Honored to play “Costella” in the World Premiere Musical “Because It’s Sunny in L.A. (especially on Skid Row) Click here for more info and tickets.
Performing an excerpt from Justice? Or… Just Me? The Fight this Denim Day for Peace Over Violence
Looking forward to being the keynote at the Interfaith Prayer Breakfast with Urban Voices.
Welcome Back to the Company of Angels! Welcome to the Vantage Point! Long form improv. Click the pic for more info. April 8-29.
Back At La Pintoresca Library! Date is changed from April 22 to April 8th.
Clean Stand Up Comedy!!! 3/28/23
Leading a Writing Workshop at my local library!
Honored to be performing, Justice? Or… Just Me? at the DVHSC’s Community Connections Summit
My performance is at 10:05am.
Reading the part of Emily “Mom”
Representing Urban Voices Project at this Black History Event honoring change makers.
Short Play Festival Alert!
Honored to have a 15 minute Featured Set at Lyrical Flames
Dec. 8th, 2022 Dinner and Screening with LA Poverty Department
Honored to be one of the panelists!
Excited to screen my mini documentary response to the Walk the Talk Online Archive.
Dec. 3rd, 2022 1:30p.m.-2:45p.m.
Looks like December is the month for panels for me! Honored to be among these amazing creatives Saturday for Hollywood Fringe Festival!
Saturday at @complextheatresandstudios from 1:30-2:45p, this dynamic team leads a convo about the future of LA Theatre. The pandemic & 2020 uprisings refocused creators towards new technologies, accessibility for all & authentic storytelling from vast cultures. Theatre is not the same, it’s better.
Our expert moderator:
Matthew has written & directed several productions at HFF including “Olivia Wilde Does Not Survive The Apocalypse”, “BlackBalled” & “Mary’s Medicine.” He also produced several shows including “Toughest Man in Chicago” & has mentored various productions as part of the HFF Scholarship & Access Committee.
Our accomplished panelists:
Lorinda is an actor, author, advocate, musician, writer, comedian, & award-winning filmmaker. She is the author of the book & play series, “Justice? Or… Just Me?” based on her journey as a domestic violence survivor, who while transitioning from houseless to housed earned her MBA. Her solo show “The Bite” was awarded the #hff21 Scholarship for productions with powerful community impact.
Tiana is a born & raised Angeleno trying to change the narrative that “LA is not a theatre town”. Her goal is to create theatre that gives a glimpse into a world of love & healing. Her creative focus revolves uplifting the voices of the underrepresented & marginalized, particularly that of queer Black women. Her inspirations include Audre Lorde, Rihanna, & her sister Jade. She is also a proud co-drafter of the LA ARTS Document, & co-founder of BLKLST, an organization focused on anti-racism & accountability in LA Theatre. She can be found on Youtube making comedy & gaming content with The 354 Squad.
Chacha is a Thai-American actor, writer & director. She is currently in her final year of the BFA Acting program at Cal Arts. Recent credits include Oedipus the King (CalArts), The Water Station (CalArts & Something In The Air (#hff22). She is currently the Assistant Director of The Brothers Paranormal (East West Players).
#hff23#lathr#lorindahawkinssmith #justiceorjustme#thebite#thefight#theflight
Nov. 18, 2022 UBUNTU
I will be sharing about Bridget “Biddy Mason” and performing an excerpt from my one woman show, Justice? Or… Just Me? The Bite.
Oct. 29 & 30, 2022 13th Skid Row Artists Festival
I’m hosting!
Oct. 22nd, 2022 11a.m CST/9a.m. PST “IT DIDN’T TAKE ME OUT!”
I get to share how I overcome grief on Arletha Orr (The Grief Coach) ‘s show on Facebook. My segment starts at 17:05. https://fb.watch/gk7ZW_8IU9/
Oct. 18th, 2022 6p.m. The Sandy Rodgers Show
I’m returning to The Sandy Rodgers Show this month as they focus on homelessness. Click the link in the show title for the episode.
Sept. 18th, 2022 1p.m. Book 2 Release Party!!! Click flyer to see livestream.
