Yolanda Powell is the owner and operator of Jesonda Productions in Charlotte, NC. She is currently working on a tv pilot entitled Moore Than Enough. She is the writer, producer and director of two of the most highly acclaimed and powerful stage plays STUCK and Big Boys Do Cry. Not only does Ms. Powell teach others how to write and produce stage plays, but she produces stage plays, films, tv shows and commercials for Executive Producers.
FWM: When did you know that acting was in your blood?
As I look back I realize acting was in my blood, my passion and one of many of my callings when I was 8 years old. I remember my mom taking me to the movie theater to see the movie Annie. I was mesmerized and captivated but what the actress that played Annie was doing. I remember looking at my mother and saying “I can do that”. My mother enrolled me in performing art schools for my middle and high school years of my education. Between both schools I performed in many plays and recitals.
FWM: You are the writer, producer and director of two of the most highly acclaimed and powerful stage plays STUCK and Big Boys Do Cry. Tell us about the plays and your proudest moment.
STUCK is my most popular and I consider my oldest baby as a playwright lol. Stuck is about a family that faces many strongholds from generation to generation. The family deals with a lot of unforgiveness, financial difficulties, domestic and substance abuse and other situations. You see throughout the play how the family still has these same issues from one generation to the next. Big Boys Do Cry is dear to my heart as well. It is a play to uplift, empower and support the men that have issues that they have suppressed and need to deal with as they get older. I have a few proud moments. One I will share is at our debut of Stuck, unexpectedly, there was standing in room only and the audience went bananas during one of our most powerful parts in the play. The Spirit of God showed up like Never before at a production. Also, I feel grateful when people approach me and share that they can relate to the play,
I am in the process of launching a mental health and peer support agency to go hand and hand with my productions. I want people to have resources after the play if they need it to get out of a rut and live life to their potential.
FWM: You have worked with many greats along your journey. Can you share a story about an influential person during your career?
Although I have worked some really great and famous people I have to say my parents and children are my biggest influences. My parents, especially my mom are very supportive. My mom still helps out with hands on things like the set and costumes (just to name a few). My kids are my biggest little fans and supporters. They cheer me on and always say mom you are going to be big one day. They always tell me to keep going. My daughters at 12 and 10 so that means a lot coming from them.
FWM: Tell us about your tv pilot entitled, Moore Than Enough. What was your inspiration?
Moore Than Enough is a spin-off of the character Pastor Moore in the play Stuck. It is a sitcom about a female pastor that goes through ups and downs as a pastor, a foster mom and balancing her rocky personal life. This is a show to empower female clergy that still aren’t accepted to be a leader in the kingdom of God.
FWM: What would people be surprised to know about you?
I think people will be surprised that I lovvvve to watch LMN and drink my tea (light and sweet) that is my idea of a good relaxing time lol. I love to eat and can put away some food. I also was a mime for 20 years.
FWM: Share your upcoming projects.
Church Girlz and Moore Than Enough are projects in post production now. STUCK is currently available on DVD and streaming on the website www.jpclt.com. I’m currently starting an organization named Where Dreamers Meet. It will empower people with visions, ideas and dreams to GO FOR IT!
I can be found on Instagram @iamylondapowell and on Facebook as Ylonda Powell
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