Layon Gray

Layon Gray (born January 26, 1969, in Alexandria, Louisiana) Layon has spent more than two decades writing, directing and developing stage plays and films that reflect a wide array of African-American cultural movements, creating new paradigms for the stage. Focusing on creating conversational dialogue in his works, Layon continues to make his mark in traditional African-American theater. A native of Louisiana, Gray quickly ascended as one of Los Angeles’ premiere playwrights earning more than 60 nomination and awards for his works since 2000. Among the honors are 2012 NYC Inspire Award, 2012, Al Sharpton Man of Vision Award, 2012 PCTF Award (Best Director) 2010 NY AUDELCO Award (Achievement Award for Excellence); 2009 NAACP Award (Best Ensemble Award); 2009 Hollywood ADA Award (Best Ensemble Award); 2008 MATCH-LIFE Artist of the Year; 2007 NAACP Award (Best Producer, Best Play); 2007 MITF Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director, Best Producer); 2006 NAACP Award (Best Play); 2005 Hollywood ADA Award (Best Play); 2004. Hollywood ADA Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director); and 2003 Los Angeles MADDY Award (Best Play, Best Writer, Best Director, Best Ensemble). Presently, Black Angels Over Tuskegee, his play about the Tuskegee airmen, is earning great fanfare, incredible reviews and buzz in its 6th year Off-Broadway. His new play Kings Of Harlem recently performed for the NBA Legends during all-star week 2015 in New York and was recently selected as a main stage production at the 2015 National Black Theatre Festival. Layon has also directed award winning plays such as: A Raisin In The Sun, A Soldiers Play, The Crucible, Before it Hits Home, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf, and Miss Evers Boys.

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