ANDRE MINKINS, Associate Professor of Theatre, TV, Film, and Speech

ANDRE MINKINS is an actor, director, producer, writer, and the founder of the theatrical touring company, 7AM Productions. Since receiving his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of NC at Greensboro, he has performed in, written, directed, and produced numerous plays across the U.S. Besides touring with his own company, he has worked with other national touring groups performing theatre and poetry.

Currently, Mr. Minkins is an Associate Professor of Theatre, TV, Film, and Speech, and a coordinator of the Dramatic Arts at Winston Salem State University. He has taught at other institutions including Livingstone University, Shaw University, Tennessee State University, and the University of Arkansas. He has done workshops and camps across the country, reaching out to share the gift of the Dramatic Arts with all ages.

His training sessions for actors, directors, and writers have created arts enthusiasts and professionals a like in theatre, television, and film. He is also considered one of the foremost authorities on Black Theatre and Theatre Festivals in the country, having been mentored by the late Larry Leon Hamlin, founder of the oldest continuous Black theatre company in the Southeast, The NC Black Repertory Company, and creator of the largest gathering of African Americans in theatre in the world, the National Black Theatre Festival. He has consulted with and been on the board of several festivals and theatre companies including the Tampa Bay theatre Festival,  Festival Stage Winston Salem, the DC Black Theatre Festival, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, and the International Black Film Festival of Nashville. Lastly, he continues to be a mentor and consultant to numerous former students, actors, and organizations that are involved in film, television, and theatre.