College & Independent Schools
Performing Arts
Performing Arts:
Award-Winning Immersive Concert Event
Incorporated in 2002, Video Games Live™ is an award-winning immersive concert event featuring music from the most popular video games of all time.
Legendary Journalist & News Anchor
One of the most renowned reporters of our time, Emmy-winning Dan Rather has experience and perspective few can match. He offers insight into world events and the significance of journalism today.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist & Author
Woodward is a journalistic icon who gained international attention when he and Carl Bernstein broke the news of the Watergate scandal. The author of 21 bestsellers, he delivers the inside scoop on Washington.
Executive Producer at Large of Masterpiece Theater
The creative force that brought Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Victoria, Poldark, Prime Suspect, The Forsyte Saga, Wolf Hall and dozens of other acclaimed British dramas to American audiences, Rebecca Eaton relaunched PBS’s Masterpiece to a new generation.
ABC News Veteran, Creator & Host, What Would You Do?
A lifetime of “never taking no for an answer” took Quiñones from migrant farm work to the anchor desk at 20/20 and Primetime and creating, What Would You Do?, the hit show he hosts.
Academy Award-Winning Actor
One of Hollywood's most respected actors and producers, Michael Douglas is also a UN Messenger of Peace, champion of social and environmental causes, and advocate for human rights and nuclear non-proliferation.
Academy Award-Winning Actor
One of the most celebrated actors of a generation, Robert Duvall has appeared in a number of now-classic films, including The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Film Critic, Living with Parkinson’s
One of the world’s most respected film critics and historians, Leonard Maltin is best known for his widely-used reference work Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide and its companion volume Leonard Maltin’s Classic Movie Guide.
Leading Authority on European Travel
A well-known travel expert who offers a uniquely accessible view into other cultures, Rick Steves provides fascinating presentations on Europe, Iran, and other destinations.
NBA Legend & NY Times Best Selling Author
A global icon that changed the game of basketball, Kareem is a Presidential Medal of Freedom Winner who now works to bring innovative educational opportunities to underserved communities.
New York Times Columnist & Pulitzer Prize-Winner
Maureen Dowd, winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary and author of three New York Times best sellers, became an Op-Ed columnist in 1995. In August 2014, she also became a writer for The Times Magazine.
Filmmaker & Former CEO, the Black Family Channel
Raised by a single mom on the West Side of Chicago, Townsend transcended his environment to become an actor, writer, director, comedian, producer and ultimately, the President and CEO of the Black Family Channel.
One-Man Jazz Show
St. Louis Missouri native, saxophonist and playwright, Jeff started the band the Jeff Robinson Trio in 1995 as a bridge between music and theatre. Jeff’s one-man show about jazz legend Charlie “Bird” Parker entitled “Live Bird” has appeared in NYC.
Noted Activist & Actor
Known for his role on M*A*S*H, Mike Farrell is dedicated to protecting human rights. A spokesperson for CONCERN/America, he speaks about overlooked topics as arms control, veterans’ rights, prison reform and more.
Storyteller, Author & Family Entertainer
Called “the Mark Twain of contemporary children’s music” by Entertainment Weekly, Bill Harley is one of the best storytellers by bringing commonality and humanity through comic songs and confessional spoken works.
Award-Winning Musical
The award-winning musical “Witness Uganda” documents the true story of Griffin Matthews, a black American who is battling to find his place in a world full of injustice and inhumanity.
Award-Winning Journalist & Commentator
Named "the best interviewer in the business" by Sports Illustrated, Roy Firestone is the former host of ESPN's Up Close Prime Time. Firestone is recognized for his gifts as a journalist, commentator and performer.
New York Times Best-Selling Author & Musician
McBride uses music and writing to share powerful stories such as The Color of Water, The Good Lord Bird and Miracle at St. Anna, which was adapted by Spike Lee.
