Meet Jeremy Crawford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Crawford.

Jeremy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In the beginning, God created Heaven… hahaha. I was born on January 6th, 1987 to two loving, college educated parents, who instilled me the importance of excellence, education and allowed me to express myself in anyway I sought fit. I remember my mom trying to get my brothers and I to start a music group like Backstreet Boys. My brothers and I flunked my mom’s training course in music. Hahaha!! I tried sports. I hit the ball once that entire season and I ran to third base.

No, I ran straight to third without touching first or second. That’s when my dad told me sports weren’t for me. Hahaha!! Academics, I graduated high school and college through God’s mercy. I was a good student in high school, 3.3 g.p.a, but college I graduated Oh-Lordy.

Theatre came into my life in elementary school and comedy too. There was this boy in my kindergarten class named Trey who would beat me up if I didn’t recite the Genie song at lunch. I was like one of those minstrels, but ironically I was good. My dad took to me to my first acting class at the Alliance Theatre at thirteen and from then on I was hooked. I enrolled at Pebblebrook High School’s Performing Arts Program in Mableton and I soared from there. I learned about Meisner, Stanislavski, being present in a scene and I got into my first play my freshman year, which was rarely heard of then.

College, I went to Wright State University in Dayton, OH as a film major, but dropped it that same freshman year for English. I love writing, creating ever since I was a kid. I’d write stories. Funny thing about writing is I play all the parts in the script. The lover, the funnyman, the hero, all of them. I wrote my plays in college the GROWN MEN TALKIN’ series I call it my sophomore and junior year. Raised $5000 for my last show my junior year through donations, writing proposals for money and my own. The play Grown Men Talkin’ at a BBQ was put on June 6th, 2008 with over 200 people in attendance. Milestone in my life.

Now since I graduated college, I’ve done over fifteen theatrical productions, a few independent films and been seen on television twice. I’m still writing and mustering up for producing my own plays. I do miss it. It was helluva amount of work, but rewarding at the same time.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth road? If the road was smooth, there wouldn’t be growth. Absolutely my journey will never be smooth. There are tests and dues that need to be paid. Graduated college, it was the recession in 2010. Couldn’t find a job and often took jobs I was overqualified/jobs that were a dead end. Could you imagine being a black man with a college degree, never in any trouble with the law, no kids and can’t find a decent job? Talk about angry. That should be a movie. Hahaha!!!

At times, you as an artist feel you deserve more in terms of pay, billing and other things, Sometimes they happen and sometimes not. I noticed in the last five years I hit a ceiling and the only way I could break it was to change. I auditioned which I always have to a point auditioned for things not catered to African-Americans. I audition for Tennessee Williams’s plays, Shakespeare and work with people who often I’m the only one who is the color of his shadow.

Staying with my parents is something else being over thirty. I don’t mind saying it. Plenty of people reading this can relate. I decided with my stand up along with writing was to make fun of it. IN MY DADDYS HOUSE was born six years ago. You can follow me @comicjeremycrawford on Instagram and find out more.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
IN MY DADDYS HOUSE has me talking to those who are in my situation and those who deal with people in my situation. I tell jokes like ” You know you are staying at your parent’s house too long when they keep referring to your room as their office”. Or “You know you are getting too old to stay with your parents when you get cold and you’re scared to touch the thermostat because you’re afraid you’re gonna get a whoopin'”. Hahaha!!!

I dedicate it to my dad who is my hero, my inspiration. Far too often, there is a belief that black fathers don’t exist. It’s a flat out lie! They do exist. Some are even married to the birth mother of their children. It hurts me to this day seeing black men displayed on television, movies, social media, or any program that we don’t take care of our families. Black men do!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Right now, I’m rehearsing for a show for the Rome Shakespeare Festival in Rome, Ga titled “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” at the RAD Playhouse. Showtimes are September 12th-22nd. Tickets can be purchased https://the-rad-playhouse.ticketbud.com/the-complete-works-of-william-shakespeare-abridged

Next month, I will start rehearsing for “Little Shop of Horrors- The Musical” at Mark SQuared Studios where I play Audrey II the plant. I’m excited for that show for I haven’t done a musical in ten years. Showtimes are November 8th-November 24th. Tickets details for that coming soon.

I write scenes for demo reels. I feel actors lack content especially here in Atlanta and content they can pull off at their level. I write for the actor. Scripts range 3 to 5 pages, $25. I have met some compelling actors and I can’t wait to see their careers take off.

Currently, working on my play “Grown Men Talkin’ a Neighborhood Chorus”. Look out for it. It’s gonna be a funny, wild ride.

Contact Info:

• Email: jeremycrawford18@msn.com
• Instagram: @comicjeremycrawford
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.crawford.92123
• Twitter: JeremyComic

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