New York (2020-Present)

 

Davon is a talented producer and performer known for his notable contributions to the entertainment industry. Recently, he served as the lead producer and manager of the Broadway for Racial Justice (BFRJ) and Broadway Black Halloween party, titled "The Reckoning," which garnered significant attention. This project held great significance as it was sponsored by the Tank, with BFRJ acting as the fiscal sponsor.

In his role as the lead producer, Davon successfully raised funds for the event. Through his efforts, the event received a generous $15,000 grant from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDs, with the personal support and endorsement of Tom Viola, the Executive Director of BCEFA. This financial backing played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the event.

Davon's responsibilities encompassed various aspects of event organization, including ticketing, marketing, press coordination, and COVID policy implementation. Collaboration was key, and he worked closely with 56 different organizations and productions to bring "The Reckoning" to life. Managing the event's finances was also a crucial task, and within a span of three weeks, Davon orchestrated a sold-out event with over 500 attendees, generating an impressive revenue of more than $34,000.

Additionally, Davon skillfully handled contracts and coordinated a celebration and send-off for Adrienne Warren, who had recently concluded her contract with TINA The Musical. This momentous occasion added an extra layer of significance to the event.

One of the proudest achievements of Davon's production was its positive impact on employment. Over 30 people of color were provided with opportunities through the event, which garnered recognition as one of the best Halloween parties of 2021. This acknowledgment served as validation for the hard work and dedication invested in making "The Reckoning" a memorable and successful experience.

"The Reckoning" marked Davon's most significant production since his move to New York City during the pandemic, making it a particularly meaningful milestone. The experience served as a valuable learning opportunity, revealing areas where he could further improve his producing skills on a larger scale. Administrative aspects of producing, such as taxes, state and local laws, zoning, and technical aspects of the job, emerged as areas where Davon desired to expand his knowledge and expertise.

Davon's accomplishments extend beyond producing. He is a two-time Anthem Award winner, an international performer, NYCLU Artist Ambassador, Former Eastern Principal Delegate for the Actors' Equity Association, Former Communications Director for Black Theatre Coalition, and a TED Talk alum. He authored the Black Theatre Matters Bill, a landmark legislation that passed at the Actors' Equity Association's First National Convention. His work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Deadline, Forbes, CBS, Playbill, The Daily Beast, BroadwayWorld, 60 Minutes, and numerous other platforms and publications.

In his acting career, Davon has portrayed notable roles, including Whizzer in Rep Stage's Production of Falsettos, Trevor in the Fulton Theatre's Production of The Play That Goes Wrong, Booker T. Washington in Bay St. Theatre's Ragtime, Nomax in the Fulton Theatre's Production of 5 Guys Named Moe, and Man in Red in the Fulton Theatre's award-winning world premiere production of For Colored Boyz. He has headlined and participated in a series of concerts and cabarets, showcasing his versatility and talent on stage.

Davon's involvement in industry activism is commendable. He played an active role in the planning for the March on Broadway, a protest demanding a more equitable industry, which outlined six major demands in their public statement. He has also made digital media appearances, including a notable appearance on FBI and other shows.

As an innovator, Davon launched the surprise digital hit podcast, The Receipts w/ Davon Williams. This interactive platform serves as a community hub where participants work together to expose inequities in the entertainment business, draft solutions, and take action through policy. The podcast has garnered a peak viewership of over 20,000 and has reached an audience of over 250,000.

Davon has had the pleasure of collaborating with esteemed organizations and individuals such as the Broadway League, The Lin Manuel Miranda Family, Maestra Music, Be An Arts Hero, and the Episcopal Artists Guild, contributing his expertise and passion to various projects within the industry.

 

South East Asia (2014-2019)

 

Davon's journey took an exciting turn in 2014 when he relocated to Hong Kong to join the enchanting world of Disney. His talent and dedication led him to portray the iconic character Scar in the captivating production of the FESTIVAL OF THE LION KING. This extraordinary show seamlessly blends English, Ndebele, Mandarin, and Cantonese, captivating audiences from diverse backgrounds.

Driven by his passion for nurturing artistic growth, Davon played a pivotal role in establishing Musical Mondays—a platform that empowers ExPat artists in honing their skills. His contributions extended beyond the stage as he lent his captivating voice to the Hong Kong "Frozen Festival" Asian tour and lent his voice to the groundbreaking ceremonies of Hong Kong Disney. Davon's magnetic presence has graced stages across Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Macau, and Mainland China, where he has hosted and performed. Notably, he also made memorable guest appearances on two Chinese television shows, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Davon's impact reaches beyond entertainment, as he delved into the world of TED talks. In his first poignant presentation, he shed light on the pervasive issue of Childhood Trauma, sharing alarming statistics that reveal how a significant portion of the world's population has experienced traumatic events during their formative years. Through his powerful storytelling and heartfelt performance, Davon shares his personal journey as part of the 60% affected by abandonment, grief, and post-traumatic growth.

