Anna Deavere Smith
Keynote Speaker: Award-Winning Actress, Playwright & Social Commentator; New York University Professor
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Travels From:
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Speaking Fee:
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Categories:Actor, Author, Music, Creativity, College, Inspirational, Philosophy, Faith & Religion, Futurism, Journalist, Social Activism, Social Justice, Civil Rights, Celebrity, Business, Diversity & Inclusion, Economy, Technology, Healthcare, Education, Culture, Government, Law, Executive Leadership, Political, Military, Leadership, History, Thought Leadership, Disruptive Thinking, Professors
Anna Deavere Smith Biography
Anna Deavere Smith is an actress, playwright, teacher, and author. She is credited with having created a new form of theater. Smith's work combines the journalistic technique of interviewing her subjects with the art of interpreting their words through performance. She was a pioneer in what is now called “verbatim theater.”
Her play "This Ghost of Slavery" was featured in the Atlantic Magazine, making it one of only two plays published during the magazine’s 166 year history. Previously, she created over fifteen one-person shows based on hundreds of interviews. Plays based in interviews include "Notes from the Field" about the school to prison pipeline; "Let Me Down Easy," about health care; "House Arrest," about the U.S. presidency and the press; and "Twilight: Los Angeles," about the 1992 Los Angeles riots. "Twilight" was named one of the best plays of the last twenty-five years by The New York Times. PBS has broadcast "Fires in the Mirror," "Twilight" and "Let Me Down Easy"; HBO premiered the film version of "Notes from the Field."
President Obama awarded Smith the National Humanities Medal in 2013. She was the 2024 Mellon Lecturer at the National Gallery in Washington. She was selected in 2015 to give the Jefferson Lecture for the National Endowment for the Humanities, at the John F. Kennedy Center.
Additional honors include the MacArthur Award, The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize for Achievement in the Arts, the George Polk Career Award in Journalism, the Dean’s Medal from the Stanford University Medical School, Obie Awards, and two Tony nominations. She was runner up for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama.
Smith is also an actress in popular culture, having been a part of such shows as Netflix’s "Inventing Anna," ABC’s "For the People" and "Black-ish." Previously, she appeared in "Nurse Jackie" and "The West Wing." Films include "The American President," "Philadelphia," "Ghosted" and "Rachel Getting Married." Upcoming are her work in "Pendulum," a horror movie produced by Darren Aronofsky, directed by Mark Heyman, and on “The Boroughs” a Netflix series, also in the horror genre.
She has several honorary degrees including those from Oxford, Harvard, Yale, University of Pennsylvania, Spelman, Dartmouth, Prairie View University and Bard College. She served on Biden’s President’s Committee for Arts and Humanities.
In 2023, she was Eastman Professor at Oxford University – Balliol College. Smith is a University Professor at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Anna Deavere Smith and other top speakers and celebrities.
Anna Deavere Smith Speaking Topics
All presentations by Anna Deavere Smith include theatrical performance elements, as she steps away from the podium, transforming herself into characters she has created and selected for each event. These living portraits of both legendary and everyday people illustrate and illuminate the themes of her topics.
If teachers, parents administrators, civic leaders, and politicians fail to listen; if they are over enchanted with their own voices or with some voices and not others, they will miss the opportunity to create community. A community of many strong voices with compelling questions is at the heart of a vibrant classroom, a vigorous citizenry, and a learned society.
Anna Deavere Smith researched health care, not from the perspective of politics, but through the stories of real people. She interviewed a few hundred people in the US and Africa in order to write and perform her critically acclaimed play “Let Me Down Easy.” From the perspective of doctors, patients, and people who push their bodies to the limit for sport and fashion, she brings the human touch to the issue of health care. In the end, the story of health care is the story of the vulnerability of the body and the resilience of the spirit.
We live in a winner take all society. And yet, part of our potential as humans is our potential for compassion and our resilience in the face of adversity. While doing research for her play "Let Me Down Easy", Anna Deavere Smith interviewed people in the US and abroad, who were able to have grace in the face of dramatic adversities. The speech celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of kindness, the strength of imagination in hope.
An exploration of race, community and character in America. Ms. Smith has been listening to people across the country from all walks of life for the last several years, using Walt Whitman's idea "to absorb America" as an inspiration. To illustrate her goal of bringing "people across the chasm" of what she calls the "complex identity of America," Ms. Smith slips in and out of character during the course of her presentation, recreating a diversity of emotions and points of view on controversial issues.
Anna Deavere Smith Videos
Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind
House Arrest and Piano: Two Plays
Talk to Me: Listening Between the Lines
Fires in the Mirror Crown Heights, Brooklyn and Other Identities..
Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992
How do I book Anna Deavere Smith to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Anna Deavere Smith for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Anna Deavere Smith, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Anna Deavere Smith or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Anna Deavere Smith for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Anna Deavere Smith, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Anna Deavere Smith, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Anna Deavere Smith speak about?
Anna Deavere Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Actor, Author, Music, Creativity, College, Inspirational, Philosophy, Faith & Religion, Futurism, Journalist, Social Activism, Social Justice, Civil Rights, Celebrity, Business, Diversity & Inclusion, Economy, Technology, Healthcare, Education, Culture, Government, Law, Executive Leadership, Political, Military, Leadership, History, Thought Leadership, Disruptive Thinking and Professors.
Where does Anna Deavere Smith travel from?
Anna Deavere Smith generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Anna Deavere Smith?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Anna Deavere Smith for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Anna Deavere Smith for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Anna Deavere Smith or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Anna Deavere Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Actor, Author and Music. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Anna Deavere Smith generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Hill Harper, John Legend and Van Jones. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Anna Deavere Smith for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Anna Deavere Smith Speaking Topics
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A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT PROGRAMS WITH ANNA DEAVERE SMITH
All presentations by Anna Deavere Smith include theatrical performance elements, as she steps away from the podium, transforming herself into characters she has created and selected for each event. These living portraits of both legendary and everyday people illustrate and illuminate the themes of her topics.
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS: AVAILABLE FOR A SPECIAL WORKSHOP ON "THE ART OF LISTENING
If teachers, parents administrators, civic leaders, and politicians fail to listen; if they are over enchanted with their own voices or with some voices and not others, they will miss the opportunity to create community. A community of many strong voices with compelling questions is at the heart of a vibrant classroom, a vigorous citizenry, and a learned society.
-
HEALTH CARE: THE HUMAN STORY
Anna Deavere Smith researched health care, not from the perspective of politics, but through the stories of real people. She interviewed a few hundred people in the US and Africa in order to write and perform her critically acclaimed play “Let Me Down Easy.” From the perspective of doctors, patients, and people who push their bodies to the limit for sport and fashion, she brings the human touch to the issue of health care. In the end, the story of health care is the story of the vulnerability of the body and the resilience of the spirit.
-
RECLAIMING GRACE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
We live in a winner take all society. And yet, part of our potential as humans is our potential for compassion and our resilience in the face of adversity. While doing research for her play "Let Me Down Easy", Anna Deavere Smith interviewed people in the US and abroad, who were able to have grace in the face of dramatic adversities. The speech celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of kindness, the strength of imagination in hope.
-
SNAPSHOTS: PORTRAITS OF A WORLD IN TRANSITION
An exploration of race, community and character in America. Ms. Smith has been listening to people across the country from all walks of life for the last several years, using Walt Whitman's idea "to absorb America" as an inspiration. To illustrate her goal of bringing "people across the chasm" of what she calls the "complex identity of America," Ms. Smith slips in and out of character during the course of her presentation, recreating a diversity of emotions and points of view on controversial issues.
VIDEO
Anna Deavere Smith Videos
BOOKS
Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind
House Arrest and Piano: Two Plays
Talk to Me: Listening Between the Lines
Fires in the Mirror Crown Heights, Brooklyn and Other Identities..
Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992
NEWS
Anna Deavere Smith News
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Gantt Symposium 2016 Featuring Anna Deavere Smith - The Harvey ...
Anna Deavere Smith, who is said to have created a new form of theatre, has been listening to people across the country from all walks of life for the last several ...
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In 'Notes,' an education in injustice from Anna Deavere Smith - The ...
In her powerful solo performance at the ART, Anna Deavere Smith portrays an array of characters ... By Patti Hartigan Globe Correspondent August 26, 2016.
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Second Stage Theater 2016-17 Season: Anna Deavere Smith, Tracy ...
The latest from writer- performer Smith is culled from more than 200 interviews centering on the U.S. education and justice systems.
FAQS
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How do I book Anna Deavere Smith to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Anna Deavere Smith for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Anna Deavere Smith, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Anna Deavere Smith or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Anna Deavere Smith for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Anna Deavere Smith, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Anna Deavere Smith, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Anna Deavere Smith speak about?
Anna Deavere Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Actor, Author, Music, Creativity, College, Inspirational, Philosophy, Faith & Religion, Futurism, Journalist, Social Activism, Social Justice, Civil Rights, Celebrity, Business, Diversity & Inclusion, Economy, Technology, Healthcare, Education, Culture, Government, Law, Executive Leadership, Political, Military, Leadership, History, Thought Leadership, Disruptive Thinking and Professors. -
Where does Anna Deavere Smith travel from?
Anna Deavere Smith generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Anna Deavere Smith?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Anna Deavere Smith for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Anna Deavere Smith for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Anna Deavere Smith or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOK ANNA DEAVERE SMITH
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All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
