The Breakfast Club More Than an Actor: Marcus Callender on Writing, Producing & Being a True Creative | Part 2
Nov 27, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Marcus Callender, an actor, writer, and director known for his role in Power Book II, shares his creative journey and insights into his stage play, Spades. He discusses the challenge of navigating Hollywood without representation and the importance of self-belief. Topics include the cultural significance of theater in Black communities, the rich character inspirations drawn from real-life experiences, and plans for taking Spades to various cities. Marcus emphasizes the power of authentic storytelling and building community through live theater.
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Bet On Yourself
- Bet on yourself and use setbacks as momentum to focus on your own projects.
- Marcus Callender emphasizes committing time and money to develop your creative work when representation falls away.
Play Sparked By Watching Spades
- Marcus started writing Spades after noticing the drama watching the game was richer than playing it.
- He based characters on people he knew and the story poured out of him quickly.
A Story Rooted In Real People
- Spades centers on friends meeting in Harlem for a game that devolves amid liquor and weed.
- Main characters mirror Marcus's real friends and past relationships, adding lived authenticity.
