Ro' Black profile picture

Ro' Black

I am here for Networking

About Me

R E P R E S E N T A T I O N
Cynthia Robbins, Agent
Telephone: (512) 458-2583
BLVD Talent
4855 Twin Valley Drive
Austin, Texas 78731
www.blvdtalent.com
[email protected] CREDITS
2008 - Ms. Arbor (featured), in theatrical production, SHOELESS, staged at the Hideout Theatre, Austin, Texas. Writer/director - D.S. Moss, Bree Perlman, writer/producer; additional writing credit, "Santa Lear" by Nick Flynn.
2008 - Band Slam Attendee in the feature film entitled, "WILL". Todd Graff, Director; Goldsmith Thomas Productions, Summit Entertainment/Walden Media - 20th Century Fox Film Corporation.
2007 - Cindy Birdsong (principal), IN THE NAME OF LOVE, VSE Film Enterprise, NYC - Surakhan, writer/dir/prod.
Theatre goers comment on the private screening of, "IN THE NAME OF LOVE" outside the Regal Theatre on Thursday, March 6th, 2008.
2007 - Paris Cafe Patron, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, episodes 100049 & 100050, ABC Network Television.
2007 - Office Worker, VH1/Global Fund to Fight Malaria Partnership Public Service Announcement; VH1 Productions.
2007 - Esmerelda, I'M YOUR MAN; New York Film Academy Production.
2006 - Tennis Courtside Spectator, Gary, The Tennis Coach; Danny Leiner, director: Graham Larson, Danny Leiner, and Peter Larson, producers for GreeneStreet/Identity Films.
2006 - Football Stadium Ticket-Taker, Friday Night Lights (Episode 14), NBC, Director; Peter Berg, Executive Producer.
2006 - Mrs. Rogers (teacher), "Count On Me" (educational industrial), Jennifer Todoroff, Producer/ Director, Motivational Productions, 18965 FM 2252 Garden Ridge, TX.
2006 - Ashley Reynolds, TV News Reporter, "The Lights", John Sjogren, Director; Bonnie Orr, Producer/Writer. Ranch Studios Productions.
2006 - Cheering Sports Fan, Friday Night Lights (Episode 11), NBC, Jonas Pate, Director; Peter Berg, Executive Producer.
2006 - Walmart Sales Associate, Walmart commercial; GSD& M Advertising, Laurence Thrush, director.
2006 - Parade-Onlooker, Chevrolet commercial, Radical Media, B Landsman, dir
2006 - Tailgate Party-goer, Chevrolet commercial, Radical Media, B Landsman, dir
2006 - Football Fan, Chevrolet commercial Radical Media, B Landsman, dir
2006 - Church Congregation Member, Friday Night Lights (Episode 8), NBC, Jeffrey Reiner, Director, Peter Berg, Executive Producer.
2006 - Restaurant Patron, Friday Night Lights.(Episode 5), NBC, Michael Waxman, Director, Peter Berg, Executive Producer.
2006 - Cast as twins, Renee and Jonae, in AIN'T NO JOY IN PAIN, a gospel musical theatrical play written, produced, and directed by Monica Spriggs for Majesty Productions.
2006 – Cast as 'News Reporter' in feature film, ELVIS & ANNABELLE. Writer/director, Will Geiger for Burnt Orange Productions.
2006 - Interviewer for Travis County TV - Channel 17 program entitled, Dialogue. Dale Cornibe, producer; Juan Campos, director.
2006 – Cast as a 'Hospital Patient' in director, Robert Rodriguez's, Troublemaker Studios feature film, GRIND HOUSE, (Planet Terror segment). Elizabeth Avellan, Executive Producer.
2005 – Featured as Nordic/Germanic goddess, Hel, in the Austin, Texas, Vortex Theater production, "DARK GODDESS"; Bonnie Cullum, Creative Director, The Vortex Theater, 2307 Manor Road, Austin, Texas.