Golden Globe-Winning Actor, #1 NYT Bestselling Author, Screenwriter & Producer
Chris Colfer is a Golden Globe-winning, Emmy and SAG Award nominated actor, #1 New York Times bestselling author, screenwriter and producer.
“One Hit Wanderer”
A peek behind the Rock & Roll curtains guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages! “One Hit Wanderer” is a one-man show written and performed by veteran singer, recording artist, actor and comedian Henry Gross.
Grammy-Winning Country Legend
Milsap tells his story in a rich program, I Wouldn't Have Missed It for the World, interspersing songs with the defining moments of his life. By sharing this, Milsap inspires others to follow their heart.
Tony Award Winning Actress
In an award-winning career that has encompassed TV, film, stage and concert work around the globe, Betty Buckley is probably best known as the quintessential musical theatre actress.
Poet & Actor
The subject of the acclaimed documentary Lemon, Lemon Andersen is taking the world of spoken word by storm with plays such as "ToasT" and "County of Kings."
Renowned Paranormal Researcher
Jeff Belanger is an author, adventurer and one of today's most visible paranormal researchers. The founder of the new legend tripping movement, he has interviewed thousands of eyewitnesses to paranormal occurrences.
Emmy-Winning CBS Sunday Morning Correspondent
Whether he’s covering AI, the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, the latest consumer tech, a post-robot world, or preparing for climate change, David Pogue is a master communicator who brings even the most non-technical audiences up to speed.
Actress, Artist & Philanthropist
A multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner, Jane Seymour has proven her talents in virtually all media, the Broadway stage, motion pictures and television. Her love of art and color has led to her great success as a painter and as a designer.
Musician & Reality TV Star
Born blind in his left eye due to congenital glaucoma, standout musician Blessing Offor of The Voice emigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria. With a love of people and energy, Offor is making his dreams come true.
Award-Winning Spoken Word Artist
The Tony, Peabody and Emmy Award-winning, six-time HBO Def Poet Black Ice is credited with being a major pioneer of this millennium in turning spoken word into a mainstream art form.
Legendary Folk Singer & Activist
Following her son's suicide, iconic singer Judy Collins survived her grief through her passion for words and music. Today, she shares her moving experience with all audiences.
Cross-Cultural Performance
In The Color Orange, long-time friends Mohammed Bilal and Josh "Boac" Goldstein challenge American notions by offering a vibrant new look at race, racism and how we get along.
Filmmaker
An outspoken social critic, Spike Lee has directed critically acclaimed, socially conscious films such as Do The Right Thing, Malcolm X, When The Levees Broke, 4 Little Girls and his latest, BlacKkKlansman.
Award-Winning Entertainer
Speaker Ben Vereen's credits include Broadway's "Wicked," Roots, and Law and Order. He addresses such topics as black history and overcoming adversity.
Award-Winning Music Historian
Dr. John Edward Hasse helps audiences understand the power music has to move and inspire us to greater heights. He is a gifted pianist, author and editor of several books including Jazz: The First Century.
Concert Pianist & Psychiatrist
A concert pianist and psychiatrist, Richard Kogan is known for his work on the connections between music and healing and on the influence of medical and psychiatric illnesses on the creative output of composers.
A Theatrical Performance
The Off-Broadway hit is back and full of the history, passion, and sheer drama that established the prominence of Flow-Theater Spoken Word. This classic choreopoem is redesigned with music and simple staging.
Award-Winning Yiddish Comedy Web Series
In the summer of 2014, Jamie Elman and Eli Batalion set off to pay tribute to the Yiddish language, culture and comedic tradition. Calling it “YidLife Crisis,” they created the internet’s first Yiddish sitcom.
Former Host of the Nightly Show
An Emmy Award winner, Wilmore is a comedic force on and off-screen, speaking out on diversity, politics, current events, culture and beyond.
