Alvin Moore, Jr., the award-winning playwright from Moss Point, MS (now located in Nashville, TN)  is blazing the stage play arena as he joins the ranks of Tyler Perry, David E. Talbert, JD Lawrence and others. At age 25, Alvin is an extraordinary playwright, director, producer, actor, songwriter, musician, and businessman.

Alvin has written and directed several inspirational stage plays in addition to working with some cool entertainers such a Wendy Raquel Robinson, Keith Robinson, Clifton Powell, and R&B singer Lloyd who all starred in his hit stage play, When The Lights Go Out. I got the opportunity to interview Alvin to find out what inspired him to become a successful playwright. You can access our interview by clicking on the subtitle above or scrolling below.

So Alvin what inspired you to become a successful Playwright?

Alvin: When I was a freshman at Tennessee State University, my parents were going through a very difficult time back home in Mississippi which is seven hours away.   I became angry inside so much so that I contemplated suicide.  It was definitely my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who inspired me to become a playwright as He is the one who placed me in those circumstances beyond my control that forced me to look to Him for help.

Over time, God revealed to me that everything I experienced and endured was all for a reason.  This reason was much bigger than my feelings.  There was something that I had to do.   I had to write down my situation in a form that people would be able to relate to, enjoy, and learn from watching.  From there, smaller opportunities became big opportunities, and here I am now as a full-time playwright.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced getting started, and how did you manage to overcome those challenges?

Alvin: Some of the biggest challenges for me getting started were not having enough resources and money, so I immediately began seeking and pulling together the resources that I did have which essentially brought forth the resources that I needed.

I am so appreciative for the people who believed in me and my gift during my start-up season.  I would like to thank you and every supporter of Alvin Moore Entertainment so much.

If it wasn’t for a strong support system, I would have been left with this million dollar dream on a five dollar budget.  I often times reminisce on how my father and two other church members literally built the church that I grew up in.  It’s like they had a dream, and nothing could stand in their way of at least trying to make that dream a reality.

My father became creative and resourceful until they made it happen.  I’ve always tried to keep this in mind when I find myself in a difficult situation as I felt that if my father could see through the obstacles and challenges then so could I.

What makes your plays so unique?

Alvin: My plays encourage a breakthrough experience for every audience member such that they are entertained, educated, and inspired by the end of each play.  I have a great band, amazing background singers, gifted actors, and diverse, yet relatable storylines.   I write the music, lyrics, and themes. I write in such a way that people from all backgrounds can truly enjoy them.

Growing up as a kid, I was a musician playing in church, jazz and soul bands. I have a very sensitive ear to good music.  I believe that music should not just be something thrown into a play so that we [Alvin Moore Entertainment] could put the label of “musical theatre” on the cover.

Instead, I feel that music should tell stories just as much as the dialogue and actions of each character.  Our audience members, regardless of their backgrounds, really express their appreciation for that.  Our themes are multi-faceted as well, so I never want to come off as if my plays are just for “church people” but rather I want to go the extra mile and reach people who may not necessarily even go to church.  Everyone needs to hear the good news regardless of where they are.

How do you use fear to work for you rather than against you as an entrepreneur?

Alvin: I have always tried to conquer life by doing what I fear.  I feel that the mere purpose of f.e.a.r. (false evidence appearing real) is to make you want to quit doing something that will ultimately serve others.  If it were not so, no one would have any fears to overcome.  As an entrepreneur, I have failed multiple times and have had to regain my confidence to step out and try again.

Now I perceive every failure as a learning experience.  There’s no such thing as failure in my book, but there is false evidence that appears to be real.  Anything that I’ve ever thought of doing that’s new always brings a certain level of fear, but you have to confront fear. Once you do it, regardless if you fail or not, at least you know what to do the next time around.

I understand you’ve worked with some pretty cool entertainers. Who have you worked with?

