American Program Bureau (APB) offers quality speakers from all areas of the Arts & Humanities that can cover genres such as Anthropology, Creativity, Dance, Film, Fine Arts, Music, Poetry, and Theater.
Our distinguished Arts & Humanities speakers add their own creative and innovative flair to each presentation and invite you to explore a diverse array of cultural, artistic, and educational perspectives. Whether you are looking for a famous face or an acclaimed talent who will put a unique spin on the traditional lecture, APB has an Arts & Humanities speaker that will make your event a success.
Jane Seymour
Truly a modern Renaissance woman, award-winning actress Seymour has found success in all aspects of her rich life. Recently a hit on Dancing with the Stars, she has gone from leading roles in films, on Broadway and on television in Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman to tapping into her talent as accomplished artist, ...
James McBride
An award-winning jazz musician, McBride is the author of The New York Times bestseller, The Color of Water, a memoir that has become a modern classic. Spike Lee directed the film adaptation of McBride's book, Miracle at St. Anna, paying tribute to African American soldiers who fought in WWII.
Judy Collins
Legendary folk singer, social activist, and best-selling author, Collins continues to chronicle life in her narration and song. But, she has also faced personal tragedy with the loss of her son to suicide. Articulating her story of survival with grace and dignity, she shares a deeply moving journey of renewal and ...
Rosie Perez
A film actress and choreographer, AIDS activist and women's rights advocate, Perez has been nominated for both an Emmy and an Oscar. She has recently produced, directed, and starred in Yo Soy Boricua, Pa Que Tu Lo Sepa: I Am Puerto Rican, Just So You Know, which chronicles the lives of Puerto Ricans living in the ...
Michael York
Audiences have long marveled at York's versatility with his impressive body of work on screen, stage, television, and in audio recording. In addition, this consummate performer has written several books and lectures on Shakespeare, the poetry of Rudyard Kipling, and the history and art of acting.
Victoria Rowell
Emmy-nominated Rowell has been honored with 12 NAACP Image Awards and is a staunch advocate for foster children. Her memoir, The Women Who Raised Me, reveals the transformational power of mentoring, love, art, and womanhood that inspires and empowers women and families. Her novel, Secrets of a Soap Opera ...
Matthew Pearl
The New York Times best-selling author of such acclaimed works as The Dante Club, The Poe Shadow, and his latest, The Last Dickens, Pearl is known for successfully meshing history, literature, and mystery. A gifted author loved for his intricate plots and cultured characters, his books have ...
David Mamet
The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright for "Glengarry Glenn Ross" and an award-winning film and television director, Mamet has also made a name for himself as author of The Wicked Son: Anti-Semitism, Self-hatred, and the Jews (Jewish Encounters), a provocative and passionate assertion about what it means to be Jewish ...
Alfre Woodard
Known for the challenging roles she's played on film and in television, critically acclaimed actress Alfre Woodard's work has earned her an Oscar nomination, four Emmy Award wins and 16 nominations, three SAG awards, and a Golden Globe. Woodard also enjoys philanthropic work and currently serves on the National Film ...
Spike Lee
One of America's most outspoken social critics, Lee is an all-around respected and talented filmmaker. Director of critically acclaimed, social conscious films including Inside Man, Malcolm X, and Do the Right Thing,his work is technically original, politically-inspired, and often controversial. His most ...
Diane Keaton
An actress, director, and producer, the Oscar-winning Keaton has over 50 films under her belt, including The Godfather, Something’s Gotta Give, and Father of the Bride. Admired for her intelligent humor, Keaton’s keynotes on gender and aging in Hollywood, being fearless, and balancing both work ...
Cheech Marin
As actor, director, writer, musician, Chicano art collector, and humanitarian, Marin is best known for his role as half of the hilarious "Cheech & Chong" duo. He has other television and movie credits to he name, and his Chicano art collection is the largest held by a private citizen.
Michael Emerson
An award-winning actor known for his role as "Benjamin Linus" in the hit series Lost, Michael Emerson is a 2009 Emmy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and a 2010 Golden Globe nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series, or Motion Picture Made for ...
Brian Dennehy
Brian Dennehy has won two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Play, in 2003 for Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” and in 1999 for the 50th anniversary production of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” Dennehy also received a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Emmy ...
Geraldine Brooks
Displaying a wide range of talent in her best-selling books March, Year of Wonders and Nine Parts of Desire: The Hidden World of Islamic Women, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Brooks consistently crafts fascinating, meticulously researched fiction and non-fiction, effortlessly bringing her subjects to ...
Ben Vereen
Few entertainers today are as accomplished or versatile as Ben Vereen. His legendary performances transcend time and have become woven into the fabric of this country’s artistic legacy. His strong sense of social consciousness make him an excellent speaker on overcoming adversity, black history, and motivational topics.
Ken Burns
One of the most accomplished filmmakers of his generation, Burns has profiled many aspects of American life, with his Emmy Award-winning series Baseball the most watched series in PBS history. Also known for his films on the Civil War, Jazz, and WWI, he paints an eloquent and moving landscape of America's ...
Kirk Franklin
A top artist in contemporary Gospel music, and the first Gospel artist to ever go platinum, Franklin has transformed and transcended the genre. Throughout his success, he never lost sight of his faith, remaining a devout Christian, and he continues to lead a youth outreach program. He shares his views on faith in ...
Janine Turner
Actress Janine Turner is a highly acclaimed public speaker. Her most recent projects include "The Janine Turner Radio Show – Hear the Thunder!" and Constituting America, a foundation devoted to educating American citizens and students about the United States Constitution. An avid reader and writer with a passion for ...
Ice-T
Hip-hop pioneer currently starring on Law and Order: SVU, Ice-T has risen up from the harsh realities of growing up disadvantaged to become a successful entertainer and entrepreneur. Serving as a sobering, yet inspirational, role model, he shares a powerful message with youth about overcoming adversity through ...