LSU Theatre is hosting “The Totality of All Things,” written by Erik Gernand and directed by Keith Arthur Bolden, an acclaimed actor and director.

LSU MFA Grad Student and performer, Nicole Lovince, describes what sets Bolden apart from other directors.

“He has a lot of actor terminology and actor background. He can speak to us in a different way and a different language because he can also understand how to maneuver on stage and on camera as a performer, which makes him [a] dynamic director.” Lovince said.

Keith Arthur Bolden has worked on numerous shows, including Cobra Kai and Bel-Air, while being a professor at Spelman College in Atlanta.

For over a decade, Bolden has been working in acting and directing for Hollywood films and university productions.

“Being [who] I am, my artivism, where I teach, how I teach, [having] two Black female leads, [and] I teach at a predominantly Black women’s college,” Bolden said.

“I think I was the right person for the job in order to find the intersections that exist.”

Bolden’s insight has taken the production to new levels, giving actors advice on how to enhance their performance and embody their characters.

Working with someone who has experience in acting and directing really inspires young professionals looking to break into the theatre industry.

Undergrad student and performer, Kyrin Hardnett, describes his experience working with professionals like Bolden.

“He [has] done the work, he’s worked with the stars. [So], like you are more confident in what he’s saying and it’s [just] cool,” Hardnett said.

“It just brings awareness in a way for the black community and theatre community in general to keep us going and pushing, [showing] you can make it.”

LSU School of Theatre is running the production from January 29th to February 8th, with a pay-what-you-can preview on the 29th before premiere night on the 30th. You can catch the production at Shaver Theatre, and you can buy tickets online at lsu.edu/cmda.