Age: 20's

Mrs. Orozco
Latina Woman
Sad. Loving. Motherly.
Age: 40's

Title: "Lorraine"Written By: J. Gomez
Produced & Directed by: Maurice D. Proffit

Synopsis: April 4th 1968. Memphis, Tennessee at the Lorraine Motel, a young, in*******al couple are traveling on their way to solidify their love via secret marriage. Tensions come to the forefront when both sets of parents arrive unannounced with the intention of preventing the couple’s union. Unbeknownst to them, they are staying in the same motel as The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the same time when he loses his life. Being in the midst of the assassination, the conversation surrounding the answers to the meaning of family, love, and forgiveness will be found among the parents...or does it?

-This is a paid opportunity
-Auditions take place on Saturday Nov. 13th (Both In person and virtual options are available.)
-Rehearsals begin Jan 8th 2022 and will take place every Saturday until the night of the show.
-The show is 1 night only.

If you are interested in participating in this audition and being considered for the show, please click on the link below and submit via Backstage. If you know anyone that would be a good fit, feel free to tag them! Please let me know if you have any questions. All the best and All Love.

https://www.backstage.com/casting/lorraine-440594/

*Another Chapter From B-Side Studios*

09/13/2021

We Back Baby!!!!

01/06/2021

B-Side Studios Black History Production Event taking place on Feb 27th 2021. Free to the public!

B-Side Studios proudly presents our 22nd annual Black History Production titled "The Black Tape", taking place VIRTUALLY on Saturday February 27th 2021. This show will highlight some of the best and favorite scenes in our history, along with commentary from special guests. Stay tuned for all updates and announcements for the event! Cant wait to see you all again!

03/02/2020

Photo collection by Paulina Fadrowska