For his second TED project, Davon embarked on a collaborative endeavor with esteemed Choreographer Cristopher Villones Flauta, joined by a talented ensemble of dancers—Janesa Rae de Guzman, Dan Nikkoli Emmanuelle Soria, and Kimberly Anne Mendoza. Together, they created a mesmerizing performance that explores the complex relationship between life and humanity. Davon's soul-stirring narration, accompanied by the poignant song "Read All About It" by Emeli Sandé, evokes deep emotions. Cristopher Villones Flauta, a valued member of Disneyland Hong Kong's entertainment team, adds his choreographic expertise to this remarkable piece. With a background rooted in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance, Crease has showcased his talent in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the United States.

These thought-provoking TED talks were independently organized events within the TEDx format, allowing Davon to share his personal experiences and artistic collaborations with the local community.

Davon is a multifaceted artist who has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment through his compelling performances on stage and screen. Beyond his artistic endeavors, he utilizes platforms like TED talks to shed light on significant social issues and collaborate with fellow artists to create meaningful and impactful pieces of art.

 

Los Angeles(2013-2017)

 

Davon's career boasts an impressive portfolio of national commercial campaigns, including notable brands such as Campbell's Soup, General Auto Insurance, and Miller-Mott. Notably, his Campbell's commercial garnered widespread acclaim, leading to its international airing in Canada, Mexico, and France. Additionally, his General Auto Insurance commercial achieved tremendous success, extending its run for an additional two years.

Venturing into the realm of stand-up comedy, Davon took the stage at LA's renowned Comedy Store, making three memorable appearances. His second performance even saw him opening for esteemed comedians Whitney Cummings and Bobby Lee.

Davon's talents also extend to the world of film and television, with notable appearances on SPIKE TV and NETFLIX. His lead role in the independent film Naked Dragon earned him high praise from reviewers, who hailed him as the backbone of the production, describing him as sexy, talented, and captivating. Furthermore, he showcased his acting prowess in the films REDDING and TANGO MACBETH, both of which have enjoyed considerable acclaim at film festivals both in America and abroad.

In the realm of live theater, Davon's talent shone through in McCoy/Rigby's International tour of DREAMGIRLS, where he impressively juggled the roles of a cast member and the primary voiceover artist for the show. The cast's exceptional performance earned them a nomination in the "Best Ensemble" category at the Ovation Awards. Recognized for his standout portrayal in DREAMGIRLS, Davon was selected to join Rachel York and Betty Buckley on the Ahmanson Stage in Center Theatre Group's hit production of GREY GARDENS, requiring him to depart the tour midway. Following this success, he embarked on a starring role in Ensemble Theatre Company's production of PORGY AND BESS in Santa Barbara, where he portrayed the character Jake. Notably, Davon's involvement in the promotional tour contributed to the production's soaring popularity, garnering exceptional press, expanding the donor base, and breaking all previous sales records.

 

Philadelphia (2009-2013)

 

Driven by his experiences with EducationWorks, Davon embarked on a career dedicated to theater education immediately after graduating from college. His exceptional talent and deep-rooted passion established him as one of Philadelphia's leading teaching artists. Drawing from his intricate upbringing and expertise in theatrical deconstruction, Davon excelled in engaging with more than 42 schools throughout Pennsylvania. His unwavering commitment to using theater and performance techniques as tools for promoting literacy and self-empowerment was evident in his diverse instructional repertoire, encompassing acting, playwriting, improvisation, and poetry. Noteworthy collaborations included Theatre Exile, KIPP Charter School, Northeast High School, Build-A-Bridge, Norris Square, Walnut Street Theatre, the Young Men's Leadership School at Fitzsimons, Bucknell University, and Purdue University.

Versatility defined Davon's approach as he adeptly taught students ranging from kindergarteners to adults. His influential role as the Director of Theatre and Theatre Chair for the School District of Philadelphia's Regional Talent Centers enabled him to leave an indelible mark. Through a collaborative effort with Philadelphia Young Playwrights, he developed a captivating show that toured schools participating in the Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership's (PAEP) Bridges Program. Following these performances, numerous teachers reported a remarkable transformation in their students' productivity.

Davon's impact extended beyond the classroom, exemplified by his selection as the keynote speaker at a Philadelphia school's graduation ceremony, following his involvement in guiding students through a series of crises. Reflecting on this experience, he delivered an excerpt from his poignant speech: "In front of a class of fearful children, I stood. It was time for dismissal, but the children would not go home. Earlier that day, the class of twenty-five witnessed a suicide and watched helplessly as one of their own fell victim to a heart attack. Despite the best efforts of every teacher and counselor present, the children could not be distracted from what they had witnessed; they sought answers. We realized that our role wasn't to make them forget about death but to help them cope. And so we faced it together, knowing that the call to teach often transcends the confines of the curriculum."

Another pivotal moment in Davon's career unfolded in 2010 during a highly publicized racial incident among students at South Philadelphia High School. Faced with the prospect of school closure, the Philadelphia School District allocated $1 million to address the situation. A portion of these funds was directed towards an arts program aimed at fostering a sense of community among the students. However, the initial year of the program fell short of expectations, struggling to connect with the students and address the root of the problem. Recognizing the need for fresh perspectives, Davon was recruited to infuse new life into the initiative. Upon accepting his proposal for restructuring the program, he joined the team and spearheaded its transformation. The results surpassed all expectations, garnering recognition from then Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and earning the program a prestigious Barrymore award for its contribution to education.

