Joseph “Joe P.” Palmore (Stage Directions) is a product of Jack Yates HS in Houston and Clark Atlanta University. He lives with the creative purpose of exploring and establishing himself as a playwright and director, nationally televised poet, award-winning actor, and teacher. Joe P has performed with such theatre houses as The Ensemble Theatre, Stages Repertory Theatre, 4th Wall Theatre Co., AD Players, and The Alley Theatre. His acting journey has since spread to commercial work and short film appearances. He has also partnered with Young Audiences of Houston, LINKS, and The World Youth Foundation, impacting the lives of youth and creating platforms for adult artists. Under his own umbrella, Joe P founded ACTing Up Studios to combine poetic and theatrical influences – helping students of the art to begin to shape themselves into true performance artists and life leaders. For his valiant efforts, Joe was awarded the “Leadership in Action” Congressional Recognition award for his services to youth. Gifted also with the spoken word, encouraging purpose living through his poetry, Joe featured on numerous stages across the United States, including a Season 4 performance on the nationally televised Lexus Verses and Flow on TV One. His poem entitled The Value of Life garnered viral attention, as his words inspire change and depict the societal conditions of the African American community. Joe has been dedicated to continually developing his craft, as well as helping others to find their purpose through the creative arts.