Rapper & Actor, Law & Order: SVU
Hip-hop pioneer Ice-T has risen from a disadvantaged childhood to become a successful entertainer and entrepreneur. A sobering, yet inspirational, role model, he discusses overcoming adversity with education.
Illusionist & Magician
From his astounding “Cage Levitation” and “Walking Through a Brick Wall” to his cutting edge “Teleportation” and “Plasma” illusions, Bishop features stunning & original state of the art magic.
World-Renowned Theoretical Physicist
Dr. Michio Kaku is an authority in Einstein's unified theory field, innovation, and "the future of the future.” He explores the science of tomorrow from computing power and AI to communication and genetics.
Theoretical Physicist Known for Supersymmetry
A pioneer in advancing our understanding of supersymmetry, supergravity, and string theory, Gates captivates with his ability to explain complex theories in a fun, accessible way.
Animal Scientist & Autism Self-Advocate
The most accomplished adult with autism in the world, Grandin inspired the HBO film Temple Grandin (starring Claire Danes). Grandin shares the challenges and successes of her fascinating life.
Bestselling Author & Creator of the Wildly Popular Blog Wait But Why
Tim Urban is a wildly popular thinker, blogger, illustrator, and speaker beloved for his ability to make sense of our world and humanity in head-spinning, hilarious ways.
NYT Best-Selling Author & Motivational Leader
Moore energizes audiences with his remarkable personal story of overcoming adversity through education, embracing personal responsibility and emerging as an inspirational leader.
Photographer of Infants in Whimsical Settings
Anne Geddes creates images that are iconic, award winning and beloved. She speaks about growing her business from nothing to an international brand, being a global children's advocate and following your dreams.
Co-Founder, Apple Computer, Inc.
Speaker Steve Wozniak changed the computer world when he designed Apple's first product line: Apple I and II. He is also a philanthropist focusing on computer use in schools.
Correspondent, NPR Washington Desk
Mara Liasson is a national political correspondent for NPR. Her reports can be heard regularly on NPR's award-winning newsmagazine programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning NYT Columnist
How good do you really have to be, to be christened the reporter’s reporter…by other reporters? You have to be Nicholas Kristof – good.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Author
The author of Life, Animated (inspiration for the Academy Award nominated film of the same name) shares his journey of connecting with his son, who has autism, through Disney movies.
Hip-Hop Artist & Actor
LL COOL J is an entertainer crossing all mediums. A talented actor starring in NCIS: Los Angeles, two-time Grammy Award winner and NAACP Image Award winner, LL continues to display his wide range of talents.
A Theatrical Performance
Informative presentation to help healing in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy. "One Race" takes an honest look at prejudice, racism, homophobia and terrorism through poignant monologues and poetic scenes.
Host of the Podcast Harry Potter & The Sacred Text
Vanessa is currently a research assistant at Harvard Divinity School, a proctor at Harvard University, and the co-host of the podcast Harry Potter & The Sacred Text and the upcoming podcast, Hot & Bothered.
Jewish A Cappella Group
Often travelling with little more than the shirts on their backs and the ties on their necks, the Maccabeats have entertained and inspired hundreds of audiences worldwide, from Alabama to (New) Zealand and everywhere in between.
Writer, Performer & Consultant
Whether ALOK is selling out an international performance tour, publishing essays and books advocating for LGBTQ equality, designing a new fashion collection, or speaking about a 21st century approach to gender rights – their distinctive mix of charisma, poetry, and intellect has made them one of the most dynamic artists of our times.
The Professors: Nationally Recognized Educators
This unusual duo of tuba and piano, present events containing musical performances as well as opportunities to discuss diversity in many of its forms – gender, race, cultural, ideological and textural.
Dancer, Musician & Choreographer
Dallas Arcand Jr. is an accomplished 20 year old second generation hoop dancer and aboriginal entertainer from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Starting from an early age, he's been in front of crowds of up to 40,000 people at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo.
