Actress Wanda Spence sits with NIA 2X internet radio host Sallie Ann House to discuss her journey as an actress and performer in the arts. Ms. Spence has performed in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Yeomen of the Guard and The Pirates of Penzance, as well as, appeared in hit shows The Wire, House of Cards, and Law & Order. Wanda holds a Master’s Degree from The George Washington University and is a surviver of domestic abuse. Ms. Spence is currently cast in award winning playwright Vickie L. Evans’ The Gift, opening March 12, 2022 at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Ms. Spence is Great Niece of artist Delilah W. Pierce.
Check out Wanda Spence and her son, Stephen R. McDow, on the new online show, The Round Table Talk show who also hosts, #AskSharifah with Sharifah Hardie, as they discuss #entrepreneurship, #coops, #COVID19, and community! https://www.facebook.com/ilikesharifah/posts/3273275166035983 #GoCoop #MarthasVineyard #AFTRA #SAG
23) Wanda L. Spence, Great-Great Niece and estate heir says: I can only imagine how COVID-19 has disrupted everyone. It has disrupted our family for sure.
We decided to refund also, in part, based on the Massachusetts Governor, Oak Bluffs Selectman, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), personal advisers who are public health officials, that refunding was the best for our renters and the residents who make the island home year-round. Read More
Washington, DC – Actress Wanda Spence will perform her reenactment of Rosa Parks at the DC Black Theatre Festival One Act Battle on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 7:00 pm. The battle will take place at the Andrew Foster Theatre located at 800 Florida Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Ms. Spence will offer the audience a deeply moving portrayal of Rosa Parks and the moments leading up to and after her refusal to give up her seat on a bus on a cold December in 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama.
“I am looking forward to keeping Rosa Parks alive in the hearts and minds of everyone in attendance. My hope is that through this portrayal, Ms. Parks’ courage, passion, and strength will come alive and remind us all of what it takes to stand up for what is right,” said Wanda Spence.
The one-act battle is a five day competition divided into 4 categories: Drama, Comedy, Adult Theme and Anything Goes. Each night the audience cast their votes to select the best play of the evening. The winning play from each evening moves on to the final round; the battle to end all battles!
About Wanda Spence
Wanda Spence as Rosa Parks
Wanda Spence, a native of Washington DC, is a Film/TV and Stage Actress, as well as, Model and Artist. Wanda recently performed in the award winning play A Change Is Gonna Come on stage at the Montgomery College Multicultural Arts Center. Wanda also completed the staged musical production Annie, as Ms. Hannigan, on stage at the University of the District of Columbia’s Theatre Company. Wanda also completed a staged reading of The Stone Mason by Cormac McCarthy, on stage at the National Conservatory of the Dramatic Arts. She also appeared in a featured role as Glenda, for CIA University films. Wanda’s other featured roles include, Rachael in the The Enemy and the Victim written and produced by Melinda Bateman, a Bait Man Film production. This film will appear in film festivals across the USA. Throughout Wanda’s acting career, she has performed onstage as Lula Mae Jenkins, in The Blues of Lula Mae Jenkins, written by Glenn Allen, directed by Cody Jones, on stage at the ARC Theatre in Washington DC. Wanda was recently a guest singer at the Youth Talent Show at Ebeyana Studio Theatre in Arlington VA. Wanda is pursuing her performing arts training at The Shakespeare Theatre of Washington DC and voice training at the Levine School of Music. Wanda combines her creative arts talent along with her witty business sense which has landed her featured public service announcement work on the Black Entertainment Television (BET). Wanda appears in brochures for AMTRAK’s Family Reunion advertisements across the USA. Wanda has appeared in Kevin Spacey’s House of Cards, HBO’s The WIRE, Law and Order and film’s Something the Lord Made & Step-up 1 & 2.
College Park, MD December 16, 2014:Artistic Empowerment Centers (AEC) Black Stage Series presents The Fruit of His Purpose.The Fruit of His Purpose is a one-day run, with two shows on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm.
The Fruit of His Purpose celebrates the life and purpose of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through spoken word poetry, dance, writing and song; and commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington in 1963, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and a host of other benefits that brought unity to mankind.
