Performers offer chance to ‘get out of the corner’
Singing was in Tammy Doz’ier’s blood for the longest time but she only felt comfortable in the background, handling backup duties.
Doz’ier just never thought she was good enough to take the lead until she joined the Speakers, Publishers & Authors Association and came under the wing of its founder and current CEO, MichaelV. Wilkins Sr.
Now Doz’ier can add lead singer and book author and podcast host to her accomplishments.
“I never thought I was good enough to be in front,” said Doz’ier, who lives in University Park. “I was shy and he was telling me, ‘ Girl, get out of the corner!
“He pushed me, and I’m glad he did,” Doz’ier said.
Wilkins said he wanted to start SPAA for all talents and tastes, but he saw a particular need for more African Americans performing opportunities. SPAA started as the National African American Speakers Association, but branched out to publishing, marketing and theatre.
After joining the Army at age 18, Wilkins said he traveled extensively and got to see theworld, and in the process developed a love of theatre. That love was fostered by his mother, who also enjoyed theatre andwould attended shows with him.
“I just thoroughly enjoyed live performing and I didn’t see a lot of theatre stuff that encompassed not
only people who looked like us,” Wilkins said. “But also … my position was, if we can do a better job, we should just do it.”
His nonprofit is also distinguished by its broad membership, which includes youth and seniors.
“We understand not everybody wants to be on stage,” Wilkins said. “We provide opportunities to work in lighting or developing backdrops.”
SPAA, which is based in Chicago Heights, has a regular actor troupe of about 10 actors, musicians, singers, and sound and lighting techs. The group also offers monthly training for those who want to improve as professional speakers, marketers or authors. There are also annual writing and speakers’ contests and a monthly virtual comedy murder mystery.
A recent “Speak for Yourself” speaker’s contest offered both training and competition. Several sessions were held beforehand to offer participants training and tips. About 56 people attended, though only 12 actually participated in the contest. Comer
nitta Braby, of Milwaukee, won Speaker of the Year for her performance.
“She did hers by heart, so you saw the passion,” Wilkins said.
Their most recent performance was the comedy murder mystery “The Murder of a Side Chick,” last week at the Chicago Heights Country Club.
“Our whole purpose is getting people to laugh,” Wilkins.
While Doz’ier said still gets nervous when performing, she no longer feels shy on stage. SPAA is like one big family, said Dozier, who owns ConnectedbyLove Consulting, which helps people find mental health resources. That self-confidence has nudged her to encourage others aswell.
“SPAA is one of those places that can change your life,” said Doz’ier. “You’re not afraid to take chances.”
More information about SPAA and upcoming performances and training is at spaausa.org.