An Evening of Stories That Challenge, Inspire and Transform
Join Rise with a Purpose for an unforgettable evening of theater, film, and community as award-winning multidisciplinary artist Wordsmith presents the culmination of his SNF Parkway Artist Residency. Through original storytelling, cinematic filmmaking, and a bold reimagining of Shakespeare, this one-of-a-kind event celebrates the voices, talent, and creativity of Baltimore’s next generation of artists.
Your ticket donation supports Rise with Purpose’s performances and work at the Parkway. Save the date – Dec 11 – for another Wordsmith experience at the Parkway!
The evening begins at 6:00 PM with a Happy Hour featuring custom baked goods from Codetta Bake Shop, giving guests an opportunity to connect before the performances begin.
The program opens with a preview of The Final Bell, an original short film written and directed by Wordsmith. Accompanying the film is:
1st Love Productions behind-the-scenes documentary that follows the remarkable journey of the young cast and student filmmakers as they bring the project to life. Together, the film and documentary offer an inspiring look at creativity, collaboration, mentorship, and the transformative power of the arts.
The evening continues with Uncle Bey’s Will, an original play written and directed by Wordsmith and performed by the My Brilliance Shines Theater Troupe. When a family gathers following the passing of their beloved Uncle Bey, they discover that his greatest inheritance isn’t wealth, it’s wisdom. As hidden truths emerge and relationships are tested, each family member must decide what legacy they will leave behind.
Cast – Uncle Bey’s Will
Ava – Tajae Holloway
Maurice – Maurice Newberry
James – Bubba Neisser
Marcus – Timothy Jackson
Chaise – Chaise Holland
Gemia – Ken’nay Ross Thompson
Closing the evening is a bold reinterpretation of Act II, Scene I from Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost, adapted by Wordsmith and the My Brilliance Shines Theater Troupe. Blending Shakespeare’s timeless wit with contemporary storytelling, this fresh adaptation demonstrates how classic works continue to resonate with modern audiences.
Cast – Love’s Labour’s Lost
Princess of France – Tajae Holloway
Lord/Berowne – Maurice Newberry
Boyet – Bubba Neisser
King of Navarre – Timothy Jackson
Maria – Chaise Holland
Katherine – Ken’nay Ross Thompson
More than a performance, this is a celebration of artistic excellence, youth empowerment, and community. Through theater, film, and collaboration, Rise with a Purpose and 1st Love Productions invite you to experience stories that challenge perspectives, inspire hope, and remind us that creativity has the power to transform lives.
Doors Open & Happy Hour: 6 PM (featuring Codetta Bake Shop)
Showtime: 7 PM
Come witness an extraordinary evening where film meets theater, young artists take center stage and every story leaves a lasting impression.
Theatre 1
Historic 1st floor theatre
August 14, 2026, 6-9 PM EDT