Alvin: I have been blessed to have worked with and direct some great performers such as Robin Givens, Johnny Gill, Shirley Murdock, Jermaine Crawford, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Keith Robinson, Clifton Powell, and Lloyd Polite.  I’m gearing up for the recording of my latest stage play, The Perfect Gift. On that project I’ll be working with and directing Ruben Studdard, Golden Brooks, and other extraordinary talent.  I’m also currently arranging a musical score for a play that will star Kellita Smith, Asher D, Drew Sidora, Jazsmin Lewis, and Tony Grant.

Is there a certain book or movie that inspires you or your work?

Alvin: The book that inspires me and my work is the Bible.  It has drama, inspiration, encouragement, faith, hope, and love.  The word of God is my governing authority.   As for movies, The Pursuit of Happyness is one movie that I can watch over and over again as the storyline is extremely inspirational.  Will Smith is a great performer that I look forward to working with one day.

You are 25 years old today. If the 20 year old version of yourself came to you today and told you that he wanted to get into the entertainment business, what advice would you give him?

Alvin: I would say to him, “Alvin, entertainment is a great way to minister to the masses.  Make sure that you hold on to Godly standards, and know that you don’t have to do what everyone else is doing to be successful.  Don’t follow the hype of what some have made the entertainment industry out to be.  Sure it’s fun…don’t get me wrong, BUT never forget that your integrity is what will sustain you as you become a public figure.  Know that how you conduct yourself determines how long you stay in the game.”

 What advice would you give an entrepreneur starting out today?

Alvin: Write a clear vision board.  You need to be able to articulate clearly where you want to be and why you want to be there as this is what really determines how you get to your destination.  There are a lot of people that will come into your life and try to influence your vision to become what they have envisioned.

If you aren’t careful, you can wake up one day and realize that the motive of why you started your business in the first place can and will be lost.  Write your vision down and make it plain.  Never let anyone deter you from your vision.  Always remember that everyone stumbles, but the only failure is when one decides not to get back up and try again.

 What can we look forward to from Alvin Moore Entertainment this year?

Alvin: Alvin Moore Entertainment is definitely on the move this year as we are currently preparing to shoot my new stage play entitled, The Perfect Gift, with Swirl Films and One Village Entertainment.  We have already casted Ruben Studdard and Golden Brooks.  This will be coming to BET and on DVD in major retail stores this fall. The DVD will be packaged with a soundtrack featuring all original music by me and producer Donnell Fairley.

Also, the soundtrack album to When The Lights Go Out will be out this summer which is to be sold exclusively from our website http://www.alvinmooreentertainment.com/, itunes, and CDbaby.com. We are also in talks of selling my first full featured film entitled, The Curse.

We have begun teaching and coaching for the first of my many summer acting workshops.  If your viewers would like to book or register for an Alvin Moore Acting Workshop, they can send an email to actingworkshops.amentertainment@hotmail.com.  Lastly, we are preparing to audition for my new stage play, The Husband She Loves.

 Are you offering any internships or career opportunities?

Alvin: Yes!!  We plan to recruit and hire energetic, reliable entry level sales reps and booking coordinators this summer which will be primarily tasked with selling and promoting our stage play products, selling advertising space, and booking live performances. Your SpreadLuv subscribers and Facebook Fans can send an email to humanresources.amentertainment@hotmail.com for more information.

 How does Alvin Moore Entertainment Spread Luv?

Alvin: Through our website http://www.alvinmooreentertainment.com/and through education, we Spread Luv in our acting, directing, and playwrighting workshops as well as our stage plays! We also Spread Luv  through our movies, music, ministry, and awesome blog sites such as Spread Luv! We Spread Luv by inspiring, encouraging, serving, and entertaining people from all walks of life and from every generation.  Thank you so much Brian for this opportunity!!

Please follow us on Twitter and feel free to access our website right here for more information:  www.alvinmooreentertainment.com  You can also check out the You Tube link below to check out some of our awesome plays! Enjoy!!