Performing Arts

Actor and activist Jesse Williams says he believes his efforts are making a difference but gives credit to those who inspire him, among them black women and the black LGBTQ community. Melissa Kuypers/NPR hide caption

Starting in October, seven police officers and seven civilians got together once a week to get to know one another and do improvisational exercises. At the end of the 10-week journey they starred in To Protect, Serve, and Understand, a free show at the Brooklyn Music School. Above, Officer Desmond John, left, and Kathie Horejsi. Amanda Hinkle hide caption

Wheeldon says the World's Fair was a natural fit for The Nutcracker's second act. Above, Christine Rocas and Fabrice Calmels. Cheryl Mann/Joffrey/Boneau/Bryan-Brown hide caption

Yoshi Sudarso stars in It's Asian Men! The film counteracts stereotype by showcasing Asian-American men as romantic leads. Jeremy Marinas/@jmarinasphoto hide caption

Jurgen Todenhoefer in 2014 ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images hide caption

Stephen Agyei (left) and Roy Wood Jr. talk about what it takes to make it in comedy. Jeffrey Nicholson/Courtesy of Stephen Agyei; Mindy Tucker/Courtesy of Roy Wood Jr. hide caption

Anna Kendrick began performing in community theater when she was 6; by 12 years old, she had made it to Broadway. Casey Curry/Casey Curry hide caption

Aparna Nancherla says that making jokes about depression and anxiety injects "a little dose of hope." Shaughn & John hide caption

Akron is one of four cities trying to inject playfulness and joy into the act of voting through activities such as "virtual wrestling." New World Performance Laboratory hide caption

Debbie Allen's FREEZE FRAME...Stop the Madness is a musical featuring dance, video and visual art that explores gun violence in cities. Lee Tonks/Courtesy of Debbie Allen Dance Academy hide caption