Actor & Filmmaker
Sean Astin is an actor and director known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Goonies, Rudy and Netflix’s Stranger Things 2. Son of actress Patty Duke, he is an advocate for mental health awareness, civic engagement and more.
Award-Winning Producer & Founder, FilmAid
Caroline Baron is a film producer whose credits include Capote and Monsoon Wedding, and the founder of FilmAid International, a nonprofit that serves Kosovo refugees in Macedonia
Award-Winning Multidisciplinary Artist, Writer & Cultural Worker
Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, writer, pedagogue, and cultural worker based in Philadelphia PA.
Plays “Nessarose” in Universal’s Wicked Duology, PRWeek’s Communicator of the Year & Inspirational Changemaker
Marissa Bode is a groundbreaking actor and disability advocate who made her feature-film debut as principal character Nessarose in Universal’s Wicked duology, directed by Jon M. Chu.
Host of Open Studio with Jared Bowen
Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen is the Emmy award-winning host of the weekly television series, Open Studio with Jared Bowen, which takes viewers inside the creative process, offering a blend of profiles, performances, and contemporary exhibitions by artists.
Documentary Filmmaker
Named "the most accomplished documentary filmmaker of his generation" by The New York Times, speaker Ken Burns produced unparalleled features such as The Civil War and Lewis and Clark.
Performing Artist, Founder of the Sphinx Organization, & Best-Selling Author
Named a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, President Obama’s first appointment to the National Council on the Arts and member of President Biden’s Arts Policy Committee, Aaron P. Dworkin is former dean and current Professor at the University of Michigan.
NYT Correspondent & Filmmaker
Adam Ellick is a Senior Video Journalist at The New York Times known primarily for “Class Dismissed: Malala’s Story.” Ellick has visited more than 70 countries, often earning a front row seat to historic events.
Award-Winning Actor, Lost
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.
Best-Selling Author
Therese Anne Fowler’s best-selling book Z, A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald brings justice to the legacy of F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife, Zelda. She speaks on her writing career and the importance of community libraries.
Actor, Comedian & Writer
One of Hollywood’s fastest rising young talents, Jermaine Fowler can most recently be seen in RETREAT for FX. He can previously be seen in Tim Story’s feature, THE BLACKENING, which premiered at TIFF in 2022.
Businessman, Gospel Singer & Motivator
The first Gospel artist to go platinum and multi-platinum, Franklin has transformed the genre. He inspires audiences across generations with his touching story and views on faith and culture.
Filmmaker & Researcher
Ron Galloway is the director of Why Wal-Mart Works and producer of Oflag 64: A P.O.W. Odyssey. He is a conservative columnist for Huffington Post and writes a Wal-Mart blog on why Wal-Mart does and does not work.
Singer/Songwriter
For more than 35 years, Debbie Gibson has been a true pioneer and force in the entertainment industry. A singer, songwriter, producer, musician, actor, and entrepreneur, she embodies what it truly means to be an icon.
Counselor & Stand-Up Comic
David Granirer is a counselor, stand-up comic and a pioneer in using humor to increase wellness, reduce stress, and cope with change. He also taught stand-up comedy to recovering drug addicts & cancer patient.
Actress of Stage & Screen
Jasmine Guy played the iconic southern belle "Whitley Gilbert" on the Cosby Show spinoff A Different World. She has performed on stage, screen, and TV, directs, writes, and has toured with her self-titled album.
Award-Winning American Historian, Bestselling Author & Journalist
Best-selling author, prize-winning journalist, acclaimed biographer and cultural historian Wil Haygood tells the story of America through the lens of history, politics, sports, race and the lives of change-making African-Americans.
Actor & Voice of Allstate Insurance Co.
Best known for his role on 24 and as the voice of Allstate, he also heads the Haysbert Humanitarian Foundation which provides education, food, energy and water to the next generation.
