About
An accomplished African American actor, director, archivist, and educator known for his extensive work in Broadway, television, and theatre education.
A theater educator, historian, and archivist who uses social media primarily to preserve and share the history of African American, Latinx, and Indigenous theater and arts.
His social media presence is characterized by the following themes and content types:
- Primary Platforms and Initiatives
Black Theatre / African American Voices (Facebook): He maintains this group to archive the history and contributions of artists of color.
I For Color (Facebook & Website): Through the I For Color Facebook page, he shares deep-dives into Black history, theater resources, and discussions on social justice.
Instagram (@moderndrama): His Instagram profile reflects his work as an "artistic activist," often featuring historical theater milestones and personal achievements like his Paul Robeson Award.
LinkedIn: He uses LinkedIn to post professional updates, historical photos of legendary performers like Leontyne Price, and news about the performing arts community.
Biographical Profiles: In-depth features on historical figures such as Fannie Lou Hamer, Lorraine Hansberry, and Robert Hooks.
Historical Archives: Rare photos and information regarding significant events, such as the history of the Little Rock Nine or the Devil’s Punchbowl post-Civil War camp.
Social and Racial Commentary: Posts exploring the origins of cultural archetypes (like the "Mammy Archetype") and contemporary issues involving White supremacy and systemic racism.
Arts Education & Activism: Resources for theater students, information on banned books, and content that intersections performance with social justice.
.
Preservation and Archival Work
I For Color: Founded in 2009, this site serves as a primary archive for Black theatre history, featuring profiles of legendary figures like Vinnette Carroll and Robert Hooks.
Social Media Outreach: He manages the Black Theatre / African American Voices Facebook community to keep historical discussions active.
HistoryMakers: His oral history and extensive research are permanently housed in the Library of Congress.
Black Theatre Day: He actively promotes Black Theatre Day (September 17) to commemorate the founding of the African Grove Theatre in 1821.
,
Career and Academic Impact
Teaching: Shields has held professorships at institutions including Ohio University, Denison University, and Macalester College, where he teaches Black Theatre history and acting.
New York Roots: He began his career at influential Black institutions such as The Negro Ensemble Company and New Federal Theatre.
Directing: His directorial credits include significant works like The Amen Corner, Topdog/Underdog, and Fires in the Mirror.
Major Honors
Paul Robeson Award (2021): Awarded by Actors' Equity Association for leveraging theatre to advocate for social justice.
Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award (2017): Recognized by the Kennedy Center for his monumental impact on students.
Audelco Lifetime Achievement Award: Honors his long-term contributions to Black theatre in New York City.
💡 Key Insight: Shields describes his purpose as "widening the cultural radius," viewing art as a tool to raise consciousness and help people understand themselves through the lens of history.
- Archived Biographical Profiles
He focuses on "unsung heroes" and major icons alike, providing detailed profiles that often include rare photography and career timelines. Key figures he has archived include:
* Lorraine Hansberry: Archiving her legacy as the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway (A Raisin in the Sun).
* Vinie Burrows: A prolific actress and activist known for her solo performances.
Robert Hooks: Co-founder of the Negro Ensemble Company, which revolutionized Black theater in the 1960s.
* Fannie Lou Hamer: While primarily a civil rights leader, Shields archives her cultural impact and connection to the arts.
Theater Eras and Resources
- Shields categorizes theater history into distinct movements to help students and researchers:
Early African American Theater: Documenting the post-slavery period and the rise of Black self-expression.
The Harlem Renaissance: Highlighting the "booming era" of Black drama and literature in the 1920s.
Post-World War II to 1960s: Focusing on the transition from traditional drama to more revolutionary works.
The Black Arts Movement (1965–1975): Resources on the founding of the Black Arts Repertory Theater and the works of Amiri Baraka.
Modern Professional Theatre: His archives include insights into Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theater cultures, often featuring his own experiences as a stage manager and director.
I For Color, also provides educational resources on related art forms like the Lindy Hop and The Charleston, as well as overlooked historical topics like the Devil’s Punchbowl.
Educational Resources for Researchers
Shields' digital archive includes:
- Biographical Timelines: Chronological records of artists' lives and major career milestones.
