Meet Dedrick Weathersby | Actor/Serial Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dedrick Weathersby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dedrick, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Over the course of many years being apart of other companies shows and marketing for their shows/events I would look at certain things that were very curious or troubling. Obviously, if anything was egregious, I would go to my union rep, but nothing ever happened to that extreme, it was the mere fact of how business was ran for the sake of “It’s business, this is how the industry operates.” I’m a firm believer in not creating a campaign of gossip and hear say, I feel solutionary action was my outlet. Hence, the creation of my company, Super BAD Theater COMPANY. This is a company that would give extremely talented individuals opportunities when the industry has told them “No, Not ready, etc” but not on the basis of talent but on personal or political purposes. My motivation behind each of my productions created is simply advocating. Not only hiring the perceived voiceless but telling stories that means something to me. Example, my first breakout show was Remembering James- The Life and Music of James Brown and I felt his story needed to be cultivated on stage theatrically, in addition to the movie. My story is unique because I cover a span of time and build an engaging story surrounding it. The story was received well and toured the nation for 3 years. The New Teacher- A Children’s Play with music was created because I felt Teachers are not celebrated as they once was and academic professionals were major in my life. The New Teacher afforded the opportunities of casting underserved and over looked youth from my hometown. In my eyes its monumental and a testament on to have students in my show (The New Teacher) whom have manufactured labels on them “Problematic Behaviors, Mental Health Diagnosis and Below academic standard students”. I created and had stage readings of “The Locked Door- A Two Person Play” to challenge and shine light on the power of Black Men unifying and having uncomfortable conversations about cultural biases, phobias and words in which have direct impact on how we interact with each other. My latest production is Tutti Frutti- The Life and Music of Little Richard, this production premiered in Dallas before embarking on a National spot date tour. I created this show to shine light and educate the masses on Little Richards story while creating an environment of inclusivity with staff, cast and patrons. When you have your own business, there’s no asking for permission to do what others would deem as “Passion Projects or Unmarketable” shows. I live in the spirit of Yes, God allowed me to create a company with the name Super Bad, this is an indication of the level of integrity giving for each produced production.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a thankful working Actor on Stage, In Commercials and Video Games. Motivational Speaker, Published Author, Independent Music Artist and Serial Entrepreneur. All of the aforementioned titles are great to say aloud but it’s not easy at all. I have sacrificed in order to give each the integrity it deserves. It’s easy to say, I had a vision and God blessed me with all of this. Well, that’s not my story. You are learning about a person in which were born in Marshall, TX and later grew up in Longview, TX. My family didn’t have much but we had love and basic principles to live by. I learned at a early age, no matter my family’s economic status, reading was free, dreaming was free and not half doing anything was free, all required effort and time. My favorite childhood memory would be, checking out books from the public library and joining different book clubs. I would read books that were the polar opposite of my life, I dared to believe if it was possible to be written in books, it could surely be possible for my life. I understood the value of a dollar because “Layaways” were our best friends. I cherished each items purchased for my brother and I. I remember we would save for two years to have a family trip to Six Flags over Texas. This would seem like a weekly or common outing for many but not for us. All are mentioned to not create a somber story from my childhood but to let you know, God can and will use someone who’s deemed ordinary and economically without to do some extraordinary things. I’m in football country and all I could think about was being an Actor! What was I thinking? Honestly, I wasn’t at all, I believed in my heart, this is what I loved and meant to do. I was given the gift of Black Women believing in me and nurturing my God given gifts, The Late Delia Williams, Mattie Cuba and Sheryl Mitchell was the undeniable warriors in my life who knew things I didn’t know and what lied ahead. They went above and beyond in giving me the tools from Elementary to Middle School. Pam Mercer McWilliams showed me that Theatre was possible after high school and pass Longview, TX. A fun fact, my nickname was Hollywood and best believe the road to “Hollywood” or the Entertainment industry was not easy! I had a lot of days, I questioned if this dream is really meant for me to chase or should I just get a conventional job because struggling and “Ends not meeting” is far from being a life that’s aesthetically pleasing. I remember when the phone was not ringing and I performed in shows to add depth to my resume while working two jobs and going to school. I never not once doubted my ability and desire to entertain and eventually perform for a living. My dream was more crystallized now, each day I wanted to experience and live as a working actor. You know the saying, be carful what you ask for right? Well, I received it after auditioning for Tarzan the National tour for 5 weeks, I traveled from Tyler to Dallas, TX and waited an additional 5 months to receive an offer to join the company. My break came! I’m going to Hollywood, my Dreams are becoming an reality, the money is about to flow! Well, it sounds good in retrospect but none didn’t occur immediately but I was “Working” as an actor and for that, I was thankful. I learned the true value of being an overnight success meant being consistent within my artistry ad always striving to become better than before and never despising any opportunities. I been the proud recipient of industry “No’s” than “Yes” but if you stay ready, you never have to get ready. Just because the industry tells you know, doesn’t mean you are not good, it’s just not the right timing or fit for you, don’t fight it, just remain humble and prepared. I’m thankful for my journey thus far and I have a lot more to do. Lastly, if you are longing for a certain piece of art to made or presented, don’t beat on a door continuously, sacrifice and create the art yourself. “If The Product is Good, The People Will Come”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My Tenture in the area has served different eatery choices. I love Ramen and Habachi so my go to place is Kaze Sushi & Habachi in Mesquite. Shrimp Doc in Arlington is so consistent that it’s not fair to have your expectations exceeded each time and last on my list is Joe Willy’s in Rockwall, the burger doesn’t miss to me. So, I know I’m all over the map but i travel for food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Longview Independent School District (Product of Public School Teaching and Nurturing)

My Elementary Choir/Drama Teacher- The Late Delia Williams

Middle School Drama Teacher- Mattie
Cuba

Technology and Science (TSA)- Herman Newhouse

Volunteer Speech Therapist- Sheryl Mitchell

High School Drama Teacher- Pam Mercer McWilliams
Rev. Lamar Jones
Officer Leroy Reese

My Super Bad Theater Company Team and Board of Trustees

Lon Morris College
Jack Brooks
Russ H Brown

Parents
Carolyn and Bobby Nelson

Website: https://www.dedrickweathersby.com

Instagram: @dedrickweathersby

Linkedin: @dedrickweathersby

Facebook: @officialdedrickweathersby

Yelp: Superbadtheatercompany

Youtube: @dedrickweathersby

Other: Spotify, ITunes, iHeart, etc all are under Dedrick Weathersby

Image Credits
Mikki Schaffner Photography
Freddie Watkins (Forever Photography Studios)