Broadway Star
One of the greatest voices of the new millennium, Jennifer Holliday gives concerts across the world. Having lived with depression for over ten years, she shares that there is a healing path out of the darkness.
Actor & Activist
Appearing in Ghostbusters and The Crow, Ernie Hudson’s journey to Hollywood success was not without difficulties. He shares how he overcame seemingly insurmountable problems and inspires others to persevere.
Former Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts
Bill Ivey is the Founding Director of the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy at Vanderbilt University, an arts policy research center. He’s a brilliant speaker on fine arts and author of Arts, Inc.
Playwright & Performer, Bridge & Tunnel
Sarah Jones is a Tony and Obie Award-winning playwright and performer known for her multi-character, one-person show Bridge & Tunnel. She is renowned for her humanitarian stories told through a multicultural lens.
Broadway Star
Sandra Joseph is a legendary Broadway star who played the leading female role (Christine) in The Phantom of the Opera longer than any other actress in history — more than 1,500 shows in a record-breaking 10 years.
Award-Winning Artist & Subject of the Hulu Series, Woke
Keith Knight is one of the funniest and most highly regarded cartoonists in America, and the creator of three popular comic strips. His life and cartoons are the inspiration of the Hulu streaming-series Woke, which he also co-created.
Conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra
With over 25 years experience as Conductor of the Boston Pops, Keith Lockhart's tenure includes over 2,000 performances, 45 national tours to more than 150 cities, and four international tours.
"Maria" on Sesame Street & Best-Selling Author
Having retired her iconic Sesame Street character “Maria,” Manzano now dedicates her time to speaking and writing on education, communication, and Hispanics in the media.
Emmy-Nominated Storyteller, Classically-Trained Opera Singer & On Tour with NPR's "The Moth"
Prepare to embark on a powerful and inspiring journey with Deonna Marie as she shares her incredible story of triumph over adversity.
Veteran Comedy Emcee & Professional Speaker
McInnis has been performing comedy, emceeing events and delivering humor keynotes for the past 15 years. She’s worked with corporations, associations and professional events to make sure the event is a HIT.
Acclaimed Cinematic Pioneer & CalArts Faculty
Considered a cinematic feminist pioneer and one of America’s foremost independent filmmakers, Menkes has shown widely in major international film festivals including multiple premieres at Sundance, the Berlinale, Cannes and more.
Physicist & Best-Selling Author
Leonard Mlodinow, co-author with Stephen Hawking on the latest bestseller The Grand Design, explores the four-year effort to answer the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything.
Documentarian & Emmy-Winning Producer
Stanley Nelson, an Emmy-winning MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Art & Sciences, is the director of thirteen documentary features.
Dir. Center for Health Policy Research & Ethic
Len Nichols is the director of the Center for Health Policy Research & Ethics, a professor of health policy at George Mason University, and the founder and director of Health CEOs for Health Reform.
Conductor / Symphonic Music Presenter
After a distinguished career at the helm of two American orchestras, Roger Nierenberg is now emerging as a creative force for innovation in the presentation of symphonic music.
Emmy, Tony & Grammy Award-Winning Actress
Cynthia Nixon has completed her final season of HBO's celebrated series, Sex and the City, in which she played "Miranda Hobbes," a role that garnered her 2002 and 2003 Emmy nominations.
Creator of Noonoouri
Joerg Zuber combined love for fashion, beauty, and self-expression led him to create Noonoouri, one of the most successful virtual influencers on Instagram.
Victim of Brain Injury - Mathematical Marvel
When Padgett was attacked by muggers outside a karaoke club ten years ago, he thought he was going to die. Repeatedly kicked in the head, his brain trauma caused him to develop a mysterious mathematical gift.
Author, Emcee & Producer
Dubbed "the conscience of rap" by Rolling Stone, KRS-ONE's Temple of Hip-Hop Kulture, is a hip-hop preservation society that promotes hip-hop as a strategy toward health, love, awareness and wealth.
