Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Thompson
Hi AJ, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My entire life, I thought I would be an athlete or have a job with sports, but after a few injuries later on, I felt I wanted to do something new. I then headed to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to attend The University of Tulsa in 2021 to become an actor because my high school show choir teachers told me I was “naturally entertaining.” I found out that there is no acting/theater program at Tulsa, but I got a BA in Film Studies to better understand all of the behind-the-scenes and build a network of directors and camera operators so I could act for them.
Throughout the beginning of my journey as an artist, I have taken part in student senior projects such as “The Shed,” directed by Josh Bradshaw, and my film that will be released in 2025, “The Secret Chamber of Eldorado.” I have found a true passion in three items while in Tulsa. Acting, Producing, and Writing. I have recently started performing stand-up comedy and hosted the “2024 TU Film Festival while acting as lead curator.”
With my production company, I aim to help build up the film, music, and comedy industry back home in SE Oklahoma and NE Texas (DFW). I have visions for what could be with potential movies and series. I also want to provide opportunities for young artists who have a passion but need help figuring out how to get there.
I was most recently cast to play “Darry” in the classical film “The Outsiders.” This will be a theater performance by “American Theater Company” taking place on March 27-30 in Tulsa, Oklahoma where the film was originally filmed. This will be my last event in Tulsa before returning home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, There have been many times since going to college where I did not feel like I fit in. I can not tell you how many of my pitches were told “they sucked” or how maybe I should do something else. Although that seemed discouraging, I took the advice and got better. For acting, I would say meeting a man named Dr. Rodney Clark helped me become a better actor by helping me be myself on camera. He taught me how to find the characters I am portraying to make them come to me instead of me going to them.
Challenges as an artist only make you better because you must learn early in these industries—times then you will fail 10. Once you understand that idea as an artist, you will be okay.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in producing and writing films and music. I also like to perform. I work with musician artists like Donte Burton, whom I attended school within Tulsa. You can find him on all platforms: “RHASB.” You can also find my profile “A.J. Thompson.”
One of my significant accomplishments was being a part of “Sovereign Futures” as a “Curatorial Fellow” for New York Curator Allison Glenn. “During a four-day gathering, artist-led projects in multiple locations explored the theme of sovereignty through the lens of food, land, speculative futures, and histories of the place that is now called Oklahoma. The events included displays, performances, historical tours, and documentaries presented throughout the Greenwood neighborhood. The memory of that experience made Glenn want “to have really deep and engaged conversations” during this year’s Sovereign Futures event.”
I was most recently cast to play “Darry” in the classical film “The Outsiders.” This will be a theater performance by “American Theater Company” taking place on March 27-30 in Tulsa, Oklahoma where the film was originally filmed. This will be my last event in Tulsa before returning home.
My dedication and grit to my craft distinguish me from other artists. I am addicted to what I do and willing to take the challenges even if they are hard because I do not understand why anyone does something if they do not want to be the best version of themselves.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
When I was an athlete, I was offered to play professionally by a team overseas.
Contact Info:
- Website: ajthompsonproductions.my.canva.site
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiZyr8BKBqp1yNitOsHp-Mw
Image Credits
Sam Allen
Drew Dreiling
A.J.T Productions
