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Anna Deavere Smith
• Anna Deavere Smith is a writer, actress, and educator who uses a new form of theatre to explore issues of community, character, and diversity in America.
• She discusses the many “complex identities of America” and interweaves her discussions with portrayals of people she has interviewed to illustrate the diversity of emotions and points of view on controversial issues.
• Her play, Notes from the Field, looks at the School-to-Prison Pipeline and injustice and inequality in low-income communities.
• On television, she is most recognizable as the hospital administrator on Showtime’s Nurse Jackie and the National Security Advisor on NBC’s The West Wing.
• Smith has also appeared in such films as The American President, Rachel Getting Married, and Philadelphia.
• Her books include Letters to a Young Artist and Talk to Me: Listening Between the Lines.
Anna Deavere Smith is a writer and actress. She’s credited with having created a new form of theater. Her plays, sometimes…
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A Special Note About Programs With Anna Deavere Smith
All presentations by Anna Deavere Smith include theatrical performance elements, as she steps away from the podium, transforming herself into characters she has created and selected for each event. These living portraits of both legendary and everyday people illustrate and illuminate the themes of her topics.
Doing Time in Education: The School-to-Prison Pipeline
As research for her newest play and HBO special, Notes from the Field, Anna Deavere Smith created the Pipeline Project as a way to apply her signature form of documentary theater to investigate the school-to-prison pipeline — the cycle of suspension from school to incarceration that is prevalent among low-income Black, Brown, Latino, and Native-American youth.
Now more than ever, we need a moral reckoning of the challenges faced by minority youth and a radical shift in the policy conversations around this and other issues of social inequality. While developing this work, Smith conducted interviews with hundreds of people who are involved in the Pipeline at all levels: students, teachers, parents, police, thought and policy leaders, psychologists, community activists, and many more. If we are to change the system, we must change the conversation.
Special Programs: Available for a Special Workshop on “The Art of Listening”
If teachers, parents administrators, civic leaders, and politicians fail to listen; if they are over enchanted with their own voices or with some voices and not others, they will miss the opportunity to create community. A community of many strong voices with compelling questions is at the heart of a vibrant classroom, a vigorous citizenry, and a learned society.
Health Care: The Human Story
For her one-woman show, Let Me Down Easy, Anna-Deavere Smith conducted thousands of hours of interviews with patients, doctors, and administrators to expose the complexities of the American Health Care system. People all over the country shared their own stories with Smith, giving her a unique perspective on what is happening in the health care today. In her speech “Health Care: The Human Story,” her subjects' hearts and humanity get the spotlight. Turning her interviews into the script, Smith relives their experiences on stage in a powerful and surprising presentation.
Reclaiming Grace in the Face of Adversity
We live in a winner take all society. And yet, part of our potential as humans is our potential for compassion and our resilience in the face of adversity. While doing research for her play "Let Me Down Easy", Anna Deavere Smith interviewed people in the US and abroad, who were able to have grace in the face of dramatic adversities. The speech celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of kindness, the strength of imagination in hope.
Snapshots: Portraits of a World In Transition
An exploration of race, community and character in America. Ms. Smith has been listening to people across the country from all walks of life for the last several years, using Walt Whitman's idea "to absorb America" as an inspiration. To illustrate her goal of bringing "people across the chasm" of what she calls the "complex identity of America," Ms. Smith slips in and out of character during the course of her presentation, recreating a diversity of emotions and points of view on controversial issues.
The Art of Communicating: Storytelling, Listening, and the Pathway to Connection
How can I check Anna Deavere Smith's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Anna Deavere Smith's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.
What is Anna Deavere Smith's speaking fee?
The typical range for Anna Deavere Smith's speaking fee is $35,000–$45,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Anna Deavere Smith to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.
What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.
Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.
How do I book Anna Deavere Smith for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps:
- Contact Key Speakers to confirm the speaker's availability, fees, and any unique requirements. We can also help negotiate fees and terms.
- Submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker. These details will be used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts.
- All parties coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions.
- Confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.
What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.
How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors:
- The speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry.
- Their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages.
- Past client testimonials, reviews, or references.
- The speaker's availability and fee within your budget.
What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.
How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.
Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.
Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.
Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.
Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.
How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.
Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help them improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.
Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.
Why book Anna Deavere Smith though Key Speakers?
- We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker—from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We work closely with you from speaker selection to post-event success and always ensure that your needs are addressed first.
- We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. Leave the fine print to us so you can focus on other aspects of your event. Key Speakers mediates and absorbs some of the contractual risks that inherently come with booking a keynote speaker.
- With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. We pride ourselves on speedy response time and always keep you updated on all new developments relating to your event. Our experienced agents are personable (after our morning coffee!) and always eager to do whatever it takes to secure a fantastic speaker for your event.
To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event. We do the heavy lifting for you. Our dedicated and knowledgeable advisors ensure that your speaker's message and personal brand perfectly align to your event objectives.
Remember that the specific details and offerings may vary among different speakers, so it's always recommended to consult with your Key Speakers representative for accurate information and assistance.
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