Rare Photography: Images curated to challenge historical stereotypes and show Black artists as "dignified citizens".
- Poetry Corner: A dedicated section called I For Color Word that features the poetry of playwrights and authors.
Early Life and Family:
Born on November 4, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio.
His family has a strong musical background; his grandfather and father were founding members of the Shields Brothers Gospel Quartet of Ohio, and his mother was part of the Turner Gospel Singers.
He is a cousin of boxing promoter Don King.
Education:
Graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1970.
Holds both a BFA (1975) and MFA (1995) from Ohio University.
Career and Contributions:
Theatre Professional:
Actor: Has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and in regional productions. His television credits include The Cosby Show, Another World, Guiding Light, Saturday Night Live, and the ITV series Special Needs. He has also appeared in commercials and films.
Director and Stage Manager: Has extensive professional credits in these roles, including projects at Lincoln Center, The Henry Street Settlement House (New Federal Theatre), The Negro Ensemble Company, and The Joseph Papp Public Theatre.
Assistant Director: Served as assistant to Lloyd Richards and assistant director for the New Federal Theatre premiere of Ossie Davis's play A Last Dance With Sybil starring Ruby Dee and Earl Hyman.
Educator:
Professor: He is a Professor of Acting, Directing, Black Theatre, Black Studies, and Stage Management. He has taught at various institutions, including Ohio University, The College of Wooster, Denison University, Macalester College, Susquehanna University (as artist-in-residence), and SUNY Potsdam.
Workshops and Programs: Conducted workshops for Joseph Papp's Playwriting in the Schools Program (PITS) at The Public Theatre for six seasons and represented the United States at the ASSITEJ Theatre Festival in London, England, in 1988.
Artistic Activist and Historian:
Iforcolor.org: Creator and archivist for the Black History website Iforcolor.org, dedicated to preserving and sharing information about African Americans and artists of color. He also maintains the "Black Theatre/African American Voices" website on Facebook. Shields created iforcolor.org to archive and share information about Black history, theatre, and arts, researching and sharing information on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous American art forms.
Project1VOICE Liaison: Serves as the Project1VOICE Liaison for the state of Ohio, directing "One Play One Day" events in Cleveland since 2011.
Awards and Recognition:
The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award: Recipient in 2017.
Paul Robeson Award: Recipient in 2021 (jointly presented by the Actors' Equity Association and Actors' Equity Foundation).
AUDELCO/"VIV" Special Achievement Award: Received in 2017.
Tony Award Nominee: Nominated for the "Excellence in Theatre Education Award" in 2015 and 2017.
Ebony Bobcat Network (EBN) Legend Award: Received from Ohio University in 2022.
ENCORE AWARD / The Actors Fund: Received in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Outstanding Professor Awards: Has received two of these and three "Educational Program of the Year" awards as a university professor.
The HistoryMakers archives: Interviewed and included in The HistoryMakers archives, permanently housed in the Library of Congress.
Dale Ricardo Shields is recognized for his profound impact on the lives of his students and his unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Black theatre history and culture.
Dale Ricardo Shields is a 2017 winner of The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award®, 2017 and 2015 Tony® award nominee for the Excellence in Theatre Education Award, the 2017 AUDELCO/"VIV" Special Achievement Award, the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024 ENCORE AWARD / The Actors Fund and the winner of the 2022 EBN Legend Award (Ohio University).
He is the 2021 winner of The Paul Robeson Award presented jointly by the Actors Equity Association and Actors Equity Foundation. In 2024, Shields was interviewed, filmed, and included in The HistoryMakers archives, which are housed permanently in the Library of Congress.
He is the 2021 winner of the Paul Robeson Award, presented (jointly) by the Actors Equity Association and the Actors Equity Foundation.
Paul Robeson Awards 2023. - Actors Equity Foundation / Actors Equity Association
https://youtu.be/kzXse8FM-gU?si=v6x9lMVaG5ZUlxGA
Because of Professor Shields' significance of his life, work, and accomplishments, he will be interviewed and included in The HistoryMakers archives, which are housed permanently in the Library of Congress. for permanent safekeeping, where it will become part of our nation’s prestigious patrimony. (2024).
