We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Frank Dunham Jr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Frank, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is undoubtedly Cherry House, an original play set to debut Off-Broadway at Theatre Row, NYC, in February 2025. As an African American writer and director in New York City, my journey in bringing Cherry House to life has been an artistic and personal labor of love. Set in 1859, the story follows an African American Madam in New York City who risks her life and livelihood to protect a wanted woman, throwing her entire world into chaos. The historical context is critical, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and sacrifice against a backdrop of an era often romanticized but rarely seen from our community’s perspective.

The project is deeply meaningful to me because it is rooted in both my personal history and the larger narrative of African American resilience. As a native New Yorker and storyteller, I’ve always wanted to craft narratives that honor the complex legacies of African Americans in this city and the often-overlooked contributions they made during such a tumultuous period in American history. The support of By All Means Alliance, a nonprofit led by Christopher Means, has allowed this story to grow beyond its initial vision and gain the momentum it needs for the upcoming Off-Broadway run.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Frank Dunham Jr., and I’m an African American writer, director, and creative force behind Creative Stages Entertainment (CSE). Born and raised in New York City, my journey in the arts has been both a testament to the richness of our culture and a personal exploration of storytelling that honors the resilience and contributions of Black Americans, both past and present. Through CSE, I’ve committed myself to producing dynamic, historically rich works that don’t just entertain but deeply resonate with audiences by sparking conversation, connection, and reflection.

I first entered the industry with a clear vision: to create work that gives voice to untold stories and underrepresented experiences, especially within the Black community. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of honing my craft across various forms, from producing impactful staged readings at the National Black Theatre of Harlem to directing Diabolique: A Burlesque Variety Show, which held a residency at Green Room 42 in NYC. My approach to theater has always been multifaceted, combining directing, writing, and recently, composing, to shape narratives that explore identity, resilience, and the human spirit.

CSE offers a range of productions and creative services focused on original theater and artistic presentations, designed to entertain, educate, and elevate diverse voices.

What sets me apart in this industry is my commitment to authenticity and historical depth. Each project under CSE is crafted with care, ensuring that our narratives not only reflect historical truths but also resonate with contemporary audiences. I’m proud to bring my New York roots into every aspect of my work, drawing from the city’s vibrant cultural landscape to shape productions that are as diverse and layered as NYC itself.

I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is a reflection of my dedication to both artistry and advocacy. Through CSE, I strive to tell stories that inspire, challenge, and foster a deeper understanding of our shared history. Whether through our Off-Broadway productions, community events, or creative collaborations, my goal is to create spaces where diverse voices can shine, and audiences can experience theater that speaks to the heart and spirit.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely, I wish I had known about resources like Indie Space, LMCC, NYC Parks and Recreation, and similar institutions when I first started almost 20 years ago. Back then, I poured so much of my time and energy into fundraising, often working two or three jobs just to foot the bill for my projects. I was doing whatever it took to keep my creative vision alive, and while that taught me resilience and grit, knowing about these grants and sponsorship opportunities could have allowed me to focus more on the work itself.

These resources support artists in ways that go beyond funding—they provide a network, guidance, and a community of like-minded creatives. Discovering these organizations now has opened up new possibilities for my work and given me access to support systems that I didn’t have early on. Having such backing earlier would have been a game-changer, but I’m grateful to tap into it now as I continue to build and grow.

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

My journey has seen a few pivotal moments, but the biggest was when I shifted from a stable corporate life into the unpredictable world of the arts. When I was younger, I thought I’d become a singer or an actor, but I eventually realized I was only mediocre at both. I moved on, diving into corporate roles for about 15 years, working in sales, public relations, phone operating, and customer service. After that, I spent a decade in the nightclub scene, handling management, coat check, staffing, and bookings.

During my time in nightclubs, I discovered poetry and reignited my love for storytelling. Playwriting emerged as my true passion, and I knew I had to take the plunge. Leaving behind the steady paychecks and structure of my previous work, I decided to start my own theater company and dedicate myself to creating original works. That pivot allowed me to fully embrace my creative drive, and I haven’t looked back since.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.csenyc.org/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeStages2010

Image Credits

ON STAGE DIRECTING THE PLAY CREATIVE STAGES, WOW CAFE, NYC
PERFORMERS FROM DIABOLIQUE, GREENROOM 42/YOTEL HOTEL, NYC
BACKSTAGE AT THE NUYORICAN POETS CAFE, NYC
CSE LOGO
MEMBERS OF CHERRY HOUSE WORKSHOP PRODUCTION, THEATRE ROW, NYC