Lloyd Thomas Jr: “I believe that knowledge + discipline = success”

Teacher by day, and “artpreneur” by night, well in the hours not devoted to teaching,  the indefatigable Lloyd Thomas Jr is passionate about two things: the creative and performing arts and education. He is compelled as he puts it “to strive to make a difference and revive” the arts.  With his registered theatrical production company, Lloyd N De Arts Production, the St Joseph High Spanish and Theatre Arts teacher is certainly striving to make that difference.
“Lloyd N De Arts Production is a company of 21 members who possess a variety of talents such as acting, dancing, singing and cinematography. We envision a nation where the positive energies of youths are channelled into the creative arts sector, keeping them less interested in the negative ills of society while providing them with meaningful learning experiences through the performing arts,” he explained.
The 27-year-old, who is currently pursuing a degree in Spanish at the University of Guyana while supervising almost-daily rehearsals for a May production titled “Culturama” and completing a course in business training, added: “Apart from the theatrical aspects, we are also the official franchise holder of the inaugural Miss Cultured Guyana Pageant. This second arm of the company holds another committee that is in charge of the aspects of the pageant. Persons involved here are Ms Alicia Bess, Mr Sylvesterc Rae and Ms Lisa Adams, along with Ms (Faye) Caleb. To date, we have crowned one queen, Ms Akiela Dey and look forward to crowning another in October of this year.”

Thomas says he sees his company evolving to greatness. Also on his to-do list are: rebuilding theatre in Guyana; engaging youths in meaningful activities, preserving our cultural heritage, giving women a voice while encouraging them to be proud of who they really are, and fostering a good relationship with the State.
His simple, calm, unruffled demeanour belies the demands he places on himself and his intense focus on excellence. Indeed, there was a sense of inevitability that he would accomplish these lofty goals.

The Kwakwani, Upper Berbice native, who now resides in Georgetown, says that he is intrinsically motivated, by the need to see theatre and the youths thriving.
“My single greatest influence is my grandmother, Margaret Thomas. She raised me to be the independent, smart and creative individual I am today. Additionally, there was my aunt, Denetta Joseph-Jeffrey, who was very influential through her motivational talks and great advice. Both of these strong women are responsible for shaping my character and my place in society.”
Relating how Lloyd N De Arts Production got started, he said “after placing first in the school’s Drama Competition locally, I was encouraged by my peers, one of whom is Ms Faye Caleb, to expand my horizons. So I reviewed the thought and ventured straight into it”. On January 5, the business was officially launched with the “‘Youths in Performing Arts” production and a team of six persons on board — Thomas, Ms Caleb, Teneisha Crawford, Tyries Hunte, Kenacia Marc and Kemo Cort as the Stage Manager. The entrepreneur also highlighted those who were instrumental as performers in the production – Shontel MC Lean, Kimberly Samuels, Roshini Boodhoo’s Jewan Ka Nyritia, the St Joseph High drama students and Renata Burnett. Also part of the team is designer Quinton Pearson from the  renowned House of Pearson Designs.
“I have gained a wealth of knowledge throughout this process and valuable lessons, such as the importance of team building and personality development,” Thomas reflected. “… I was recently given the privilege to work with Mr Roshan Khan to develop my business skills,” he added, revealing another essential element in the systemic strategy he is deploying to achieve greatness in theatre.
In June, persons who are interested in becoming part of the theatre company can go through auditions to join the group of creative individuals as they look to expand.
You can experience Thomas’s “Culturama: Guyanese Culture At Its Best”, an evening of dance, storytelling, music and drama, showcasing our rich cultural heritage on May 6, 2017 at the Theatre Guild Playhouse. Tickets cost $1500 and show time is 20:00h. Thomas may be contacted on www.facebook.com/Lloyd-N-De-Arts-Production; [email protected]; or 651-0699, 223-4196.