Reading the character, Rhodelle
Justice? Or… Just Me? The Fight Book 2 is now available on Kindle and Paperback
I’ll Be Judging Poetry and Celebrating the Release of My Book 2, The Fight
Release Party for My Book 2 is Postponed until Sept. 18th from 1-3p.m.
My Commissioned Play, Vaccination Elevation will be Read Live July 17th!
I am absolutely over the moon overjoyed that my commissioned play, Vaccination Elevation will have a live staged reading directed by Bernadette Speakes on July 17th at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. The play will be part of The Robey Theatre Company’s biennial Paul Robeson Theatre Festival 2022 from July 15th-17th. In addition to the pleasure of hearing my play read live, I get to also be one of the actors in the live reading of Buffalo Meets The Thunder! I’ll be playing Aset. https://www.therobeytheatrecompany.org/rsvppaulrobesontheatrefestival
Book Signing Event!!!
A Skeptic and A Bruja
So excited for the opportunity to play Priscilla in this world premiere of A Skeptic and A Bruja! Performances will first be in Sarasota, Florida at the Urbanite Theatre April-May. May-June will be in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Freefall Theatre.
Domestic Violence: What Is It? is an Official Selection of the Green Screen Film Festival
I entered the festival with a 7 minute version of my Domestic Violence: What Is It? PSA spoof. In the 7 minute version, I edit it for the challenge; As Fast As You Can, As Slow As You Dare. Now that it’s been selected it’s in the running for a People’s Choice Award. March 21-25, selected films will be premiering on their socials. Voting will run from March 26 – April 1st. People’s Choice will be announced April 3rd.
Reception and Black History-Themed Art Walk at Bergamot
Partnering with Building Bridges Art Exchange and the City of Santa Monica for their Black History Event by presenting Bridget “Biddy” Mason and her connection with the city of Santa Monica.
Justice? Or…Just Me? The Bite Will Be in SOLOFEST 2022!
My one woman show will be at the Whitefire Theatre Feb. 3rd for Black History Month as part of Solofest 2022. After the show there will be a Q & A facilitated by Downtown Women’s Center Domestic Violence and Homeless Services Coalition.
Tap the flyer for ticket link.
Black Children Games
My poem Black Children Games will be included in Spectrum Publishing’s Spectrum 30 book, Winter 2022 edition. The prompt was “30.” Honored to be one of the pieces selected. The book launch is January 29th. Almost 30. LOL.
First Author Reading and Book Signing!
First Author Reading and Book Signing held at My Place Cafe in Pasadena. Click the flyer for the link to the online recording of the whole event.
20 Minute Justice? Or… Just Me? The Bite
Honored to be asked to edit a 20 minute version of my solo show for this online festival celebrating Biddy Mason.
SHOCKFEST SILVER BULLET VIRTUAL SCREENING DEC. 10TH
The Virus is officially selected to be part of the Silver Bullet Virtual Screening in THE SHOCKFEST FILM FESTIVAL.
I GET TO PLAY (READ) MADAME VODSKAYA!!!
As a thank-you to our donors and patrons, we are offering this event for free! Bring the whole family and come home to Actors Co-op for the holidays!
Help us kick-off our new season and RSVP for free on our website: https://www.actorsco-op.org/the-gift-of-the-magi
Justice? Or…Just Me? The Bite in Broadway World!!!
BLACK VOICES SOLO FESTIVAL
This month is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and my BIRTHDAY month!
To celebrate my birthday, I’m partnering with Peace Over Violence to give a portion of the proceeds of my show Justice? Or…Just Me? The Bite to help victims of violence through their organization.
Here is the link for tickets
SHAKIN SH*T UP
So excited to SSU with these 3 beautiful humans that I first met at the 2019 Western Arts Alliance Conference (WAA).
The World Premiere Of JUSTICE? OR…JUST ME? THE BITE Will Be at The Hudson Guild Theatre in August
Justice? Or…Just Me? The Bite is in Broadway World!!!
This July 4th I Received my first shipment of my book Justice? Or…Just Me? The Bite!!!
Justice? Or…Just Me? The Bite at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2021
The first part of the Justice? Or…Just Me? trilogy, The Bite, my one woman show is going to be in the Hollywood Fringe Festival this summer! Now, I gotta raise funds!!!
