Maurice Barnes Sr.

Born Maurice LaMonte' Barnes in Birmingham, Alabama. Maurice is a poet, actor and writer who recently finished his first novel: "The Ms-Education of Moe Barnes" set to be released in the late Fall of 2011. He made his professional acting debut as 'Johnny Flamingo' in the 2008 Greg Carter film: "A Gangland Love Story" starring Reagan Gomez-Preston, A.J. Lamas and Gary Sturgis. Starting at the tender age of 12, Maurice toured the State of Alabama performing his 1st published poem "Where Is My Place?" by the time Maurice reached high school he was torn between his two loves; Writing and Performing. Upon graduation of high school he chose to pursue dreams of a career in Psychology and took an academic scholarship to Alabama State University with hopes of a brighter future. After the birth of his son, Maurice Jr., he left school to be a better provider and started working. In the fall of 2002, after 12 different addresses in as many months and a 6 month stint of homelessness, he enrolled in at Texas Southern University as a theater major. Under the direction of Thomas Malonson and Diane Jemison-Pollard, Maurice used his remarkable work ethic to sharpen his skill sets as an actor and made his stage debut in "The Twin Menechni" directed by: Diane Jemison-Pollard at the highly esteemed Olington E. Smith Playhouse on the campus of Texas Southern University. Looking for Spiritual Guidance, Maurice became a member of New Light Christian Center Church and under the leadership of Bishop I.V. and Dr. Bridgett Hilliard he became a standout member of the Drama Ministry. Using his talents as a form of ministry, he went on to star in countless New Light Productions. He starred as 'Jaylon Martin' in the 1st movie ever written, produced, directed and filmed by a church entitled "Summertime" (written by Leah Davis, Directed by Curtis Von) as well as the movie "Life In The Fast Lane" (written by Leah Davis). In the summer of 2007 Maurice once again teamed up with Director Curtis Von and Acting Bad Productions as 'D-Money' in the hit gospel stage play: "Will A Man Rob God", where he captured the hearts of the cast with the ability to memorize the entire script in 48 hours and left the viewers in "Shock and Awe" as he delivered a smashing performance. He took to the stage again in 2009 as 'Thomas' in the play "Lust Is In The Air" (written and directed by Angela Bolin) at the very prestigious and historic Houston Ensemble Theater. Also a cast member of the hit stage play "Only God Can Judge Me" (written by Curtis Von).