AEC is a 501(c)3 non-profit performing arts outreach organization focused on transforming lives using the tool of creative communication to develop growth and development by inspiring those blessed to share in our productions to engage in lifting as we climb. Inspired by the digression of our family values, core beliefs and morals, AEC is putting feet to our faith by taking it’s place of responsibility to share what God has given us. We’re glad to have you join us on the journey.
Washington, DCJune 22nd & 29th– Wanda Spence, great niece of nationally & internationally renowned artist, educator, curator, and advocate Delilah W. Pierce, has been selected to play Judge Harrison in A Change Is Gonna Come written by award-winning playwright, Vickie L. Evans. A Change Is Gonna Comeis a true-to-life depiction of domestic violence and its judicial consequences. A Change Is Gonna Come is running Saturday, June 22 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, June 29 at 4:00 pm, at the Silver Spring Cultural Arts Center. Order tickets at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6517924287/es2.
Wanda Spence plays a strong and stern judge who offers courtroom advice regarding the psychological, moral, spiritual, and judicial effects of domestic violence. Wanda’s award winning cast members are delighted to have her on board and putting her creative perspective on Judge Harrison. Several cast members said and (or) agreed that during rehearsals:
“Wanda took the bull by the horn and rode it without any saddle…!”
A Change Is Gonna Come
This is a case of art imitating life for Wanda Spence, a survivor of 20 years of spousal abuse.
“I survived 20 years of verbal and physical abuse and understand that it usually occurs because of deeper complexities within the human spirit…often with generational consequences. Often, victims are afraid to involve our law enforcement officials because of fear of retaliation. I will approach Judge Harrison keeping my personal experiences in mind.”
Wanda will also bring Judge Harrison to life with objectivity, passion, and a sense of purpose.
Winner of FOUR Velocity Magazine Awards, A Change Is Gonna Come is the true-to-life depiction of domestic violence, hidden behind the walls of a church…at the hands of a least-likely suspect – A Pastor! First Lady Lisa Sills, a beautiful, intelligent, and dedicated wife, portrays the image of a blissful pastor’s wife in the public eye; while secretly being violated, manipulated, and robbed of her self-esteem “behind closed doors”. This emotionally-charged dramatization is captivating, heart-wrenching, eye-opening, revealing, explosive, mysterious, and entertaining! It will make you laugh, cry, sigh, and applaud the outcome! STELLAR performances by a Tri-City combined cast from Washington, DC; Charlotte, NC; and Philadelphia, PA.
Although the background of this dramatization centers around the church, A Change Is Gonna Come conveys a UNIVERSAL message…that domestic violence can and does happen to ANYONE (celebrities, musicians, lawyers, doctors, men, women, teens, etc.). NO class of people or race is exempt! You will witness the agony of entrapment; the generational transference of abuse passed down from the father to the son; a mother’s internal anguish; a SURPRISE revelation; a courtroom controversy; and so much more! It will keep you on the edge of your seat!
A Change Is Gonna Come mission is NOT to ostracize or embarrass; our goal IS to provide a non-threatening visualization that will open opportunities to invoke training, counseling, intervention, and prevention between clergy and congregants, in anticipation of restoring healthy families, and rebuilding strong churches and communities.
Washington DC, June 1, 2013 – Vickie L. Evans, the award-winning playwright of A Change Is Gonna Come asked Wanda Spence to join her on The Sighlent Storm, a national domestic violence awareness radio show broadcast by WHUR 96.3 FM (Washington, DC). The Signlent Storm is hosted by Mandrell Birks and Denise McCain, Saturdays from 10:00 am – 11:00 am, broadcasting on SiriusXM Channel 141 live, as well as on whurworld.com. Wanda Spence plays Judge Harrison, a strong and stern judge who offers courtroom advice regarding the psychological, moral, spiritual, and judicial effects of domestic violence.
Ms. Evans will have Ms. Spence read scenes from the play, as well as discuss her award-winning stage play A Change Is Gonna Come and its acceptance in the DC Black Theatre Festival (June 22 & 29), the launch of her “Don’t Take Away My Innocence Campaign” for child witnesses of domestic violence and more! Mark your calendars and spread the word! Award-winning actress Brenda Buckner, who plays a character named Abuse, will also join Ms. Evans. Brenda’s character is very important to the play and helps set the tone with her opening scene monologue.