If you would like to support me bring awareness to domestic violence, cick this link.
I Am a Commissioned Playwright for the Robey Theatre Company!!!
Phenomenal Black Women Who Rock!: REVIEW – March 26th, 2021
I was so impressed with this event, I had to write a review on my blog.
Neighborhood Sing with the Urban Voices Project – Guest Artist – March 24th, 2021- 4pm
Honored to be the guest artist for Neighborhood Sing with the Urban Voices Project.
Register to join the Zoom at urbanvoicesproject.org/programs or join us on Facebook Live!
The Imago Music Festival – March 12th – 21st, 2021 – Raising funds for Foster Youth– Video starts at 30:58 – Click on any of the images for the video of the performance.
I’m going to be doing a 40 minute musical set to help raise funds for United Friends of the Children (UFC). They work with foster youth to help prevent them from being a statistic since 36% of foster youth become homeless within 18 months of aging out of foster care. One in four foster youth are incarcerated within two years of aging out of foster care, and 30% of California prison inmates have spent time in foster care. 56% of LA County foster youth do not graduate from high school and less than 3% earn a college degree. 51% of foster youth are unemployed.
My set is March 15th at 7pm.
https://charity.gofundme.com/imago-lorinda
Video starts at 30:58
The Weekly Flapp – March 9th, 2021 – 7pm PST 
Click here for discounted tix: http://flc.cc/26V64SP
The Real Paul Show – March 5th, 2021 – 2pm PST, 5pm EST
Here’s the link https://soundcloud.com/lorinda-hawkins/the-real-paul-show
Hawthorne Business Expo – Entertainment – January 27th, 2021 – 10am – 2pm
I have the opportunity to provide 20 minutes of stand-up online at this year’s Hawthorne Business Expo. I go on at 11:30am PST.
Program of Events
How the Sun and the Moon Ended Up in the Sky – Narration
Had so much fun narrating this 5 minute piece based on the Nigerian Folktale. It is now up on Center Theatre Group’s website.
How the Sun and the Moon Ended Up in the Sky
Encore Show on Best Shows of 2020 #4 – Sandy Rodgers – December 22nd, 2020 – 6pm PDT
Honored to be included in the Top 5 Shows of 2020 in the #4 slot.
Flappers Yoo Hoo Room – Online Comedy – Oct 3rd, 2020 – 5 p.m.
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare – Soothsayer – Sept. 19th, 2020 – 5:30pm PDT
I’ll be playing Soothsayer in Evergreen Theatre Collective’s production of Julius Caesar, directed by Caitlin Hart. 20% of the proceeds go to Polaris to help fight human trafficking.
Latinx New Play Festival – The Cucuy Will Find You – Sept. 6th, 2020 – 1pm PDT
Ecstatic about getting to finally work with San Diego Rep! I will be playing Amy, Kee and part of the ensemble. This is a virtual play reading online.
Flappers Yoo Hoo Room – Sept 5th, 2020 – 9:30 p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets
Burbank Comedy “Covedy” Festival!!! -August 9th – August 22nd, 2020
Thankful to be one of the comedians chosen to perform in the Burbank Comedy “Covedy” Festival this year. I will be performing 5 minute sets, 3 days: August 11th, 13th and 19th.
Check it Out!
***Update***
After each of the shows in the festival, audience members were asked to vote for their favorite. That favorite would then be asked to be part of the Best of the Fest Show.
To my surprise, I was asked to be part of the Best of the Fest Show which took place August 22nd, the last day of the festival!!!
Click here to purchase tickets!
Click here to purchase tickets!
Click here to purchase tickets!
July 30th, 2020 – Wittiest Women – Flappers Virtual Main Room – 7p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets!
July 30th, 2020 – The Life and Death Of – 5pm – Dedicated to Toyin of BLM
Click here to purchase tickets!
July 9th, 2020 – Dreamers Unite – Interview airs – 4pm PST/7pm EST
June 7th, 2020 – Dreamers Unite – Interview Recording – 2pm PST/5pm EST
Honored to be a guest on Dreamers Unite! I’ll be sharing my story and performing my poem, “Air.”
