AYINDE HURREY, Founder/Director (hurreyupcp.arts@gmail.com), was born in Manhattan, New York and raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina.  At an early age, he began his career on the stage as a drummer/musician with The Cultural Movement, Inc., a company founded by his father, Raymond “Nilaja” Hurrey, the original percussionist for The Last Poets.    Ayinde’s background in African dance and percussion has provided him with the opportunity to perform as a guest artist with various dance companies all over the country and abroad.

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Ayinde decided to develop his talents as an actor, writer, and director.  He studied at North Carolina Central University in Durham, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and pursued his graduate training at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he received his M.F.A. in Acting.  As an actor, he has played numerous roles in university as well as regional theatres.  As a director, he has produced numerous West African dance concerts, West African percussion compositions as well as stage plays.  Ayinde’s most recent works have been writing and directing his solo show, Nappy Journeys; which was chosen as one of the main stage productions at the 2009 National Black Theatre Festival, and producing The Soul Plays series in Pensacola, FL.      

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As an educator, Ayinde has trained elementary to university level students, teaching the various aspects of the working theatre.  He has conducted workshops in acting performance to youth and young adults in various communities as well as workshops in movement.  Ayinde has worked as a teacher for the New York City Board of Education, Wayne County, Escambia County, Johnston County, and Oklahoma City public schools.

 

Ayinde continues to spread his theatrical energy to audiences both near and far through the efforts of Hurrey-UP Consulting & Performing Arts.  Hurrey-UP aims to deliver quality workshops in acting, West African dance and drumming, play productions, and arts residencies that offer several styles of programming. The company maintains a particular focus on cultural awareness, diversity, and education.