We were lucky to catch up with Akiva McClam recently and have shared our conversation below.

Akiva, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew I wanted to pursue writing and directing stage plays in 2013, shortly after my first stage play production, Cain & Abel. Once I paid all of my expenses, I made enough to pay six months of my mortgage in advance. The thought went to the wayside once I lost my Contracting job supporting the Federal Government.

That was the last time I produced a play inside a theater until 2018. I felt I lost my momentum. I had to regain my audience all over again. Prior to 2018, I was producing and writing plays within my church.

The thought of me writing and directing plays full time really became real to me this year. I am currently working on a production scheduled to debut in December. My responsibilities are so much greater. I felt my full-time job was getting in my way of really executing my production business. I begin to imagine what if I had 8 hours of putting in time in my own ideas. Usually, 8 hours become longer than that, but it feels right. It doesn’t feel like work.

Akiva, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a native Floridian born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I was raised by my grandparents. Both of my parents died early in my life; mother died 1986 and father died 1987.

I had opportunities to turn left and choose the life of crime, instead I got involved in the church and sports. Both were very important to me growing up. While in church I was introduced to acting. I liked it but I was more involved in sports.

In sports I quickly made a name for myself playing basketball, baseball and football. Although, being known for my football achievements. My talent in baseball landed me an opportunity for a full time scholarship at Grace College in Indiana and Bethune Cookman University.

I accepted Bethune Cookman University’s offer. Unfortunately, the scholarship was taken away after the baseball coach that recruited me was fired. Disappointed at the outcome, I chose to focus on my academics.

Years after graduation I enlisted in the United States Air Force. I served nine years and was medically retired. I was awarded the Medal of Serving in Enduring Freedom while stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

In 2009, the church I was attending wanted to do something different for Christmas. I was highly recommended by my peers to write a Christmas play. I had not thought about theater since my early days growing up in church. I had never even written a script. I was only learning how to act.

I like a challenge, so I said yes to writing the Christmas play. I handpicked my cast. I knew exactly who I wanted. I decided to direct the play as well. I felt I was the best candidate since I fully understood the script. At the end of the play, the audience gave me a standing ovation. That is when I realized I had a gift. I did not go to college for theater. Everything seemed to come natural to me. Writing, directing, and producing; I wore many of hats, but I loved what I did.

I have been writing and producing plays for 11 years. My proudest moments are witnessing my cast finally seeing my vision. In the beginning, they cannot see it only I can. Once the play is over, they can finally see what I saw from the beginning.

In 2020, I was elated at writing and producing my first written song called, “Time After Time.” This song was dear to me. That was the year, I was not only producing another stage play but it was the year I learned I was diagnosed with acute leukemia. I had all the reasons to cancel the production, but I pressed through. The production was a success. One of my actors, Terrell T-Rex Simon, R&G artist sang the song, “The Storm,” which had direct connection to the stage play production. The song became so popular Sirius Radio on the Kirk Franklin gospel radio had the song on rotation. The song was nominated for the well-known Stellar Award.

Dec 10, 2022, I am producing my popular play, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas. A Season of Transformation” at the well-known Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville, Maryland.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My life experiences are my driving factors. Through mistakes I have made along with my childhood memories; they help me to be creative.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2020, Covid caused many companies to rethink how to conduct business. People were afraid to come out their homes. That means the theaters were empty. Being shut down and confined to your home forced Directors to change how they presented productions.

I rehearsed via zoom for the first time in 2020. For almost five months my rehearsals were fully on zoom. That opened my eyes to the advantage of doing both zoom and in person rehearsals.

Also, streaming is pertinent now to target two audiences; the people live in person and or the ones at home streaming the play.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mcclamenterpriseproductions.com
• Instagram: akiva_mcclamenterprise mcclamenterpriseproductions
• Facebook: Akiva Renaissance Man McClam
• Linkedin: Akiva McClam
• Youtube: McClam Enterprise Production

Image Credits
Song Writer of Time After Time – Akiva McClam, Co-Writer Burnie Stevenson, Artist Lindsay Nicole Actors Olivia Flowers Tracy Scott Ms Lynn Sam Roberts and the Levites assembly Sharita Roberts Terrell Trex Simon Emmanuel Ware Shaliek Rivers