Theo comes from a long line of teachers (dating back to his great grandparents and including both of his parents!) As with the art that Theo creates, curates, and champions, he is most passionate about archiving and promoting the legacies of Black Queer artists and cultural workers. He is also passionate about paving the way for the next generation of arts managers and cultural workers.

 

Guest Lectures

Theo has lectured at Washington College, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) the Maryland Institute College of the Arts (MICA), and is available to provide a guest lecture on the following topics:

 

Black American History

I Am Not Your Negro: A Brief History of Black American Counterculture:

Merriam-Webster declared “culture” as the Word of the Year in 2014 and many years later the world is still trying to grasp what exactly “culture” is, let alone what “counterculture” is. Merriam-Webster defines culture as the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group. They define counterculture as a group whose beliefs and behaviors differ from mainstream culture. This lecture traces the evolution of Black American counter/subculture through a variety of case studies across many artistic mediums, from the rise of queer blues divas during Jim Crow, to the influences of Afrofuturism in films like Black Panther. Participants will walk away with a better understanding of how culture has been used by Black Americans as a tool of resistance against racism, and how Black countercultural movements have shaped American history and ultimately mainstream culture.

 

Tongues Untied: A Brief History of Black Queer Cinema: This lecture explores the Black filmmakers, actors, and media makers who have navigated the complex intersections of race, sexuality, identity, and artistic expression in cinema, and spotlights the pivotal moments that have defined this rich cinematic tradition. From the early works of the late 1960s to the groundbreaking triumphs of modern cinema, like Moonlight (2016), we’ll explore how Black Queer filmmakers have pushed boundaries and opened doors to new narratives and representations. Through a blend of historical insight and analysis of key films and filmmakers, this lecture aims to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of Black Queer cinematic auteurs and their relentless pursuit of visibility and authenticity in visual storytelling. This lecture will also reflect on the ongoing challenges and the future of Black Queer representation in film.

 

Reels of Resistance: A Brief History of Black American Cinema:
This lecture explores the vibrant history of Black American Cinema from “Race Films” to modern Black Hollywood. Since the inception of American cinema, Black filmmakers, actors, and media makers have carved paths for representation amidst an unrelenting backdrop of racism and oppression. Ultimately, this lecture will celebrate Black cinema and visual storytelling as a beacon of cultural resilience.
 

Arts Management

 

Reimagining Reach: Evolving Arts Marketing and Audience Development: In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the arts and cultural sector faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities with regard to audience development as a result of monumental shifts in consumer behavior. This lecture explores some of the innovative strategies arts managers and cultural workers are employing to navigate this new landscape from the rapid acceleration of digital platforms to the increased importance of community engagement and inclusivity. This lecture will also examine case studies of arts organizations that have successfully pivoted their operations, leveraging innovative technologies and community-based approaches to deepen audience connections and expand their reach.

 

Classes

Theo offers a wide range of courses pertaining to Black American history and Arts Management to high school seniors, undergrads, and grad students. Scroll down for course descriptions and syllabi.