His extensive professional credits as a Director, Stage manager, and Actor (Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway and Regional) include various projects and assignments at Lincoln Center (State Theatre), The Henry Street Settlement House (New Federal Theatre), The Negro Ensemble Company, The Joseph Papp Public Theatre (New York Shakespeare Festival) and Karamu House. He is on the board of directors of AUDELCO.
He was the assistant director to Lloyd Richards for the New Federal Theatre premiere production of Ossie Davis' play A Last Dance With Sybil starring Ruby Dee and Earl Hyman at the New Federal Theatre. As an actor he has appeared on Saturday Night Live, Another World, Guiding Light, The Cosby Show, and the ITV television series Special Needs and commercials and film. He studied at The Negro Ensemble Company and The Henry Street Settlement House with Hal Scott and Dick Anthony Williams. He appeared as Martin in the New York City revival of Any One Can Whistle at the York Theatre Company, Lincoln Center world premiere of Lily based on Saul Bellow’s Henderson the Rain King directed by Tom O’ Horgan at Lincoln Center (State Theatre).
He taught workshops for the Youngstown Early Prevention Program for five years on the campus of the College of Wooster. For legendary producer Joseph Papp, He conducted workshops at the Public Theatre (New York Shakespeare Festival) with the Playwriting in the Schools Program (PITTS) for six seasons. During his six-year teaching tenure at the Public Theatre he represented the United States of America at the ASSITEJ Theatre Festival in London, England in 1988 with Playwright and mentor, Arthur T. Wilson.
As a University Professor, he has received two Outstanding Professor Awards and three Educational Program of the Year awards. He has taught classes and workshops at Ohio University, The College of Wooster, Denison University, Macalester College, Susquehanna University, and SUNY Potsdam.
In 2009 he created and become the creator and archivist for Black Theatre/African American Voices web site on Facebook and I For Color on the web.
Iforcolor [RESEARCH]
Iforcolor.org
He is a member of the Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the American Guild of Musical Artists performance unions and an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.
He holds a BFA and MFA [Summa Cum Laude} degree from Ohio University.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Ricardo_Shields
A theater educator, historian, and archivist who uses social media primarily to preserve and share the history of African American, Latinx, and Indigenous theater and arts.
His social media presence is characterized by the following themes and content types:
- Primary Platforms and Initiatives
Black Theatre / African American Voices (Facebook): He maintains this group to archive the history and contributions of artists of color.
I For Color (Facebook & Website): Through the I For Color Facebook page, he shares deep-dives into Black history, theater resources, and discussions on social justice.
Instagram (@moderndrama): His Instagram profile reflects his work as an "artistic activist," often featuring historical theater milestones and personal achievements like his Paul Robeson Award.
LinkedIn: He uses LinkedIn to post professional updates, historical photos of legendary performers like Leontyne Price, and news about the performing arts community.
Biographical Profiles: In-depth features on historical figures such as Fannie Lou Hamer, Lorraine Hansberry, and Robert Hooks.
Historical Archives: Rare photos and information regarding significant events, such as the history of the Little Rock Nine or the Devil’s Punchbowl post-Civil War camp.
Social and Racial Commentary: Posts exploring the origins of cultural archetypes (like the "Mammy Archetype") and contemporary issues involving White supremacy and systemic racism.
Arts Education & Activism: Resources for theater students, information on banned books, and content that intersections performance with social justice.
.
Preservation and Archival Work
I For Color: Founded in 2009, this site serves as a primary archive for Black theatre history, featuring profiles of legendary figures like Vinnette Carroll and Robert Hooks.
Social Media Outreach: He manages the Black Theatre / African American Voices Facebook community to keep historical discussions active.
HistoryMakers: His oral history and extensive research are permanently housed in the Library of Congress.
Black Theatre Day: He actively promotes Black Theatre Day (September 17) to commemorate the founding of the African Grove Theatre in 1821.
,
Career and Academic Impact
Teaching: Shields has held professorships at institutions including Ohio University, Denison University, and Macalester College, where he teaches Black Theatre history and acting.
New York Roots: He began his career at influential Black institutions such as The Negro Ensemble Company and New Federal Theatre.