June 7th, 2020 – Talkback for “The Last One” – 1p.m.
June 6th, 2020 – “Air” published in Cultural Weekly
My poem “Air” got published in Cultural Weekly!
June 2nd, 2020 – Virtual Play Reading of “The Last One”
May 22nd, 2020 – Flappers Comedy Club (Virtual)
http://flapperscomedy.com/booking/h2f_flyer.php?id=59521
May 19th, 2020 – Truthful Tuesday on LIFE, LOVE, & WELLNESS, THE SANDY RODGERS SHOW
Join me this Tuesday evening at 9pm EST / 8pm CMT / 6pm PST.
Call in 516-531-9819 or http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sandyrodgers.
Here’s the link to the recorded show: http://tobtr.com/s/11730056
April 28th, 2020 – Shot Mother’s Day Spots for Sorenson (All by myself at home!)
March 13th – April 27th, 2020 – Orphee – On Hold Due to Corona Virus
So excited to be voicing Eurydice and playing Death in “Orphee,” performances in Los Angeles and Tokyo. I’ll be working with the amazing Deaf West Theatre Company and the wonderful Deena Selenow will be directing. The play will be in American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English.
Update – We opened and closed on the same day, March 13th – Clopening. But we were able to record a performance. Here’s my favorite shot from that recorded performance.
March 8th, 2020 – LA Marathon – World Vision
Last year I did the half marathon. This year I’m doing the full marathon with World Vision to help raise money for clean water for all in Africa. If you would like to help support this vision, here is the link:
https://www.teamworldvision.org/participant/212150
February 11th, 2020 – LAPL Portraits Premiere – Los Angeles Public Library Historical Portraits Art Installation – Biddy Mason
October 28th – November 10th, 2019 – Pang! Tour in New England – Swing Cast Member
Here is a review of the show we did at Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse by the Vineyard Gazette.
October 21st – October 28th, 2019 – Gospel Mission Trip to Philippines
October 6th, 2019 – Urban Immersion with Westmont College students – Testimony and Theater Games
Sharing my testimony and leading the group in improv games.
October 5th, 2019 – Dramacalifragilisticexpialidocious – Other Voices, Our Voices
Excited to be one of the actors to work with playwrights as we come up with monologues on the spot and perform them in the festival.
August 23, 2019 – “The Queen of Los Angeles” Reading for The Robey Theatre Festival – Lucy Farrow
For those of you interested in a play where the Azusa Street Revival is front and center, this is for you. “The Queen of Los Angeles” is going to open the Robey Theatre Festival with a reading in which I get to read the role of “Lucy Farrow” along with many wonderful fellow actors. It opens this Friday!
thelatc.org/paulrobesontheatrefest
robeytheatrecompany.org
August 11, 2019 – Historical Figures Shoot – Biddy Mason – Los Angeles Public Library
May 18, 2019 – Summertime Rain Video Shoot – Phil ‘n Nem
April 26, 2019 – Homeward LA – Mimoda Studio – 7:30pm
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4201519
April 23, 2019 – Biddy Mason Sharing with Women and Mission Class @ Fuller Seminary – 6:30pm
March 24, 2019 – L.A. Marathon with World Vision
I’ll be doing a 1/2 marathon to help raise money to bring clean water to my sisters and brothers in Africa.
March 20, 2019 – Bruce’s Lounge – Hosted by Rudy Moreno – 8pm
March 10, 2019 – LA Urban Immersion with Westmont College – Improv Games and Sharing My Story (Justice? Or Just Me?) – Union Rescue Mission
February 20, 2019 – The Comedy Store – The Belly Room @ 8pm – Hosted by Vargus Mason
January 19, 2019 – Icehouse – Rudy Moreno’s 6 weeks to Stand Up – Graduation 6pm
January 14th and 16th, 2019 – Leading a 2 Day Workshop – “Telling Your Story” – Mayfield Senior High
A two day workshop of improv games, writing exercises and performing my mini one woman show (Justice? Or Just Me?) with Q & A following.
Lorinda Hawkins Smith 