Alumni - Our Extended Family

Generations of nationally, and internationally, recognized actors, directors, playwrights, designers, theatre technicians and artists have been nurtured by the Karamu House family. Our family legacy includes Langston Hughes, Ron O’Neal, Bill Cobbs, Beverly Todd, Minnie Gentry, Nate Barnett, Ivan Dixon, Dr. Zelma George, Clayton Corbin, Gilbert Moses, Robert Guillaume, Howard Roberts, Dianne McIntyre, Hank Nystrom Charles Sallee, William Smith are only a few of its famous alumni. Currently featured on TV shows are Karamu alums James Pickens, Jr.; Grey’s Anatomy and on the Chris Rock TV show, Everbody Hates Chris, Imani Hakim. We are proud of our heritage and those currently developing their craft within our programs and theatrical performances. The success of providing future artists with well respected nationally recognized programs depends on local and national support. If YOU are a Karamu Alum and would like to provide the same support you received please donate to Karamu today!

KARAMU ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT

From singing duets with some of the world's best known recording artists, singing on numerous movie soundtracks and doing voiceovers for commercials, to being vocal coach for television and movie personalities and her roles in five Broadway shows, it's no wonder Debra Byrd (known as Byrd) was tapped to be the vocal coach for the 2006 tour of High School Musical - The Concert and for the Justin Timberlake, My Grammy Moment Contest, 49th Annual Grammy Awards. Best known as the vocal coach and vocal arranger for American Idol® and Canadian Idol®, as well as the show's North American music tours, Byrd brings her knowledge of musical expression and her own experiences in performing to groups of eager singers.

With a natural gift for vocal artistry, Byrd not only helps the 'future Idols' perform and arrange their music selections, she is a mentor and in many ways the heart of American Idol® and Canadian Idol®.
The consummate artist, Byrd was born in Cleveland, Ohio to a musical family. She studied piano at an early age and studied opera for eight years beginning at age 12. As a teenager she co-founded and sang in two church choirs, performed in a band, and narrated childrens' concerts for the Cleveland Orchestra, one of the world's most revered ensembles. At the world renowned Karamu Theater, she received training in acting and improv while serving as musical director there as well as at the E. Cleveland and Dobama Theaters.

As an actor, Byrd received outstanding reviews for her role as 'Da Singer' in the national touring company of Bring In 'Da Noise, Bring In 'Da Funk. Byrd was also featured on Broadway in The Human Comedy, Barry Manilow on Broadway, Haarlem Nocturne and both the national tour and Broadway's Ain't Misbehavin'. In 2001, Byrd was nominated for a Black Theatre Alliance Award for 'Best Actress in a Musical' for Could It Be Magic?