Directing: His directorial credits include significant works like The Amen Corner, Topdog/Underdog, and Fires in the Mirror.
Major Honors
Paul Robeson Award (2021): Awarded by Actors' Equity Association for leveraging theatre to advocate for social justice.
Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award (2017): Recognized by the Kennedy Center for his monumental impact on students.
Audelco Lifetime Achievement Award: Honors his long-term contributions to Black theatre in New York City.
💡 Key Insight: Shields describes his purpose as "widening the cultural radius," viewing art as a tool to raise consciousness and help people understand themselves through the lens of history.
- Archived Biographical Profiles
He focuses on "unsung heroes" and major icons alike, providing detailed profiles that often include rare photography and career timelines. Key figures he has archived include:
* Lorraine Hansberry: Archiving her legacy as the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway (A Raisin in the Sun).
* Vinie Burrows: A prolific actress and activist known for her solo performances.
Robert Hooks: Co-founder of the Negro Ensemble Company, which revolutionized Black theater in the 1960s.
* Fannie Lou Hamer: While primarily a civil rights leader, Shields archives her cultural impact and connection to the arts.
Theater Eras and Resources
- Shields categorizes theater history into distinct movements to help students and researchers:
Early African American Theater: Documenting the post-slavery period and the rise of Black self-expression.
The Harlem Renaissance: Highlighting the "booming era" of Black drama and literature in the 1920s.
Post-World War II to 1960s: Focusing on the transition from traditional drama to more revolutionary works.
The Black Arts Movement (1965–1975): Resources on the founding of the Black Arts Repertory Theater and the works of Amiri Baraka.
Modern Professional Theatre: His archives include insights into Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theater cultures, often featuring his own experiences as a stage manager and director.
I For Color, also provides educational resources on related art forms like the Lindy Hop and The Charleston, as well as overlooked historical topics like the Devil’s Punchbowl.
Educational Resources for Researchers
Shields' digital archive includes:
- Biographical Timelines: Chronological records of artists' lives and major career milestones.
Rare Photography: Images curated to challenge historical stereotypes and show Black artists as "dignified citizens".
- Poetry Corner: A dedicated section called I For Color Word that features the poetry of playwrights and authors.
Early Life and Family:
Born on November 4, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio.
His family has a strong musical background; his grandfather and father were founding members of the Shields Brothers Gospel Quartet of Ohio, and his mother was part of the Turner Gospel Singers.
He is a cousin of boxing promoter Don King.
Education:
Graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1970.
Holds both a BFA (1975) and MFA (1995) from Ohio University.
Career and Contributions:
Theatre Professional:
Actor: Has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and in regional productions. His television credits include The Cosby Show, Another World, Guiding Light, Saturday Night Live, and the ITV series Special Needs. He has also appeared in commercials and films.
Director and Stage Manager: Has extensive professional credits in these roles, including projects at Lincoln Center, The Henry Street Settlement House (New Federal Theatre), The Negro Ensemble Company, and The Joseph Papp Public Theatre.
Assistant Director: Served as assistant to Lloyd Richards and assistant director for the New Federal Theatre premiere of Ossie Davis's play A Last Dance With Sybil starring Ruby Dee and Earl Hyman.
Educator:
Professor: He is a Professor of Acting, Directing, Black Theatre, Black Studies, and Stage Management. He has taught at various institutions, including Ohio University, The College of Wooster, Denison University, Macalester College, Susquehanna University (as artist-in-residence), and SUNY Potsdam.
Workshops and Programs: Conducted workshops for Joseph Papp's Playwriting in the Schools Program (PITS) at The Public Theatre for six seasons and represented the United States at the ASSITEJ Theatre Festival in London, England, in 1988.
Artistic Activist and Historian:
Iforcolor.org: Creator and archivist for the Black History website Iforcolor.org, dedicated to preserving and sharing information about African Americans and artists of color. He also maintains the "Black Theatre/African American Voices" website on Facebook. Shields created iforcolor.org to archive and share information about Black history, theatre, and arts, researching and sharing information on Black, Latinx, and Indigenous American art forms.
