Join us for a journey of the heart and soul as the tough and tender Professor Emeritus of Howard University, Vera J. Katz, takes on the senior class of Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts as they strive to land where Katz' former students have, Hollywood. Against the odds, she has helped launch the careers of some of the most famous African-American actors of our time even though only 14% of Hollywood is black. Will they make it in an unforgiving industry where the odds are against them?

SYNOPSIS:

Most students at Duke Ellington High School for the Performing Arts in D.C. have the same dream, to see their names on the big screen and make an impact through their art. As high school drama students, they are on a mission to become known for their performances in film, theater and/or television. Statistically, for diverse actors, landing on the moon might be easier. But they have a secret weapon...master acting teacher Professor Vera Katz whose long standing goal has been to ensure the the heritage of the black actor is portrayed in a positive fashion. Katz taught 32 years at Howard University helping to launch the careers of many notable actors today including Phylicia Rashaad, Debbie Allen, Isaiah Washington, Anthony Anderson, Wendy Raquel Welch, Lynn Whitfield, Fredericka Whitfield, Corey Hawkins, Taraji P. Henson and the Black Panther himself, Chadwick Boseman. Katz now turns her attention on these seniors as they struggle to reach the stage and screen in an industry where only 14% of Hollywood is black. Prepare yourself for a journey of the heart and soul as this diminutive powerhouse guides them in ways that have yet to imagine.