Journalism Professor, NYU & Editor, PandoDaily
As a journalism professor at New York University and editor of PandoDaily, he has successfully navigated through the world of print and online media, providing his own unique theories and opinions on them.
Co-Host, Pod Save America
Dan Pfeiffer is a former White House communications director, noted political and digital strategist, Pod Save America co-host, CNN contributor, and best-selling author.
Legendary Keyboardist
Greg Phillinganes is one of the world’s most sought-after Keyboard artists. A Detroit native and music veteran for over 40 years, he began his career in 1975 with Stevie Wonder as part of his band, Wonderlove.
Actor, Ugly Betty / Education Advocate
With an acting career in film, television, and theater spanning almost thirty years, starred on the hit series Ugly Betty. A former teacher, he maintains his passion for education.
GRAMMY-Nominated Poet; Human & Civil Rights Activist; Filmmaker; Author of 16 Books
Kevin Powell is one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America today. Kevin has gone on to author 14 books, including When We Free The World, his new short essay collection about freedom in America.
"Culture Vulture" on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
Most recognized for his role in Bravo’s culturally groundbreaking series Queer Eye For The Straight Guy, Jai created a niche role on the Emmy Award-winning series as the ‘Culture Vulture,’ a youthfully savvy addition to the show’s dynamic cast.
Founder & Artistic Director of National Disability Theatre
Mickey Rowe is on the autism spectrum. He was the epicenter of significant publicity when he became the first autistic actor to play Christopher Boone, the lead role in the Tony Award-winning play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
Filmmaker, Founder of Webbys & Author
Speaker Tiffany Shlain offers insight on the future of work, how the Internet is changing filmmaking, the shifting roles of women, the creative process, and American Jewish identity.
Rap Artist & Community Activist
Performer, author, and activist Sister Souljah organizes community youth events that encourage activism. Her best-selling books include No Disrespect.
Motivational Speaker, Musician, Author, Veteran & Entrepreneur
Sleeping in a homeless shelter. Bouncing between foster homes. Losing his mother to suicide. And that’s just the beginning. Ryan Stream’s story didn’t start in the spotlight, it started in survival mode.
Award-Winning Actor, Activist & Author
A breakout star of FX’s Golden Globe-nominated series, Pose, Ryan Jamaal Swain is a triple-threat actor, dancer, and singer who was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for his LGBTQIA+ activism.
Choreographer & Creativity Cultivator
Choreographer and speaker Twyla Tharp has created over 130 dances and choreographed several movies and Broadway shows. She penned the self-help book The Creative Habit.
International Award-Winning Mind Reader
Mark Toland is an international award-winning mind reader. His entertainment is the go-to choice for major corporate and college events around the world.
Author, Humorist & Public School Advocate
Tsing Loh is an award-winning author, academic and host of the syndicated radio show "The Loh Down on Science." She is also the author of the book The Madwoman In The Volvo: My Year Of Raging Hormones.
Global Drag Icon, International Performer, Director, & Host, and LGBTQ+ History Scholar
Sasha Velour is a gender-fluid drag queen and visual artist. As a drag artist, Velour has toured the world with her acclaimed one-queen drag spectacular Smoke & Mirrors, bewitching audiences on 3 continents.
Actress & Recording Artist
A versatile performer, speaker Vanessa Williams has conquered Broadway, film, and TV. She has sold over 4 million albums worldwide and inspires others to seize opportunity.
CEO of Critical Role
Travis Willingham is best known as a member of Critical Role and voicing Grog Strongjaw in "The Legend of Vox Machina."
Emmy Award-Winning Actress
Emmy-winning Alfre Woodard has acted in Desperate Housewives and The Practice. She co-founded Artists for New South Africa, a nonprofit promoting AIDS awareness.
Former Conductor, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra
Former conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, speaker Benjamin Zander addresses teamwork, creativity, leadership, and the transformational power of music.