About the Director

Tarsha Proctor Standridge began her journey into creativity as an actress on Black Entertainment Television’s, Teen Summit. As a teenager growing up in the Washington, DC suburbs of Prince George’s County, Mrs. Standridge took advantage of every opportunity to participate in local theater productions. While attending Suitland High School for the Performing Arts during the academic year, and Duke Ellington School of the Arts in the summer, Mrs. Standridge was determined to absorb all that her community had to offer in terms of theater. 

She was most intrigued with musical theater while working with her instructor Mike Malone on the production of Everyman Street Theater. This experience would later lead to her desire to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. 

After graduating high school, Ms. Standridge attended Pennsylvania State University majoring in African American Studies with an emphasis on Blacks in film. During this time, she once again joined a community of artists on campus and found herself starring in productions such as 'For Colored Girls' and 'The Strong Breed' under the direction of Professor Charles Dumas.

In 2002, Tarsha moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in writing. In that same year, Ms. Standridge returned to her hometown for a visit, and was alarmed at the lack of summer programming offered to youth in her hometown community. Determined to change that scenario, TAROTE, Inc (The Arts Reaching Out Through Education) a 501c3 non-profit organization was born. 

Since TAROTE’s inception, Mrs. Standridge has served as a mentor for homeless youth in Compton, and established a Players Academy for youth in both Compton and the Washington, DC metropolitan area. She also provides private acting coaching to youth pursuing a professional acting career in Los Angeles. Mrs. Standridge has dedicated her life’s work to TAROTE, Inc. (The Arts Reaching Out Through Education) a 501c3 non-profit organization she founded to empower youth through the arts, scholarship and education.

While pursuing her career as a writer, Standridge was presented with many opportunities to produce international commercials and sizzle. This led to the incorporation of Proctor Standridge Media Group to serve as a multi-media production company.
 
In 2013, Mrs. Standridge published her first book of poetry, Peeling Off The Layers. This book speaks to young people everywhere who feel like their voice is going unheard. She has also written several plays that explore the experience of the African American diaspora and youth in the twentieth century. Mrs. Standridge’s literature encourage us all to take a stand while in our plight. 

Standridge is a deep force that constantly plays on words and rhythm 
throughout her writing. Her commitment to community and children are reflected in her use of repetition, charm, and youthful expression. Standridge also co-wrote the introduction to Joss Stone’s album, Introducing Joss Stone. 

Tarsha Proctor Standridge is an actress, writer, producer, director and philanthropist. Her lifelong commitment of improving the lives of children globally begins at home each day with her three dynamic children, Taila, Langston, and Lennon. She resides in Los Angeles, California with her amazing husband Glenn and their three children.

Tarsha Proctor Standridge - Director

Tarsha Proctor Standridge - Director