BIO
Layon Gray is labeled by many critics and audiences as a genius for how how he take black stories from history pages to the stage.
Layon has spent more than two decades writing, directing and developing stage plays and films that reflect a wide array of cultural movements. A native of Louisiana, Layon has earned more than 60 nominations and awards for his works. Among the honors are: 2021 Broadway World Awards for (Best Director, Best Actor, Best Play, Best Production Of The Year) for his play Cowboy, 2021 NYC AUDELCO Award for Kings Of Harlem, 2019
Detroit Distinguished Playwright Award, 2018 Miami Carbonell Awards (Best Director, Best Ensemble, Best Production) for his play Kings of Harlem, 2016 Broadway League Fellowship Honor, 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),
Black Angels Over Tuskegee, his play about the Tuskegee Airmen, ran Off-Broadway for eleven year and is in development for a Broadway transfer. The film versions of Kings Of Harlem, and Cowboy are both in early development as feature films.
His latest stage play de MOOR, about a black knight at King Arthur's round table of Camelot, debuted in Pittsburgh in November of 2021. He is currently writing a new musical with BMI in Manhattan New York.
His two man play about Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx titled Foxx/Pryor will have a workshop production in New York spring 2023. For more information on Layon's work log on to www.LayonGray.com or Instagram @LayonGray