2005 – Opening scene 'Beauty Shot' Restaurant Patron in director, Richard Linklater's, feature film, Fast Food Nation.
2005 - Human Auditioner in feature, Z: A Zombie Musical; J. McLean, producer, D. Eggleston, director.
2005 - Lead actress in UT Austin Student 16mm short entitled, 'Handlebars'; written, directed, and produced by Adam Johnson.
2005 – Supporting actress (Mary) in the independent short film, 'Battered'. Directed and produced by Galen Carter-Jeffrey for Kung Fu Explosion Productions. WINNER of the "Bloodshots 48-Hour Filmmaking Competition" in the BEST ACTING Category and 2nd place winner for OVERALL AUDIENCE FAVORITE FESTIVAL FILM.
2005 - Supporting actress (Liz) in the theatrical production, 'The Crossing'; Julie Holden, Director; Charles Locklin, Producer.
2005 – Cast as 'Female Caterer' in feature movie,'Changing The Odds', Andecko Films; Willie E. Simmons, Jr., Director; Anthony D. Colby, Producer.
2005 - 'Pedestrian' in a University of Texas, Austin, student film short entitled, 'Smoke Break'; James Boisvenue III, Writer, Director, and Producer.
2005 – Cast as 'Harry's Office Assistant' in 'The Insatiable', Numenorean Films; Cary Solomon, Director; Chuck Knozelman, Producer; starring Sean Patrick Flannery as 'Harry'.
2005 – Vocie-over for independent film, Sonny Boy. Benn Bundy, Director and Producer for Dane Gray Productions.
2004 - Producer and host for industrial training program for Austin, Texas, Cable Access Channels entitled, Employment 411.
2003 - Co-host and 'color commentator' for Austin Cable Access Channel's 2003 Juneteenth Parade (televised ‘live’).
2003 Host for Austin Cable Access Channel's Video Awards Show (televised ‘live’).
2002 - Host for Austin Cable Access Channel's Video Awards Show (televised ‘live’).
2002 - Host for industrial infomercial for the Texas Health and Human Services agencies aired on Austin Cable Access Channels.
2001 - 2003 Community News Correspondent for Austin Cable Access Channel's music video TV show entitled, MAGIC VIDEO.
2000 - 2003 Singer and Karaoke Showcase Hostess at the infamous Austin, Texas, club Midtown Live.
2000 - 2003 Austin, Texas commercial radio station, KAZI. Commercial radio voice-overs advertising for club, Midtown Live.
1986 – 1987 Commercial voice-overs for CableVision of Cresskill, New Jersey.
1979 – Actress/singer/dancer in Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, theatrical production of ‘Pippin’.
1977 – Actress/singer/dancer in Halifax County, Virginia, school play production entitled, ‘Rock Hop’, Nancy Barden, director.
TRAINING
Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute (New York) - Method Acting Intensive Training and Acting for Film and TV - acting coaches Chad Burton, Robert Castle, Chris Lutkin and Bill Balzac.
Weist Barron School For Performance Artists (New York) - 18 Week Intensive Soap Opera Acting Studies. Acting coaches Peter Miner, Linda Laundra, and Michael Laibson.
On Camera Acting Techniques - Two Chairs Studios, Van Brooks, acting coach, Austin, Texas.
On-Camera Acting Techniques - Alleywood Studios; CK McFarland and Amparo Garcia-Crow, acting coaches, Austin, Texas.
Voice-over coach, Nancy Barden, Halifax Senior High School, South Boston, Virginia.
** The above listing excludes some commercial, print, industrial, and feature production credits due to confidentiality agreements and/or possible conflicts.