Wanda Spence says:
“I’m so humbled and blessed that I will be joining Vickie and Brenda on WHUR. Vickie is a great example of a strong, moral, and courageous person with a dream that refuses to give up. Brenda is a creative person with a giving spirit. I believe the audience will be excited to see her character come to life.”
Vickie L. Evans, Playwright
About The Sighlent Storm
Mandrell Birks and Denise McCain, Hosts of WHUR’s The Sighlent Storm
HOSTED BY: Mandrell Birks and Denise McCain
ON-AIR: Saturday 10 am-11 am
RE-AIR: Tuesday 7 am-8 am / Thursday 6 am-7 am
The Sighlent Storm is an hour-long program that explores the issue of domestic violence. The Sighlent Storm is the only show on radio, television, or the web devoted to addressing the myriad of issues impacting families who are confronting domestic violence. Whether it’s emotional, physical, or financial abuse, Mandrell Birks and Denise McCain are talking about what’s happening with men, women, and children. The two relationship crusaders explore everything from date rape to domestic violence to, human trafficking to senior abuse.
The award-winning domestic violence awareness stage play A Change Is Gonna Come, written by Charlotte-based playwright Vickie L. Evans will be featured at the 2013 DC Black Theater Festival (June 21-30). Specific Show Dates, Times, and Location: Saturdays, June 22 @ 8:00 pm, and June 29 @ 4:00 pm, at the Cultural Arts Center, 7995 Georgia Avenue, Silver Springs, MD 20901. A Change Is Gonna Come has an universal message that domestic violence could happen to all classes of people…even a pastor’s wife. Award-winning playwright and director, Vickie L. Evans states:
“I am so honored to be a representative of the Queen City in this festival.”
Washington DC, June 1, 2013 – Vickie L. Evans, the award-winning playwright of A Change Is Gonna Come asked Wanda Spence to join her on The Sighlent Storm, a national domestic violence awareness radio show broadcast by WHUR 96.3 FM (Washington, DC). The Signlent Storm is hosted by Mandrell Birks and Denise McCain, Saturdays from 10:00 am – 11:00 am, broadcasting on SiriusXM Channel 141 live, as well as on whurworld.com. Wanda Spence plays Judge Harrison, a strong and stern judge who offers courtroom advice regarding the psychological, moral, spiritual, and judicial effects of domestic violence.
Ms. Evans will have Ms. Spence read scenes from the play, as well as discuss her award-winning stage play A Change Is Gonna Come and its acceptance in the DC Black Theatre Festival (June 22 & 29), the launch of her “Don’t Take Away My Innocence Campaign” for child witnesses of domestic violence and more! Mark your calendars and spread the word! Award-winning actress Brenda Buckner, who plays a character named Abuse, will also join Ms. Evans. Brenda’s character is very important to the play and helps set the tone with her opening scene monologue.
Wanda Spence says:
“I’m so humbled and blessed that I will be joining Vickie and Brenda on WHUR. Vickie is a great example of a strong, moral, and courageous person with a dream that refuses to give up. Brenda is a creative person with a giving spirit. I believe the audience will be excited to see her character come to life.”
Vickie L. Evans, Playwright
About The Sighlent Storm
Mandrell Birks and Denise McCain, Hosts of WHUR’s The Sighlent Storm
HOSTED BY: Mandrell Birks and Denise McCain
ON-AIR: Saturday 10 am-11 am
RE-AIR: Tuesday 7 am-8 am / Thursday 6 am-7 am
The Sighlent Storm is an hour-long program that explores the issue of domestic violence. The Sighlent Storm is the only show on radio, television, or the web devoted to addressing the myriad of issues impacting families who are confronting domestic violence. Whether it’s emotional, physical, or financial abuse, Mandrell Birks and Denise McCain are talking about what’s happening with men, women, and children. The two relationship crusaders explore everything from date rape to domestic violence to, human trafficking to senior abuse.
Wanda L. Spence, Actress 