Tobi Gadison
Award-nominated actor, community builder and burgeoning musical talent, Tobi Gadison known for his dynamic stewardship can take the helm of a gripping production, intensify any dramatic situation as well as add well-timed comedic relief. His varied talents are owed to his early training in music and theater at Freedom Theater and later Howard University where he dually mastered majors in music and business. It was during his college years that Tobi took a hiatus from acting.
Following his family across the Eastern seaboard, Gadison, hailing from Washington, DC, came to adulthood in Philadelphia and then relocated to New Orleans after obtaining his degree. Already armed with a cadre of popular commercials and numerous leading theater roles that toured him across the country, Tobi quickly advanced in his endeavors to secure roles in the realm of film. The start of his impressive bevy of accolades and coveted positions include his explosive role in award-winning biographical film, "Ray," comedic yet sardonic character in, "The Dukes of Hazzard," upbeat depiction alongside Lindsay Lohan in, "Just My Luck" and Gadison's portrayal in Jerry Bruckheimer's gripping athletic drama, "Glory Road" among many more notable roles.
Since embarking upon his venture into acting, Gadison had experienced unprecedented growth in his career until the devastation of Hurricane Katrina when he made the bold decision to relocate to his childhood hometown of Philadelphia. There, his humble beginnings were expected to being renewed, however Gadison continued to amass success starring in several plays and independent films.
Above and beyond the rigorous duty of acting and inspired by means of xxx, Gadison made a whole-heartedly foray into philanthropy by co-founding the Manifesto Consulting Group (MCG), LLC, a creative venture group. Shortly after commencement in the" City of Brotherly Love" and a mecca for the Arts, MCG's rapidly growing reputation dredged up a whirlwind of momentum as the organization developed The Hip Hop Art Program, where dynamic workshops at Temple University; as well as The Actors' Institute, which was held at New Freedom Theatre and bolstered and exhaustive curriculum which helped transition many actors into working actors. Ultimately, The United Way was compelled to select MCG for the specially regarded Hip Hop Arts training program for their administrators and affiliates, assisting them to help teach their students literacy through the aesthetic of Hip Hop.
Never resting on his laurels, Gadison has been an integral asset to many indie films as Producer, Director and Actor garnering recognition and nomination for awards from organizations such as the luminous American Black Film Festival. Furthermore, Gadison diversifies his times by serving as the Senior Founding Partner of The Creative Quarters, an entertainment production company which recently launched its flagship show called ASCENSION. Highly committed to the upward mobility of like-minded artists, Gadson dedicated a significant amount of time on the Board of Directors and the Artistic Board Committee for the New Freedom Theatre where coincidentally and fortunately, commenced his journey as a young actor. Seeking to inspire and motivate young adults through innovative and sustainable programs in the Arts, Gadison, Dir. of Creative & Strategic Planning for iChoose2Live, has facilitated the art, education and community outreach for countless projects. Furthermore, having produced the documentary, Generation: Next for BET's Wrap-It-Up Program, which targeted how popular culture affects issues such as, bullying, suicide prevention and sexual health, Tobi Gadison is an exemplary oracle and advocate for the Arts and the under served.