My Interests

My cat, Hootis and my husband, Olin, who both tolerate and love me better than anyone else on the planet, in that order. Well, maybe not that order. Social justice. Peaceful resolutions and reconciliations. Not taking anything or anyone for granted.

We, the undersigned Supremes fans, ask Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong to reunite-- just one last time.

We want that word "Someday" from their last # 1 hit, "Someday We'll Be Together", to become a reality as soon as possible.

http://www. gopetition. com/petitions/supremes-reunion. html

Striking down and overcoming artificial barriers while ensuing my career pursuits. Faith is that mysterious something that can turn an 'average' individual into an 'outstanding' individual. It took my being diagnosed and cured from thyroid cancer in 2005 to get honest with myself. The result of said event was that I abruptly changed career paths to fulfill and pursue my long repressed dream of being a professional, full-time, working actor. Facing one's mortality is a quick and dirty way to reckon with one's own personal truths, desires, and goals. Entire feature length films have been developed around someone facing their mortality and deciding what they want to do with the remainder of their life. For every mountain placed before an individual, I am living proof that there ARE miracles happening everyday. Being blessed with 'possibility thinking' I am of the incurable belief that the 'best is yet to come!" I leap over the fence of limitations by taking classes from internationally acclaimed masters to sharpen and hone acting skills to exercise my craft and acting muscles. This newfound knowledge combined with expansive research and networking will advance my career forward. I am enjoying working EVERYDAY towards my achieving my goals, sometimes late into the night - working in the various productions listed on this page, making new friends while exploring every facet of the business. I realize everyday will not be a '10' (for me or anyone else) and I'm ready to take in the 'good' along with the 'not-so-good' all in stride. Through faith, my 'weak times' are transformed into 'peak times'. Being able to make a living as 'working actress', living up to the challenges on a daily basis, and being a positive role model to all people is what it's all about for me. I embrace all people, of all colors, thin, thick, very little and very tall, and especially those society has labeled as 'disabled' when they are, in fact, "differently abled". Being a childless woman, I hope to leave a legacy in feature film productions and in syndicated TV as a living memorial to inspire others to pursue their dreams - no matter what they are. What appears to be 'the end of the road' may just be a 'bend in the road' - so whatever you do, don't slam on the breaks! Faith is the force that sets you free to succeed! I love anyone who isn't afraid to "look beyond color" to recongize and consider that many roles don't have a racial identity or an exceptionally thin physique attached to it. I was thrilled to have been cast as a Nordic goddess and gained tremendous respect for the director who didn't cast along color lines - it's what the world needs more of. It takes just one positive thought, when given a chance, to survive and thrive to overpower an army of negative thoughts. Morever, I am deeply saddened that more than a few fellow actors and comedians were taken away from this earthly plane before we had the opportunity to work together. I really dug Jerry Orbach, John Spencer, Brion James, Gregory Hines, Michael Jeter, Mitch Hedgberg, Bruno Kirby, Ed Bradley, Robert Altman, Keith Ledger and so many other fine industry icons who are no longer with us. We all think that we have all of the time in the world, but life is sometimes shorter than we expect. As a result of my 'new birth' into the second half of my life, I implore that you stay on top of your own personal health, get yourself checked out for ailments and bugs so you can remain healthy - especially you fellas - GET YOUR PSA's!

My personal 'cancer survival anthem' is the song, "I Ain't Been Licked", written by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, here sung by Diana Ross.

I'd like to meet:

In 2008: Cindy Birdsong, Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Pras Michel and a whole bunch of other industry folk. 'Hope' is it's own immediate reward! Hope is not the "absence of suffering", it's living in the presence of 'love'. IN THE NAME OF LOVE! I would rather err on the side of FAITH than on the side of 'doubt'.

Music:

I love all kinds of music from the 60's, 70's, 80's to the present. Anything that blends both rock and funk gets me especially where I live. I listen to the radio station that has a mixture of genres because I must have my soul, funk, rock, and of course, my MOTOWN - I grew up on all of it. Right now, I am so in love with anything Holland/Dozier/Holland. I've met some talented musicians and songwriters in my life but I have great difficulty wrapping my brain around what could have possibly inspired these guys - they cause me to surrender with every hook, change, complexities that I don't even know what they're called. I guess I am a slave to great songwriters and you know who they are: from Burt Bacharach to Bootsy Collins. I pay tribute to the artists who bring those creations to life and make the soundtrack to our lives. "BACK IN BLACK" by AC/DC is one of my songs but so is Elvis Presley's, "IN THE GHETTO" that came out sometime around the same time Isaac Hayes wrote and performed "SOULSVILLE" on the "Shaft Soundtrack Album". I like to get in deep with my music. Please don't make any assumptions about what "turns me on" because I am not a sheep and do not follow the crowd with my musical proclivities. But, ooooh, Holland/Dozier/Holland.....

Mary Wilson's Birthday is March 6th. Here she is with the Supremes singing one of my all time favorites, TOUCH.

Movies:

MOVIES: Besides IN THE NAME OF LOVE....too many to name - definitely something that many of my MYSPACE friends have (co-)written, produced, directed, and/or starred in. I enjoy all genres - even westerns. Action, adventure, gangster, drama, comedy, horror, and everything in-between. There is no one type that appeals me over another. I love the classics and period pieces. One such favorite is Captains Courageous (1937) starring Spencer Tracy - made me cry like a baby. I also dug Airport (1970), Dangerous Liaisons, A Bronx Tale, and Silverado. Claudine, Shaft, Cotton Comes To Harlem, even Car Wash and other classic black films appeal to me more than a lot of the newer stuff. There's some good stuff for sure, like DREAMGIRLS, but some are sooooooo bad that they send a "not so good" message about the genre. Contemporary cinema that embraces diversity as was done in Crash, Monsters Ball, GALAXY QUEST - all great films - are the kind of projects I'd like to be a part of. Movies like Wall Street, Silence of the Lambs, Goodfellas, Mambo Kings, Miranda and Miranda, and The Green Mile, for example, are just mainstream fabulous flicks - I'd like to be cast in something like them or something as way-out dramatically riveting as Memento, Monster, Reservoir Dogs, or the Human Stain but would also enjoy a wildly comedic role such as those performed in Big Business starring Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin or a quirky vehicle such as All Over the Guy or Soapdish in a Whoopi-esque type role. I'd even go for an ensemble piece such as Flypaper or Love Stinks. Right now, what my heart desires and craves a vehicle something like, NOTES ON A SCANDAL - delish!
"IN THE NAME OF LOVE" trailer

