:WHISTLE LESSON Cast

POPPOP WELLY

Charles A. Black

Charles is a veteran of stage, screen and television; often engaged as a voice talent or actor for TV commercials, radio, training videos and live performances. He may be remembered for his roles in TV series: ROBERT TOWNSEND’S PLAYHOUSE 22, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, I’LL FLY AWAY, OCTOBER ROAD, TYLER PERRY’S HOUSE OF PAYNE OR TYLER PERRY’S MEET THE BROWNS. His TV specials include THE ROSA PARKS STORY, CAROLINA SKELETONS, THE RUNAWAY, THE WALK, SCARLETT, DERBY STALLION and PBS’S HISTORY MAKERS. Big screen credits include THE PATRIOT and MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL. He also starred in the dramatic short film, A.M. SESSION, a short film finalist in the 2007 American Black Film Festival.

He has appeared on stages around Atlanta - in Jomandi’s Fraternity, Actor’s Express’ A Fool for Love, Looking for a City, Rimers of Elridge and Trouble in Mind, Emory Theater’s Sleep Deprivation Chamber, On Stage Atlanta’s The Boy King and 14 Street’s The Mustard Seed. Charles co-starred in Atlanta’s Alliance Theater production of Cuttin’ Up and appeared on stage as “God Personified” in Americolor Opera’s production of Dr. Sharon Willis’ The Seduction of King Solomon.

GRANNY FRAN

Freda Scott Giles

Freda Scott Giles' most recent film appearances prior to "Whistle Lesson" have been in THREE CAN PLAY THAT GAME and BOYCOTT. A member of SAG and AEA, she has been in the industry for over thirty years. She earned her PhD at City University of New York and is an associate professor of theatre and African American studies at the University of Georgia.

KYLIE

Josephine Lawrence

Josephine Lawrence caught the performance bug at the age of 2 when she saw singers performing on “The Today Show”. She began acting at the age of 4 in local theater productions including Cinderella and Annie. Her professional experience includes theatre productions, television and radio commercials. Her credits include TYLER PERRY’S HOUSE OF PAYNE, Publix, CSX, Kool Smiles and Greenville Children’s Museum. In addition to acting Josephine enjoys gymnastics, dancing, singing, and spending time with her friends and her younger sister, Isabel.

NYLA

Aviya Payne

Aviya Payne found her love for acting at age 8. Since then she has performed in numerous theater productions at a local arts center. Her professional experience includes being in the TNT original movie MISS LETTIE AND ME. Aside from acting she enjoys dancing, cheerleading, cooking, reading, and shopping.

BRIAN

James M. Austin

James would visit his mom who worked for the Negro Ensemble Company in New York every summer. He was mesmerized by the stage performances of so many big name actors who started out in relative obscurity. Those performances made such an impression on him that he promised himself he would follow in their footsteps one day. After watching “Cooley High” in a movie theater in Boston, he knew for sure that acting was something he was destined to do.

On stage he has portrayed Floyd and Boy Willie from the work of renowned playwright August Wilson. He continues to hone his skills as an actor and writer on various independent film projects.