Lights. Legacy. Opportunity. WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival Makes Its Downtown Debut in Columbia, SC

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Apr 28, 2026 - 20:36

Lights. Legacy. Opportunity. WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival Makes Its Downtown Debut in Columbia, SC

A Three-Day, Grammy-Style Celebration of Theatre, Film, and Creative Power

The city of Columbia is about to take center stage.

WOW Studio One proudly announces the inaugural WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival (WSOTFF), an immersive three-day celebration of storytelling, performance, and creative innovation taking place April 30 – May 2, 2026, across multiple downtown venues, including Segra Park, the South Carolina State Museum, and the Columbia Music Festival Association (CMFA). Passes for ticketed events and registration for free experiences, as well as additional details regarding all events and locations are now available at wsofestival.com.

This highly anticipated festival transforms downtown into a vibrant hub for artists, filmmakers, industry veterans, and audiences from across the Southeast and beyond, positioning Columbia as a rising destination for theatre and film.

Produced by WOW Studio One and sponsored in part by the City of Columbia, Experience Columbia SC, and the South Carolina Arts Commission, WSOTFF 2026 is designed to spotlight bold voices, create access, and generate real opportunity for creatives ready to elevate their careers.

A Festival Built for Artists — and the Industry

WSOTFF blends artistry, education, and access into a high-impact, multi-track experience, including:

Curated film screenings of short films and features (Free to the public, but registration is required)
Staged readings and theatre showcases of original works (Free to the public, but registration is required)
Shoot Your Shot Competitions where creators present projects or their acting skills in front of respected industry professionals for feedback and cash prizes
Masterclasses and Lunch & Learn conversations
The Call – A free networking event/casting and crew call for producers, filmmakers, playwrights, content creators and creatives to interract with actors, crew, writers grips and more.
WSOTFF Honors Ceremony – A Red Carpet Awards Ceremony celebrating excellence in theatre and film

“This festival is about creating access,” says Tangie Brickhouse-Beaty, Founder of WOW Studio One and Executive Producer of WSOTFF. “We are building a room where talent meets opportunity — where stories are seen, voices are heard, and careers can shift in a single weekend. Artists don’t just show up here. They are coached, connected, and positioned.”

Industry Powerhouses Take the Stage

The festival will welcome an exceptional lineup of celebrity guests, executives, and creative leaders who will teach, mentor, and engage directly with attendees throughout the weekend.

Confirmed industry participants include:

Lawrence Hilton Jacobs — Award-winning actor and director with over 40 years of excellence across film, television, and stage

Tressa Smallwood — NAACP Award-nominated producer and CEO of Megamind Media, creating impactful film and television content

Phaedra Harris — Esteemed Hollywood casting director, writer, and producer with more than three decades of industry leadership

Jalene Mack — Entertainment attorney, producer, and cultural advocate protecting artists and advancing creative equity

Javon Johnson — Multi-award-winning actor, director, and writer, and series regular on Tyler Perry’s The Oval

Scott DuPont — Film producer and financing strategist helping independent filmmakers fund, position, and scale their projects

Natarsha Garcia — “The Star Maker,” elite talent manager and acting coach guiding artists toward career breakthroughs

John Ewing — Veteran film and theatre producer and national touring promoter connecting audiences nationwide

Amy Brower — South Carolina casting professional expanding access and visibility for regional talent

Vanessa Lynn — Bestselling writer, producer, script coach, and founder of Urban Playwrights United

Arischa Conner — Accomplished actress featured in Emmy-nominated television series with extensive experience across theatre, film, and TV

Comedian Akintunde — Nationally touring, award-winning comedian, actor, author, and network television writer known for his clean, high-impact storytelling across TV, vertical dramas, and podcasts

Wade Sellers — Award-winning documentary filmmaker, director, and producer developing compelling stories across film and television

Additional celebrity guests, panelists, and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Together, these industry leaders will guide masterclasses, panels, pitch sessions, auditions, and intimate conversations, offering rare access to real decision-makers in today’s theatre, film, and television landscape.

A Cultural Moment for Downtown Columbia

WSOTFF is expected to draw more than 250 attendees, including creatives, sponsors, VIP guests, and industry professionals — contributing to Columbia’s creative economy while welcoming regional and national visitors into a weekend of culture, collaboration, and celebration.

From red carpet arrivals and live performances to powerful conversations and project launches, the WOW Studio One Theatre & Film Festival promises to be WOW from the door to the encore.

Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities Available

Businesses and organizations are invited to align as official sponsors and partners. With regional marketing exposure, on-site brand visibility, and engagement with a culturally diverse and professionally driven audience, sponsors receive high-impact promotional value.