Television:

CSI - Crime Scene Investigation, Golden Girls, The Jay Leno Show, MAD and all the stand-up comedian shows on Comedy Central and HBO. I pride myself as being the "ultimate comedy connoisseur". America's Funniest Video's! CNBC's Conversations with Michael Eisner. I also like The Discovery Channel's, "CASH CAB." Believe it or not, I can answer most of those questions!

Interviews with "IN THE NAME OF LOVE" cast members

Books:

"The Road Less Traveled" by L. Scott Peck, "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladstone, and (a true must-read), "Bambi vs. Godzilla" by David Mamet.

Heroes:

My mom - taught me the true meaning of 'unconditional love'. Next, Diahann Carroll - a classy, elegant, timeless industry beauty who opened doors for many aspiring actresses such as myself. My father, gave me life so he's a hero by 'default' but let me tell you what he REALLY taught me: My father gave me money and all kinds of 'material' things but he never gave me the most valuable and important thing of all that one can give to their child: His time. All public people and personalities who inspire the masses in a positive and self-respecting way and who are geniunely nice when you meet them in-person. Jeff Skoll for his compassionate humanity. He's definitely a hero to a bunch of people, including me. Star Jones for "being her own person, speaking up, or not, and standing up for what she believes in". And lastly, Surakhan - a visionary man of faith, hard work, and inspiration - thank you!

All people who shape their hopes by their DREAMS and not their hurts!

My Blog

"Someday" could be tomorrow!

Please sign the petition, and let's make the Supreme's "SOMEDAY WE'LL BE TOGETHER" reunion become a reality!! For more information and to sign the petition, please go to:http://www. gop...
Posted by Ro' Black on Sat, 03 May 2008 12:45:00 PST

Booking Ro Black for your TV or film production

I portrayed principal character and Supreme, Cindy Birdsong, in the feature film, "IN THE NAME OF LOVE". When you (or someone with whom you are affiliated) ever wants to book me for pr...
Posted by Ro' Black on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:07:00 PST

The film the world has been waiting for, "In The Name Of Love"

"IN THE NAME OF LOVE" is a semi-fictitious feature film that explores the lifetime possibilities of the original living Supremes of Motown fame. Where are they now? Diana Ross is still touring giving ...
Posted by Ro' Black on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:52:00 PST

Texas Production Incentives

Texas' Moving Image Industry Incentive Program offers grants equal to 5% of in-state spending, including wages paid to Texas residents. Grants are available upon project completion to feature films, d...
Posted by Ro' Black on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:45:00 PST

Quote of the Day

Quote of the DayA miracle is a shift in thinking from what we might have done in the past or should be doing in the future, to what we feel free to do right here, right now. A miracle is a release fro...
Posted by Ro' Black on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:22:00 PST

Did you know......

  Did you know that those who appear to be very strong in heart, are sometimes weak and more vulnerable?   Did you know that those who spend their time protecting others are the ones that ...
Posted by Ro' Black on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:34:00 PST

For the New Year, 2008, and beyond...

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." - Goethe
Posted by Ro' Black on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:36:00 PST

From Michael Jordan’s lips......

I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost more than 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in ...
Posted by Ro' Black on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:12:00 PST

Twelve True-isms Regarding Life

  1.  You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for as long as you live. How you take care of it or fail to take care of it can make an enormous difference in...
Posted by Ro' Black on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 10:40:00 PST

The Austin, Texas, Film Commission

Austin Film Commission For the past six years, MovieMaker magazine has named Austin among the top moviemaking cities in the country. In 2004, the Capital City topped the list of Top...
Posted by Ro' Black on Sun, 17 Dec 2006 12:12:00 PST