C. Kelly Wright is an award-winning actress, singer, coach, and host, “a force of nature with power-house pipes that demand not only to be heard but felt.” Wright is further acclaimed for her body of work in theatrical development, from Broadway’s “Mountaintop” (Katori Hall) to the four-time Tony-winner “Memphis” (Joe DiPietro). Other favorite playwrights in Wright’s development catalog include Marcus Gardley, Nilan Johnson, Robert Henry Johnson, Nambi Kelley, James T. Lane, Andrew Lippa, Victor Lodato, Nina Mercer Lori Sinclair Minor, Larry Powell, Robert O’Hara, Philana Omorotionmwan, Octavio Solis and Aurin Squire. Author/Playwright Calvin Ramsey Wright has served as dramaturge and performer (Bricktop, The Greenbook, et al.), teaming up for more than a decade to develop art that informs.
It’s not all development! Wright doesn’t love much more than immersing herself in full production and recently starred in the West Coast Premieres of Nambi Kelley’s “JAZZ” & “Native Son” (Marin Theatre Co.) as well as Colman Domingo’s Wild With Happy at (Pittsburgh’s City Theatre). Wright holds several nominations and awards for her work Off-Broadway and in regional houses across the country, including “Langston in Harlem” (Urban Stages, Off Broadway), “Party People” (Berkeley Repertory), “The Scottsboro Boys” (Old, Globe, A.C.T., The Amhamson) and“Black Pearl Sings!” (Interact), and “Caroline, Or Change,” “Radio Golf,” “Nothing But the Blues” (TheatreWorks), etc. Wright’s film work includes Angel Wishes, Everyday Black Man, Black Nativity, Dark Seed, Mother’s Milk, and Steve.
Beyond the theatrical stage, Wright is Co-Founder and Director of Harlem Late Night Jazz, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization charged with the mission of keeping the music alive in Harlem. Wright headlines the funk & soul group Soul Power Band NYC. She is the Owner of “Curated by CK” (Clothing, Art & Style), featuring a provocative collection of art, collectible clothing, and accessories from across the Diaspora.
A woman’s work is never done. The work that feeds her soul is in supporting her community. She is a proud member of Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, NAACP, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Grameen America, Harlem Arts Alliance, and Northern Harlem Arts Alliance. Above all her associations, accolades, and accomplishments, C. Kelly is proudest to be called a child of God and mother and praises God for all that she has been blessed with thus far and for all that is