As an accomplished performer, he actively seeks opportunities to collaborate with companies that promote empowerment and inspiration. One notable collaboration was with Build-A-Bridge, where he organized a series of shows aimed at educating women who had been released from incarceration about the advantages of saving and investing their money. In January 2011, Davon's plays, "The Boy Who Sees" and "Our Father," received high praise when they were featured in the ART/LIFE Company's prestigious play showcase. This success led to a playwriting deal with the Philadelphia Library for the Blind, as well as a stage reading in New York City. Davon's passion lies in contributing to the development of new works, and he enthusiastically participated in the production of "Zombie: The Musical" by Plays and Players Production. The show emerged as the winner of the Theatre Alliance's S.P.A.R.K. Showcase and received rave reviews at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

Davon's talents extend beyond the theater realm, and he was honored to be involved in the creation of ESPN's NFL Preview 2011 magazine cover featuring Michael Vick. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the east coast production of "Another Round" by J Adam Russell, a thought-provoking play that explored the consequences of a white cop shooting a black child. His outstanding performance garnered praise from critics, with WRTI recognizing him as an "accomplished artist to watch." Notably, Davon's contributions to the arts have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Pennsylvania Forensic Association's prestigious "Dramatic Interpretation and Performance" award and the "Best Play" award at The Philadelphia Urban Theatre Festival.

In his final performances in Philadelphia in 2012, Davon showcased his versatility and skill by portraying the barbarous character of "Aaron the Moor" and the gentle servant "Antonio" in William Shakespeare's plays "Titus Andronicus" and "Twelfth Night," respectively. Carmen Khan, the artistic director of the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, praised Davon's dedication and discipline, noting that his rigorous training and artistic prowess proved invaluable during rehearsals. It was evident to her that he would continue to be a powerful and influential voice in the artistic community.

In January 2011, Davon founded the Nova D Arts Collective to help promote social change and educational enrichment through theatre. In their first year, some of the company’s highlights included producing three issue-based shows, completing two successful residencies, hosting two poetry showcases and attaining multiple awards in response to their work.

The company expanded nationally in 2013 and served as a developmental launch pad for artists across the country looking to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives.

 

College

 

In 2005, Davon caught the attention of The Theatre Director at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, who recognized his talent and offered him admission to the esteemed acting program. Remarkably, within just three days of starting college, Davon was invited to join the cast of the school's inaugural production of Arthur Miller's "The American Clock," which not only gained recognition but also secured a remount and received a prestigious nomination from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

As a student producer, Davon exhibited his organizational prowess by successfully restructuring and securing increased funding for Equinox, a student-run theatre festival dedicated to showcasing new plays. Even while pursuing his education, Davon's talent shone through, leading to an invitation to perform in the acclaimed production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the Walnut Street Theatre.

Davon's exceptional abilities in dramatic interpretation earned him notable accolades, including the Pennsylvania Forensic Association's President Award, Sweepstakes Award, and Dramatic Interpretation award, an impressive accomplishment that marked a first for the University of the Arts.

In the summer of 2008, Davon's talent and passion for the performing arts led him to be recruited by the Americorps program, EducationWorks. He played a pivotal role in launching their performing arts summer camp, which received widespread acclaim, earning the title of the best camp for that cycle. To this day, the curriculums developed by Davon and his team continue to impact and inspire young aspiring artists.

 

Childhood

 

A Baltimore native, Davon is the nephew of infamous kingpin, Lil’ Melvin Williams, the inspiration behind HBO’s The Wire. Growing up in the rough streets of east Baltimore, Davon experienced the extremes of gang violence and poverty, while receiving a top-notch education from the best private schools in the area. Such drastic culture shifts created a duality in him that aids in his ability to communicate and connect with others on a multitude of levels.

Davon's lifelong journey of community engagement was ignited by his grandmother, who instilled in him a deep connection to the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church during his formative years. Attending church every Sunday, he absorbed the values and principles that would shape his passion for fostering strong communities.

In 2004, Davon's dedication and leadership were recognized when he was elected as the President of the Young People's Department for the AME Church's 2nd District. With an overwhelming majority of 91% of the vote, he assumed responsibility for Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and North Carolina. Through his effective leadership and captivating one-man shows, Davon successfully doubled the youth membership within a year.

Expanding his impact beyond the church, in 2005 Davon embarked on a collaborative endeavor with the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum to create a groundbreaking teen-based talk show called TEENS ARE TALKING. Focused on addressing the challenges confronting young adults in Baltimore, the show provided a platform for their voices to be heard and their stories to be shared.

Throughout his high school years, Davon's eloquence and persuasive abilities propelled him to national recognition as a renowned speech and debate competitor for the National Forensic League. Garnering titles across multiple events, he demonstrated his prowess in tournaments hosted by esteemed institutions such as St. Joseph's University, Harvard University, and Yale University.

Davon's unwavering commitment to community engagement, combined with his leadership acumen and exceptional communication skills, have paved the way for his impactful journey of making a difference in the lives of others.