Project1VOICE Liaison: Serves as the Project1VOICE Liaison for the state of Ohio, directing "One Play One Day" events in Cleveland since 2011.
Awards and Recognition:
The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award: Recipient in 2017.
Paul Robeson Award: Recipient in 2021 (jointly presented by the Actors' Equity Association and Actors' Equity Foundation).
AUDELCO/"VIV" Special Achievement Award: Received in 2017.
Tony Award Nominee: Nominated for the "Excellence in Theatre Education Award" in 2015 and 2017.
Ebony Bobcat Network (EBN) Legend Award: Received from Ohio University in 2022.
ENCORE AWARD / The Actors Fund: Received in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Outstanding Professor Awards: Has received two of these and three "Educational Program of the Year" awards as a university professor.
The HistoryMakers archives: Interviewed and included in The HistoryMakers archives, permanently housed in the Library of Congress.
Dale Ricardo Shields is recognized for his profound impact on the lives of his students and his unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Black theatre history and culture.
Dale Ricardo Shields is a 2017 winner of The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award®, 2017 and 2015 Tony® award nominee for the Excellence in Theatre Education Award, the 2017 AUDELCO/"VIV" Special Achievement Award, the 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024 ENCORE AWARD / The Actors Fund and the winner of the 2022 EBN Legend Award (Ohio University).
He is the 2021 winner of The Paul Robeson Award presented jointly by the Actors Equity Association and Actors Equity Foundation. In 2024, Shields was interviewed, filmed, and included in The HistoryMakers archives, which are housed permanently in the Library of Congress.
He is the 2021 winner of the Paul Robeson Award, presented (jointly) by the Actors Equity Association and the Actors Equity Foundation.
Paul Robeson Awards 2023. - Actors Equity Foundation / Actors Equity Association
https://youtu.be/kzXse8FM-gU?si=v6x9lMVaG5ZUlxGA
Because of Professor Shields' significance of his life, work, and accomplishments, he will be interviewed and included in The HistoryMakers archives, which are housed permanently in the Library of Congress. for permanent safekeeping, where it will become part of our nation’s prestigious patrimony. (2024).
His extensive professional credits as a Director, Stage manager, and Actor (Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway and Regional) include various projects and assignments at Lincoln Center (State Theatre), The Henry Street Settlement House (New Federal Theatre), The Negro Ensemble Company, The Joseph Papp Public Theatre (New York Shakespeare Festival) and Karamu House. He is on the board of directors of AUDELCO.
He was the assistant director to Lloyd Richards for the New Federal Theatre premiere production of Ossie Davis' play A Last Dance With Sybil starring Ruby Dee and Earl Hyman at the New Federal Theatre. As an actor he has appeared on Saturday Night Live, Another World, Guiding Light, The Cosby Show, and the ITV television series Special Needs and commercials and film. He studied at The Negro Ensemble Company and The Henry Street Settlement House with Hal Scott and Dick Anthony Williams. He appeared as Martin in the New York City revival of Any One Can Whistle at the York Theatre Company, Lincoln Center world premiere of Lily based on Saul Bellow’s Henderson the Rain King directed by Tom O’ Horgan at Lincoln Center (State Theatre).
He taught workshops for the Youngstown Early Prevention Program for five years on the campus of the College of Wooster. For legendary producer Joseph Papp, He conducted workshops at the Public Theatre (New York Shakespeare Festival) with the Playwriting in the Schools Program (PITTS) for six seasons. During his six-year teaching tenure at the Public Theatre he represented the United States of America at the ASSITEJ Theatre Festival in London, England in 1988 with Playwright and mentor, Arthur T. Wilson.
As a University Professor, he has received two Outstanding Professor Awards and three Educational Program of the Year awards. He has taught classes and workshops at Ohio University, The College of Wooster, Denison University, Macalester College, Susquehanna University, and SUNY Potsdam.
In 2009 he created and become the creator and archivist for Black Theatre/African American Voices web site on Facebook and I For Color on the web.
Iforcolor [RESEARCH]
Iforcolor.org
He is a member of the Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the American Guild of Musical Artists performance unions and an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.
He holds a BFA and MFA [Summa Cum Laude} degree from Ohio University.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Ricardo_Shields
