Acting alumnus Grayson Powell ’11 co-produces and appears in the short film Niles Dean Lives in a Parking Space Under the Bridge, which will screen at YoFiFest’s 2020 virtual festival.
The twelve-minute comedy follows Niles Dean, a man who resides in a parking space beneath a bridge. After an old friend makes a surprise visit, the man must reckon with himself and his past transgressions. The film’s other co-producers include Steven Gerhardt-King and Robbie Tann, who stars as the titular character. Powell and Nemuna Ceesay appear in supporting roles.
YoFiFest, which typically takes place in the YoFi Digital Media Art Center in Yonkers, will host its annual festival online to adapt to the challenges posed by COVID-19. YoFiFest aims to foster connections and spark conversations: the festival incorporates Q&A sessions into most screenings, offers a series of workshops taught by award-winning industry professionals, and, in the past, has hosted events where filmmakers and film fans can interact.
Powell is a professional actor with over a decade of experience in stage, television, film, and stand-up comedy. His New York City performances have spanned the Cherry Pit, Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Columbia Stages, Riverside Theatre, and Schapiro Theatre. Additionally, he has taken part in numerous readings and developmental projects, which include The Beautiful and the Damned (The Players Club); The Boy with the 7 Hearts (The Flamboyan Theatre); Faith, Love Among Friends (NY Sciences and Art Salon); and Pride and Prejudice: The Musical and Fireflies (The Lark Play Development Center). He has had roles in many regional productions as well.
Powell’s film and television credits include appearances in Made in Jersey and Madam Secretary (CBS), Modern Love (Amazon), the short film This New York Story (DAMN Film Series selection), Roger and the Therapeutic Therapist, the award-winning short film The Poet (Big Apple Film Festival, New York No Limits, New Filmmakers NY), and the award-winning feature films Hedgehog, Sundown, and The Sympathy Card. He has also appeared in many commercials.
In 2019, Powell won the Broadway World Regional Theatre Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play and the New Hampshire Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Play. He is also in pre-production for 3 Worker Films’ feature film Swell and is writing their second feature film, which will begin filming in December of this year.
Powell has taught at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and at Long Island University. Currently, he teaches at New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts.
YoFiFest will run from November 7, 2020 to November 22, 2020. Full festival passes and ticket bundles can be purchased here. Individual tickets can be purchased by clicking on the film’s page here.
